Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Dividend and Capital Injection Strategies for a Risk Model under Force of Interest

As a generalization of the classical Cramer-Lundberg risk model, we consider a risk model including a constant force of interest in the present paper. Most optimal dividend strategies which only consider the processes modeling the surplus of a risk business are absorbed at 0. However, in many cases, negative surplus does not necessarily mean that the business has to stop. Therefore, we assume that negative surplus is not allowed and the beneficiary of the dividends is required to inject capital into the insurance company to ensure that its risk process stays nonnegative. For this risk model, we show that the optimal dividend strategy which maximizes the discounted dividend payments minus the penalized discounted capital injections is a threshold strategy for the case of the dividend payout rate which is bounded by some positive constant and the optimal injection strategy is to inject capitals immediately to make the company's assets back to zero when the surplus of the company becomes negative.
Simulation Evaluation of BER Characteristics for M-PSK and M-QAM Modulations used in the Reverse Channel of Cable TV Nets

A profile is drawn for the various types of square modulations, which are used in transmitting digital signals in the reverse channel of cable TV networks (CATV). The latter are attacked by disturbances, which deteriorate the quality of transmitted signals and cause errors in the digital flow. 32, 64, 128-QAM are also analyzed. Signal to noise ratio is calculated as a function of error probability. Based on the obtained results, it is possible to establish the dependence of the cable length sector on the transmission speed featured by different types of cables provided we have an allowable error coefficient. Simulation and experimental results are compared. Ill. 6, bibl. 12 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).
Optimization and Evaluation of VLPL-S Particle-in-cell Code on Knights Landing

VLPL-S code is developed based on the particlein-cell (PIC) algorithm, which is the mainstream algorithm of plasma behavior research. In this paper, we report our early experience on porting and optimizing the VLPL-S particle-in-cell code on the Knights Landing. By applying general optimization methods such as memory access optimization, thread level parallelism and vectorization to the code, we achieved 1.68 times speedup compared to the original code. After optimization, 1.53 times speedup is achieved on Knights Landing 7210P compared with that on a two-socket Xeon E5-2697v4 node. In this work, the performance improvement of different optimization methods on Knights Landing and the Xeon-based node is compared. The results show that most of the commonly used optimization methods are effective for the VLPL-S code on Knights Landing.
Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Young Adults Tunisian Group

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases have become more common in young adults. Their emergence is due to the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a Tunisian young adult group. Material and methods: This is an epidemiological study of 705 Tunisians volunteers, free from any cardiovascular pathology; who are recruited at the Military Hospital of Tunis. Besides the classical cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, dyslipidemia, smoking, alcohol…), we evaluate the level of homocysteinemia and determined the C677T mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene by PCR-RFLP method. Results and conclusions: The mean age of our population is 28.25 ± 9.08 with a male majority (83.8%). We have 43.8% obese subject or overweight, 54.3% smokers and 12.9% alcoholics. The lipid profile showed that 12.6% of the population had hypercholesterolemia and 39.5% had hypoHDLemia, 7.9% had a high lipoprotein(a) concentration. In our study population we found that 10.9% of subjects had an hs-CRP concentration greater than 3 mg/L. Genotyping of the MTHFR gene revealed that 34% of young adults had a mutated genome (CT). The results showed a significant correlation between different factors, such as cholesterolemia and obesity. The prevalence of these risk factors showed the severity of our young people’s health status and imposes a change in the way of Tunisians life.
Identifying and ranking factors affecting entrepreneurship success in palm industry

Influencing physical environment and valued-entrepreneurship effects on community; it reduces unemployment by creating value; it also leads the society to employment and production rather than consumption. This study aimed to identify and rank factors affecting entrepreneurship success in palm industry in Saravan. After reviewing literatures as well as doing interviews, a questionnaire with 66 items was developed by the researcher. Using snowball sampling method, 106 executives and experts related to palm industry in Saravan were selected and questionnaires were distributed among them . Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods. Results showed that six factors affect entrepreneurship success in palm industry in Saravan. "Marketing" with the scale of 0.89 had the greatest impact.
Effectiveness of Television Advertisement on Purchase Intention Ms

Advertising has become the most effective ways for the companies to transmit the product information’s to the target consumers. The words, graphics and images are used to display the products in such a way with the intention to attract the consumers and make them to think and purchase the product among the other available other companies products. The main ways of attracting the consumer is by using all types of endorsement, using celebrity appearance, message strategy, and the involvement strategy. The previous researches have proved that celebrity endorsement, advertising appeal and advertising effect significantly and positively affects the consumers purchase intentions. There is a strong perception and purchase intentions are also reported in the research findings. The purchase intentions were positively correlated with perceptions with the message strategy and with the celebrity endorsement and with the involvement factors.
Taxonomic position Domain : Eukaryota Kingdom : Viridiplantae Phylum : Spermatophyta Subphylum : Angiospermae Class : Dicotyledonae Order : Lamiales Family : Verbenaceae Other scientific names Lantana aculeata

Assam: guphul Brazil: cambara de espinho Cambodia: ach mann Fiji: kauboica Germany: wandelroeschen Guinea: boulé kogno kogno porto Haiti: bonbonier herbe au diable herbe bourrique herbe à plomb Hawaii: lakana India: bands nagaairi phullaki putus tantbi Indonesia: boenga pagar boenga pagar chente kembang satik kembang telek oblo puchengan puyengan saliara saliyere sliyara tahi agam tai hayam tai kotok telekan tembelek tembelekan teterapan waung wileran Kiribati: te kaibuaka Madagascar: fankatavinakoho fotatra mandadrieko radredreka rajejeka ramity Malaysia: bunga asam senyur bunga pagar bunga tahi anjing bunga tahi asu bunga tahi ayam busok
North American carbon dioxide sources and sinks: magnitude, attribution, and uncertainty

North America is both a source and sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Continental sources – such as fossil-fuel combustion in the US and deforestation in Mexico – and sinks – including most ecosystems, and particularly secondary forests – add and remove CO2 from the atmosphere, respectively. Photosynthesis converts CO2 into carbon as biomass, which is stored in vegetation, soils, and wood products. However, ecosystem sinks compensate for only ~35% of the continent's fossil-fuel-based CO2 emissions; North America therefore represents a net CO2 source. Estimating the magnitude of ecosystem sinks, even though the calculation is confounded by uncertainty as a result of individual inventory- and model-based alternatives, has improved through the use of a combined approach.
A Novel Method of Stress Detection using Physiological Measurements of Automobile Drivers

Stress while driving is an important factor in many number of fatal road accidents worldwide. There has been much work done in driver stress detection. In this research, we present a method based on a correlation analysis and developed a mathematical function for the estimation of automobile driver stress level. The proposed methodology monitors driver’s stress level using features extracted from selected physiological parameters. The results obtained indicate a strong correlation between the stress level of driver and the stress function formed. Threshold approach is used to perform a classification of affective states as “Low Stress”, “Moderate Stress” and “High Stress” based on different traffic conditions. The stress function acts as a direct indicator of stress level of the automobile diver whose physiological parameters are monitored continuously under variable traffic conditions.
Estimating an Eigenvector by the Power Method with a Random Start

This paper addresses the problem of approximating an eigenvector belonging to the largest eigenvalue of a symmetric positive definite matrix by the power method. We assume that the starting vector is randomly chosen with uniform distribution over the unit sphere. This paper provides lower and upper as well as asymptotic bounds on the randomized error in the ${\cal L}_p$ sense, $p\in[1,+\infty]$. We prove that it is impossible to achieve sharp bounds that are independent of the ratio between the two largest eigenvalues. This should be contrasted to the problem of approximating the largest eigenvalue, for which Kuczynski and Wozniakowski [ SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. , 13 (1992), pp. 1094--1122] proved that it is possible to bound the randomized error at the kth step with a quantity that depends only on k and on the size of the matrix. We prove that the rate of convergence depends on the ratio of the two largest eigenvalues, on their multiplicities, and on the particular norm. The rate of convergence is at most linear in the ratio of the two largest eigenvalues.
Art, science and technology, brief reflections on interdisciplinary work

Interdisciplinary work is necessary to respond to the challenges of the current society. For instance, the partnership between technology, humanities and arts, had allowed the contemporary development of interactive systems. An example is the fact that producing a smartphone involves graphic designers, psychologists, illustrators, sociologists, and other professionals, including engineers. One might say the same about the development of video games, laptops, movies and computer mice. In summary, behind of the creation of any "technological artifact" there is hard interdisciplinary work.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Reactivation Influences T-Cell Differentiation and CMV-Specific T-Cell Reconstitution after Stem Cell Transplantation

CMV-specific T cells were shown to be important for protection against CMV-disease in SCT recipients. Here we investigated specific T-cell features like effector cell differentiation and perforin-expression as well as CMV-specific T cells after SCT in relation to CMV-reactivation. To this end, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell characteristics (differentiation, activation and functional CMV-specific immunity) of SCT patients with (n=13) or without (n=8) CMV-reactivation were analysed longitudinally by flow cytometry. CMV-specific IFNγ-production as measured by intracellular staining and proliferation as measured by CFSE dye dilution were analysed after stimulation with overlapping peptide pools of the tegument protein pp65 and immediate early antigen 1. A more differentiated phenotype, up-regulation of the activation markers CD38 and HLA-DR on CD4+ T cells and increased expression of perforin on CD8+ T cells was more frequently observed in patients with CMV-reactivation compared to patients without reactivation. Interestingly, these T-cell features were often already different early after SCT. In addition, CMV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses, both based on IFNγ-production as well as proliferation, directed against both pp65 and IE1 tended to be present more frequently in patients with CMV-reactivation compared to patients without reactivation. These data suggest that CMV-reactivation influences CMV-specific T-cell reconstitution after SCT and that early T-cell differentiation differences may be helpful in predicting viral reactivations.
Cloud responses to climate variability over the extratropical
oceans as observed by MISR and MODIS

Abstract. Linear temporal trends in cloud fraction over the extratropical oceans, observed by NASA's Multiangle Imaging Spectro-Radiometer (MISR) during the period 2000–2013, are examined in the context of coincident ECMWF reanalysis data using a maximum covariance analysis. Changes in specific cloud types defined with respect to cloud top height and cloud optical depth are related to trends in reanalysis variables. A pattern of reduced high altitude optically thick cloud and increased low altitude cloud of moderate optical depth is found to be associated with increased temperatures, geopotential heights, and anticyclonicity over the extratropical oceans. These and other trends in cloud occurrence are shown to be correlated with changes in the El Niño Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, the North Pacific Index, and the Southern Annular Mode.
Development of Myeloid Dendritic Cells under the Influence of Sexual Hormones Visualized using Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells, which are mediated by MHC-class II molecules reacting with T-helper cells, eliciting a broad spectrum of immune reactions at cellular and humoral levels depending on their sub‐ types. DCs are also able to cross-present peptides from intracellular proteins as well as from intracellular pathogens via MHC-class I molecules by inducing MHC-class I–restricted cytotoxic T cells, which are also able to destroy cells undergoing malignant transformation. DCs originate from CD34 + hemato‐ poietic stem cells but can also develop from monocytes. The local or systemic milieu of cytokines and steroid hormones significantly influences the genera‐ tion of particular DC subtypes such as the classical myeloid DCs such as cDC1 and cDC2 as well as the plasmacytoid DCs. These subtypes are able to induce specific Th1- and Th17-dependent, Th2-dependent, or regulatory immune re‐ sponses, respectively. Immature DCs take up extracellular pathogens that are presented by MHC molecules that are upregulated during maturation. Imma‐ ture and mature DCs can be characterized by morphological and biochemical features that are outlined in this article. In addition, DCs are under control of sexual hormones. Estrogen receptor ligands are potent modulators of hemo‐ poiesis and immune function in health and disease, influencing key cytokines promoting the maturation of DCs. DC differentiation is mainly regulated by binding of estradiol to ERα. Estrogen promotes the differentiation of immature DC subsets derived from bone marrow precursors or from myeloid progeni‐ tors. In contrast to estrogen, progesterone inhibits DC maturation, causing a decreased immunity in pregnancy or in postmenopausal this article, pits and falls concerning the treatment of malignancies with living DC vaccines are discussed.
The Influence of Psychological Factors during Early Years of Life in the Development of Addiction: A Mini Review

Addiction is a multifaceted condition with various entry and exit points throughout its course in an individual's life. In some adolescents, early onset can be followed by limited adolescent use or abuse and is more related to social risk factors especially in socialized adolescents. On the other hand, if the early onset use leads to addiction beyond adolescence, the chances are high there are interpersonal contributing factors and possibly a difficult or problematic adolescent stage. This paper discusses the various psychological factors influencing addictions during early years of life. The study is a mini review of past publications.
COLORS, AGES, AND METALLICITIES OF GALAXIES IN SIX NEARBY GALAXY CLUSTERS

We present an optical-infrared photometric study of galaxies in six nearby clusters of galaxies at z=0.041∼0.098 (A1436, A1773, A1809, A2048, A2142, and A2152). Using BV I photometry obtained at the Bohyunsan Optical Astronomical Observatory and JHKS photometry extracted from the 2-Micron All-Sky Survey catalog, we investigate the colors of galaxies in the clusters. Using the (B - V ) versus (I - KS) color-color diagrams in comparison with the simple stellar population model, we estimate the ages and metallicities of bright early-type member galaxies. Early-type galaxies in each cluster show the color-magnitude relation. Ages and metallicities of early-type members show little dependence on their velocity dispersions. Mean ages of early-types in the clusters range from 3 Gyr to 20 Gyr, showing a large dispersion, and mean metallicities range from Z = 0.03 to 0.05 above the solar value, showing a negligible dispersion.
Myocardial Viability Assessment is Still Alive and an Important Element in Predicting Prognosis and Providing Optimal Management for Ischemic Heart Failure

Chronic heart failure is posing medical and socio-economicburden with a high prevalence, high rehospitalization rate, and high mortality. It consumes huge cost, including direct/indirect medical cost, and needs multidisciplinary medical staffs. In addition, its prevalence and cost are growing now and towards the future. Heart failure is an entity of clinical syndrome, including various etiology, such as ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and so on. Therefore, comprehensive understanding of pathophysiological status in each patient is essential to provide optimal therapy. From this point of view, non-invasive cardiac imaging including echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, multi-detector computed tomography, and nuclear imaging play a crucial role to assess anatomy and function. Some of them provide pathophysiological information underlying heart failure. The imaging modalities should be selected based on what kind of information is needed to manage each patient: etiology (ischemic/non-ischemic), function (reduced/preserved ejection fraction and dyssynchrony), complications (mitral regurgitation and fatal arrhythmias). In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, advanced heart failure, and fatal arrhythmias, indication for revascularization, cardiac resynchronization therapy, and implantable cardiac defibrillator should be evaluated, respectively. Myocardial viability has been regarded as prerequisite for revascularization. However, it is controversial after The Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial. This review focus on the myocardial viability and discuss some issues concerning assessment of myocardial viability.
Title Rotation-based formulation for stable matching

We introduce new CP models for the many-to-many stable matching problem. We use the notion of rotation to give a novel encoding that is linear in the input size of the problem. We give extra filtering rules to maintain arc consistency in quadratic time. Our experimental study on hard instances of sex-equal and balanced stable matching shows the efficiency of one of our propositions as compared with the state-of-the-art constraint programming approach.
eMotionSpheres: A New Design for Human-Friendly UAVs

Here we present a new design for humanfriendly UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Contrary to conventional UAVs like gyrocopters or quadrocopters, the so called eMotionSpheres feature high process stability, long endurance and furthermore allow for a safe human-machine interaction. Since these features are essential for UAVs used in a production environment the eMotionSpheres will open up new applications of UAVs in the future. Each flying object consists of a helium filled ballonet and is driven by eight small propellers, which are attached to the outer shell. The propellers are a novelty when it comes to flying objects. They consist of a laser-sintered rigid outer frame which is spanned by a thin foil. This design, inspired by the dragonfly wing, results in a light-weight drive, which is adaptive and most interestingly supplies the same efficient thrust in a forward and a reverse direction. One or several of the eMotion-Spheres can move in an autonomous or coordinated manner within a defined space. Therefore the flying objects communicate via active markers with a camera system. The cameras reconstruct a 3D space and together with a central master computer specify the flight paths of the spheres. Since the camera system is easy to install and calibrated in few minutes it offers, together with, but also without the spheres, several interesting applications in guidance and monitoring of the networked factory of the future.
Learning a System by Breaking it { Nested Eects Models at Work

We will apply NEMs to data from a study on innate immune response in Drosophila [1]. Selectively removing signaling components blocked induction of all, or only parts, of the transcriptional response to LPS. For preprocessing, a normalization on probe level using a variance stabilizing transformation [6], and probe set summarization using a median polish fit of an additive model was performed [7]. The result is included as a dataset in the package nem.
Old‐field colonization by Daphne gnidium: seedling distribution and spatial dependence at different scales

This paper deals with the spatial distribution pattern of the bird-dispersed plant Daphne gnidium in a 10-yr aban- doned field under Mediterranean conditions. Colonization of Mediterranean old-fields by bird-dispersed plants is expected to fit a theoretical model in which (1) seed dispersal follows a negative exponential curve with the distance from the seed source and (2) seedlings are better established under perches (nucleation sensu Yarranton & Morrison 1974). However, post-dispersal processes such as seed predation, seed germina- tion and seedling establishment are also spatial-dependent and can lead to spatial autocorrelation in the seedling distribution within an old-field. Results show that both processes in the model (curve of seed dispersal and nucleation) significantly explained the spa- tial distribution of the seedlings, but some spatial variance remained unexplained. The semivariogram with the statistical residuals of the model detected spatial dependence at small ( 250 m) distance intervals, indicating that some mechanisms with spatial components, apart from the curve of seed dispersal and nucleation under perches, also determined the distribution of seedlings colonizing fields. At scales below 20-m intervals, semivariance increased indicat- ing that similarity between plots is lost when distance in- creases between them. This pattern may be explained because the favourable micro-environmental conditions for establish- ment produced under perches could be extended towards neighbour plots where perches were absent. A flat semi- variogram between 20-m and 250-m intervals shows spatial independence along this range. From 250 m on, the semivariance increased again, indicating spatial dependence at coarse-scale. It is possible that the colonization model failed at this scale because different spatial processes to those in- cluded in the model (perch presence and distance to the shrubland) could be controlling seed colonization at coarse- scale.