Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Size Matter? Liquidity Provision by the Nasdaq Anonymous Trading Facility

I examine the effects of Nasdaq's introduction of an anonymous trading facility called SIZE. I compare SIZE to competing ECNs in terms of liquidity and market impact. Despite rapid growth, SIZE has not yet attained a significant market share and rarely influences short-run price evolution. I conclude with discussion of the Nasdaq-ECN mergers and speculate about a role for SIZE in trading listed securities.
A Moduli Fixing Mechanism in M theory

We study M theory compactifications on manifolds of $G_2$-holonomy with gauge and matter fields supported at singularities. We show that, under certain topological conditions, the combination of background $G$-flux and background fields at the singularities induces a potential for the moduli with an isolated minimum. The theory in the minimum is supersymmetric and has a negative cosmological constant in the simplest case. In a more realistic scenario, we find that the fundamental scale is around 10 Tev and the heirarchy between the four dimensional Planck and electroweak scales may be explained by the value of a topological invariant. Hyperbolic three-manifolds enter the discussion in an interesting way.
Prediction of Dengue Incidence Using Search Query Surveillance

Background The use of internet search data has been demonstrated to be effective at predicting influenza incidence. This approach may be more successful for dengue which has large variation in annual incidence and a more distinctive clinical presentation and mode of transmission. Methods We gathered freely-available dengue incidence data from Singapore (weekly incidence, 2004–2011) and Bangkok (monthly incidence, 2004–2011). Internet search data for the same period were downloaded from Google Insights for Search. Search terms were chosen to reflect three categories of dengue-related search: nomenclature, signs/symptoms, and treatment. We compared three models to predict incidence: a step-down linear regression, generalized boosted regression, and negative binomial regression. Logistic regression and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models were used to predict a binary outcome defined by whether dengue incidence exceeded a chosen threshold. Incidence prediction models were assessed using and Pearson correlation between predicted and observed dengue incidence. Logistic and SVM model performance were assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Models were validated using multiple cross-validation techniques. Results The linear model selected by AIC step-down was found to be superior to other models considered. In Bangkok, the model has an , and a correlation of 0.869 between fitted and observed. In Singapore, the model has an , and a correlation of 0.931. In both Singapore and Bangkok, SVM models outperformed logistic regression in predicting periods of high incidence. The AUC for the SVM models using the 75th percentile cutoff is 0.906 in Singapore and 0.960 in Bangkok. Conclusions Internet search terms predict incidence and periods of large incidence of dengue with high accuracy and may prove useful in areas with underdeveloped surveillance systems. The methods presented here use freely available data and analysis tools and can be readily adapted to other settings.
A 1.5 kW Radio-Frequency Tunable Matching Network Based on Phase-Switched Impedance Modulation

Dynamically-tunable impedance matching is a key feature in numerous radio-frequency (RF) applications at high frequencies (10 s of MHz) and power levels (100s–1000 s of Watts and above). This work develops techniques that enable the design of high power tunable matching networks (TMN) that can be tuned orders of magnitude faster than with conventional tunable impedance matching techniques, while realizing the high power levels required for many industrial applications. This is achieved by leveraging an emerging technique – known as phase-switched impedance modulation (PSIM), which involves switching passive elements at the rf operating frequency – that has previously been demonstrated at rf frequencies at up to a few hundred Watts. In this paper, we develop design approaches that enable it to be practically used at up to many kilowatts of power at frequencies in the 10 s of MHz. A detailed analysis of the factors affecting the losses as well as the tradeoffs of a basic PSIM-based element is provided. Furthermore, it is shown how incorporating additional stages to the PSIM-based element, including impedance scaling and / or the addition of series or shunt passive elements, influences the losses and enables the efficient processing of high power levels given the limitations of available switches. A PSIM-based TMN that matches load impedances to 50$\,\Omega$ and delivers up to 1.5 kW of power at frequencies centered around 13.56 MHz is implemented and tested over a load impedance range suitable for various industrial plasma processes.
SIMULACIÓN Y ANÁLISIS ESTRUCTURAL DE UNA SILLA/EXOESQUELETO (SIMULATION AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF A CHAIR/EXOSKELETON)

Esta investigacion evalua el diseno mecanico de un exoesqueleto de tipo pasivo para extremidades inferiores del cuerpo comunmente denominado “chairless-chair” cuyo objetivo es disminuir el cansancio fisico y las lesiones musculo-esqueleticas en areas laborales. Mediante simulaciones se realizo un analisis estructural y de pandeo con el proposito de examinar los componentes del mecanismo los cuales soportan y transmiten el peso del usuario hacia el piso, para establecer bajo que condiciones de carga la silla/exoesqueleto cumple con los requisitos de resistencia. Asimismo, se analizo el comportamiento estructural de la silla/exoesqueleto considerando que para su fabricacion se utilizan tres materiales distintos al aluminio (acero, plastico ABS, y polimero reforzado con fibra de carbono); los resultados demuestran que el aluminio es el material mas adecuado porque presenta un equilibrio entre ligereza, rigidez, aspectos economicos, y resistencia a fallar por pandeo; ademas, soporta eficientemente al usuario estandar cuando este esta sentado sobre la silla/exoesqueleto. This research evaluates the mechanical design of a passive lower extremities exoskeleton commonly called “chairless-chair”, which objective is to decrease physical fatigue and skeletal-muscle injuries mainly in labor areas. Through simulations a structural and a buckling analysis were made with the purpose of examine the components of the mechanism which support and transmit the user’s weight to the floor in order to establish under what load conditions the exoskeleton/chair meets the resistance requirements. Besides this, the structural behavior of the exoskeleton/chair was analyzed considering that for its manufacturing three materials other than aluminum were used (steel, ABS plastic, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer); the results show that aluminum is the most suitable material since it presents a balance between lightness, rigidity, economical aspects, and resistance to a buckling failure; in addition, it efficiently supports to the standard user when this is sitting on the exoskeleton/chair.
Miniaturized-Element Bandpass FSS by Loading Capacitive Structures

A bandpass frequency-selective surface (FSS) element loaded with capacitive structures is proposed to miniaturize FSS unit cell size. In the FSS design, the capacitive structure, implemented by convoluted slot grids (CSGs), is introduced to increase the equivalent capacitance of the bandpass FSS, thus leading to a lower resonance frequency. The FSS unit cell size is then reduced accordingly. To validate this design concept, a double-layered bandpass FSS consisting of convoluted slot dipole and CSG structures is designed to provide a unit cell size as small as <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.035\lambda _{0} \times 0.035\lambda _{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, where <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> refers to the resonance wavelength in the free space. Equivalent circuit of this FSS is established for explaining the resonance mechanism and modeling the frequency performance. Finally, a prototype of the proposed FSS is fabricated and measured. The measured results exhibit the stable filtering response under different polarizations and incidence angles (up to 60°), which also agree well with those obtained by full-wave simulations.
Ecohydrology

Ecohydrology is a fast-growing branch of science at the interface of ecology and geophysics, studying the interaction between soil, water, vegetation, microbiome, atmosphere, climate, and human society. This textbook gathers the fundamentals of hydrology, ecology, environmental engineering, agronomy, and atmospheric science to provide a rigorous yet accessible description of the tools necessary for the mathematical modelling of water, energy, carbon, and nutrient transport within the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. By focusing on the dynamics at multiple time scales, from the diurnal scale in the soil-plant-atmospheric system, to long-term stochastic dynamics of water availability responsible for ecological patterns and environmental fluctuations, it explains the impact of hydroclimatic variability on vegetation and soil microbial systems through biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems under different socioeconomical pressures. It is aimed at advanced students, researchers and professionals in hydrology, ecology, Earth science, environmental engineering, environmental science, agronomy, and atmospheric science.
Herramienta para aplicar métricas al Diagrama de Clases del Diseño Orientado a Objetos

espanolLas metricas de diseno Orientado a Objetos (OO) son un recurso poderoso para validar artefactos generados durante el importante flujo de Diseno; no obstante resulta engorroso recopilar la informacion necesaria para aplicarlas, ademas del gasto de tiempo que implica. El presente trabajo propone automatizar el uso de metricas de diseno OO, con el objetivo de contribuir en la reduccion del tiempo de desarrollo y mejorar la calidad final de los productos. Como resultado se obtuvo un sistema que automatiza el calculo de 13 metricas de diseno OO de las conocidas como CK y LK entre las que se encuentran: acoplamiento entre objetos (CBO), nivel de profundidad del arbol de herencia (DIT) y numero de metodos reemplazados (NMO). Para calcularlas se recupera la informacion necesaria del fichero XML de un diagrama de clases generado por una herramienta CASE. El sistema es extensible, permite la incorporacion de plug-ins para aplicar nuevas metricas y para interpretar XML de otras herramientas de modelado. EnglishThe object oriented design metrics are a powerful resource to validate artifacts generated during the important flow to design, however is cumbersome to collect the necessary information to applied, besides the time involved. This document proposes to automate the use of object oriented design metrics, with the objective to help reduce development time and improve final product quality. The result was a system that automates the calculation of 13 metrics of object oriented design known as CK and LK, among which are: coupling between objects (CBO), level of depth of inheritance tree (DIT) and number of overridden methods (NMO). To calculate those metrics obtains the required information from an XML file of a class diagram generated by a CASE tool. The system is extensible, allows the addition of plug-ins to implement new metrics and interpret XML files from other modeling tools.
A Survey on Service-Oriented Network Virtualization Toward Convergence of Networking and Cloud Computing

The crucial role that networking plays in Cloud computing calls for a holistic vision that allows combined control, management, and optimization of both networking and computing resources in a Cloud environment, which leads to a convergence of networking and Cloud computing. Network virtualization is being adopted in both telecommunications and the Internet as a key attribute for the next generation networking. Virtualization, as a potential enabler of profound changes in both communications and computing domains, is expected to bridge the gap between these two fields. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), when applied in network virtualization, enables a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) paradigm that may greatly facilitate the convergence of networking and Cloud computing. Recently the application of SOA in network virtualization has attracted extensive interest from both academia and industry. Although numerous relevant research works have been published, they are currently scattered across multiple fields in the literature, including telecommunications, computer networking, Web services, and Cloud computing. In this article we present a comprehensive survey on the latest developments in service-oriented network virtualization for supporting Cloud computing, particularly from a perspective of network and Cloud convergence through NaaS. Specifically, we first introduce the SOA principle and review recent research progress on applying SOA to support network virtualization in both telecommunications and the Internet. Then we present a framework of network-Cloud convergence based on service-oriented network virtualization and give a survey on key technologies for realizing NaaS, mainly focusing on state of the art of network service description, discovery, and composition. We also discuss the challenges brought in by network-Cloud convergence to these technologies and research opportunities available in these areas, with a hope to arouse the research community's interest in this emerging interdisciplinary field.
Ins and outs of the Dutch life course savings scheme

In Europe creating diversity and extending workers’ freedom of choice is a policy argument of increasing importance. On January 1 st , 2006 in the Netherlands a for Europe unique individual voluntary Life Course Savings Scheme (Levensloopregeling) for employees was introduced. This paper reviews the aims and ingredients of this new system, confronts expected results with actual results, and pictures future prospects.
Kit-ligand/stem cell factor induces primordial follicle development and initiates folliculogenesis.

Initiation of folliculogenesis through the induction of primordial follicle development in the ovary has an important role in determining the fertility and reproductive fitness of most mammalian species. The factors that control this critical process are largely unknown. The hypothesis tested in the current study was that kit-ligand/stem cell factor (KL) promotes the initiation and progression of primordial follicle development in the ovary. Ovaries from 4-day-old rats were maintained in organ culture for 5 and 14 days and treated with no factor (control), recombinant kit-ligand (KL), or gonadotropins (FSH and hCG). Follicles in ovarian sections were counted and histologically classified as primordial (stage 0), early primary (stage 1), primary (stage 2), transitional (stage 3), or preantral (stage 4). Fresh ovaries from 4-day-old rats contained 68% primordial follicles (stage 0) and 32% developing follicles (stages 1-4) per section. After 5 and 14 days in culture, section from control ovaries contained approximately 41% and 55%, respectively, developing follicles (stage 1-4) per section due to spontaneous development of primordial follicles. Spontaneous primordial follicle development was completely blocked by ACK-2, a c-kit antibody that blocks KL actions. This observation suggests that endogenous KL is necessary for primordial follicle development in vitro. After 14 days of KL treatment, sections from ovaries contained 17% primordial follicles (stage 0) and 83% developing follicles (stage 1-4) per section demonstrating a dramatic induction of primordial follicle development by KL. Gonadotropins (FSH and hCG) did not induce primordial follicle development but did increase the percentage of preantral follicles (stage 4) per section. This small increase in preantral follicles in response to gonadotropins was blocked by ACK-2 suggesting that KL may in part mediate gonadotropin actions after the initiation of primordial follicle development. Ovaries contained an average of 309+/-10 follicles per section. The total number of follicles per section did not significantly vary between treatments suggesting that the effects of KL were not due to an alteration in follicle number (i.e. survival). KL appears to be one of the first factors identified to be involved in the promotion of primordial follicle development. Results suggest that KL is necessary and sufficient to induce primordial follicle development and initiate folliculogenesis.
Real Time Bangla Vehicle Plate Recognition towards the Need of Efficient Model - A Comprehensive Study

Bangla vehicle number plate recognition is still an unsolved research issue for efficient investigation of unregistered vehicles, traffic observation, management and most importantly for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Previous research on vehicle plate recognition have been suffering various challenges, i.e. capturing high level image from moving vehicles, number plate with complicated background, detection from different tilt and angle, detection in different lightening conditions and weather conditions, recognition of doubtful and ambiguous signs in road time road scenario. The main aim of this research is to provide critical analysis on various perspectives of vehicle plate recognition, i.e. Extraction of vehicle plates from vehicle, Segmentation of characters and finally, Recognition of segmented characters. At first, this research illustrates comprehensive reviews on existing methods. After that, existing frameworks are analyzed based on overall advantages and disadvantages for each steps in the previous research. Finally, extensive experimental validation is depicted in five aspects, i.e. method, accuracy, processing time, datasets and relevancy with real time scenario. Proposed comprehensive reviews are expected to contribute significantly to perform efficient vehicle plate recognition in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) research.
Re-imagining commonly used mobile interfaces for older adults

Many countries have an increasingly aging population. In recent years, mobile technologies have had a massive impact on social and working lives. As the size of the older user population rises, many people will want to continue professional, social and lifestyle usage of mobiles into 70s and beyond. Mobile technologies can lead to increased community involvement and personal independence. While mobile technologies can provide many opportunities, the aging process can interfere with their use. This workshop brings together researchers who are re-imagining common mobile interfaces so that they are more suited to use by older adults.
Identifying critical nodes in Earth ’ s relief network

Climate change and global warming threaten our society through impacts on social and natural resources; it is associated with, e.g., rising sea level. Earth’s surface land topography and ocean bathymetry play a central role in the dynamical evolution of seas, especially, regarding to the changes of the sea level. Here we develop an approach based on networks and percolation theory to study the geometrical features of Earth. We find some evidence for abrupt transition occurred during the evolution of the Earth’s relief network, indicative of a continental/cluster aggregation. We apply finite size scaling analysis based on coarse-graining procedure to show that the observed transition is most likely to be discontinuous. Furthermore, we detect the potential influenced areas in response to the sea-level rise. Our analysis is based on high resolution, 1 arcminute, ETOPO1 global relief records. The framework presented here not only provides a new perspective on identifying the critical nodes of high risk in (near) future sea-level rise due to the global climate changes that have started to govern our Earth, but also facilitates the understanding of the geometrical phase transition which has been shown to occur at the present mean sea level on Earth. ∗ j.fang. fan@gmail.com † Meng@pik-potsdam.de ‡ ab.saberi@ut.ac. ir 1 ar X iv :1 80 9. 00 25 6v 1 [ ph ys ic s. so cph ] 1 S ep 2 01 8
Symbolic Elaboration: Checking Generator Properties in Dynamic Hardware Description Languages

Recent research in hardware development methodologies has argued for using programmatic hardware generators and dynamically typed behavioral models to significantly improve hardware design and verification productivity. Dynamic hardware description languages (HDLs) promise to realize these productivity benefits by composing generated hardware instances with models backed by virtually any dynamically typed code. However, dynamic HDLs generally lack powerful static checking capabilities which prevents these HDLs from detecting generator bugs early in the design-debug cycle. In this paper, we propose symbolic elaboration, a novel static checking technique, to provide useful static correctness guarantees for hardware generators in dynamic HDLs. Symbolic elaboration builds an abstract representation for a given hardware generator and translates its properties into constraints solvable by a satisfiability modulo theory (SMT) solver. Symbolic elaboration provides static correctness guarantees for generator properties including matching bitwidths, correct local port directions, bounded array indexing, and valid hierarchical references. We evaluate symbolic elaboration on eight hardware generators in a state-of-the-art dynamic HDL. Our evaluation shows that, on average, symbolic elaboration can statically detect 90.6% of randomly injected bugs and 53.0% more bugs than an off-the-shelf static type checker.CCS CONCEPTS• Hardware → Hardware description languages and compilation.
Financial literacy and retirement planning in Germany*

Abstract We examine financial literacy in Germany using data from the SAVE survey. We find that knowledge of basic financial concepts is lacking among women, the less educated, and those living in East Germany. In particular, those with low education and low income in East Germany have low financial literacy compared to their West German counterparts. Interestingly, there is no gender disparity in financial knowledge in the East. In order to investigate the nexus of causality between financial literacy and retirement planning, we develop an instrumental variables strategy by making use of regional variation in the financial knowledge of peers. We find a positive impact of financial knowledge on retirement planning.