Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Economical and SLO-Guaranteed Cloud Storage Service Across Multiple Cloud Service Providers

It is important for cloud service brokers to provide a multi-cloud storage service to minimize their payment cost to cloud service providers (CSPs) while providing service level objective (SLO) guarantee to their customers. Many multi-cloud storage services have been proposed or payment cost minimization or SLO guarantee. However, no previous works fully leverage the current cloud pricing policies (such as resource reservation pricing) to reduce the payment cost. Also, few works achieve both cost minimization and SLO guarantee. In this paper, we propose a multi-cloud Economical and SLO-guaranteed Storage Service (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ES^3$</tex-math> <alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="shen-ieq1-2675422.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>), which determines data allocation and resource reservation schedules with payment cost minimization and SLO guarantee. <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ES^3$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="shen-ieq2-2675422.gif"/> </alternatives></inline-formula> incorporates (1) a coordinated data allocation and resource reservation method, which allocates each data item to a datacenter and determines the resource reservation amount on datacenters by leveraging all the pricing policies; (2) a genetic algorithm based data allocation adjustment method, which reduce data Get/Put rate variance in each datacenter to maximize the reservation benefit. We also propose several algorithms to enhance the cost efficient and SLO guarantee performance of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ES^3$</tex-math> <alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="shen-ieq3-2675422.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> including i) dynamic request redirection, ii) grouped Gets for cost reduction, iii) lazy update for cost-efficient Puts, and iv) concurrent requests for rigid Get SLO guarantee. Our trace-driven experiments on a supercomputing cluster and on real clouds (i.e., Amazon S3, Windows Azure Storage and Google Cloud Storage) show the superior performance of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ES^3$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="shen-ieq4-2675422.gif"/> </alternatives></inline-formula> in payment cost minimization and SLO guarantee in comparison with previous methods.
Practicing Community Psychology Through Mixed Methods Participatory Research Designs

Community psychologists address social inequalities and problems by employing ecological principles, multiple methodologies, and participatory approaches to empower individuals, organizations, and communities to organize action and systems change. This article aims to contribute to mixed methods literature by presenting three models of mixed methods participatory research across a variety of geographic and sociocultural contexts. The models outline participatory processes and points of qualitative and quantitative data integration. Challenges related to the interplay between participatory approaches and mixed methods studies as well as implications on social science research are discussed.
Can the Fed Predict the State of the Economy?

Recent research has documented that the Federal Reserve produces systematic errors in forecasting inflation, real GDP growth, and the unemployment rate, even though these forecasts are unbiased. We show that these systematic errors reveal that the Fed is “surprised” by real and inflationary cycles. Using a modified Mincer-Zarnowitz regression, we show that the Fed knows the state of the economy for the current quarter, but cannot predict it one quarter ahead.
Charles A. Dice Center for Research in Financial Economics A Note on the Dai-Singleton Canonical Representation of Affine Term Structure Models

Dai and Singleton (2000) study a class of term structure models for interest rates that specify the short rate as an affine combination of the components of an N -dimensional affine diffusion process. Observable quantities in such models are invariant under regular affine transformations of the underlying diffusion process. In their canonical form, the models in Dai and Singleton (2000) are based on diffusion processes with diagonal diffusion matrices. This motivates the following question: Can the diffusion matrix of an affine diffusion process always be diagonalized by means of a regular affine transformation? We show that if the state space of the diffusion is of the form D = R+×R for integers 0 ≤ m ≤ N satisfying m ≤ 1 or m ≥ N − 1, there exists a regular affine transformation of D onto itself that diagonalizes the diffusion matrix. So in this case, the Dai–Singleton canonical representation is exhaustive. On the other hand, we provide examples of affine diffusion processes with state space R+×R whose diffusion matrices cannot be diagonalized through regular affine transformation. This shows that for 2 ≤ m ≤ N−2, the assumption of diagonal diffusion matrices may impose unnecessary restrictions and result in an avoidable loss of generality.
A Structural Small Open-Economy Model for Canada

The authors develop a small open-economy dynamic stochastic general-equilibrium (DSGE) model in an attempt to understand the dynamic relationships in Canadian macroeconomic data. The model differs from most recent DSGE models in two key ways. First, for prices and wages, the authors use the time-dependent staggered contracting model of Dotsey, King, and Wolman (1999) and Wolman (1999), rather than the Calvo (1983) specification. Second, to model investment, the authors adopt Edge's (2000a, b) framework of time-to-build with ex-post inflexibilities. The model's parameters are chosen to minimize the distance between the structural model's impulse responses to interest rate, demand (consumption), and exchange rate shocks and those from an estimated vector autoregression (VAR). The majority of the model's theoretical impulse responses fall within the 5 and 95 per cent confidence intervals generated by the VAR.
Raw waveform-based speech enhancement by fully convolutional networks

This study proposes a fully convolutional network (FCN) model for raw waveform-based speech enhancement. The proposed system performs speech enhancement in an end-to-end (i.e., waveform-in and waveform-out) manner, which differs from most existing denoising methods that process the magnitude spectrum (e.g., log power spectrum (LPS)) only. Because the fully connected layers, which are involved in deep neural networks (DNN) and convolutional neural net-works (CNN), may not accurately characterize the local in-formation of speech signals, particularly with high frequency components, we employed fully convolutional layers to model the waveform. More specifically, FCN consists of only convolutional layers and thus the local temporal structures of speech signals can be efficiently and effectively preserved with relatively few weights. Experimental results show that DNN- and CNN-based models have limited capability to restore high frequency components of waveforms, thus leading to decreased intelligibility of enhanced speech. By contrast, the proposed FCN model can not only effectively recover the waveforms but also outperform the LPS- based DNN baseline in terms of short-time objective intelligibility (STOI) and perceptual evaluation of speech quality (PESQ). In addition, the number of model parameters in FCN is approximately only 0.2% com-pared with that in both DNN and CNN.
Microscopic Colitis and Reproductive Factors Related to Exposure to Estrogens and Progesterone

Microscopic colitis (MC) often debuts around or after menopause and is divided into lymphocytic- and collagenous colitis. The aim of this study was to examine whether factors influencing sex hormone levels differed between subgroups of MC as well as between patients and controls. A self-administered questionnaire about parity was completed which included questions surrounding age at first childbirth, menarche and menopause, the use of oral contraceptives, and hormonal replacement therapy. Patients with lymphocytic colitis had children less often compared to those with collagenous colitis (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.05–0.86), however no differences were observed between patients with persistent or transient disease. Patients were less often older than 15 years of age at menarche (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.26–0.91) and were younger at menopause (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.16–0.56) compared with controls. Thus, no obvious association between factors influencing sex hormone levels and presence of MC could be found.
Functional Exploration of the Polysaccharide Lyase Family PL6

Alginate, the main cell-wall polysaccharide of brown algae, is composed of two residues: mannuronic acid (M-residues) and, its C5-epimer, guluronic acid (G-residues). Alginate lyases define a class of enzymes that cleave the glycosidic bond of alginate by β-elimination. They are classified according to their ability to recognize the distribution of M- and G-residues and are named M-, G- or MG-lyases. In the CAZy database, alginate lyases have been grouped by sequence similarity into seven distinct polysaccharide lyase families. The polysaccharide lyase family PL6 is subdivided into three subfamilies. Subfamily PL6_1 includes three biochemically characterized enzymes (two alginate lyases and one dermatan sulfatase lyase). No characterized enzymes have been described in the two other subfamilies (PL6_2 and PL6_3). To improve the prediction of polysaccharide-lyase activity in the PL6 family, we re-examined the classification of the PL6 family and biochemically characterized a set of enzymes reflecting the diversity of the protein sequences. Our results show that subfamily PL6_1 includes two dermatan sulfates lyases and several alginate lyases that have various substrate specificities and modes of action. In contrast, subfamilies PL6_2 and PL6_3 were found to contain only endo-poly-MG-lyases.
Positively and negatively excited random walks on integers, with branching processes

We consider excited random walks on the integers with a bounded number of i.i. d. cookies per site which may induce drifts both to the left and to the right. We extend the criteria for recurrence and transience by M. Zerner and for positivity of speed by A. -L. Basdevant and A. Singh to this case and also prove an annealed central limit theorem. The proofs are based on results from the literature concerning branching processes with migration and make use of a certain renewal structure.
A METHOD FOR THE FAST LEARNINGOF EFFICIENT REACHING MOVEMENTSETIENNE BURDET

In this paper, a method is presented for the fast learning of visually guided movements. The presented algorithms have been tested with a manipulator tracking manoeuvering targets. Three parameters critical for the visuo-motor coordination have been identiied, and are learned in less than one hour of repeated movements. The conditions for fast and precise vision have been investigated analytically, and the results of this analysis have been used for improving the image processing during the motions. After learning, the robot performs smooth and fast reaching movements and can easily drop small objects into the waggon of a moving model train. Finally, the method is generalised to a methodology for the representation of artiicial systems, which provides them the ability to adapt themselves to many diierent tasks. It is also explained how biological models can be used in this scheme.
The impact of online social capital on social trust and risk perception

ABSTRACT This study investigated how social media use and online social capital might have influenced social trust and risk perception of a public health crisis in China. It also tested the validity and reliability of the online social capital measurement in the context of a Chinese food-safety crisis. Study findings validated the impact of online social capital on social trust and risk perception. In addition, two new dimensions of online social capital scale were identified; these two dimensions are in parallel to Putnam’s [2000. Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of american community. New York: Simon and Schuster] conception of ‘bonding social capital’ and ‘bridging social capital. ’ Social and policy implications of the study results are discussed.
Considering formal assessment in learning analytics within a PLE: the HOU2LEARN case

Personal Learning Environments are used more and more by the academic community. They can coexist with formal courses as a communication and collaboration channel. In this paper, an application of learning analytics into HOU2LEARN, a Personal Learning Environment set by Hellenic Open University is discussed. The present part of research focuses on the social network analysis as a branch of learning analytics, along with formal grading system. Since it is an ongoing research, this paper presents the preliminary results of the study of the correlation between the social network metrics and the formal grades, through a test case course, the PLH42.
Coresets and sketches for high dimensional subspace approximation problems

We consider the problem of approximating a set P of η points in <i>R</i><sup>d</sup> by a j-dimensional subspace under the <i>l</i><sub>p</sub> measure, in which we wish to minimize the sum of <i>l</i><sub>p</sub> distances from each point of P to this subspace. More generally, the F<sub>q</sub> (<i>l</i><sub>p</sub>)-subspace approximation problem asks for a j-subspace that minimizes the sum of qth powers of <i>l</i><sub>p</sub>-distances to this subspace, up to a multiplicative factor of (1 + ε). We develop techniques for subspace approximation, regression, and matrix approximation that can be used to deal with massive data sets in high dimensional spaces. In particular, we develop coresets and sketches, i.e. small space representations that approximate the input point set P with respect to the subspace approximation problem. Our results are: • A dimensionality reduction method that can be applied to F<sub>q</sub> (<i>l</i><sub>p</sub>)-clustering and shape fitting problems, such as those in [8, 15]. • The first strong coreset for F<sub>1</sub> (<i>l</i><sub>2</sub>)-subspace approximation in high-dimensional spaces, i.e. of size polynomial in the dimension of the space. This coreset approximates the distances to any j-subspace (not just the optimal one). • A (1 + ε)-approximation algorithm for the j-dimensional F<sub>1</sub> (<i>l</i><sub>2</sub>)-subspace approximation problem with running time ηd(j/ε)<sup>O(1)</sup> + (η + d)2<sup>poly(j/ε)</sup>. • A streaming algorithm that maintains a coreset for the F<sub>1</sub> (<i>l</i><sub>2</sub>)-subspace approximation problem and uses a space of d [EQUATION] (weighted) points. • Streaming algorithms for the above problems with bounded precision in the turnstile model, i.e, when coordinates appear in an arbitrary order and undergo multiple updates. We show that bounded precision can lead to further improvements. We extend results of [7] for approximate linear regression, distances to subspace approximation, and optimal rank-j approximation, to error measures other than the Frobenius norm.
Tsunamis in Galaxy Clusters: Heating of Cool Cores by Acoustic Waves

Using an analytical model and numerical simulations, we show that acoustic waves generated by turbulent motion in intracluster medium effectively heat the central region of a so-called cooling flow cluster. We assume that the turbulence is generated by substructure motion in a cluster or cluster mergers. Our analytical model can reproduce observed density and temperature profiles of a few clusters. We also show that waves can transfer more energy from the outer region of a cluster than thermal conduction alone. Numerical simulations generally support the results of the analytical study.
The Galactic Diffuse Gamma-Ray Spectrum from Cosmic-Ray Proton Interactions

A new calculation of the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray spectrum from the decay of secondary particles produced by interactions of cosmic-ray protons with interstellar matter is presented. The calculation utilizes the modern Monte Carlo event generators, HADRIN, FRITIOF, and PYTHIA, which simulate high-energy proton-proton collisions and are widely used in studies of nuclear and particle physics, in addition to scaling calculation. This study is motivated by the result on the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray flux observed by the EGRET detector on the Compton Gamma-ray Observatory, which indicates an excess above about 1 GeV of the observed intensity compared with a model prediction. The prediction is based on cosmic-ray interactions with interstellar matter, in which secondary pion productions are treated by a simple model. With the improved interaction model used here, however, the diffuse gamma-ray flux agrees rather well with previous calculations within uncertainties, which mainly come from the unobservable demodulated cosmic-ray spectrum in interstellar space. As a possible solution to the excess flux, flatter spectra of cosmic-ray protons have been tested, and we found that the power-law spectrum with an index of about -(2.4 to 2.5) gives a better fit to the EGRET data, although the spectrum is not explained completely.
RETIRED A STARS AND THEIR COMPANIONS. VII. 18 NEW JOVIAN PLANETS

We report the detection of 18 Jovian planets discovered as part of our Doppler survey of subgiant stars at Keck Observatory, with follow-up Doppler and photometric observations made at McDonald and Fairborn Observatories, respectively. The host stars have masses 0.927 ⩽ M⋆/M☉ ⩽ 1.95, radii 2.5 ⩽ R⋆/R☉ ⩽ 8.7, and metallicities −0.46 ⩽ [Fe/H] ⩽+0.30. The planets have minimum masses 0.9 MJup ⩽ MPsin i ≲ 13 MJup and semimajor axes a ⩾ 0.76 AU. These detections represent a 50% increase in the number of planets known to orbit stars more massive than 1.5 M☉ and provide valuable additional information about the properties of planets around stars more massive than the Sun.
Bmc Medical Informatics and Decision Making Prediction Models in the Design of Neural Network Based Ecg Classifiers: a Neural Network and Genetic Programming Approach

Background: Classification of the electrocardiogram using Neural Networks has become a widely used method in recent years. The efficiency of these classifiers depends upon a number of factors including network training. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of evidence available to enable specific design choices to be made and as a consequence, many designs are made on the basis of trial and error. In this study we develop prediction models to indicate the point at which training should stop for Neural Network based Electrocardiogram classifiers in order to ensure maximum generalisation.
A Preliminary Investigation into Eye Gaze Data in a First Person Shooter Game

This paper describes a study carried out in which the eye gaze data of several users playing a simple First Person Shooter (FPS) game has been recorded. This work shows the design and implementation of a simple game and how the execution of the game can be synchronized with an eye tracking system. The motivation behind this work is to determine the existence of visual psycho-perceptual phenomena, which may be of some use in developing appropriate information limits for distributed interactie media compression algorithms. Only 2 degrees of the 140 degrees of human vision has a high level of detail. It may be possible to determine the areas of the screen that a user is focusing on and render it in high details or pay perticular attention to its contents so as to set appropriate dead reckoning limits. Our experiment show that eye tracking may allow for improvements in rendering and new compression algorithms to be created for an online FPS game.
The relationship between individuals’ personality and specific brand personalities

vii OPSOMMING . ix TABLE OF CONTENTS . xi LIST OF FIGURES . xviii LIST OF TABLES . xx LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xxii CHAPTER 1 | INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY . 1 1.
GreenTouch GreenMeter core network power consumption models and results

This paper summarizes the energy efficiency improvement obtained by implementing a number of techniques in the core network investigated by the GreenTouch consortium. These techniques include the use of improved components with lower power consumption, mixed line rates (MLR), energy efficient routing, sleep and physical topology optimization. We consider an example continental network topology, NSFNET, to evaluate the total power consumption of a 2010 network and a 2020 network. The 2020 network results are based on traffic projections, the reductions in the equipment power consumption expected by 2020 and a range of energy saving measures considered by GreenTouch as outlined above. The projections of the 2020 equipment power consumption are based on two scenarios: a business as usual (BAU) scenario and a Green Touch (GT) (i.e. BAU+GT) scenario. The results show that the 2020 BAU scenario improves the network energy efficiency by a factor of 4.8x compared to the 2010 network as a result of the reduction in the network equipment power consumption. Considering the 2020 BAU+GT network where the equipment power consumption is reduced by a factor of 27x compared to the 2010 network, and where sleep, MLR and network topology are jointly optimized, a total improvement in energy efficiency of 64x is obtained.
Particulate matter is associated with sputum culture conversion in patients with culture-positive tuberculosis

Emerging risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) infection, such as air pollution, play a significant role at both the individual and population levels. However, the association between air pollution and TB remains unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the association between outdoor air pollution and sputum culture conversion in TB patients. In the present study, 389 subjects were recruited from a hospital in Taiwan from 2010 to 2012: 144 controls with non-TB-related pulmonary diseases with negative sputum cultures and 245 culture-positive TB subjects. We observed that a 1 μg/m3 increase in particulate matter of ≤10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) resulted in 4% higher odds of TB (odds ratio =1.04, 95% confidence interval =1.01–1.08, P<0.05). The chest X-ray grading of TB subjects was correlated to 1 year levels of PM10 (R2=0.94, P<0.05). However, there were no associations of pulmonary cavitation or treatment success rate with PM10. In subjects with TB-positive cultures, annual exposure to ≥50 μg/m3 PM10 was associated with an increase in the time required for sputum culture conversion (hazard ratio =1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.84, P<0.05). In conclusion, chronic exposure to ≥50 μg/m3 PM10 may prolong the sputum culture conversion of TB patients with sputum-positive cultures.