Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prefiltered B-Spline Reconstruction for Hardware-Accelerated Rendering of Optimally Sampled Volumetric Data

In this paper odd-order B-spline filters are proposed to reconstruct volumetric data sampled on an optimal Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) grid. To make these filters nearly interpolating, we adapt a previously published framework, which is based on a discrete frequency-domain prefiltering. It is shown that a BCC-sampled B-spline kernel is not invertible, therefore the interpolation constraint cannot be satisfied by a discrete prefiltering. To remedy this problem, we use a slightly modified discrete Bspline for prefiltering, which is proven to be invertible. Although this modification leads to an approximation, the proposed prefiltered B-spline reconstruction of BCC-sampled data still provides much higher image quality than the interpolating prefiltered B-spline reconstruction of volume data sampled on an equivalent Cartesian Cubic (CC) grid. Furthermore, our method directly supports an efficient implementation on a conventional graphics hardware, unlike the previous reconstruction methods developed for the BCC grid.
SZ effect from Dark Matter annihilation

We derive in this Letter the SZ effect induced by the secondary electrons produced in the annihilation of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (assumed here to be neutralinos) in gravitationally bound structures dominated by Cold Dark Matter (CDM). We show that the DM induced SZ effect has a specific spectral shape and an amplitude which increases for decreasing neutralino mass Mχ. The available SZ data on the Coma cluster set an upper limit on the quan- tity � σVAn 2 which can be combined with the WMAP constraints on Ωmh 2 to restrict the available neutralino models in the � σVA − Mχ plane. We delineate various potential applications of this method to constraint the physical properties of the Dark Matter particles from the study of galaxy clusters and dwarf spheroidal galaxies in the light of the next coming high-sensitivity SZ experiments.
Hospitality and tourism

Reviews some 118 entries from the International Journal of Hospitality Management from 1989‐1994. Identifies seven themes categorized as issues relating to international locations and generic issues of concern to the tourism and hospitality industries. The seven themes are international tourism planning; the development and operation of hotels; Europe and the Single Market; planning issues and techniques; service improvement; finance and performance; and the psychology of management. The articles selected represent a cross‐section of the mainstreams of ideas published during 1989‐1994 and reflect emerging trends in thinking and business practice.
Occupational Choice: Personality Matters

In modern societies, people are often classified as "White Collar" or "Blue Collar" workers: that classification not only informs social scientists about the kind of work that they do, but also about their social standing, their social interests, their family ties, and their approach to life in general. This analysis will examine the effect of an individual's psychometrically derived personality traits and status of their parents on the probability of attaining a white collar occupation over the baseline category of a blue collar occupation; controlling for human capital and other factors. The paper uses data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey to estimate a random effects probit model to capture the effects on the probability of being in a white collar occupation. The results are then examined using the average marginal effects of the different conditioning variables over the whole sample. The analysis confirms the previous findings of human capital theory, but finds that personality and parental status also have significant effects on occupational outcomes. The results suggest that the magnitude of the average marginal effect of parental status is small and the effect of the personality trait "conscientiousness" is large and rivals that of education. Finally, estimates of separate models for males and females indicate that effects differ between the genders for key variables, with personality traits in females having a relatively larger effect on their occupational outcomes due to the diminished effects of education.
Exercise addiction in Spanish athletes: Investigation of the roles of gender, social context and level of involvement

Background and aims: In nomothetic research exercise addiction is studied on the basis of symptoms which are most often linked to exercise volume. However, other factors may also affect individuals' susceptibility to the disorder. The aim of this research was to examine the influence of gender, social context (team or individual sport), and level of athletic training on symptoms of exercise addiction. Methods: Two groups of university athletes – sport- (n = 57) and non-sport orientation (n = 90) – and a group of elite ultra-marathon runners (n = 95) completed the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI). The psychometric properties of the Spanish EAI were determined. Results: EAI scores were higher in men than women (p = .018). Participants in team sports reported higher EAI scores than individual athletes (p = .005). Elite runners scored higher on the EAI than university athletes (p = .005), but their scores were unrelated to the volume of training. The prevalence of “at risk” for exercise addiction was 7%–10% in university athletes and 17% among the ultra-marathon runners. The Spanish EAI showed good psychometric properties. Discussion: The results of the current inquiry show that several factors – including gender, level of athletic training, and social context of the training – affect exercise addiction and, in line with the literature, the volume of exercise did not emerge as an index of susceptibility to exercise addiction.
Fast public-key watermarking of compressed video

Most watermarking techniques for images and video techniques involve a private key, for example a pseudo-noise signal, which is required for retrieval of the watermark information. This key is typically not public, because publication of the key would give rise to attacks on the watermark. In practical systems, however, watermarking techniques are required that enable public decoding of the watermark. In this paper, an extension of spread-spectrum watermarking is presented which enables public decoding and verification of the watermark, without at the same time giving the possibility of removing the watermark. The underlying idea, is to make only parts of the pseudo-noise key public. The scheme can be combined with a fast compressed-domain embedding technique to facilitate on-the-fly compressed-domain public-key watermarking.
Multiscale Bases for the Sparse Representation of Boundary Integral Operators on Complex Geometry

A multilevel transform is introduced to represent discretizations of integral operators from potential theory by nearly sparse matrices. The new feature presented here is to construct the basis in a hierarchical decomposition of the three-space and not, as in previous approaches, in a parameter space of the boundary manifold. This construction leads to sparse representations of the operator even for geometrically complicated, multiply connected domains. We will demonstrate that the numerical cost to apply a vector to the operator using the nonstandard form is essentially equal to performing the same operation with the fast multipole method. With a second compression scheme the multiscale approach can be further optimized. The diagonal blocks of the transformed matrix can be used as an inexpensive preconditioner which is empirically shown to reduce the condition number of discretizations of the single layer operator so as to be independent of mesh size.
Annual and diurnal african biomass burning temporal dynamics

Abstract. Africa is the single largest continental source of biomass burning emissions. Here we conduct the first analysis of one full year of geostationary active fire detections and fire radiative power data recorded over Africa at 15-min temporal interval and a 3 km sub-satellite spatial resolution by the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) imaging radiometer onboard the Meteosat-8 satellite. We use these data to provide new insights into the rates and totals of open biomass burning over Africa, particularly into the extremely strong seasonal and diurnal cycles that exist across the continent. We estimate peak daily biomass combustion totals to be 9 and 6 million tonnes of fuel per day in the northern and southern hemispheres respectively, and total fuel consumption between February 2004 and January 2005 is estimated to be at least 855 million tonnes. Analysis is carried out with regard to fire pixel temporal persistence, and we note that the majority of African fires are detected only once in consecutive 15 min imaging slots. An investigation of the variability of the diurnal fire cycle is carried out with respect to 20 different land cover types, and whilst differences are noted between land covers, the fire diurnal cycle characteristics for most land cover type are very similar in both African hemispheres. We compare the Fire Radiative Power (FRP) derived biomass combustion estimates to burned-areas, both at the scale of individual fires and over the entire continent at a 1-degree scale. Fuel consumption estimates are found to be less than 2 kg/m2 for all land cover types noted to be subject to significant fire activity, and for savanna grasslands where literature values are commonly reported the FRP-derived median fuel consumption estimate of 300 g/m2 is well within commonly quoted values. Meteosat-derived FRP data of the type presented here is now available freely to interested users continuously and in near real-time for Africa, Europe and parts of South America via the EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) Land Surface Analysis Satellite Applications Facility (http://landsaf.meteo.pt/). Continuous generation of these products will allow the types of analysis presented in this paper to be improved and extended, and such multi-year records should allow relationships between climate, fire and fuel to be further examined.
An empirical examination of the assumptions of the Square Root Law for inventory centralisation and decentralisation

The Square Root Law (SRL) is a popular formula for assessing inventory levels at varying numbers of warehouses. Its popularity is probably due to its simplicity and the ample opportunities for its application to the managerial dilemma of inventory centralisation vs. decentralisation. However, researchers disagree about which parts of inventory it can be applied to and its underlying assumptions. To address these questions, this study algebraically derives the assumptions necessary for the SRL to apply to regular, safety and total stock. Afterwards, the paper empirically examines to what extent these assumptions hold in practice by analysing four case studies and data from a sample of 280 German manufacturing and trading companies. Most companies do not fulfil the assumptions of the SRL and therefore cannot apply it with accurate results. Trading companies, however, seem to fulfil more assumptions than manufacturing ones, retailers more than wholesalers, industrial goods manufacturers more than consumer goods manufacturers. Although the SRL has traditionally been mainly considered for safety stock, companies, especially trading companies, appear to rather fulfil the assumptions for applying the SRL to cycle stock. Some assumptions seem to be complementary, whereas others appear to be competing, so that it is difficult to fulfil all of them.
Finite dimensional internal model-based repetitive control of nonlinear passive systems

In this paper a new class of globally stable finite dimensional repetitive controllers for nonlinear passive systems is proposed. The passivity-based design of the proposed repetitive controller avoids the problem of tight stability conditions and slow convergence of the conventional, internal model-based, repetitive controllers. The existing internal and external model-based repetitive controllers can be derived as the special cases of the proposed controller. Also, it is possible a simple extension of the basic algorithm by an adaptive notch filter which provide asymptotic tracking of periodic signal with unknown signal frequency. The simulation results on a two degrees of freedom planar elbow manipulator illustrate the controller performances.
Generalization of Heart-Oriented Rhotrix Multiplication and its Algorithm Implementation

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a novel generalized concept of higher order heart-oriented rhotrix multiplication expression. The multiplication method we adapted is intended to maintain the unique properties associated with the initial definition of rhotrix. The special multiplication process can be used to solve various problems involving n x n rhotrices multiplication. Most importantly a generalized expression for representing n-dimensional rhotrix in a computational environment is presented. Sequential computational algorithm for higher order rhotrices multiplication is designed to buttress the mathematical expression, axioms and logic presented in this paper. General Terms Linear Algebra, Matrix theory, Algorithms Keywords Rhotrix heart, N-dimensional Rhotrix, Main Entries, Rhotrix Multiplication. 1. INTRODUCTION Rhotrix is a new area of study relating to linear mathematical algebra. Rhotrix is defined as mathematical arrays which are, in some ways, between (2 x 2) and (3 x 3)-dimensional matrices, and denoted matrix-tertions and noitrets [1]. Rhotrices multiplication was introduced and defined by [2], and an alternative method for multiplication of rhotrices as coupled matrices was given by [3]. This method was further given a generalization for n-dimensional rhotrices in [4]. Their work was basically an idea that offers exercises for mathematical enrichment. A set of rhotrices of dimension three was defined in [2] and extension in the dimension was considered possible. For instance a set of rhotrices of dimension five can be defined as It should be noted that, the general concept of rhotrices is still
How to find horizon-independent optimal strategies leading off to infinity: a max-plus approach

A general problem in optimal control consists of finding a terminal reward that makes the value function independent of the horizon. Such a terminal reward can be interpreted as a max-plus eigenvector of the associated Lax-Oleinik semigroup. We give a representation formula for all these eigenvectors, which applies to optimal control problems in which the state space is non compact. This representation involves an abstract boundary of the state space, which extends the boundary of metric spaces defined in terms of Busemann functions (the horoboundary). Extremal generators of the eigenspace correspond to certain boundary points, which are the limit of almost-geodesics. We illustrate our results in the case of a linear quadratic problem
Robust stack-run coding for low bit-rate image transmission over noisy channels

We propose a multiresolution algorithm to jointly optimize a source coder and channel coder. The variable-rate source coder combines an optimal bit-allocation strategy and efficient stack-run coding. This compression scheme, concatenated with appropriate rate-compatible punctured convolutional codes, provides a competitive approach to state-of-the-art extensions of zerotree methods to noisy channels. Results show that under the assumption of almost zero probability of decoding error, the proposed scheme provides good performance for a lower complexity.
The Use of Communication Technologies by Older Adults: Exploring the Benefits from the User's Perspective

The use of advanced communication media may enhance the social networks of older adults. Although many older adults are open to new technology, there are still barriers that keep them from learning and using media such as e-mail and the Internet. Besides lacking skills, the lack of perceived advantages, or benefits, may also explain their reluctance. The goal of the present study was to investigate perceived context-related benefits of communication methods by older adults. Forty-eight independently living older adults in the age range of 65-80 years, 24 e-mail users and 24 non-users, participated in a focus group discussion of different communication scenarios. A systematic analysis of their comments and statements showed the relevance of perceived context-related benefit as a motivational factor for using or not using a medium. An implication of these results may be that training the skills to handle a new technology should also involve providing information about its specific benefits, from the user's perspective.
Determined to succeed? : performance versus choice in educational attainment

In many countries, concern about socio-economic inequalities in educational attainment has focused on inequalities in test scores and grades. The presumption has been that the best way to reduce inequalities in educational outcomes is to reduce inequalities in performance. But is this presumption correct? Determined to Succeed? is the first book to offer a comprehensive cross-national examination of the roles of performance and choice in generating inequalities in educational attainment. It combines in-depth studies by country specialists with chapters discussing more general empirical, methodological, and theoretical aspects of educational inequality. The aim is to investigate to what extent inequalities in educational attainment can be attributed to differences in academic performance between socio-economic groups, and to what extent they can be attributed to differences in the choices made by students from these groups. The contributors focus predominantly on inequalities related to parental class and parental education.
Do Extended Unemployment Benefits Lengthen Unemployment Spells?: Evidence from Recent Cycles in the U.S. Labor Market

In response to the recession of 2007–2009, the maximum duration of U.S. unemployment insurance (UI) benefits was extended to an unprecedented 99 weeks. We exploit variation in the timing and size of the UI benefit extensions across states to estimate their overall impact on unemployment exits, comparing the most recent and prior extension episodes. We find a small but statistically significant increase in labor force attachment due to extended UI in both periods with little or no impact on job finding. Despite these small estimates, extended benefits can account for a substantial share of the increase in long-term unemployment.
AN ENSEMBLE STUDY OF WET SEASON CONVECTION IN THE SOUTH WEST AMAZON : KINEMATICS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DIABATIC HEATING

A number of previous studies have shown that the vertical distribution of diabatic heating, within tropical mesoscale precipitation systems (MCSs) can show considerable temporal and spatial variability (e.g., Houze 1989). Because general circulation models (GCM’s) and numerical weather forecast models cannot explicitly resolve the diabatic effects resulting from MCSs, these processes must be parameterized. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) was conceived in part to obtain a more accurate depiction of the four-dimensional distribution of diabatic (especially latent) heating across the global Tropics in order to improve modeling the tropical general circulation (Simpson et al. 1988). The goal of this study is to examine the spectrum of convection sampled in southwest Amazonia during the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (TRMM-LBA) and quantify differences in kinematic and inferred diabatic heating structure across the ensemble of precipitation features that were sampled during the field program. Dual-Doppler radar syntheses are used to derive kinematic and diabatic heating characteristics of precipitation systems that were observed in January and February 1999 near Rondônia, Brazil during periods of low-level easterly flow (East Regime ER) and low-level westerly flow (West Regime WR). Previous studies have shown that the ER and WR are forced by changes in the large scale patterns over South America and the position of the south Atlantic convergence zone (Rickenbach et al. 2002; Petersen et al. 2002). In the ER, convection typically occurs in high convective available potential energy (CAPE) and vertical shear environments and is more vertically developed and electrified compared to the WR (Cifelli et al. 2002; Halverson et al. 2002; Petersen et al. 2002).
Environmental predictors and incubation period of AIDS-associated penicillium marneffei infection in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND Penicillium marneffei is an emerging dimorphic mycosis endemic in Southeast Asia, and a leading cause of mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people in the region. Factors governing the seasonal incidence of P. marneffei infection are unknown, and may yield critical insights into possible reservoirs or modes of acquisition. METHODS This study included HIV-infected patients presenting with P. marneffei (n = 719) and Cryptococcus neoformans (n = 1598) infection to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 2004 to 2010, and temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, and HIV-related admissions data for the corresponding period. We used multivariate regression modeling to identify factors associated with P. marneffei and C. neoformans admissions. We estimated the P. marneffei incubation period by considering profile likelihoods for different exposure-to-admission delays. RESULTS We found that P. marneffei admissions were strongly associated with humidity (P < .001), and that precipitation, temperature, and wind did not add explanatory power. Cryptococcus neoformans admissions were not seasonal, and P. marneffei admissions were more common relative to C. neoformans admissions during months of high (≥85%) humidity (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.01). Maximum likelihood estimation suggested a P. marneffei incubation period of 1 week (95% CI, 0-3 weeks). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that humidity is the most important environmental predictor of P. marneffei admissions, and may drive exposure by facilitating fungal growth or spore release in the environment. In addition, it appears that a high proportion of penicilliosis patients present to the hospital with primary disseminated infection within 3 weeks of exposure.
Self-consistent 3D modeling of electron cloud dynamics and beam response

We present recent advances in the modeling of beam- electron-cloud dynamics, including surface effects such as secondary electron emission, gas desorption, etc, and volumetric effects such as ionization of residual gas and charge-exchange reactions. Simulations for the HCX facility with the code WARP/POSINST will be described and their validity demonstrated by benchmarks against measurements. The code models a wide range of physical processes and uses a number of novel techniques, including a large-timestep electron mover that smoothly interpolates between direct orbit calculation and guiding-center drift equations, and a new computational technique, based on a Lorentz transformation to a moving frame, that allows the cost of a fully 3D simulation to be reduced to that of a quasi-static approximation.
Software performance testing based on workload characterization

A major concern of most businesses is their ability to meet customers' performance requirements. This paper describes our workload-based approach to performance testing, and includes a case study that demonstrates the application of this approach to a large, industrial software system. For this system, we collected data in the field to determine the current production usage, and then assessed the performance of the system under both current workloads, and those likely to be encountered in the future. This led to the identification of a software bottleneck, which, had it occurred in the field rather than in the test lab, would have likely had significant consequences.