Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography (gc×gc) Measurements of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere

During the MINOS campaign in August 2001 comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) was applied to the in situ measurements of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the Fi-nokalia ground station, Crete. The measurement system employs a thermal desorption unit for on-line sampling and injection, and a GC×GC separation system equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) for detection. The system was optimized to resolve C 7 − C 14 organic components. Two-dimensional chromatograms from measurements of Finokalia air samples show several hundred well-separated peaks. To facilitate peak identification, cartridge samples collected at Finokalia were analyzed using the same GC×GC system coupled with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS). The resulting mass spectra were decon-voluted and compared to spectra from a database for tentative peak identification. About 650 peaks have been identified in the two-dimensional plane, with significant signal/noise ratios (>100) and high spectra similarities (>800). By comparing observed retention indices with those found in the literature , 235 of the identifications have been confirmed. 150 of the confirmed compounds show up in the C 7 − C 14 range of the chromatogram from the in situ measurement. However, at least as many peaks remain unidentified. For quantifica-tion of the GC×GC measurements, peak volumes of measured compounds have been integrated and externally calibrated using a standard gas mixture.
The Role of Education in Self-Employment Success in Finland

This paper analyzes the effect of self-employed persons' education on the success of their firms during the economic downturn and upturn of the 1990's. It is found that the business cycle affects the relative closure rates of firms run by self-employed with any level of education. Exit probability is lower for the highly educated during bust, but higher in boom. This is accounted for by two facts. First, running a small firm is argued to be a less attractive choice to wage work, particularly for the highly educated, due to lower earning prospects, less stable stream of earnings, and the cultural tradition of working in large corporations. Second, the highly educated faced a higher outside demand for their labor than did the less educated during economic upturn. Finally, it was found that regardless of the state of aggregate economy, firms run by the highly educated have higher growth probabilities than those run by less educated persons. Copyright 2000 Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky.
Scaling the Internet Routing System Through Distributed Route Aggregation

The Internet routing system faces serious scalability challenges due to the growing number of IP prefixes that needs to be propagated throughout the network. Although IP prefixes are assigned hierarchically and roughly align with geographic regions, today's Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and operational practices do not exploit opportunities to aggregate routing information. We present DRAGON, a distributed route-aggregation technique whereby nodes analyze BGP routes across different prefixes to determine which of them can be filtered while respecting the routing policies for forwarding data-packets. DRAGON works with BGP, can be deployed incrementally, and offers incentives for Autonomous Systems (ASs) to upgrade their router software. We illustrate the design of DRAGON through a number of examples, prove its properties while developing a theoretical model of route aggregation, and evaluate its performance. Our experiments with realistic AS-level topologies, assignments of IP prefixes, and routing policies show that DRAGON reduces the number of prefixes in each AS by at least 70% with minimal stretch in the lengths of AS-paths traversed by data packets.
Application of optical phase conjugation in adaptive optics to remove atmospheric aberrations from an optical wavefront

This paper deals with the correction of the phase fluctuations produced in an optical wavefront due to the particular wavefront passing through the atmosphere using the principle of Optical Phase Conjugation. This is achieved by producing the optical phase conjugated wave of the distorted wavefront by the process of degenerate fourwave mixing and making the phase conjugated wave interfere with a resultant wavefront, where the resultant wavefront is the difference between the original wavefront and the optical phase conjugated wavefront. Results are obtained using image processing in MATLAB.
Error Bounds for Linear Matrix Inequalities

For iterative sequences that converge to the solution set of a linear matrix inequality, we show that the distance of the iterates to the solution set is at most \( O(\epsilon ^{2^{-d}}) \). The nonnegative integer d is the so-called degree of singularity of the linear matrix inequality, and $\epsilon $ denotes the amount of constraint violation in the iterate. For infeasible linear matrix inequalities, we show that the minimal norm of $\epsilon $-approximate primal solutions is at least \( 1/O(\epsilon ^{1/(2^{d}-1)}) \), and the minimal norm of $\epsilon $-approximate Farkas-type dual solutions is at most \( O(1/ \epsilon ^{2^{d}-1}) \). As an application of these error bounds, we show that for any bounded sequence of $\epsilon $-approximate solutions to a semidefinite programming problem, the distance to the optimal solution set is at most \( O(\epsilon ^{2^{-k}}) \), where k is the degree of singularity of the optimal solution set.
Mindful Construal Diaries: A Less Anxious, More Mindful, and More Self-Compassionate Method of Eating

Mindful construal diaries were found to assist in weight regulation during a long-term intervention. The current study attempted to expand previous findings by testing the consideration (or priming) of questions within the diary (instead of filling in the answers), and investigated levels of state mindfulness, state self-compassion, and state anxiety in an observational trial of pre- to postintervention. Forty-five participants completed State Mindfulness, State Self-Compassion, and State Anxiety scales before and after their meal and were asked to read and consider the mindful concrete construal diary questions. The results illustrate that state mindfulness, state self-compassion, and state anxiety levels were significantly improved (i.e., increased mindfulness and self-compassion, and decreased anxiety) after participation. Findings provide further evidence as to why the diaries might work in supporting weight regulation, and suggest another method of making eating more mindful. Current findings, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
PSWAN : A probabilistic-priority-based QoS model in MANET

With the growing needs of transmitting multimedia traffic in mobile Ad hoc networks (MANET), how to provide quality of service (QoS) guarantees in MANET becomes a hotspot. This paper introduces SWAN—a simple but available QoS model for MANET. After analyzing its principle, working background and drawbacks, a probabilistic-priority-based PSWAN model is proposed in this paper. By combining the probabilistic priority scheduling algorithm with SWAN, PSWAN solves the problem of disability of supporting multi-class differentiated services; and via improving the rate control algorithm, PSWAN performs better in end-to-end delay. Its performance is evaluated via simulations.
Analysis of isoplanatic high resolution stellar fields by the StarFinder code

We describe a new code for the deep analysis of stellar elds, designed for Adaptive Optics (AO) Nyquist- sampled images with high and low Strehl ratio. The Point Spread Function (PSF) is extracted directly from the im- age frame, to take into account the actual structure of the instrumental response and the atmospheric eects. The code is written in IDL language and organized in the form of a self-contained widget-based application, pro- vided with a series of tools for data visualization and anal- ysis. A description of the method and some applications to AO data are presented.
Level-set-based partitioning and packing optimization of a printable model

As the 3D printing technology starts to revolutionize our daily life and the manufacturing industries, a critical problem is about to e-merge: how can we find an automatic way to divide a 3D model into multiple printable pieces, so as to save the space, to reduce the printing time, or to make a large model printable by small printers. In this paper, we present a systematic study on the partitioning and packing of 3D models under the multi-phase level set framework. We first construct analysis tools to evaluate the qualities of a partitioning using six metrics: stress load, surface details, interface area, packed size, printability, and assembling. Based on this analysis, we then formulate level set methods to improve the qualities of the partitioning according to the metrics. These methods are integrated into an automatic system, which repetitively and locally optimizes the partitioning. Given the optimized partitioning result, we further provide a container structure modeling algorithm to facilitate the packing process of the printed pieces. Our experiment shows that the system can generate quality partitioning of various 3D models for space saving and fast production purposes.
Scale issues in the study of primate foraging: Red colobus of Kibale National Park

Abstract Diet data have been used to address a number of theoretical issues. We often calculate the proportion of time spent eating different foods (e.g., fruits, leaves) to place species into dietary categories and contrast morphological or behavioral traits among categories. Yet we have little understanding of how flexible species can be in terms of the plant parts and species consumed. To address this issue, we analyzed data on the diets of red colobus monkeys (Procolobus badius) from Kibale National Park, Uganda, to evaluate temporal and spatial variability in the plant parts and species eaten. After considering observer differences and sampling issues, we evaluated how different a group's diet could be if samples were taken in different years. We found that the diet of the same groups showed significant, consistent changes over a 4‐year period. For example, the time spent feeding on leaves increased from 56% in 1994 to 76% in 1998. The plant parts and species eaten by eight groups inhabiting different types of forest (e.g., pristine, logged, riverine) varied among groups. The largest interdemic difference was seen in the use of young leaves (38%). Dietary differences were also found between groups with overlapping home ranges (41–49% overlap). Different subspecies of Procolobus badius also varied in diet; however, this variation was often not of the magnitude documented within Kibale for the same population. The fact that diet can vary considerably over small spatial and short temporal scales within the same species raises the intriguing question as to what level of interspecific difference is biologically significant for addressing particular questions. We conclude that behavioral flexibility blurs our traditional stereotypic assessment of primates; a study of one group that occupies a specific habitat at one point in time may not adequately represent the species. Am J Phys Anthropol 117:349–363, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic Programming Decision Tree for Bankruptcy Prediction

In this paper, we apply the CART ,C5.0 , GP decision tree classifiers and compares with logic model and ANN model for Taiwan listed electronic companies bankruptcy prediction. Results reveal that the GP decision tree can outperform all the classifiers either in overall percentage of correct or k-fold cross validation test in out sample. That is to say, GP decision tree model have the highest accuracy and lowest expected misclassification costs. It can provide an efficient alternative to discriminates financial distress problems in Taiwan.
Uncertain climate policy decisions and investment timing : Evidence from small hydropower plants

Based on panel data of 214 licenses to construct small hydropower plants, we examine whether uncertainty with respect to the introduction of a market for renewable energy certificates affected the timing of investments in Norway from 2001 to 2010. Using regression analysis, we find that (1) investors owning a portfolio of licenses acted in accordance with a real options investment rule, and uncertain climate policy decisions delayed their investment rate; and (2) investors owning a single license acted in accordance with a traditional net present value investment rule, focusing on the value of the immediate investment and ignoring policy uncertainty.
Isoflurane Decreases Extracellular Serotonin in the Mouse Hippocampus

The serotonergic system may play a role during general anesthesia. Furthermore, alterations in serotonergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus have been linked to depression and anxiety as well as to changes in arousal and cognition. Little is known about the effects of volatile anesthetics on hippocampal serotonin (5-HT) levels. In this study we examined the effects of isoflurane on hippocampal 5-HT levels in mice. Adult male 129/SvEv mice were exposed to either isoflurane 1 or 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) both in 40% O2 in air or to 40% O2 in air alone (control) for a period of 80 min, and hippocampal 5-HT levels were measured by microdialysis coupled with high performance liquid chromatography. Within 20–40 min of administration, both doses of isoflurane similarly produced a significant decrease in hippocampal 5-HT to 41.5% ± 11.0% and 36.4% ± 13.9% of the baseline level in the isoflurane 1 MAC and 1.5 MAC groups, respectively. Furthermore, when additional dialysates were obtained on termination of anesthesia in the isoflurane 1.5 MAC group, the decrease in extracellular 5-HT levels persisted for several hours. To determine if isoflurane-induced changes in extracellular 5-HT involve the serotonin transporter (SERT), similar microdialysis studies were performed in C57BL/6 wild-type (SERT +/+) and homozygous SERT knockout (SERT −/−) mice exposed to either 1 MAC isoflurane in 40% O2 in air or to 40% O2 in air alone for a period of 80 min. Isoflurane produced a significant decrease in hippocampal 5-HT in SERT +/+ and SERT −/−, and this decrease was larger in SERT −/− compared with SERT +/+: to 22.4% ± 8.5% versus 50.2% ± 17.4% of the baseline 5-HT level, respectively. These data suggest that isoflurane produces a decrease in hippocampal 5-HT, independent of SERT function.
Exploring Game Leadership and Online Game Community

Online games have become a major leisure activity in recent years. Players go through a variety of social experiences, building up game communities such as guilds, blood pledges, and other small teams in virtual worlds. Game communities offer similar organizational experiences to those in real life. The game environment works as the third place where we can learn and develop our leadership skills. However, so far, not much research has been done in this area. This study examines the relationship between game players' usage behavior focusing on game community participation and game leadership. A total of 808 South Korean online game players participated in an online survey during one week. The results show that game community participation, team play, and the active attitude in accomplishing the mission of a game were positively related with game leadership. The outcome of this study provides a new perspective on the online game community to expanding our social experiences and improving game leadership in the virtual world.
High order finite difference methods with subcell resolution for stiff multispecies detonation capturing

In this paper, we extend the high order finite-difference method with subcell resolution (SR) in [33] for two-species stiff one-reaction models to multispecies and multireaction chemical reactive flows, which are significantly more difficult because of the multiple scales generated by different reactions. For reaction problems, when the reaction time scale is very small, the reaction zone scale is also small and the governing equations become very stiff. Wrong propagation speed of discontinuity may occur due to the underresolved numerical solution in both space and time. The present SR method for reactive Euler system is a fractional step method. In the convection step, any high order shock-capturing method can be used. In the reaction step, an ODE solver is applied but with certain computed flow variables in the shock region modified by the Harten subcell resolution idea. Several numerical examples of multispecies and multireaction reactive flows are performed in both one and two dimensions. Studies demonstrate that the SR method can capture the correct propagation speed of discontinuities in very coarse meshes.
Transcriptional and Secretomic Profiling of Epidermal Cells Exposed to Alpha Particle Radiation

Alpha (α)-particle emitters are probable isotopes to be used in a terrorist attack. The development of biological assessment tools to identify those who have handled these difficult to detect materials would be an asset to our current forensic capacity. In this study, for the purposes of biomarker discovery, human keratinocytes were exposed to α-particle and X-radiation (0.98 Gy/h at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 Gy) and assessed for differential gene and protein expression using microarray and Bio-Plex technology, respectively. Secretomic analysis of supernatants showed expression of two pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-13 and PDGF-bb) to be exclusively affected in α-particle exposed cells. The highest dose of α-particle radiation modulated a total of 67 transcripts (fold change>|1.5|, (False discovery rate) FDR<0.05) in exposed cells. Several genes which responded with high expression levels (>2 fold) included KIF20A, NEFM, C7orf10, HIST1H2BD, BMP6, and HIST1H2AC. Among the high expressing genes, five (CCNB2, BUB1, NEK2, CDC20, AURKA) were also differentially expressed at the medium (1.0 Gy) dose however, these genes were unmodulated following exposure to X-irradiation. Networks of these genes clustered around tumor protein-53 and transforming growth factor-beta signaling. This study has identified some potential gene /protein responses and networks that may be validated further to confirm their specificity and potential to be signature biomarkers of α-particle exposure.
Social media, academics’ identity work and the good teacher

Abstract Focussing on academics’ professional identity, this paper analyses the challenges academics experience when adopting new technologies in their pedagogical practices. Notions of ‘economies of performance’ and ‘ecologies of practice’ as well as the concept of liminality are employed to understand this identity work. The paper illustrates how academics welcomed the potential of the web, despite the possible challenge to their authority. The paper argues that the process of changing pedagogical practices is experienced as risky and uncertain by some academics, and that it is a commitment to being a ‘good teacher’ that helped these academics to overcome these feelings.
Nonlinear response speedup in bimodal visual-olfactory object identification

Multisensory processes are vital in the perception of our environment. In the evaluation of foodstuff, redundant sensory inputs not only assist the identification of edible and nutritious substances, but also help avoiding the ingestion of possibly hazardous substances. While it is known that the non-chemical senses interact already at early processing levels, it remains unclear whether the visual and olfactory senses exhibit comparable interaction effects. To address this question, we tested whether the perception of congruent bimodal visual-olfactory objects is facilitated compared to unimodal stimulation. We measured response times (RT) and accuracy during speeded object identification. The onset of the visual and olfactory constituents in bimodal trials was physically aligned in the first and perceptually aligned in the second experiment. We tested whether the data favored coactivation or parallel processing consistent with race models. A redundant-signals effect was observed for perceptually aligned redundant stimuli only, i.e., bimodal stimuli were identified faster than either of the unimodal components. Analysis of the RT distributions and accuracy data revealed that these observations could be explained by a race model. More specifically, visual and olfactory channels appeared to be operating in a parallel, positively dependent manner. While these results suggest the absence of early sensory interactions, future studies are needed to substantiate this interpretation.
Motion Restricted Information Filter for Indoor Bluetooth Positioning

This paper studies wireless positioning using a network of Bluetooth signals. Fingerprints of received signal strength indicators RSSI are used for localization. Due to the relatively long interval between the available consecutive Bluetooth signal strength measurements, the authors propose a method of information filtering with speed detection, which combines the estimation information from the RSSI measurements with the prior information from the motion model. Speed detection is further assisted to correct the outliers of position estimation. The field tests show that the new algorithm proposed applying information filter with speed detection improves the horizontal positioning accuracy of indoor navigation with about 17% compared to the static fingerprinting positioning method, achieving a 4.2 m positioning accuracy on the average, and about 16% improvement compared to the point Kalman filter.
Adaptive input-aware compilation for graphics engines

While graphics processing units (GPUs) provide low-cost and efficient platforms for accelerating high performance computations, the tedious process of performance tuning required to optimize applications is an obstacle to wider adoption of GPUs. In addition to the programmability challenges posed by GPU's complex memory hierarchy and parallelism model, a well-known application design problem is target portability across different GPUs. However, even for a single GPU target, changing a program's input characteristics can make an already-optimized implementation of a program perform poorly. In this work, we propose Adaptic, an adaptive input-aware compilation system to tackle this important, yet overlooked, input portability problem. Using this system, programmers develop their applications in a high-level streaming language and let Adaptic undertake the difficult task of input portable optimizations and code generation. Several input-aware optimizations are introduced to make efficient use of the memory hierarchy and customize thread composition. At runtime, a properly optimized version of the application is executed based on the actual program input. We perform a head-to-head comparison between the Adaptic generated and hand-optimized CUDA programs. The results show that Adaptic is capable of generating codes that can perform on par with their hand-optimized counterparts over certain input ranges and outperform them when the input falls out of the hand-optimized programs' "comfort zone". Furthermore, we show that input-aware results are sustainable across different GPU targets making it possible to write and optimize applications once and run them anywhere.