Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COMPACT STAR CLUSTERS IN THE M31 DISK

We have carried out a survey of compact star clusters (apparent size ≲3″) in the southwest part of the M31 galaxy, based on the high-resolution Suprime-Cam images (17.′5 × 28.′5), covering ∼15% of the deprojected galaxy disk area. The UBVRI photometry of 285 cluster candidates (V ≲ 20.5 mag) was performed using frames of the Local Group Galaxies Survey. The final sample, containing 238 high probability star cluster candidates (typical half-light radius rh ∼ 1.5 pc), was selected by specifying a lower limit of rh ≳ 0. ″15 (≳0.6 pc). We derived cluster parameters based on the photometric data and multiband images by employing simple stellar population models. The clusters have a wide range of ages from ∼5 Myr (young objects associated with 24 μm and/or Hα emission) to ∼10 Gyr (globular cluster candidates), and possess mass in a range of 3.0 ≲ log(m/m☉) ≲ 4.3 peaking at m ∼ 4000 m☉. Typical age of these intermediate-mass clusters is in the range of 30 Myr ≲ t ≲ 3 Gyr, with a prominent peak at ∼70 Myr. These findings suggest a rich intermediate-mass star cluster population in M31, which appears to be scarce in the Milky Way galaxy.
Sensitivity of Interest Rate Caps to the Elasticity of Forward Rate Volatility

This paper examines the pricing performance of interest rate option pricing models in the Euribor interest rate cap markets. We investigate the sensitivity of the prices of cap derivatives to alternative specifications of the forward interest rate derivatives. We use a term structure-constrained model that allows us to modify the volatility structure without altering their initial values. Consequently, any differences in prices can be directly attributed to alternative assumptions on the term structure of forward rate volatilities rather than to the initial conditions. Our results show that cap prices are significantly sensitive to the structure of forward interest rate volatility and the inelasicity of this volatility function may lead to significant pricing errors.
Entry, Exit and the Dynamics of Productivity Growth in Chinese Manufacturing Industry

In this paper we have attempted to examine aspects of the competitive selection process, firms’ entry, survival and exit, in an important sector of Chinese manufacturing, looking in particular for changes resulting from the latest stage of reform, dubbed the transition to the “socialist market economy”. These dynamic processes may be becoming increasingly important for the continuing growth of manufacturing, as the agricultural sector as a source of surplus labour begins to decline.
Complexity Reduction Techniques Applied to The Compression of High Definition Sequences in Digital TV

— H.264/AVC is a hybrid predictive-transform coder. In this paper we propose a more computational efﬁcient approach to implement the prediction module, its most complex stage. The idea is to employ a subset of dominant prediction modes instead of testing all modes recommended by H.264/AVC standard. Results show that, for high deﬁnition sequences, the quality loss is negligible allowing us to control the compression complexity of high deﬁnition digital TV video sequences.
PSO based memetic algorithm for face recognition Gabor filters selection

A Gabor filters based face recognition algorithm named POMA-Gabor is proposed in this paper. The algorithm uses particular Gabor wavelets in the feature extraction on specific areas of the face image and a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based memetic algorithm (POMA), which combines comprehensive learning particle swarm optimizer (CLPSO) global search and self-adaptive intelligent single particle optimizer (AdpISPO) local search, is introduced to select the Gabor filter parameters. The experimental results demonstrate that POMA obtains better performance than other comparative PSO algorithms. Employing POMA for Gabor filter design, POMA-Gabor is capable of obtaining more representative information and higher recognition rate with less computational time.
Optimization of topology of truss structures using grid computing

Topology optimization of truss structures is considered in this paper. Trusses are widely used in various constructions: bridges, towers, roof supporting structures. Topology optimization of trusses requires large amount of computing resources. Therefore distributed computer networks are used to solve this kind of problems. In this paper a distributed branch-and-bound combinatorial algorithm for topology optimization of trusses is investigated in computational grid infrastructure and clusters of personal computers.
Robust Queueing Theory

We propose an alternative approach for studying queues based on robust optimization. We model the uncertainty in the arrivals and services via polyhedral uncertainty sets, which are inspired from the limit laws of probability. Using the generalized central limit theorem, this framework allows us to model heavy-tailed behavior characterized by bursts of rapidly occurring arrivals and long service times. We take a worst-case approach and obtain closed-form upper bounds on the system time in a multi-server queue. These expressions provide qualitative insights that mirror the conclusions obtained in the probabilistic setting for light-tailed arrivals and services and generalize them to the case of heavy-tailed behavior. We also develop a calculus for analyzing a network of queues based on the following key principles: (a) the departure from a queue, (b) the superposition, and (c) the thinning of arrival processes have the same uncertainty set representation as the original arrival processes. The proposed appr.
Face Detection Based on the Improved AdaBoost Algorithm

In order to solve the overfitting of sample weights and the low detection rate in training process of the traditional AdaBoost algorithm, an improved AdaBoost algorithm based on Haar-like features and LBP features is proposed. This method improves weight updating rule and weights normalization rule of the traditional AdaBoost algorithm. Then combining this method with the AdaBoost algorithm based on Haar-like features and MB-LBP features fusion. The experiment result shows that this method can effectively reduce the overfitting of sample weights and improve the detection rate.
An integrated parcel-based land use change model using cellular automata and decision tree

Ecological changes are driven by changes in land use. Modeling land use change is an essential step to adaptively manage ecosystem to mitigate the negative impacts of such ecological changes. This study developed a parcel-based spatial land use change prediction model by coupling a couple of machine learning and interpretation algorithms: cellular automata and decision tree. The model was developed and validated using the historical land use data in Hunterdon County of New Jersey in the United States. Specifically, the data on historical land uses and various driving factors that affect land use changes for Hunterdon County were collected and processed using a Geographic Information System. A set of transition rules illustrating the land use change processes during the period 1986-1995 were developed using decision tree J48 Classifier. The derived transition rules were applied to the 1995 land use data in a cellular automata model Agent Analyst to predict future spatial land use pattern, which were then validated by the actual land use in 2002. The decision tree-based cellular automata model has reasonable overall accuracy of 84.46 percent in predicting land use changes and the Cohen’s Kappa Index is 0.644. The model shows much higher capacity in predicting the quantitative changes than the locational changes in land use. Sensitivity analysis indicates that simply changing the size of neighborhood has slight impacts on the simulation results, but insignificant impacts on the model accuracy.
Supervision of doctoral and master’s students in the ODL context, field of tourism: an integrated review

The transformation of higher education brought about many changes in p ostgraduate research supervision, as the electronic media offered students all over the globe the opportunity to register for master’s and doctoral degrees at the university of their choice. Rapidly growing industries such as for example, the travel and tourism industry, as well as the health industry where there are shortages of health professionals , contribute to the need for more masters and doctoral students at both practical and other training institutions. Both the greater number of students and institutional accountability for quality research outputs contribute to pressure on supervisors to produce more masters’ and doctoral students. Research supervisors find themselves under immense pressure to produce graduates as a result of the demands and expectations of their institutions, governments, students, their profession and industry demands. The aim of the study was so identify the gap in guidelines for supervisory practice s in the education of post graduate tourism students with in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) context. An integrated review was conducted to provide evidence from literature regarding supervisory practices. The research findings obtained, did not provide evidence to allow for the development of best practice guidelines, but gaps identifie d from current published research were recognized and discussed. There is a dire need for the publication of narratives to ensure the sharing of best supervisory practices, specifically within the ODL context.
Thinning of Elliptical and Concentric Elliptical Antenna Arrays Using Particle Swarm Optimization

Design of thinned elliptical antenna arrays of uniformly excited isotropic antennas using particle swarm optimization (PSO), is reported. Thinned arrays can generate directive beam with minimum side lobe level (SLL) without degrading the performance of fully populated antenna arrays significantly. Thinning of elliptical antenna arrays using PSO are optimized with different values of eccentricity and variation of side lobe level with eccentricity of thinned antenna array is reported. Using optimization method, it is found that by changing eccentricity of elliptic arrangement of an antenna array, reduced side lobe levels can be obtained. Thinning of concentric elliptical array, using PSO, is also reported in this paper.
British Association for Psychopharmacology consensus statement on evidence-based treatment of insomnia, parasomnias and circadian rhythm disorders

Sleep disorders are common in the general population and even more so in clinical practice, yet are relatively poorly understood by doctors and other health care practitioners. These British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines are designed to address this problem by providing an accessible up-to-date and evidence-based outline of the major issues, especially those relating to reliable diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A consensus meeting was held in London in May 2009. Those invited to attend included BAP members, representative clinicians with a strong interest in sleep disorders and recognized experts and advocates in the field, including a representative from mainland Europe and the USA. Presenters were asked to provide a review of the literature and identification of the standard of evidence in their area, with an emphasis on meta-analyses, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials where available, plus updates on current clinical practice. Each presentation was followed by discussion, aimed to reach consensus where the evidence and/or clinical experience was considered adequate or otherwise to flag the area as a direction for future research. A draft of the proceedings was then circulated to all participants for comment. Key subsequent publications were added by the writer and speakers at draft stage. All comments were incorporated as far as possible in the final document, which represents the views of all participants although the authors take final responsibility for the document.
Maize Cytolines Unmask Key Nuclear Genes That Are under the Control of Retrograde Signaling Pathways in Plants

The genomes of the two plant organelles encode for a relatively small number of proteins. Thus, nuclear genes encode the vast majority of their proteome. Organelle-to-nucleus communication takes place through retrograde signaling (RS) pathways. Signals relayed through RS pathways have an impact on nuclear gene expression but their target-genes remain elusive in a normal state of the cell (considering that only mutants and stress have been used so far). Here, we use maize cytolines as an alternative. The nucleus of a donor line was transferred into two other cytoplasmic environments through at least nine back-crosses, in a time-span of > 10 years. The transcriptomes of the resulting cytolines were sequenced and compared. There are 96 differentially regulated nuclear genes in two cytoplasm-donor lines when compared with their nucleus-donor. They are expressed throughout plant development, in various tissues and organs. One-third of the 96 proteins have a human homolog, stressing their potential role in mitochondrial RS. We also identified syntenic orthologous genes in four other grasses and homologous genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. These findings contribute to the paradigm we use to describe the RS in plants. The 96 nuclear genes identified here are not differentially regulated as a result of mutation, or any kind of stress. They are rather key players of the organelle-to-nucleus communication in a normal state of the cell.
A maximum likelihood N-camera stereo algorithm

This paper extends results of a maximum likelihood two-frame stereo algorithm to the case of N cameras. The N-camera stereo algorithm determines the "best" set of correspondences between a given pair of cameras, referred to as the principal cameras. Knowledge of the relative positions of the cameras allows the 3D point hypothesized by an assumed correspondence of two features in the principal pair to be projected onto the image plane of the remaining N-2 cameras. These N-2 points are then used to verify proposed matches. Not only does the algorithm explicitly model occlusion between features of the principal pair, but the possibility of occlusions in the N-2 additional views is also modelled. The benefits and importance of this are experimentally verified. Like other multi-frame stereo algorithms, the computational and memory costs of this approach increase linearly with each additional view. Experimental results are shown for two outdoor scenes. It is clearly demonstrated that the number of correspondence errors is significantly reduced as the number of views/cameras is increased. <<ETX>>
An inter-carrier interference reduction scheme for OFDM underwater acoustic communications

The inter-carrier interference (ICI) of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols caused by the transducers dynamic in underwater acoustic (UWA) communications has been presented in this paper. Both the practical experiment and simulation results show that the othorgonality property of OFDM symbols can be affected by the transducers dynamic during the transient period of these devices especially when the OFDM symbol length is comparatively short. A small cyclic prefix (CP) method is proposed to overcome this problem without much loss of the throughput and the bandwidth efficiency. The small CP, with the length just longer than the transient response of the transducer, can eliminate the ICI problem. The theoretical analysis and the simulation results show the efficiency of the method.
Are Brain Functions Really Additive?

Although Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies commonly subtract data obtained during two or more experimental conditions to decompose a complex task, there have been few opportunities to evaluate this approach directly. In the present study, PET was used to study three motor speech tasks selected such that two were constituent components of the third, making possible a direct examination of decomposition by subtraction. In Experiment 1, a group of 13 right-handed normal volunteers participated in three activation studies: syllable repetition; phonation; and repetitive lip closure. A scanning session was devoted to a single task, repeated four times. In Experiment 2, six of the original subjects performed the same three activation studies during a single scanning session. Whether tasks were studied in separate scanning sessions or combined within a single session, the results of decomposition by compound subtraction differed significantly from the results obtained when individual tasks were compared to a simple baseline condition. These data failed to demonstrate task additivity, a necessary property if decomposition by subtraction is to provide an accurate characterization of the brain activity accompanying complex behavior.
Molecular characterization of the Escherichia coli K-12 zwf gene encoding glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase

In Escherichia coli K-12, expression of zwf, the gene for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, is coordinated with the cellular growth rate and induced by superoxide-generating agents. To initiate the study of the molecular mechanisms regulating its expression, the gene was cloned and its DNA sequence was determined. The 5' ends of zwf mRNA isolated from cells growing in glucose and acetate minimal media were mapped. The map was complex in that transcripts mapped to -45, -52, and -62, with respect to the beginning of the coding sequence. Three analytical methods were used to search the DNA sequence for putative promoters. Only one sequence for a promoter recognized by the sigma 70 form of RNA polymerase was found by all three search routines that could be aligned with a mapped transcript, indicating that the other transcripts arise by processing of the mRNA. A computer-assisted search did not reveal a thermodynamically stable long-range mRNA secondary structure that is capable of sequestering the translation initiation region, which suggests that growth-rate-dependent regulation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase level may not be carried out by a mechanism similar to the one for the gene (gnd) for 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. The DNA segment between the -10 hexamer and the start point of transcription resembles the discriminator sequence of stable RNA genes, which has been implicated in stringent control and growth-rate-dependent regulation.
Report on data-intensive software management and mining

With the increase of publicly available software repositories, we face new challenges related to managing and mining large-scale software repositories. These challenges naturally call for novel research contributions from large-scale data management and mining researchers. Software repositories include multi-version source code, bug reports, and development history, and managing these repositories has been recognized as an important task in software design, development, and maintenance processes. Due to these emerging challenges, many recent publications in major software engineering conferences and journals, such as ICSE, FSE, or TSE, have been contributed by database and mining researchers. To showcase some such efforts, mining approaches have been used for a corpus of failing traces, automatically collected from users experienced crashes. This corpus can assist developers to diagnose faults, prioritize handling of those faults, and locate faults in the code. Assuming similar faults have similar traces, mining approaches have been applied to mine similar past traces [5]. Once found, the fault location of the past trace can then be used to predict the location of the given trace. Similarly, developers, looking for related code developed in the past for reference, want an instant search of clones, which is essentially a ranked similarity search problem [4]. These efforts have been reported to increase the productivity of software developers, while enhancing the quality of code produced at the same time. Related efforts have also been reported in major human computer interaction conferences, such as SIGCHI. One example of recent research is Blueprint [2], which developed interfaces integrating instant source code and document searches for developers’ code development sessions. Another example is Code Bubbles [1], proposing an interface to help developers effectively navigate code fragments spread all over a large corpus. As these examples show, we observe emerging data management challenges from software problems that are highly relevant to database researchers.
An adaptive road-constrained IMM estimator for ground target tracking in GSM networks

The global system for mobile communications (GSM) networks can provide position information. However, a GSM positioning system based on current specifications faces many difficulties to yield accurate position estimate for ground target tracking. The additional information of the road network is very useful not only for restricting the target position inside the road but also for providing a potential constraint on the possible target motions. In this paper, we propose an adaptive road-constrained interacting multiple model (ARC-IMM) estimator, in which the road constraint is incorporated into a variable structure IMM (VS-IMM) mechanism as a pseudomeasurement. The module set of the ARC-IMM, not only the dynamic model but also the road constraint, is updated adaptively according to the estimated target position and the road network. In particular, the selection of the dynamic models depends also on the road constraint. The simulation results verify that the proposed approach significantly improves the estimation accuracy in comparison to an IMM estimator with directional noise, a standard IMM estimator and an extended Kalman filter (EKF). And a simulation study in the case of only two measurements available demonstrates the efficiency and robustness of the proposed approach.
CORFU: A distributed shared log

CORFU is a global log which clients can append-to and read-from over a network. Internally, CORFU is distributed over a cluster of machines in such a way that there is no single I/O bottleneck to either appends or reads. Data is fully replicated for fault tolerance, and a modest cluster of about 16--32 machines with SSD drives can sustain 1 million 4-KByte operations per second. The CORFU log enabled the construction of a variety of distributed applications that require strong consistency at high speeds, such as databases, transactional key-value stores, replicated state machines, and metadata services.
HALT: Hybrid anonymization of longitudinal transactions

The objective of this study is to develop a privacy-preserving framework for publishing longitudinal health data. Longitudinal health data contain valuable clinical information about patients collected over time and there is an increasing demand to use these data in medical and clinical research. However, since longitudinal health data contain personal information, improper release and usage of such data may violate privacy of patients. In this paper, we study the challenges of publishing longitudinal health data and propose a privacy notion, called (K,C)P-privacy together with a hybrid anonymization algorithm. This work is the first attempt to anonymize multidimensional longitudinal data to prevent both identity disclosure and attribute disclosure. Experimental results on the synthetic data demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.