Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Queue Length and Link Buffer Size Estimation in 3G/4G Mobile Data Networks

The emerging mobile data networks fueled by the world-wide deployment of 3G, HSPA, and LTE networks created new challenges for the development of Internet applications. Unlike their wired counterpart, mobile data networks are known to exhibit highly variable bandwidth. Moreover, base stations are often equipped with large buffers to absorb bandwidth fluctuations to prevent unnecessary packet losses. Consequently to optimize protocol performance in mobile data networks it is essential to be able to accurately characterize two key network properties: queue length and buffer size of the bottleneck link. This work tackles the challenge in estimating these two network properties in modern mobile data networks. Using extensive trace-driven simulations based on actual bandwidth trace data measured from production mobile data networks, we show that existing queue-length and link buffer size estimation algorithms no longer work well in bandwidth-varying networks. We develop a novel sum-of-delays algorithm which incorporates the effect of bandwidth variations into its estimation. Extensive trace-driven simulation results show that it can accurately estimate the queue length and link buffer size under both fixed and varying bandwidth conditions, outperforming existing algorithms by up to two orders of magnitude.
The Study of Location Strategy for Bank through the Analysis of Inter-regional Financial Transaction Network

In this paper, authors attempt to shed light on the factors that influence the locations of bank branches in establishing a bank’s branch network from the angle of the network analysis. For this purpose, authors studied location strategy for bank through the analysis of inter-regional network using financial transaction data in Korea. The previous studies analyzed the locations of bank branches on the basis of their geographical characteristics. But, the significance of this study rests upon the fact that it endeavors to explore the location factors from a new perspective of the movement path of financial customers. For this analysis, the network between administrative districts, which form the unit of a location, was analyzed based on the financial transactional data. The important findings of this study are as follows. First, we found the factors that the income level, the spending level, the number of businesses, and the size of workforce in the pertinent region were influence to the size of a bank’s market. Second, the network centrality index was found to have a significant effect on the locations of bank branches. The degree centrality was revealed to have a greater influence on the size of a bank’s market than does the closeness centrality. The results of this study suggest the needs for a new approach from the perspective of network in furtherance of other factors that have been considered important in the previous studies of the branch location strategies.
On the metallicity gradient of the Galactic disk

Aims. The iron abundance gradient in the Galactic stellar disk provides fundamental constraints on the chemical evolution of this important Galaxy component, however the spread around the mean slope is, at fixed Galactocentric distance, more than the estimated uncertainties. Methods. To provide quantitative constraints on these trends, we adopted iron abundances for 265 classical Cepheids (more than 50% of the currently known sample) based either on high-resolution spectra or on photometric metallicity indices. Homogeneous distances were estimated using near-infrared period-luminosity relations. The sample covers the four disk quadrants, and their Galactocentric distances range from similar to 5 to similar to 17 kpc. We provided a new theoretical calibration of the metallicity-index-color (MIC) relation based on Walraven and NIR photometric passbands. Results. We estimated the photometric metallicity of 124 Cepheids. Among them 66 Cepheids also have spectroscopic iron abundances and we found that the mean difference is -0.03 +/- 0.15 dex. We also provide new iron abundances, based on high-resolution spectra, for four metal-rich Cepheids located in the inner disk. The remaining iron abundances are based on high-resolution spectra collected by our group (73) or available in the literature (130). A linear regression over the entire sample provides an iron gradient of -0.051 +/- 0.004 dex kpc(-1). The above slope agrees quite well, within the errors, with previous estimates based either on Cepheids or on open clusters covering similar Galactocentric distances. However, Cepheids located in the inner disk systematically appear more metal-rich than the mean metallicity gradient. Once we split the sample into inner (R(G) <8 kpc) and outer disk Cepheids, the slope (-0.130 +/- 0.015 dex kpc(-1)) in the former region is approximate to 3 times steeper than the slope in the latter one (-0.042 +/- 0.004 dex kpc(-1)). In the outer disk the radial distribution of metal-poor (MP, [Fe/H] <-0.02 dex) and metal-rich (MR) Cepheids across the four disk quadrants does not show a clear trend when moving from the innermost to the external disk regions. The relative fractions of MP and MR Cepheids in the 1st and in the 3rd quadrants differ at the 8 sigma (MP) and 15 sigma (MR) levels. Finally, we found that iron abundances in two local overdensities of the 2nd and of the 4th quadrant cover individually a range in iron abundance of approximate to 0.5 dex. Conclusions. Current findings indicate that the recent chemical enrichment across the Galactic disk shows a clumpy distribution.
A fast and versatile quantum key distribution system with hardware key distillation and wavelength multiplexing

We present a compactly integrated, 625 MHz clocked coherent one-way quantum key distribution system which continuously distributes secret keys over an optical fibre link. To support high secret key rates, we implemented a fast hardware key distillation engine which allows for key distillation rates up to 4 Mbps in real time. The system employs wavelength multiplexing in order to run over only a single optical fibre. Using fast gated InGaAs single photon detectors, we reliably distribute secret keys with a rate above 21 kbps over 25 km of optical fibre. We optimized the system considering a security analysis that respects finite-key-size effects, authentication costs and system errors for a security parameter of εQKD = 4 × 10−9.
Fuel Properties of Torrefied Biomass from Pruning of Oxytree

The very fast growing Oxytree (Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112) is marketed as a promising new energy crop. The tree has characteristically large leaves, thrives in warmer climates, and requires initial pruning for enhanced biomass production in later years. We explored valorizing the waste biomass of initial (first year) pruning via thermal treatment. Specifically, we used torrefaction (‘roasting’) to produce biochar with improved fuel properties. Here for the first time, we examined and summarized the fuel properties data of raw biomass of Oxytree pruning and biochars generated via torrefaction. The effects of torrefaction temperature (200~300 °C), process time (20~60 min), soil type, and agro-technical cultivation practices (geotextile and drip irrigation) on fuel properties of the resulting biochars were summarized. The dataset contains results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as well as proximate and ultimate analyses of Oxytree biomass and generated biochars. The presented data are useful in determining Oxytree torrefaction reaction kinetics and further techno-economical modeling of the feasibility of Oxytree valorization via torrefaction. Oxytree torrefaction could be exploited as part of valorization resulting from a synergy between a high yield crop with the efficient production of high-quality renewable fuel.
Broadband Seismic Characterization of the Arabian Shield

Abstract : A temporary deployment of eight broadband seismographs in the Arabian Shield and one on the Arabian Platform has shown that the shield sites are among the quietest in the world, with noise levels generally only slightly above the low-noise model. Distinct path-related differences in the recording of regional events allow the assignment of general source regions upon mere visual examination of the recordings. To date, clear regional phase are observed on intra-Arabian Plate paths from events in the Zagros region. Events occurring in the Gulf of Aqaba and propagating mostly in the Arabian Shield show a clear but weak P sub n phase and prominent L sub g. Events originating in the Arabian Sea show clear body waves but no waves but no L sub g.
A multi-tier data mining workflow to analyze the age related shift from diglycosylated- to tetra-glycosylated-FSH secretion by the anterior pituitary

FSH is a glycoprotein hormone secreted as two major glycosylation variants by the anterior pituitary, which regulates reproduction in adults. As FSH consists of two functionally significant glycoforms, differentially expressed genes related to FSH biosynthesis in the anterior pituitary can help us to understand implications of changes in their relative abundance at the genomic level. Mapping these kinds of biomarker genes and their corresponding pathways is a key technology for studying the elaboration of FSH variants that affect the reproductive system. In this paper we use a multiple tier data mining work flow to identify FSH biosynthesis-related genes in the anterior pituitary. Our methodology combines different filterbased feature selection mechanisms like Linear Regression (LR), Z-Score statistics and the Biomarker Identifier (BMI). Consequently, we identified differentially expressed genes in response to the synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES), treatment in male rats. As a next step, we performed pathway analysis to identify the most relevant metabolic pathways associated with a set of identified genes in a pathway. Finally, we applied Mutual Information (MI) to calculate the measure of association between differentially expressed genes and several biosynthetic and signaling pathways of interest.
A synthesis of global particle export from the surface ocean and cycling through the ocean interior and on the seafloor

We present a new synthesis of the oceanic cycles of organic carbon, silicon, and calcium carbonate. Our calculations are based on a series of algorithms starting with satellite‐based primary production and continuing with conversion of primary production to sinking particle flux, penetration of particle flux to the deep sea, and accumulation in sediments. Regional and global budgets from this synthesis highlight the potential importance of shelves and near‐shelf regions for carbon burial. While a high degree of uncertainty remains, this analysis suggests that shelves, less than 50 m water depths accounting for 2% of the total ocean area, may account for 48% of the global flux of organic carbon to the seafloor. Our estimates of organic carbon and nitrogen flux are in generally good agreement with previous work while our estimates for CaCO3 and SiO2 fluxes are lower than recent work. Interannual variability in particle export fluxes is found to be relatively small compared to intra‐annual variability over large domains with the single exception of the dominating role of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation variability in the central tropical Pacific. Comparison with available sediment‐based syntheses of benthic remineralization and burial support the recent theory of mineral protection of organic carbon flux through the deep ocean, pointing to lithogenic material as an important carrier phase of organic carbon to the deep seafloor. This work suggests that models which exclude the role of lithogenic material would underestimate the penetration of POC to the deep seafloor by approximately 16–51% globally, and by a much larger fraction in areas with low productivity. Interestingly, atmospheric dust can only account for 31% of the total lithogenic flux and 42% of the lithogenically associated POC flux, implying that a majority of this material is riverine or directly erosional in origin.
A Hybrid Training-Less Brain-Machine Interface Using SSVEP and EMG Signal

For years, people have tried to develop interfaces controlled by the human brain. For the purpose, Electroencephalography (EEG) signals recorded from the brain are used to control not only machines but also artificial prosthesis. In this paper, we present a brain-machine interface based on a hybrid system which utilizes steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP), alpha waves and Electromyography (EMG) signals. For the interface, two LED screens, each flickering at different but fixed frequencies were used to induce SSVEP signals. Signals were derived from channels found in the occipital region of the brain and in regions just above the eyes and jaws. To calculate features and classify the EEG data, we used Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) along with Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Power Spectral Density Analysis (PSDA). We mapped our classification results onto a robotic crane which had three degrees of freedom. We were successfully able to implement a Brain-machine interface, which did not require extensive amounts of training and had a maximum latency of 16 seconds with an overall classification accuracy of 97%.
Land Security and Labor Specialization : Evidence from Rural China 10 / 10 / 2012

This paper develops a model to understand the mechanism that might explain how land rights security may facilitate labor specialization. The theoretical framework suggests that with secured land rights, households with high farming ability are likely to invest in land while households with low farming ability tend to investment in human capital and migrate. Land security is identified as whether the village has adopted small-scale land adjustments. Using data from China Living Standard Survey, empirical results suggest that secured land rights increase ruralurban migration for households with low farming ability and land investment for those with high farming ability. In addition, land security presents a sorting function in employment decisions. Secured land rights promote participation in non-farm jobs such as migration and local wage employments while decreasing the probability in being full-time farmers. In rural China, government action to increase land security can facilitate the poor to participate in the non-farm sector. I am grateful to the members of my dissertation committee, Judith Thornton, Seik Kim, Susan Whiting and Hendrik Wolff for their advice and encouragement. I have benefitted also from other members of the economics department faculty, staff and my fellow graduate students. I would like to thank the labor seminars and participants. I am grateful to the Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology for the opportunities to present my working papers and for the constructive feedback from the audience.
Efficient Cyclostationary Based Spectrum Sensing with SLC Diversity over Rayleigh-Shadowing Fading Channels

Spectrum sensing is a key technical challenge for Cognitive Radio (CR). It is well known that Multi-cycle Cyclostationarity (MC) detector is a powerful method for spectrum sensing. However, conventional MC detector is difficult to implement due to its high computation complexity. This paper pays attention to the fact that the computation complexity can be reduced by simplifying the decision statistic of conventional MC detector. Based on this simplification process, an improved MC detector is proposed. Compared with the conventional one, the proposed detector has low-computational complexity and highaccuracy on sensing performance. Subsequently, Square-law Combining (SLC) diversity reception is introduced to improve the detection capability of proposed detector over composite Rayleigh-shadowing fading channels. The corresponding closed-form average detection probability is derived by using the Moment Generation Function (MGF) approach. Finally, simulation results verify the reliability of our proposed detector, which contributes to a performance gain of approximately 3 dB for 2-branches SLC even if Rayleigh fading and heavy shadowing exist.
Changing Patterns in the Dependence of Long-Term Rates between Poland and Major Financial Centres

The accommodative monetary policy of major central banks has resulted in strong capital inflows into emerging economies. We investigate the extreme dependence – effectively, contagion – between long-term interest rates in core markets and those of Poland in recent years. The issue is particularly important from a financial stability standpoint. Using a copula framework, we demonstrate that the dependence of extreme events has actually eased in recent years as the structure of foreign investment holdings in Poland has become more stable. Given the elevated risk of contagion, however, these developments should not lull one into a false sense of security. The propensity of bond yields to crash in synchrony should be closely monitored, especially in turbulent periods.Full publication: The Transmission of Unconventional Monetary Policy to the Emerging Markets
H∞ GUARANTEED COST COMPUTATION VIA POLYNOMIALLY PARAMETER-DEPENDENT LYAPUNOV FUNCTIONS

Abstract Linear matrix inequality conditions for H ∞ guaranteed cost evaluation of uncertain linear systems in polytopic domains are presented in this paper. The conditions are based on homogeneous polynomially parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions of arbitrary degree. As the degree grows, tests of increasing precision are obtained providing more accurate H ∞ guaranteed costs. Both continuous and discrete-time uncertain systems are addressed, as illustrated by numerical examples.
Efficient, fast and scalable authentication for VANETs

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) enable vehicle-to-vehicle communication to enhance road safety and improve driving experience. To secure periodic single-hop beacon messages for VANET applications, digital signature is one of the fundamental security approaches. However, it is vulnerable as excessive signatures would exhaust the computational resources of vehicles. In this paper, we propose a novel authentication mechanism VSPT, VANET authentication with Signatures and Prediction-based TESLA, which combines the advantages of both Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) and Prediction-based TESLA. Although ECDSA is computationally expensive, it provides authentication and non-repudiation. Prediction-based TESLA enables fast and efficient verification by exploiting the sender's ability to predict its own future beacons. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results show that VSPT outperforms either the signature or TESLA in not only lossless situations but also lossy environments.
Radial endobronchial ultrasound images for ground-glass opacity pulmonary lesions

Radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) is a useful tool for precise localisation of peripheral pulmonary lesions, but there have been no detailed reports about the use of R-EBUS images for ground-glass opacity (GGO). The R-EBUS images of 116 patients with GGO, who were diagnosed as having adenocarcinoma by R-EBUS with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS), were compared with the respective chest computed tomography findings. In 103 patients, R-EBUS images were correlated with the histological surgical specimens. R-EBUS images of GGO were identified based on the internal structure of the lesion and classified into two groups. Blizzard showed an enlarged, diffuse hyperintense acoustic shadow. Mixed blizzard showed a combination of blizzard and some diffuse heterogeneity with several hyperechoic dots and vessels. All pure GGO lesions (nine out of nine) were blizzard on R-EBUS. For part-solid GGOs, the percentage of mixed blizzard was inversely related to the amount of the GGO component. Histological findings from surgery revealed that all blizzard lesions were on the spectrum of adenocarcinoma in situ to well differentiated adenocarcinoma while majority (33 out of 64) of mixed blizzard lesions were moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. R-EBUS types are important to locate GGOs prior to transbronchial sampling with EBUS-GS. The classification of R-EBUS images is useful to decide the location of GGOs during transbronchial biopsy with R-EBUS http://ow.ly/FmCBR
Human Colon-Derived Soluble Factors Modulate Gut Microbiota Composition

The commensal microbiota modulates immunological and metabolic aspects of the intestinal mucosa contributing to development of human gut diseases including inflammatory bowel disease. The host/microbiota interaction often referred to as a crosstalk, mainly focuses on the effect of the microbiota on the host neglecting effects that the host could elicit on the commensals. Colonic microenvironments from three human healthy controls (obtained from the proximal and distal colon, both in resting conditions and after immune – IL-15- and microbiota – LPS-in vitro challenges) were used to condition a stable fecal population. Subsequent 16S rRNA gene-based analyses were performed to study the effect induced by the host on the microbiota composition and function. Non-supervised principal component analysis (PCA) showed that all microbiotas, which had been conditioned with colonic microenvironments clustered together in terms of relative microbial composition, suggesting that soluble factors were modulating a stable fecal population independently from the treatment or the origin. Our findings confirmed that the host intestinal microenvironment has the capacity to modulate the gut microbiota composition via yet unidentified soluble factors. These findings indicate that an appropriate understanding of the factors of the host mucosal microenvironment affecting microbiota composition and function could improve therapeutic manipulation of the microbiota composition.
An appearance-based map partition framework for submap SLAM

Recently, submap methods have been proposed to reduce the computing cost of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm. Among others, this method is of special interest for efficiently managing large-scale environments, and is more suitable for further navigation task. For achieving that, the whole map is partitioned to geometric submaps. In this paper we present a novel framework for automatically obtaining those local submaps from observations. The framework, which imitate human behavior, utilize appearance-based criterion to decide whether mobile robot get into a new region. The difference of observations has been used as a sign of a new region for mobile robot. An important feature of our approach is that the partitioning is very effective without any delay. We depict an implementation which use 2D laser scans as a part of whole submap SLAM algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate the performance of the method. The partition results from our approach are close to the human concept; thus it is easy to add semantic information on the submap for further navigation.