Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cost Efficient Scheduling Through Auction Mechanism in Cloud Computing

Cloud resources provided different types of virtual machine (VM) instances that are assigned to users for particular periods of time. Currently, the process of VM scheduling in Cloud environments is determined by fixed-price scheduling algorithm in which the user pays a fixed amount per unit time in order to obtain the resources. However, such scheduling algorithm is not effective for Cloud since the Cloud’s resources are dynamically allocated and released. To address this issue, an adaptive scheduling algorithm for VM allocation in Cloud environments is proposed. Our market-based scheduling algorithm uses the principle of auction mechanism in order to increase the Cloud providers’ and uses’ satisfaction. Moreover, the scheduling algorithm considers other factors such as auction deadline and network bandwidth with the aim of enhancing the resources utilization and the quality of service (QoS) in Cloud. The simulation experimental results show that the adaptive auction-based scheduling is able to effectively enhance quality of service, profit of Cloud service provider and resource utilization.
Sliding mode control synthesis of a 3-DOF helicopter prototype using position feedback

Sliding mode control synthesis is developed for an underactuated mechanical system. A laboratory helicopter prototype is used as a test bed. Both state feedback design and dynamic output feedback design with a nonlinear velocity observer, running in parallel, are proposed. Performance and robustness issues of the closed-loop system are illustrated in numerical simulations.
Increased incidence of fractures in recipients of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

PURPOSE The number of long-term survivors after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) for malignant and nonmalignant disorders is increasing, and late effects are gaining importance. Osteoporosis and fractures can worsen the quality of life of HSCT survivors, but the burden of the disease is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of patients older than age 18 years who underwent an HSCT at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2011, and were observed until December 31, 2013, to ascertain occurrence of fractures. Cumulative incidence rates of fractures were calculated with death as a competing risk. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates per person-year of fracture were compared with those of the US general population by using estimated rates from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey and the 2004 National Hospital Discharge Survey. RESULTS A total of 7,620 patients underwent an HSCT from 1997 to 2011 at the MD Anderson Cancer Center of whom 602 (8%) developed a fracture. Age, underlying disease, and HSCT type were significantly associated with fracture. Age- and sex-specific fracture incidence rates after HSCT were significantly greater than those of the US general population in almost all subgroups. The striking difference was an approximately eight times greater risk in females and approximately seven to nine times greater risk in males age 45 to 64 years old when compared with the National Health Interview Survey and National Hospital Discharge Survey fracture rates. CONCLUSION The incidence of fractures is compellingly higher after HSCT.
Causes of atmospheric temperature change 1960–2000: A combined attribution analysis

We investigate the causes of temperature change over the last four decades, both near the surface and in the free atmosphere, using a coupled atmosphere/ocean general circulation model, HadCM3, which requires no flux correction. We use an 'optimal detection' methodology to examine zonal mean temperatures near the surface and on nine diagnosed pressure levels throughout the atmosphere over the last four decades of the 20th Century. This produces a space‐time‐multivariable detection analysis which for the first time includes both solar and volcanic forcings in addition to anthropogenic forcings. Our results strengthen the case for an anthropogenic influence on climate. Unlike previous studies we attribute observed decadal‐mean temperature changes both to anthropogenic emissions, and changes in stratospheric volcanic aerosols. The temperature response to change in solar irradiance is also detected but with a lower confidence than the other forcings.
Performance metrics for the prediction of link and path availability in VANETs

In this paper metrics are produced which may be used for performance enhancement in Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) protocols. The method described makes use of the concept of link availability estimates which are produced on an individual link basis and which may be combined by multiplication to produce a quality metric for the whole route. The technique is discussed in the context of the Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing method.
Live Biofeedback in Electronic Markets

Decisions in electronic markets are frequently made under time pressure and in competition to others. Both factors can cause the decision maker to experience high levels of arousal. Without sound emotional processing, arousal can have detrimental effects on decision making. In this thesis the use of live biofeedback to support emotion perception and thus, to facilitate emotion regulation during emotionally charged decision making is evaluated. Based on a systematic literature review existing live biofeedback research is analyzed in Chapter 2. A transmission model for live biofeedback is developed that classifies the main components of live biofeedback applications and the flow of information in form of transmission signals. To address the identified research gaps, three experimental studies (study I-III) are designed that investigate the effects of arousal and the use of live biofeedback in electronic markets. Study I in Chapter 3 examines how arousal affects purchasing decisions with and without social interaction to analyze the context dependence of the effects of arousal on decision making. The results reveal that in auctions, where social interaction is a key characteristic, arousal increases final prices. Purchasing decisions without social interaction, however, are not affected by arousal. As social interaction has been identified as an essential factor for arousal to affect decision making, the subsequent studies II and III investigate the effects of live biofeedback in markets experiments that involve social interaction. Study II in Chapter 4 evaluates the effects of live biofeedback on emotional processing in the context of auction bidding. Without prior biofeedback training this novel user interface element alters decision making processes at a cognitive and affective level. Study participants, who suppress emotional expressions, experience higher levels of physiological arousal. When provided with live biofeedback, this effect is mitigated. Furthermore, participants who receive live biofeedback show increased coherence of physiological and perceived arousal. Study III in Chapter 5 examines the use of biofeedback in a game that has frequently been used to model financial markets, that is, the beauty contest game. In this study, participants complete a training in order to familiarize with the live biofeedback prior to the experiment. The analysis reveals that live biofeedback increases arousal perception and reduces suppression of emotional expressions. Importantly, participants who receive live biofeedback yield higher decision making quality. In summary, this thesis provides further insights into the effects of arousal on behavior and how live biofeedback affects emotional processing and decision making in electronic markets. The results of this thesis suggest that live biofeedback is a promising tool to support emotion perception, regulation, and decision making of market participants.
Kinetic analysis of engineered antibody‐antigen interactions

Molecular engineering antibodies has made it possible to produce specific domains of the antibody molecule and combine them with other protein domains to achieve new properties. Using site directed mutagenesis, amino acid residues can be exchanged within the binding site; and, by analysis of crystal structures, the positions of these amino acids can be determined in three dimensions at atomic resolution. In addition, gene libraries and phage selection technology can be used to generate new antibody fragments directly from a gene pool. Both mutagenesis and selection from libraries offer opportunities to identify antibody‐derived molecules with altered and useful antigen recognition properties. The detailed analysis both kinetic and equilibrium binding affinity are therefore essential to understand the activity of the molecules resulting from antibody engineering and to guide the progress of their further design. The paper reviews recently evolving techniques for the binging analysis of antibodies, their functional domains and antibody chimerae.
Influence of Working Capital Management Practices on Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Machakos Sub-County,Kenya

Working capital can be considered as source of existence for all types of organizations, whether profit or nonprofit organizations, therefore, it is a vital component for any profit making organizations for it influences operational level and sales volume. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of Working Capital Management Practices on Financial Performance of SMEs in Machakos Sub-County, Kenya. This study was based on these objectives: assessment of the influence of cash management practices on financial performance, determination of the influence of receivables management practices on financial performance and the analysis of the extent to which inventory management practices influences financial performance of SMEs. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design which allowed the collection of primary quantitative data through structured questionnaires and interview methods. The target population was 159 Owners / Managers of SMEs trading in Machakos Sub-County. Random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 22 SMEs trading in Machakos Sub-County. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. -----------------------------------------------------------------------* Corresponding author. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2016) Volume 30, No 4, pp 286-309 287 The findings of the study revealed that; working capital management practices were low amongst the SMEs, since majority had not adopted formal Working Capital Management Practices and there Financial Performance was on a low average. The study further revealed that SMEs financial performance was positively related to efficient cash management, efficient receivable management and efficient inventory management at 0.01 significance level. The coefficient of determination (R) indicated that 0.507 or 50.7% of the variables in F.P could be explained by the changes ECM, ERM and EIM. This study concluded that WCMPs have an influence on the F.P of SMEs; therefore, there is need for SMEs owners / managers to embrace EWCMPs as a strategy to improve their F.P in order to survive in the turbulent business environment. This study corroborates extant literature findings that established a positive relationship between WCMP and F.P
Community financing of primary health care services. Final report.

This operations research project was aimed at identifying and testing alternative strategies for community financing of primary health care services provided through the Centro de Pesquisas de Assistencia Integrada a Mulher e a Crianca (CPAIMC) in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. The project was conducted between 1983 and 1986 in 3 phases: problem analysis solution development and solution validation. Community financing strategies were evaluated in terms of their ability to generate revenue to cover primary health care costs their effect on services utilization and their impact on services coverage. The revenue generated by the community financing strategies tested in 9 communities covered a high of 11% of total primary health care costs and 20% of direct costs. The scheme that covered the largest proportion of total primary health care costs was payment for selected services accounting for 49% or more of all revenue generated in the 6 communities where it was implemented. Sale of prescribed drugs and contraceptives and payment of registration fees were the 2nd and 3rd most successful schemes in terms of revenue generation. The service and commodity fees that contributed the largest share of revenue were for Pap smears contraceptives physician visits and drugs. No association was observed between the implementation of primary health care community financing strategies and subsequent decreases in service utilization. Overall study findings indicate that residents of low-income communities served by CPAIMC are willing to participate in the financing of primary health care and able to pay for services and commodities.
Specialized Stroke Rehabilitation Services in Seven Countries

Background There is a lack of defined levels of rehabilitation, indicating possibly random content and access to specialized services. Aims and/or hypothesis The aim of the study was to perform a multinational descriptive study of specialized rehabilitation in persons with stroke, to elucidate what the different centers define as prerequisites for specialized rehabilitation, and to analyze whether these descriptions map to currently applied standards or constructs of specialized rehabilitation. A secondary aim was to look for similarities and differences between therapies and services for persons with stroke in the sub-acute stage in the different institutions. Methods Descriptive data of the collaborating centers regarding structure and processes of services were recorded and compared with the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine and Specialized Services National Definitions sets. Results Comparisons of the definitions showed that all centers admitted severely disabled persons with stroke, in need of complex rehabilitation, and provided high levels of physical services, with specialized equipment and facilities. However, funding, size, university affiliation, quality accreditation, staffing levels, specialist training, cognitive and vocational services, coordination of the professional teams, admission procedures, time and type of therapies, estimated length of stay, and follow-up procedures differed between the centers. Conclusion This multinational study of specialized stroke rehabilitation centers shows that a universal definition of specialized rehabilitation is possible, even in quite different countries and settings, in terms of general principles. There were however differences in structures and procedures, which may influence patients' outcomes, indicating a need for refinement of the definitions to be globally applicable.
On Using TLS to Secure In-Vehicle Networks

A trend in modern in-vehicle networks is the use of network technologies with higher bandwidth such as Automotive Ethernet. As a result, more sophisticated security technologies may be used to secure the communication. In this paper, we investigate whether the Transport Layer Security Protocol (TLS) is applicable to secure in-vehicle networks. First, we identify the security and performance requirements as well as the communication scenarios which must be supported by the TLS communication. Next, we discuss how these requirements can be realized with TLS. This also includes the discussion of the certificate management. Finally, we present and discuss our prototypical TLS implementation on a typical automotive platform and show that TLS is able to fulfill most performance requirements of the automotive industry.
A historical perspective on peripheral reflex cardiovascular control from animals to man

What is the topic of this review? This review concerns the history of baroreflex control of blood pressure in animals and man. It deals mainly with mechanisms at a subcortical level and so complements the earlier review by Coote (2007). What advances does it highlight? New studies now confirm that the arterial baroreflex does control long‐term level of blood pressure through mechanisms which involve electrolyte and water excretion via nervous control of the kidney. The review also describes recent data on human blood pressure control using implanted devices to unilaterally stimulate the carotid baroreceptors, effective over several years with minimal complications. Music therapy is also discussed.
Carrier-based modulation techniques for five-phase open-end winding drive topology

The paper discusses implementation of level-shifted and phase-shifted carrier-based modulation methods, in conjunction with a multiphase open-end winding drive topology. The considered drive is supplied using two five-phase two-level voltage source inverters (VSIs), with input provided from two isolated dc sources of equal dc voltages. The topology is known to yield the same space vector pattern as a corresponding three-level inverter in single-sided supply mode. It is shown in the paper that, with the application of a simple logic, the same phase voltage waveforms result as those obtainable with the appropriate carrier-based modulation scheme applied to the three-level VSI in single-sided supply mode. While the outcomes of the modulation techniques are the same, the open-end winding topology offers certain advantages, such as modularity and absence of capacitor voltage balancing requirements. The analysis is conducted for selected modulation methods using voltage and current waveforms, spectra and total harmonic distortion (THD) as figures of merit. Theoretical considerations are verified by means of simulation and experimental results.
Efficiency of Expenditure on Education and Learning by Brazilian States: A Study with Data Envelopment Analysis

This work aims to demonstrate the efficiency degree achieved by the Brazilian states in the allocation of public resources for education. We used multivariate statistical analysis, with Data Envelopment Analysis and Multiple Regression, with data from 2001 to 2011. The results show that some states achieved good efficiencies such as Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul. These states succeeded in conciliating reasonable expenses with good scores in education assessments and tests. Maranhão and Pará had unsatisfactory scores in teaching, but also lower budgets of public expenditure. Thus, focusing on Brazilian Public Education, the results show the efficiency degree in public spending and education outcomes, using several variables and time periods.
Development of Blood Coagulation—A Fetal Lamb Model

Summary: To study the normal development of blood coagulation factor activities in a growing fetus while avoiding the effects of labor and delivery, a chronic fetal lamb model was developed in which serial blood samples from 10 fetuses were studied during the third trimester of pregnancy and 24 hr after birth. Under operating room conditions with sterile technique, a polyethylene catheter to which heparin had been bound to both internal and external surfaces was inserted into the femoral artery of the fetus. The catheter was brought out through a skin pouch to the side of the ewe and enclosed in a zip lock bag. Blood samples were withdrawn from the catheter three times each week for measurement of coagulation factor activities. Levels of coagulation factor activities at birth in noncatheterized animals were not different from those found in catheterized animals except for factor IX activity which was 12% higher in the catheterized animals (0.02 < P < 0.05). The patterns of development for each of the coagulation factors were similar in all 10 animals studied. Fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factor VII show a decrease in activity early in the last trimester of pregnancy whereas other factors V, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, and XIII show a gradual increase in activity throughout the last trimester of pregnancy. Both factors VIII and IX show a significant increase in activity (23% factor VIII and 12% factor IX) associated with the process of delivery. The levels of coagulation factor activities at birth in the lamb relative to adult sheep normals are similar to those found in humans with the exception of factor XIII. Factor XIII is at normal levels in the newborn lamb and is reported to be at levels approximately 50% of the adult level in human infants.Speculation: The development of a chronic fetal lamb preparation has allowed the construction of developmental patterns for coagulation factor activities throughout the last trimester of pregnancy. Further studies into the biology of the changes in coagulation factor activities observed and the influences of such stresses as hypoxemia and premature delivery should enhance our understanding of the bleeding neonate.
Working-age persons with multiple sclerosis and access to disease-modifying medications

US residents can face serious financial barriers to obtaining prescription medications, including disease-modifying medications for multiple sclerosis (MS). We conducted 30-min telephone surveys with 983 persons with MS nationwide, 21—64 years old, to explore how financial and health insurance concerns affect access to services including MS drugs. Almost everyone (96.3%) had some health insurance. Multivariable logistic regression analyses accounted for demographic, disease and insurance characteristics. Only 10.8% of those <40 years old had never received disease-modifying medications, compared with 41.1% of persons aged 60—64. Among the uninsured, 36.8% reported having never taken these medications, compared with 21.2% of persons with health insurance. Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of using these drugs in prior 12 months among the uninsured (compared with insured persons) was 0.28 (0.08, 0.95). Just over 16% of persons with public health plans reported that their insurer initially denied coverage for MS medication. When asked about MS medications in general, 22.3% reported having not filled prescriptions, skipping doses or splitting pills because of cost concerns; 22.4% worried `a lot' about getting MS medications when they needed them. Substantial fractions of persons with MS confront financial and health plan-related barriers to obtaining MS drugs. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 112—122. http://msj.sagepub. com