Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
USING INTELLIGENT AGENTS FOR PERFORMANCE TUNING OF BIG DATA PARALLEL APPLICATIONS

Clusters of workstations are widely used to carry out big data applications. Applications running on these architectures may not produce the anticipated speedup because of imperfect load distribution. Developing intelligent application support tools that help improving performance by adjusting performance parameters is of great importance for the big data applications. A new architecture is presented in this paper to tune the performance of big data parallel applications with minimal effort from the application programmer and designer. This architecture is based on using intelligent agents to automatically and adaptively decide on load distribution with a focuses on image processing applications. This architecture is comprised of several features that are well-suited to heterogeneous environments, including: a flexible image partitioning scheme that assigns tasks in proportion to workstation’s computational capabilities, an overlapping task assignment scheme that allows load balancing operations to be carried out with minimal communications overhead.
ULTRA-STRIPPED TYPE Ic SUPERNOVAE FROM CLOSE BINARY EVOLUTION

Recent discoveries of weak and fast optical transients raise the question of their origin. We investigate the minimum ejecta mass associated with core-collapse supernovae (SNe) of Type Ic. We show that mass transfer from a helium star to a compact companion can produce an ultra-stripped core which undergoes iron core collapse and leads to an extremely fast and faint SN Ic. In this Letter, a detailed example is presented in which the pre-SN stellar mass is barely above the Chandrasekhar limit, resulting in the ejection of only ∼0.05–0.20 M☉ of material and the formation of a low-mass neutron star (NS). We compute synthetic light curves of this case and demonstrate that SN 2005ek could be explained by our model. We estimate that the fraction of such ultra-stripped to all SNe could be as high as 10−3–10−2. Finally, we argue that the second explosion in some double NS systems (for example, the double pulsar PSR J0737−3039B) was likely associated with an ultra-stripped SN Ic.
- 1-Alum sludge-based constructed wetland system for enhanced removal of P 1 and OM from wastewater : Concept , design and performance analysis 2 3

Title Alum sludge-based constructed wetland system for enhanced removal of P and OM from wastewater : concept, design and performance analysis Authors(s) Babatunde, A.O. ; Zhao, Y.Q. ; Zhao, X.H. Publication date 2010-08 Publication information Bioresource Technology, 101 (16): 6576-6579 Publisher Elsevier Link to online version http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.biortech. 2010.03. 066 Item record/more information http://hdl.handle. net/10197/3170 Publisher's statement þÿ T h i s i s t h e a u t h o r s v e r s i o n o f a w o r k t h a t w a s a c c e p t e d f o r p u b l i c a t i o n i n B i o r e s o u r c e Technology. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Bioresource Technology, 101 (16): 6576-6579 DOI 10.1016/j.biortech. 2010.03. 066. Publisher's version (DOI) 10.1016/j.biortech. 2010.03. 066
NodeFinder: Scalable Search over Highly Dynamic Geo-distributed State

Finding nodes with certain criteria is a critical need for many cloud services. For example, a cloud monitoring service needs to query thousands of hosts in a data-center to check for resource usage while a cloud homing service needs to find edge data centers across the world that satisfy certain complex constraints. This is a challenging problem, especially when confronted with highly dynamic state, scale on the order of hundreds or even thousands, geo-distribution and complex query constraints that traverse decentralized data sources. In this paper, we address this problem through the design of NodeFinder that is based on a novel pull-based approach in which we maintain decentralized (peer-to-peer) groups of nodes structured according to the node attribute values (i.e., their state). This allows queries to be sent to only a few representatives of the groups that have the potential of satisfying the constraints, and then the representatives gossip with their peers and return the latest set of nodes. This guarantees freshness of results, and ensures directed and thereby scalable querying. We show NodeFinder’s use in production use-cases such as host monitoring in our OpenStack clouds and NFV homing on edge clouds. Our preliminary experiments on Amazon EC2 illustrate NodeFinder’s scalability and efficiency as compared to today’s approaches.
Performance and Quality Analysis of Convolution-Based Volume Illumination

Convolution-based techniques for volume rendering are among the fastest in the on-the-fly volumetric illumination category. Such methods, however, are still considerably slower than conventional local illumination techniques. In this paper we describe how to adapt two commonly used strategies for reducing aliasing artifacts, namely pre-integration and supersampling, to such techniques. These strategies can help reduce the sampling rate of the lighting information (thus the number of convolutions), bringing considerable performance benefits. We present a comparative analysis of their effectiveness in offering performance improvements. We also analyze the (negligible) differences they introduce when comparing their output to the reference method. These strategies can be highly beneficial in setups where direct volume rendering of continuously streaming data is desired and continuous recomputation of full lighting information is too expensive, or where memory constraints make it preferable not to keep additional precomputed volumetric data in memory. In such situations these strategies make single pass, convolution-based volumetric illumination models viable for a broader range of applications, and this paper provides practical guidelines for using and tuning such strategies to specific use cases.
A Strong, Broad Absorption Feature in the X-Ray Spectrum of the Nearby Neutron Star RX J1605.3+3249

We present X-ray spectra taken with XMM-Newton of RX J1605.3+3249, the third brightest in the class of nearby thermally emitting neutron stars. In contrast to what is the case for the brightest object, RX J1856.5-3754, we find that the spectrum of RX J1605.3+3249 cannot be described well by a pure blackbody, but shows a broad absorption feature at 27 Å (0.45 keV). With this, it joins the handful of isolated neutron stars for which spectral features arising from the surface have been detected. We discuss possible mechanisms that might lead to the features, as well as the overall optical to X-ray spectral energy distribution, and compare the spectrum with what is observed for the other nearby thermally emitting neutron stars. We conclude that we may be observing absorption due to the proton cyclotron line, as was suggested for the other sources, but weakened because of the strong-field quantum electrodynamics effect of vacuum resonance mode conversion.
Análise da interação solo não-homogêneo/estrutura via acoplamento MEC/MEF

ALMEIDA, V.S. (2003). Analysis of nonhomogeneous soil-structure interaction using BEM-FEM coupling. São Carlos. 192p. Thesis (Doctoral) – São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo. The analysis of the soil-structure system interaction is a vast field of interest in the area of civil engineering. A realistic representation of its behaviour is a complex numerical task due to its extremely variable mechanical behaviour. Thus, in the present research, the soil is considered a non-homogeneous continuum supported by a rigid and adhesive interface and modelled by boundary element method via Kelvin solution in 3D space. The foundation is also modelled by this above-mentioned modelling technique. The raft foundation and the superstructure are represented by finite shell and 3D frame elements. In order to estimate the accuracy and the potentiality of the proposed numerical formulation, some examples are validated when compared to similar approaches, and others simulations are presented to stress the necessity of coupling the non-homogeneous soilfoundation-radier-superstructure system as a whole. Finally, to acquire numerical time efficiency, it is shown that it is imperative to apply parallel processing and sparse techniques for the solution of the final system.
Would a legal minimum wage reduce poverty ? A microsimulation study for Germany

In view of rising wage inequality and increasing poverty, the introduction of a legal minimum wage has recently become an important policy issue in Germany. We analyze the distributional effects of the introduction of a nationwide legal minimum wage of € 7.5 per hour on the basis of a microsimulation model which accounts for the complex interactions between individual wages, the tax-benefit system and net household incomes. Simulation results show that the minimum wage would be rather ineffective in reducing poverty, even if it led to a substantial increase in hourly wages at the bottom of the wage distribution and had no negative employment effects. The ineffectiveness of a minimum wage in Germany is mainly due to the existing system of meanstested income support. JEL classification: I32, H31, J32
A Protocol for Recording Visual and Motor Behaviour for Scientific Support in the Teaching and Training of Sailing in a Simulator

This research aims to test the suitability of a protocol for automated measurement to describe visual and motor behaviour in the process of learning to sail. The objective is to provide coaches with the necessary scientific and technological support to analyse the variables of success in race starting. The study was performed with a highly ranked sailor in the Optimist class ranking. The instruments used to carry out the investigation were the sailing simulator VSail-Trainer® and the eye tracking system ASL®. Two simulated race starts were performed with a protocol of five minutes. The results show the automated protocol is suitable for measuring the ability of boat handling and visual performance in simulated conditions. Visual behaviour shows that the sailor visually fixates on locations that provide relevant information for the race start such as clock, other competitors, wind direction and the start buoys.
A FAR-IR VIEW OF THE STARBURST-DRIVEN SUPERWIND IN NGC 2146

NGC 2146, a nearby luminous infrared galaxy, presents evidence for outflows along the disk minor axis in all gas phases (ionized, neutral atomic, and molecular). We present an analysis of the multi-phase, starburst-driven superwind in the central 5 kpc as traced in spatially resolved spectral line observations, using far-IR Herschel PACS spectroscopy, to probe the effects on the atomic and ionized gas, and optical integral field spectroscopy to examine the ionized gas through diagnostic line ratios. We observe an increased ∼250 km s−1 velocity dispersion in the [O i] 63 μm, [O iii] 88 μm, [N ii] 122 μm, and [C ii] 158 μm fine-structure lines that is spatially coincident with high excitation gas above and below the disk. We model this with a slow ∼200 km s−1 shock and trace the superwind to the edge of our field of view 2.5 kpc above the disk. We present new SOFIA 37 μm observations to explore the warm dust distribution, and detect no clear dust entrainment in the outflow. The stellar kinematics appear decoupled from the regular disk rotation seen in all gas phases, consistent with a recent merger event disrupting the system. We consider the role of the superwind in the evolution of NGC 2146 and speculate on the evolutionary future of the system. Our observations of NGC 2146 in the far-IR allow an unobscured view of the wind, crucial for tracing the superwind to the launching region at the disk center, and provide a local analog for future ALMA observations of outflows in high-redshift systems.
Acute Pancreatitis : An Update

Clinical features Abdominal pain is the major symptom. Pain may vary from mild and tolerable discomfort to severe, constant & incapacitating distress in the epigastrium and periumbilical region radiating to the back. Low grade fever, tachycardia, hypotension, jaundice and pulmonary findings may occur in 10-20 percent. Bluish discoloration (Cullen's sign) and green, brown discoloration of the flanks (Turner's sign) may be seen (6). Laboratory diagnosis Estimation of pancreatic enzymes viz., serum amylase and lipase >3-5 times the normal and urinary amylase have sensitivity and specificity of >90-92% (7). NonTrypsinogen Trypsin Prothrombin Thrombin
Image Segmentation Using Superpixel Based Split and Merge Method

A super pixel can be defined as a group of pixels, which have similar characteristics, which can be very helpful for image segmentation. It is generally color based segmentation as well as other features like texture, statistics.etc . There are many algorithms available to segment super pixels like Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLIC) super pixels and Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Application with Noise (DBSCAN). SLIC algorithm essentially relay on choosing N random or regular seeds points covering the used image for segmentation. In this paper Split and Merge algorithm was used instead to overcome determination the seed point's location and numbers as well as other used parameters. The overall results were better from the SLIC method depending on single threshold, which control the segments number needed (like 0.2) to accomplish the task.
Emek Piyasasında Asgari Ücret, İşsizlik ve Enflasyon Arasındaki İlişkilerin Ekonometrik Bir Analizi: Türkiye Örneği (1969-2006)

Bu calismada Turkiye emek piyasasinda 1969-2006 donemi dikkate alinarak, asgari ucret, issizlik ve enflasyon arasindaki iliskiler analiz edilmistir. Soz konusu analizlerde, ADF testi, Johansen es-butunlesme testi ile Granger nedensellik testinden yararlanilmistir. Elde edilen sonuclara gore, 1969-2006 yillari arasinda asgari ucretteki artislarin enflasyondaki artislarin uzerinde oldugu gorulmustur. Ayrica, asgari ucret ile enflasyon Granger Nedensellik testi anlaminda karsilikli bir etkiye sahip olduklari tespit edilmistir.
Interaction between vortices in models with two order parameters

The interaction energy and force between widely separated strings is analyzed in a field theory having applications to superconducting cosmic strings, the SO(5) model of high-temperature superconductivity, and solitons in nonlinear optics. The field theory has two order parameters, one of which is broken in the vacuum (giving rise to strings), the other of which is unbroken in the vacuum but which could nonetheless be broken in the core of the string. If this does occur, there is an effect on the energetics of widely separated strings. This effect is important if the length scale of this second order parameter is longer than that of the other fields in the problem.
Hybrid Ray-Traced Reflections in Real-Time : in OpenGL 4.3

Context. Reaching photo realistic results when rendering 3D graphics in real-time is a hard computational task. Ray-tracing gives results close to this but is too expensive to be run at real-time frame rates. On the other hand rasterized methods such as deferred rendering are able to keep the tight time constraints with the support of modern hardware.Objectives. The basic objective is to merge deferred rendering and ray-tracing into one rasterized pipeline for dynamic scenes. In the thesis the proposed method is explained and compared to the methods it merges. Image quality, execution time and VRAM usage impact are investigated.Methods. The proposed method uses deferred rendering to render the result of the primary rays. Some pixels are marked, based on material properties for further rendering with ray-tracing. Only reflections are presented in the thesis but it has been proven that other global illumination effects can be implemented in the ray-tracing framework used.Results and Conclusions. The hybrid method is proved through experiments to be between 2.49 to 4.19 times faster than pure ray-tracing in the proposed pipeline. For smaller scenes it can be run at frame rates close to real-time, but, for larger scenes such as the Crytek Sponza scene the real-time feeling is lost. However, interactivity is never lost. It is also proved that a simple adjustment to the original framework can save almost 2/3 of the memory spent on A-buffers. Image comparisons prove that the technique can compete with offline ray tracers in terms of image quality.
Lower performance of Toxoplasma-infected, Rh-negative subjects in the weight holding and hand-grip tests

Toxoplasma, a protozoan parasite of cats, infects many species of intermediate and paratenic hosts, including about one-third of humans worldwide. After a short phase of acute infection, the tissue cysts containing slowly dividing bradyzoites are formed in various organs and toxoplasmosis proceeds spontaneously in its latent form. In immunocompetent subjects, latent toxoplasmosis was considered asymptomatic. However, dozens of studies performed on animals and humans in the past twenty years have shown that it is accompanied by a broad spectrum of specific behavioural, physiological and even morphological changes. In human hosts, the changes often go in the opposite direction in men and women, and are mostly weaker or non-existent in Rh-positive subjects. Here, we searched for the indices of lower endurance of the infected subjects by examining the performance of nearly five hundred university students tested for toxoplasmosis and Rh phenotype in two tests, a weight holding test and a grip test. The results confirmed the existence of a negative association of latent toxoplasmosis with the performance of students, especially Rh-negative men, in these tests. Surprisingly, but in an accordance with some already published data, Toxoplasma-infected, Rh-positive subjects expressed a higher, rather than lower, performance in our endurance tests. Therefore, the results only partly support the hypothesis for the lower endurance of Toxoplasma infected subjects as the performance of Rh-positive subjects (representing majority of population) correlated positively with the Toxoplasma infection.
Associations between energetics and over-winter survival in the short-tailed field vole Microtus agrestis

Summary 1 Over-winter mortality in small mammals is influenced strongly by low ambient temperatures. Individuals with greater thermogenic capacities might then be expected to survive better than those with lower thermogenic capacities. 2 To test this hypothesis, short-tailed field voles Microtus agrestis (Linnaeus) were captured during the winters of 1995/96 and 1996/97 at two field sites near Aberdeen (57°N). The captured animals were tagged and taken back to the laboratory, where their resting metabolism (RMR), thermogenic capacity (NA induced metabolism excluding RMR) and body mass were measured. 3 Body mass, RMR and thermogenic capacity did not differ significantly between the start and end of winter in voles that were captured at both times. 4 Body mass varied significantly over the winter months, being lowest in January and highest in March. Thermogenic capacity also varied over the winter and the variation was linked significantly with changes in ambient temperature, suggesting that either voles with greater thermogenic capacity were more likely to be active on cold nights, or voles were flexible in their thermogenic capacities. RMR did not vary significantly over the winter. 5 Animals that survived the winter had a significantly higher residual RMR than those that died (or permanently emigrated) but the survivors did not have significantly greater body masses, RMRs, thermogenic capacities or residual thermogenic capacities.
Teaching two-way ribbed slab analysis and design using the MathCAD program

In this article, the author presents a parallel approach to the traditional teaching method of two-way ribbed slabs. In this approach, the emphasis has been shifted to the use of the MathCAD program in developing a better understanding of the analysis and design of two-way ribbed slabs. MathCAD possesses efficient computation and presentation capabilities. It holds strong potential as a teaching tool, as well as a learning aid for education and training. By using the presentation and programming features available in MathCAD, interactive teaching and learning devices in the analysis and design of two-way ribbed slabs have been produced. A case study is used in order to demonstrate the application of the MathCAD program and to demonstrate its impact on teaching the analysis and design of two-way ribbed slabs.
Redox decoupling and redox budgets: Conceptual tools for the study of earth systems

Redox processes affect many aspects of geological systems. It is therefore useful to distinguish between chemical processes that result in changes in the capacities of reservoirs to oxidize or reduce from those that do not. Two terms are proposed to make this distinction. The first is redox decoupling: the transport of redox- sensitive elements (e.g., H, C, S, Fe) such that reservoirs experience a change in their capacity to oxidize or reduce other material. The second is electrochemical differentiation: the effect of one or more redox decoupling processes that change existing gradients in redox potential. Recognition of redox decoupling requires the use of an extensive rather than an intensive redox variable, because intensive variables do not provide information on fluxes. Redox budget, defined as the number of moles of negative charge that must be added to a sample to reach a reference state, is such a variable. Construction of redox budgets for mid-oceanic-ridge basalt (MORB) lavas and glasses reveals that redox decoupling occurs during crystallization at the Mid-Atlantic, Pacific, and Red Sea ridges, with net oxidation of the crystallized lava. The concepts of electrochemical differentiation, redox decoupling, and redox budget may be useful for researchers studying global cycling, the formation of ore deposits, volcanism, evolution of the mantle, crust and core, redox-related environmental problems, and biotic systems.
Localized Space-Time Autoregressive Parameters Estimation for Traffic Flow Prediction in Urban Road Networks

With the rapid increase of private vehicles, traffic congestion has become a worldwide problem. Various models have been proposed to undertake traffic prediction. Among them, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models are quite popular for their good performance (simple, low complexity, etc.) in traffic prediction. Localized Space-Time ARIMA (LSTARIMA) improves ARIMA’s prediction accuracy by extending the widely used STARIMA with a dynamic weight matrix. In this paper, a localized space-time autoregressive (LSTAR) model was proposed and a new parameters estimation method was formulated based on the LSTARIMA model to reduce computational complexity for real-time prediction purposes. Moreover, two theorems are given and verified for parameter estimation of our proposed LSTAR model. The simulation results showed that LSTAR provided better prediction accuracy when compared to other time series models such as Shift, autoregressive (AR), seasonal moving average (Seasonal MA), and Space-Time AR (STAR). We found that the prediction accuracy of LSTAR was a bit lower than the LSTARIMA model in the simulation results. However, the computational complexity of the LSTAR model was also lower than the LSTARIMA model. Therefore, there exists a tradeoff between the prediction accuracy and the computational complexity for the two models.