Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performability Guarantee for Periodic Tasks in Real-Time Systems

Performability is an important parameter in safety-critical real-time systems. This parameter is defined as the joint consideration of two other important parameters, i.e., reliability and performance. This paper proposes a schedulability condition, which guarantees a desired level of performability in various working conditions, for real-time systems. The basic idea underlining this condition is to select a subset of schedulable tasks and manage their slack times to satisfy a desired performability level. The proposed condition is evaluated on a hard real-time system that employs the Rate-Monotonic (RM) scheduling algorithm and uses the re-execution mechanism to improve the reliability. Evaluation results reveal that by employing the condition, the level of performability of the system is always greater than the desired performability. In addition, it yields on average 1% improvement in the system performability in comparison with traditional schedulability conditions, while the actual failure rate is greater than the expected rate. This amount of performability improvement is significant for safety-critical real-time systems.
Sources of Bisphenol A Contamination in Drinking Water in Pakistan and Determination of Migration Rates

This is a first study of BPA contamination in stored drinking water in Pakistan. Commercial filters, installed at ten different locations at Lahore College for Women University, were selected for analyses of BPA in triplicate by reversed phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Migration of BPA in 10% ethanol at different exposure timings (24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours) was also determined (5.78-31.2 ppb, M=11, SD=9.7). The BPA contents detected in commercial filter samples were 1.38-11.30 ppb (M=5.99, SD=2.96). BPA amounts detected in samples plastic bottled samples ranged from 11.89 ppb to 12.42 ppb (M=12.15, SD=0.2). In plastic material of bottle BPA contents ranged from 5.78 ppb to 6.34 ppb (M=6.0, SD=0.2) after accounting for free BPA present in plastic-ware. The daily intake of BPA calculated (60 kg body wt.) was 12.42 μg/L/ body weight. Which far exceeded the provisional TDI of BPA set by Health Canada (25 μg/kg/body weight).
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DUAL SPACE OF $L^1$ AND LEBESGUE DECOMPOSITION FOR NON-$\sg$-FINITE MEASURE SPACES

The purpose of this paper is to determine the dual space of the space L of all Daniell integrable functions and to prove the Lebesgue decomposition theorem in general measure spaces. In the measure theory, it is well known that the dual space (L1)∗ can be identified with essentially bounded function space L∞ = L∞(Ω,Σ, μ) when μ is σ-finite, and that the non-σ-finite measure μ fails the Lebesgue decomposition. We show, in general, that the element of (L1)∗ consists of a particular family of measurable functions. We call this family “folder”, and the folder enables us to determine the dual space of L1 and to formulate the general Lebesgue decomposition theorem. AMS Subject Classification: 28B99, 46B22
Apprentissage non-supervisé d'images par hybridation génétique d'une chaîne de Markov cachée Unsupervised learning of pictures by genetic hibrydization of hidden Markov chain

and key words This paper presents a learning algorithm using hidden Markov models (HMMs) and genetic algorithms (GAs) . Two standard problems to be solved with HMMs are how to determine the probabilities and the number of hidden states of the learned models . Generally, this number of states is determined either by the trial-error method that needs experimentation, or by the background knowledge available . The presented algorithm uses a GA in order to determine at the same time both the number of states and the probabilities of learned HMMs . This hybrid algorithm uses the Baum-Welch algorithm to optimise precisely the probabilities of HMMs . Several algorithms, either hybrid or not, are compared in a face recognition task . The obtained results highlight the strength of our approach for the concerned problem . Hidden Markov chains, genetic algorithms, hybridization, unsupervised learning, picture recognition .
GAS EMISSION AND GAS UTILISATION IN THE ABANDONED MINING AREA OF THE RUHR DISTRICT

As in other coal mining areas of Europe also in the Ruhr district problems with gas outflows on the surface may occur, when mines are closed and the ventilation system is shut down. The gas volume, which remains in the coal measures in the abandoned area, causes diffuse gas inflows on the surface. This depends on the permeabilities of the remaining roadway system, the filled shafts and the rock layers, both in the area of the filled shafts and outside of it. The problems of safety and their control are described on concrete examples. However the mine gas is also an energy source the utilisation of which is supported in Germany by a new law since the year 2000. The gas is exhausted and utilized at ten locations at the moment (electrical power so far about 39 MW). For example the location Kurl is explained in more detail. Further development of gas utilisation schemes, especially by boreholes, is intended.
Returns to schooling in Uruguay

In this paper we analyze the economic returns to schooling in Uruguay. Instrumental variables are used to estimate mean and quantile regressions. An indicator of whether an Internet connection is available at home is used as an instrument for the years of schooling of the household head. The evidence shows that the simple Mincer OLS estimates are downward biased. When estimates are controlled for measurement error in schooling reports the results indicate that an additional year of schooling increases wage rates by 22 percent.
An Index-Based Measure of Liquidity 1

An Index-Based Measure of Liquidity The liquidity shocks of ’08–’09 revealed that measures of liquidity risk being used in most financial institutions turned out to be woefully inadequate. The construction of long-short portfolios based on liquidity proxies introduces errors such as extraneous risk factors and hedging error. We develop a new measure for liquidity risk using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that attempts to minimize this error. We form a theoretically-supported measure that is long ETFs and short the underlying components of that ETF, i.e., long and short the exact same set of underlying securities with the same weights. Pricing discrepancies between the long and short positions are driven by liquidity differences between the ETF and its underlying components. Constructing theoretically supported liquidity risk factors in a number of markets, we undertake several tests to validate our new liquidity metric. The results show that our illiquidity measure is strongly related to other measures of illiquidity, explains bond index returns, and reveals a systematic illiquidity component across fixedincome markets.
Characterisation of copper alloy antique ornamental accessories found in Northern Albania

This study was performed to determine the chemical elements used to produce ancient metallic alloys and to understand the manufacture technique of three archaeological founds. It also presents an evaluation method of the objects’ authenticity based on the observation of the corrosion products. This article also includes three ornamental accessories ca. VII-IV century BC found in the vicinity of Shkodra (Albania). A necklace, a belt application and a button are examined using X ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine the chemical composition and optical microscopy (OM) with reflected and polarised light in order to study the microstructure and the corrosion products. From the XRF results all the objects are bronze, copper-tin and copper-tin-lead alloys. After the OM analysis they are authentic objects (not fake replicas) and might have been produced after a casting process in moulds.
Validating Pupils’ Behaviour Intention to Use E-Book Technology in their Learning

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a new learning environments instrument designed to aid investigators and practitioners in measuring and researching the pupils’ behaviour intention to use e-book technology. The use of e-book technology in schools is now ubiquitous, but the effectiveness on the learning environment has mixed results. This study intends to investigate factors affecting pupils’ behavioural intentions to use the e-book technology. Integrating Child Computer Interaction (CCI) factors such as usability and interface with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) factors such as Perceived Enjoyment (PE), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Behaviour Intention (BI). Using e-book technology acceptance survey was developed, field-tested with 40 pupils from school aged 10-17 years and then validated. The proposed questionnaire has 33 items allocated to six scales: (1) Usability; (2) interface; (3) Perceived Enjoyment; (4) Perceived Ease of Use; (5) Perceived Usefulness and (6) Behaviour Intention. The proposed questionnaire was administered to pupils in the schools. Six experts in the field of computer science, information system and technology to justify it, especially in relation to the elements of each concept, assessed content validity or face validity of the questionnaire. Then alpha reliability, convergent validity and discernment validity have been calculated in this study.
174-182 Alizade H.pmd

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of virulence genes and phylogenetic groups/subgroups of Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from diarrheic and urinary tract infections (UTI) cases in Rigan area, southeast of Iran. One hundred thirty five E. coli were isolated from diarrheic (90 isolates) and urinary tract infections (45 isolates) samples. The confirmed isolates were examined to detect the phylogenetic group/subgroups and a selection of virulence genes including iucD, sfa/focDE, afaIBC, papEF, hly, cnfI and cdtI by PCR. The examined isolates belonged to four phylogenetic groups A (42.2%), B1 (14.1%), B2 (10.4%), and D (33.3%). Among 135 tested bacteria, 62.22% of diarrheic and 30.37% of UTI isolates had at least one of the virulence genes. In the diarrheic isolates iucD (47.77%) was the most prevalent gene. The other genes including sfa/focDE, afaIBC, papEF and cnfI/cdtI genes were detected in 15, 13, 11 and one diarrheic isolates respectively. None of the diarrheic isolates were positive for hly gene. Out of 45 UTI isolates 28.88% were positive for iucD, 13.33% for cnfI, 11.11% for afaIBC, 11.11% for papEF, 6.66% for sfa/focDE and 4.44% for cdtI genes. Several combination patterns of the virulence genes were detected in diarrheic and UTI isolates. In conclusion, the prevalence of virulence genes in diarrheic and UTI isolates differ according to phylogenetic groups, although B2 and D phylotypes have an accumulation of virulence associated genes.
Nonparametric estimation of time-varying covariance matrix in a slowly changing vector random walk model

A new multivariate random walk model with slowly changing parameters is introduced and investigated in detail. Nonparametric estimation of local covariance matrix is proposed. The asymptotic distributions, including asymptotic biases, variances and covariances of the proposed estimators are obtained. The properties of the estimated value of a weighted sum of individual nonparametric estimators are also studied in detail. The integrated effect of the estimation errors from the estimation for the difference series to the integrated processes is derived. Practical relevance of the model and estimation is illustrated by application to several foreign exchange rates.
Automatic Road Pavement Assessment with Image Processing: Review and Comparison

In the field of noninvasive sensing techniques for civil infrastructures monitoring, this paper addresses the problem of crack detection, in the surface of the French national roads, by automatic analysis of optical images. The first contribution is a state of the art of the image-processing tools applied to civil engineering. The second contribution is about fine-defect detection in pavement surface. The approach is based on a multi-scale extraction and a Markovian segmentation. Third, an evaluation and comparison protocol which has been designed for evaluating this difficult task—the road pavement crack detection—is introduced. Finally, the proposed method is validated, analysed, and compared to a detection approach based on morphological tools.
Comparison of Measured and Calculated Coupling between a Waveguide and an RF Cavity Using CST Microwave Studio

Accurate predications of RF coupling between an RF cavity and ports attached to it have been an important study subject for years for RF coupler and higher order modes (HOM) damping design. We report recent progress and a method on the RF coupling simulations between waveguide ports and RF cavities using CST Microwave Studioin time domain (Transit Solver). Comparisons of the measured and calculated couplings are presented. The simulated couplings and frequencies agree within ∼ 10% and ∼ 0.1% with the measurements, respectively. We have simulated couplings with external Qs ranging from ∼ 100 to ∼ 100, 000, and verified with experimental measurements. The method also works well for higher Qs, and can be easily applied in RF power coupler designs and HOM damping for both normal-conducting and superconducting cavities.
The Effect of a Music Curriculum on the Reading Performance of Preschoolers in Singapore

This study explores from an intervention perspective what many believe - that music contributes to preschool-age children's awakening to different subject matters, particularly to reading and writing. Music can be a very powerful tool for evoking emotions; therefore its use as a stimulus for positive emotions makes it an incubator for children’s growth in literacy concepts that are weaved into it. Thus, a quasi-experimental design was used to investigate the effect of a preschool music curriculum on children’s reading aptitude. Post-tests showed that the reading age of the experimental group receiving the music curriculum was significantly higher than a control group with a very large effect size. The implication is that a music curriculum can be used as an efficient complementary educational approach to facilitate the development of word recognition abilities in preschool. This may eventually help reduce reading difficulties when children enter primary school.
Unilateral face-to-face communication in ultimatum bargaining - A video experiment

It is commonly accepted that face-to-face communication induces cooperation. The experiment disentangles communication and social effect (replication of Roth, 1995) and examines the components of the social effect with the help of unilateral communication. Results suggest that separate processes, both of a strategic and of an affective-social nature may induce cooperative outcomes in ultimatum bargaining with pre-play communication, depending on the communication protocol. Unilateral communication is found to have weaker effects than bilateral communication, and affects especially the recipient of the communication.
The Rise of China and the "Four-China" Nexus

The long and dramatic transformations that took place in China in the 20th century make it an ideal “case study” for scientific research of political and economic development and social change. Very few societies have been so radically transformed in such a short time of one century. Politically, the Chinese State and society transformed from a long imperial system to a short-lived republic, and then from a fragile and predatory warlordism to a revolutionary centralized socialist State. Economically, the country underwent a State-led socialist industrialization project based on “politics in command”, planned economy and collective egalitarianism, and then moved to an all-round economic reform based on “economics in command” and market mechanisms. Ideologically, the Chinese value system went through many “great leaps forward” from Confucianism to Marxism, from imperialism to republicanism, from feudalism to socialism and from collectivism to individualism. The Chinese political and economic landscape has experienced repeated shifts from crisis and failure to very rapid growth and achievement as well as from an orderand hierarchy-based societal formation to mass mobilization movements and to mass pursuit of wealth.
EMPIRICAL TESTS OF A MODEL OF AUTOMOBILE CHOICE INCORPORATING ATTITUDE, HABIT, AND SCRIPT

In previous research habit has been found to play an important role for choices of automobile. We propose and test a model of the process of habit formation. In this model a positive attitude towards driving is assumed to lead to that the automobile is frequently chosen. We identify this with a habit which later leads to script-based choices, that is, choices that are made on the basis of scripts triggered by minimal information. In a questionnaire study we measure participants´ (n=60) attitudes towards driving, self-reported frequency of using automobile, and their choices of mode for 15 descriptions of scripts (e.g., going to the beach with friends). Using maximum-likelihood methods available in LISREL8, a causal model is estimated from the covariances between the obtained measures. The results confirm the hypothesis that a positive attitude causes frequent choices to drive which in turn lead to script-based choices. We obtain consistent results from an experiment in which participants (n=24) repeatedly made choices between driving and walking and choices of destinations. After repeated choices of driving, the results indicated as expected that choices of driving were made independent of destination choice.
Spatial patterns of spring meroplankton along environmental gradients in a sub-Arctic fjord

The spatial patterns in abundance and composition of benthic invertebrate larvae (meroplankton), the correlation between these patterns and environmental variables (temperature, salinity and chl a) and the relative abundance of meroplankton in the mesozooplankton community were investigated in the sub-Arctic Porsangerfjord, Norway (70° N). Zooplankton samples and CTD-profiles were collected at 17 stations along the fjord in April 2013. A total of 32 morphologically different larval types belonging to 8 phyla were identified. Meroplankton were found at all stations, and their community and abundance differed significantly along the fjord. Meroplankton abundance in the inner and outer parts of the fjord was low and was dominated by Gastropoda and Echinodermata. The greatest numbers were recorded in shallow bays and the middle part of the fjord where Cirripedia and Polychaeta were dominant. Meroplankton contributed significantly to the mesozooplankton community in the bays (30 to 90%) and mid-fjord (13 to 48%) areas. These changes in community structure were attributed to spatial gradients in environmental variables such as chl a, salinity and temperature. The different communities suggested a seasonal succession in reproductive events from the fjord mouth toward the head. Considering that spring is an important season for reproduction in pelagic organisms, meroplankton may play a role in the pelagic ecosystem of high-latitude fjords as grazers and prey. Furthermore, the spatial dynamics and reproductive timing of benthic and holoplanktonic organisms are sensitive to local hydrographical features, illustrating their sensitivity to changing environments.
‘ collective memory ’ ’ : mapping the emergence of a concept in archival science

The concept of ‘‘collective’’ or ‘‘social’’ memory has assumed increasing prominence in the discourse of archivists over the past few decades. Archives are frequently characterized as crucial institutions of social memory, and many professional activities are considered forms of memory preservation. We present a systematic examination of the relationships between archives and collective memory as articulated in the English-language archival literature. We first identify the major themes regarding collective memory and categorize archival writings into four major threads. We then analyze citations extracted from 165 articles about collective memory published between 1980 and 2010 in four leading English-language archival studies journals. We identify the most influential scholars and publications and trace the evolution of the collective memory concept in that literature. By comparing the archival literature on collective memory to that indexed in Thomson’s Web of Science and in Google Scholar, we identify specific disciplines, authors, and works that archivists working on collective memory may find useful. We find that in general the archival literature on collective memory is fairly insular and self-referential and call on archivists to actively engage other disciplines when carrying out collective memory research.
Educational Decentralization Efforts in a Centralized Country:

This study captures the perspectives of school principals in Saudi Arabia regarding the new authorities granted to them as part of their country’s education decentralization efforts. Specifically, it explores these principals’ perceived ability to implement the new authorities, the levels of support they received, the effectiveness, and any additional authorities they desire. This study provides an opportunity to analyze the early efforts of a country with a very centralized educational system to implement decentralization efforts. A total of 173 Tatweer school principals completed an online survey, and findings suggest these Saudi principals perceived a limited ability to implement the authorities, low to moderate support, and only slight agreement that the authorities would achieve desired outcomes. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the principals’ perceived ability to implement administrative authorities, perceived support in implementing technical authorities, and years of experience predicted their beliefs about the effectiveness of the authorities.
Mahjong and Problem Gambling in Sydney: An Exploratory Study with Chinese Australians

Gambling is accepted as an integral part of Chinese cultural heritage. Epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that problem gambling rates among Chinese community members residing in Western countries are substantially higher (2.1–2.9%) compared with those reported for mainstream populations (0.5–1.7%). However, these studies failed to differentiate culturally specific forms of gambling and their association with problem gambling within Chinese samples. Thus, it is not possible to determine if, or what proportion of, Chinese problem gamblers exhibit a propensity to experience problems with culturally specific, as opposed to mainstream, forms of gambling. Mahjong, a popular game deeply entrenched in Chinese tradition, is played among peers and family members. In a recent study conducted by Zheng, Walker, and Blaszczynski (2008), high rates of Mahjong-associated problem gambling were found in a sample of Chinese international students attending language schools and universities in Sydney, Australia. The aim of the current study was to explore the extent of Mahjong-associated problem gambling in a broader community sample of Chinese Australians. Results showed that in a sample of 229 respondents, males and those 35 years or older were more likely to gamble on Mahjong and that 3.1% met the Canadian Problem Gambling Severity Index criteria for Mahjong problem gambling.