Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title Two workload properties for Brownian networks

As one approach to dynamic scheduling problems for open stochastic processing networks, J. M. Harrison has proposed the use of formal heavy traffic approximations known as Brownian networks. A key step in this approach is a reduction in dimension of a Brownian network, due to Harrison and Van Mieghem [21], in which the “queue length” process is replaced by a “workload” process. In this paper, we establish two properties of these workload processes. Firstly, we derive a formula for the dimension of such processes. For a given Brownian network, this dimension is unique. However, there are infinitely many possible choices for the workload process. Harrison [16] has proposed a “canonical” choice, which reduces the possibilities to a finite number. Our second result provides sufficient conditions for this canonical choice to be valid and for it to yield a non-negative workload process. The assumptions and proofs for our results involve only first-order model parameters. Short title: Two Workload Properties.
Perspectives on Internet of Things and Its Applications

This paper surveys the concept, architecture, key characteristics and technologies of IoT, especially intelligent identifying and sensing technologies, data uncertainty, data representation methods, massive data storage and processing scheme, security and privacy. Based on existing research, we propose related open issues and future evolution direction of IoT. Keywords-Internet of Things, Architecture, Key Technologies, Intelligent Technology
Modeling and Simulation of Short Range 3D Triangulation-Based Laser Scanning System

In this paper, a simulation environment for a short range 3D laser scanning system that uses triangulation is presented. The simulation is used for integrating a laser scanning probe that uses a line laser and two cameras, with a vertical articulated robotic arm with 6 degrees of freedom and a rotary table. The optical subsystem is simulated using POV-Ray ray tracing software, and the image processing for triangulation, together with the robotic arm kinematics and the user interface, are implemented in MATLAB.
A Genre Analysis of Reprint Request E-mails Written by EFL and Physics Professionals

The present study aimed to analyze reprint request e-mail messages written by postgraduates (MA students) of two fields of study, namely Physics and EFL, to realize the differences and similarities between the two email types. To investigate the purpose of the study, a sample of 100 e-mail messages, 50 Physics and 50 EFL, were analyzed according to Swales’ (1990) model for reprint requests and the modified moves, strategies and some microstructural features of the two corpora. The results showed that the two corpora were much alike at the level of move schemata while there were some differences concerning strategies and microstructural features. The e-mail writers within each discipline were affected by their previously learned texts and the Physics group was affected by conventions of Persian letter writing.
CERN – EUROPEAN ORGANIZATION FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH EFFECT AND OPTIMISATION OF NON-LINEAR CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS OF THE CLIC DRIVE BEAM RECOMBINATION AT CTF3

The CLIC design relies on the two-beam acceleration principle, i.e. the energy transfer from the so called drive beam to the main colliding beams. At the CLIC Test Facility (CTF3) at CERN the feasibility of this principle is being tested in terms of performance and achievable specifications. The high-current drive beam is generated by recombining its parts in a delay loop and a combiner ring. Preserving the drive beam emittance during the recombination process is crucial to ensure beam-current and power production stability. Present theoretical and experimental studies show that non-linear energy dependence of the transverse optics heavily spoils the quality of the recombined beam. Conventionally these effects are cured by means of non-linear corrections using sextupoles. In this work we propose a mitigation of these effects by optimising the linear lattice, leading to a more robust and easy to operate drive beam recombination complex. The latest results are presented. 7th International Particle Accelerator Conference, Busan, Korea, 8 13 May 2016 Geneva, Switzerland 12 May 2016 CLIC – Note – 1102 EFFECT AND OPTIMISATION OF NON-LINEAR CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS OF THE CLIC DRIVE BEAM RECOMBINATION AT CTF3 D. Gamba∗1, R. Corsini, P. K. Skowronski, F. Tecker, CERN, Geneva 1217, Switzerland P. N. Burrows, JAI, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RH, United Kingdom also at JAI, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RH, United Kingdom
Infrared Thermography and Fracture Analysis of Preferential Flow in Chalk

Preferential flow in fractured Cretaceous chalk has been investigated using infrared thermography (IRT) in a quarry in Denmark. Fracture mapping along the vertical quarry walls shows numerous horizontal fractures and four sets of vertical fractures respectively striking 25°, 60°, 145°, and 175°. Water flows out of the exposed walls mainly through fractures and to a minor extent by seepage through the matrix. To clarify which of the five fracture systems are hydraulically active, the exposure has been investigated using IRT. By making use of the contrast between the constant temperature of groundwater and the temperature of the exposed wall on a cold winter and a hot summer day, zones of groundwater discharge have been delineated. The results of the IRT suggest that the vertical shear fractures are the main hydraulically active conduits. Furthermore, the horizontal fractures are more hydraulically active in areas where they intersect a vertical stained fracture or in association with some flint layers. Stains of Fe3+ and Mn were observed primarily in fractures with a strike of approximately 25° and 175°, suggesting that the water flows preferentially in these fracture sets. The possible influence of the regional setting on the flow pattern is considered. The results suggest that the combined use of detailed fracture analysis and IRT is a valuable method for providing the input data required for both modeling and monitoring of fractured media.
Technical note: Update on response times, in-air measurements, and in situ drift for oxygen optodes on profiling platforms

Abstract. Oxygen optode measurements on floats and gliders suffer from a slow time response and various sources of drift in the calibration coefficients. Based on two dual-O2 Argo floats, we show how to post-correct for the effect of the optode's time response and give an update on optode in situ drift stability and in-air calibration. Both floats are equipped with an unpumped Aanderaa 4330 optode and a pumped Sea-Bird SBE63 optode. Response times for the pumped SBE63 were derived following Bittig et al. (2014) and the same methods were used to correct the time response bias. Using both optodes on each float, the time response regime of the unpumped Aanderaa optode was characterized more accurately than previously possible. Response times for the pumped SBE63 on profiling floats are in the range of 25–40 s, while they are between 60 and 95 s for the unpumped 4330 optode. Our parameterization can be employed to post-correct the slow optode time response on floats and gliders. After correction, both sensors agree to within 2–3 µmol kg−1 (median difference) in the strongest gradients (120 µmol kg−1 change over 8 min or 20 dbar) and better elsewhere. However, time response correction is only possible if measurement times are known, i.e., provided by the platform as well as transmitted and stored with the data. The O2 in-air measurements show a significant in situ optode drift of −0.40 and −0.27 % yr−1 over the available 2 and 3 years of deployment, respectively. Optode in-air measurements are systematically biased high during midday surfacings compared to dusk, dawn, and nighttime. While preference can be given to nighttime surfacings to avoid this in-air calibration bias, we suggest a parameterization of the daytime effect as a function of the Sun's elevation to be able to use all data and to better constrain the result. Taking all effects into account, calibration factors have an uncertainty of 0.1 %. In addition, in-air calibration factors vary by 0.1–0.2 % when using different reanalysis models as a reference. The overall accuracy that can be achieved following the proposed correction routines is better than 1 µmol kg−1.
Crowdsourced multimedia content: Resource allocation and data transmission

Recent years have witnessed the rapid growth of crowdsourced multimedia services, such as text-based Twitter, image-based Flickr, and video streaming-based Twitch and YouTube live events. Empowered by today’s rich tools for multimedia generation/distribution, as well as the growing prevalence of high-speed network and smart devices, most of the multimedia contents are crowdsourced from amateur users, rather than from commercial and professional content providers, and can be easily accessed by other users in a timely manner. Since cloud computing offers reliable, elastic and cost-effective resource allocation, it has been adopted by many multimedia service providers as the underlying infrastructure. In this thesis, we formulate the cloud resource allocation in crowdsourced multimedia services as a standard network utility maximization (NUM) problem with coupled constraints, in which real-time user interaction is a fundamental issue, and develop distributed solutions based on dual composition. We further propose practical improvements for the content generation and big data processing of crowdsourced multimedia services in a cloud environment. Crowdsourced multimedia services also rely on convenient mobile Internet access, since mobile users occupy a large portion of both content generators and content consumers. The rich multimedia content, especially images and videos, put significant pressure on the infrastructure of state-of-the-art cellular networks. Device-to-device (D2D) communication that smartly explores local wireless resources has been suggested as a complement of great potential to support proximity-based applications. In this thesis, we jointly consider resource allocation and power control with heterogeneous quality of service (QoS) requirements from diverse multimedia applications.
Modeling Routing Overhead of Reactive Protocols at Link Layer and Network Layer in Wireless Multihop Networks

To keep information recent between two nodes, two types of link sensing feed-back mechanisms are used: link layer (LL) and network layer (NL). In this paper, we model and evaluate these link sensing mechanisms in three widely used reactive routing protocols: ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV), dynamic source routing (DSR), and dynamic MANET on-demand (DYMO). Total cost paid by a routing protocol is the sum of cost paid in the form of energy consumed (in terms of packet reception/transmission) and time spent (in terms of processing route information). Routing operations are divided into two phases: route discovery (RD) and route maintenance (RM). These protocols majorly focus on broadcast cost optimization performed by expanding ring search (ERS) algorithm to control blind flooding. Hence, our model relates link sensing mechanisms in RD and RM for the selected routing protocols to compute consumed energy and processing time. The proposed framework is evaluated via NS-2, where the selected protocols are tested with different nodes' mobilities and densities.
Rapid International Expansion Strategy of Emerging Market Enterprises: The Interplay between Speed and Competitive Risks on International performance

Firms that internationalize relatively late may pursue rapid internationalization by entering multiple markets simultaneously to reach global scale faster and to capture early mover advantages. These trends run counter to the theory of incremental internationalization. With data on Korean firms' early international expansion experiences, we found evidence that a rapid international expansion strategy enhances firm performance in industries where globalization pressures are high, by firms with less lead-time of their home-country rivals, and in countries where they could be early movers.
Revised ( unmarked ) Identification of side population cells ( stem-like cell population ) in pediatric solid tumor cell lines

Purpose: Recent evidence has supported the “cancer stem cell” theory that cancer contains a small number of cancer stem cells (CSC) as a reservoir of cancer cells. Only the CSC, but not the remaining majority of constituent cancer cells, are thought to be responsible for tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis as well as cancer relapse, suggesting that the CSC should be targeted to eradicate the cancer. Side population (SP) cells isolated by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) using Hoechst dye are known to be enriched in stem cells in various normal tissues as well as cancers. The authors investigated whether such stem-like side population cells may exist in pediatric solid tumors (PST). Materials and methods: Sixteen pediatric tumor cell lines including 7 neuroblastomas, 4 rhabdomyosarcomas, and 5 Ewing’s sarcomas were used for FACS analysis. Analysis of SP cells based on the exclusion of the DNA binding dye Hoechst 33342 with and without verapamil using FACS was performed. Results: One Ewing’s sarcoma cell line did not show an SP fraction, and only a small fraction of SP cells (0.12-14.6%) was detected in the other 15 cell lines. These SP cells were all sensitive to verapamil. Conclusions: This study suggested that most PST would contain a small fraction of SP cells (possible stem-like population). Targeting the CSC will provide a novel treatment strategy to eradicate refractory PST. Index words: Cancer stem cell, Side population, Neuroblastoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma
Lodo de esgoto: impactos ambientais na agricultura.

Desde 1999 vem sendo conduzido na Embrapa Meio Ambiente o projeto denominado Impacto ambiental do uso agricola do lodo de esgoto, com objetivo geral de fornecer informacoes sobre os impactos ambientais da utilizacao agricola do lodo de esgoto continuada e em longo prazo, em condicoes ecologicas de cultivo para um agroecossistema em solo tropical. Essas informacoes sao importantes para as empresas geradoras de lodo de esgoto, para os orgaos ambientais, para as instituicoes responsaveis pela normatizacao de sua disposicao agricola e para a os responsaveis pela elaboracao de politica publica a respeito da disposicao de residuos em solos. O projeto, na sua primeira fase, teve a duracao de tres anos e esta programado para ser conduzido por 10 anos. Esse livro, o qual consideramos como um relatorio, tem por objetivo realizar uma prestacao de contas a sociedade sobre os resultados obtidos no transcorrer dos primeiros tres anos do projeto. Diversas informacoes existentes nos capitulos foram publicadas na forma de teses e artigos cientificos em revistas nacionais e internacionais.
Physiological and behavioral responses of dairy heifers in an integrated-crop-livestock-forestry system

The integrated crop-livestock-forestry system has been an option in tropics to mitigate the effects of heat stress on pasture-based system for dairy cows. We evaluate the effects of shade arrangements in integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems on physiological and behavioral responses of crossbred dairy heifers. Twenty-four crossbred European-Zebu heifers with 330.0±36.7 kg of body weight were assigned in three treatments: no shade, partial shade or total shade. Air temperature (34.4°C), black globe temperature (41.6°C), temperature humidity index (84) and heat load index (98) were higher (P<0.05) for the No shade treatment. Higher values of respiratory rate (99 mov.min-1) and skin temperature (38.1°C) were also found for the no shade treatment. Shade availability affected the grazing time (U = 246.5, P<0.05). Heifers spent 10% more time in pasture on shade treatments. No difference was found on time spent in rumination, drinking or walking on shade treatments. Shade provision was an efficient strategy to reduce respiratory rate and skin temperature as well as to increase grazing time in integrated crop-livestock-forestry system. Key words: Cattle, Eucalyptus, heat stress, integrated farming, pasture, shade.
An Examination of Revenue Management in Relation to Hotels' Pricing Strategies

Most hotels in the United States use revenue management, regardless of their pricing strategy relative to their competitive set. However, revenue management is executed more closely on average by hotels that price above their competitive set than by those who price below their competitive set. A study of over 6,000 hotels in all market segments found that virtually all hotels adjusted their rates in association with changes in occupancy. Although revenue management was nearly universal, hotels in certain market segments were less likely to adjust rates with occupancy and some simply did not do so. Mid-market hotels were heavily involved in revenue management, for instance, while many economy-segment properties apparently did not use this strategy. When the sample was divided according to pricing strategy, revenue management remained a nearly universal strategy. With regard to pricing strategy, some properties maintain their rates at a premium to those of their immediate competitors, while other hotels set room rates slightly below those of competitors (and others, much lower). Hotels that priced below competitors demonstrated strong use of revenue management, as did hotels that set their room rates above those of their competitors. The chief exception to the use of revenue management was certain groups of economy hotels. At the other end of the scale, luxury properties that price well below their competition constitute another group that does not seem to be applying revenuemanagement strategies.
ICTs in learning: Problems faced by Pakistan

The paper investigates the barriers to the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) at secondary level learning in Pakistan, with special emphasis on Punjab province. Exploring major barriers to the integration of ICTs at the school level, teacher level and student level and possible enablers to these barriers is the major focus of study. Sequential mixed method design is used. Interviews were analysed qualitatively whereas survey questionnaire were analysed quantitatively. It is observed from the findings that most of the participants have positive perceptions about integration of ICTs into their teaching and learning. Administrators and ICT coordinators revealed many barriers and possible enablers to the integration of ICTs. Many of these barriers are verified by the teachers and students. Later on however there were some barriers which were not endorsed by the teachers and students.
Control Design and Loop Gain Analysis of DC-to-DC Converters Intended for General Load Subsystems

DC-to-DC converters are usually intended for general applications where the load impedance characteristics are unknown or undefined. This paper establishes the control design procedures for DC-to-DC converters in the absence of any prior knowledge on their load impedance. The proposed control design can be universally adapted to all the DC-to-DC converters regardless of the impedance characteristics of their actual load. This paper also presents the loop gain analysis of the converter combined with an actual load whose impedance characteristics are only available afterward. A graphical analysis method is proposed, which enables us to predict the loop gain of the converter in the presence of an arbitrary load impedance. The validity of the analysis method is demonstrated using a current-mode controlled buck converter coupled with an inductive load, capacitive load, and converter load. Theoretical predictions are verified with both computer simulations and experimental measurements.
FEEDING ECOLOGY OF Cichlasoma amazonarum (Teleostei, Cichlidae) IN THE CENTRAL AMAZON LAKES, BRAZIL.

The diet of the cichlid Cichlasoma amazonarum was investigated through an analysis of 270 gastric contents obtained from monthly samples collected from five lakes located in the Central Brazilian Amazon, throughout the year of 2012. The composition of the diet was assessed using the methods of frequency of occurrence and relative dominance (frequency of biomass), which were combined in the Alimentary Importance Index (AIi) in accordance with the hydrological cycle’s extreme periods of drought and high waters. The intestinal coefficient was investigated to demonstrate the feeding tendencies of the species. The breadth and diversity of the trophic niche were also compared for these periods. The intestinal coefficient for the species (0.95), combined with the results of the analysis of food content, showed a species that demonstrates carnivorous/insectivorous habits. During the high water season, the diet is composed of unidentified animal matter, unidentified larvae and insects; and in the drought season, plant matter, unidentified animal matter and insects. Although there was no significant difference in dietary diversity between seasonal extremes, the analysis of the breadth of the trophic niche characterises the species as feeding specialists.
Impact of oxygen transport on char conversion in dual fluidized bed systems

In the context of thermochemical conversion of solid fuels in dual fluidized bed (DFB) reactors, oxygen carrier bed materials have been found to enhance the rate of char gasification.Char gasification is typically the rate limiting step in the conversion process, which plays a role on the performance of the overall process and constrains the design of the reactor. The quantity of oxygen carried by the bed material in relation to the fuel feeding rate is likely to influence char conversion. This parameter is commonly characterized in literature by the oxygen-carrier-to-fuel ratio (ϕ), and it can be adjusted by either varying the fuel feed and/or the circulation rate of bed material in the DFB. The residence time of the fuel is typically altered by these changes, which results in an unclear role of the oxygen-carrier-to fuel ratio on the final char conversion. The present work investigates the impact of oxygen transport on char conversion in the 2-4 MWth DFB gasifier at Chalmers University of Technology. An iron ore is used as oxygen carrier and steam as fluidizing agent. A parametric study is conducted, in which a wide range of oxygen-carrier-to-fuel ratio (ϕ=3-12) are achieved by varying fuel flow and bed material circulation. Char conversion is calculated on the basis of gas analysis and mass balance calculations. The results confirm that oxygen transport enhances char conversion, in line with previous research in smaller units. Both fuel feed and circulation of bed material had an impact on the final char conversion under the conditions tested, which differs from previous investigations. For a given residence time of the fuel particles in the reactor, char conversion was found proportional to the oxygen-carrier-to-fuel ratio.