Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of a Real-Time Switch with Bounded Delays

Most network switches are designed for best-effort transmission of Internet traffic. Relevant studies have focused on maximizing throughput and minimizing delay in an average sense, but this is not suitable for hard real-time applications, in which guaranteeing delay bound is critical. We propose a real-time switch design, based on a crossbar switching fabric, which combines clearancetime-optimal switching with clock-based scheduling, and we show that any feasible traffic is guaranteed to be switched in two clock periods. The concept of one-shot traffic allows delay to be bounded without a requirement for traffic periodicity, at the cost of a fixed delay of one clock period. The proposed switch uses real-time virtual machine tasks to serve traffic, which simplifies analysis and provides isolation from other system operations. Simulations show that our real-time switch achieves a larger schedulability region and a bounded lower end-to-end delay with a shorter clearance time than iSLIP, which is one of the most widely used crossbar switch schedulers.
Are Viral Epitopes Potential Targets for Effective Glioblastoma Immunotherapy

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an extremely aggressive tumor with a very dismal prognosis. Although extensive efforts have been made to identify new treatment options for these patients to improve their quality of life and survival, the results are not encouraging. The patients are left in a grim situation with a short life expectancy. During the past decade, several groups have demonstrated that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) nucleic acids and proteins can be detected in GBM tumors, while healthy brain surrounding the tumors remains negative for this virus. While a currently ongoing debate argues for or against the presence of HCMV in GBM, DC vaccinations with GBM tumor lysates have been shown to trigger an HCMV-specific immune response in patients. Moreover, HCMVspecific autologous T cells have proven capable of killing GBM cells. These observations provide immunological evidence that HCMV epitopes exist in these tumors, and support the efforts to utilize HCMV as a target for immunotherapy in GBM patients. Indeed, several HCMV-based immunotherapy trials are ongoing with encouraging results for this group of patients. Furthermore, a retrospective analysis of a cohort of GBM patients who received the anti-HCMV drug Valganciclovir as add-on to standard therapy reveals a potential substantial increase in survival. Thus, we argue that the emerging possibilities to target HCMV to substantially improve the outcome of GBM patients should be given urgent attention. In this review, we discuss potential strategies for medical or immune-based therapies to target HCMV in the context of GBM.
Planning for home health care services

Home Health Care (HHC) services are becoming increasingly important in Europe’s aging societies. Elderly people have varying degrees of need for assistance and medical treatment. It is advantageous to allow them to live in their own homes as long as possible, since a long-term stay in a nursing home can be much more costly for the social insurance system than a treatment at home providing assistance to the required level. Therefore, HHC services are a cost-effective and flexible instrument in the social system. In Germany, organizations providing HHC services are generally either larger charities with countrywide operations or small private companies offering services only in a city or a rural area. While the former have a hierarchical organizational structure and a large number of employees, the latter typically only have some ten to twenty nurses under contract. The relationship to the patients (“customers”) is often long-term and can last for several years. Therefore acquiring and keeping satisfied customers is crucial for HHC service providers and intensive competition among them is observed.
Kinect Depth Data Calibration

Kinect sensors have drawn much attention since the launch of its first version, which is officially called the Kinect effect by Microsoft. Applications of Kinect are almost all depend on its depth data. However, the accuracy of the depth data will decrease dramatically if the object is far from the sensor. In this work, the accuracy is improved by three main steps. A modified wavelet filter is firstly applied to reduce the nose of the signal that will be processed for the generation of depth data. The result shows that a cleaner depth image can be obtained when the proposed filter is implemented. But the mismatch between the measured depth and the exact depth is still obvious. This problem is overcome by curve fitting with polynomial functions. To assess the performance of the functions, the mean square error (MSE) is employed here. And the 1-order fractional polynomial function is found to be both accurate enough and computationally simple. The last step is to convert the point-to-point distance to point-to-plane depth, which is accomplished by Pythagoras's theorem. The result shows this method is simple but effective.
Application of keynesian theory and new economic geography in Portugal. Differences and similarities

With this work we try to analyse the agglomeration process in the Portuguese regions, using the New Economic Geography models. In these models the base idea is that where has increasing returns to scale in the manufactured industry and low transport costs, there is agglomeration. This work aims to test, also, the Verdoorn Law, with the alternative specifications of (1)Kaldor (1966), for the 28 NUTS III Portuguese in the period 1995 to 1999. It is intended to test, yet in this work, the alternative interpretation of (2)Rowthorn (1975) about the Verdoorn's Law for the same regions and periods. With this study we want, also, to test the Verdoorn´s Law at a regional and a sectoral levels (NUTs II) for the period 1995-1999. The importance of some additional variables in the original specification of Verdoorn´s Law is yet tested, such as, trade flows, capital accumulation and labour concentration. This study analyses, also, through cross-section estimation methods, the influence of spatial effects in productivity in the NUTs III economic sectors of mainland Portugal from 1995 to 1999, considering the Verdoorn relationship.
Academic emotion and self-efficacy impacting sense of math class belonging in college students

v List of Tables . viii Chapter 1: The Problem . 1 Purpose . 3 Research Questions . 3 Hypotheses . 3 Significance of the Study . 3 Limitations . 4 Assumptions . 4 Definition of Terms . 4 Academic Emotions . 4 Self-Efficacy . 4 Academic Self-Efficacy . 5 Sense of Class Belonging . 5 Self-Determination Theory . 5 Control-Value Theory . 5 Overview of the Study . 5 Chapter 2: Review of Literature . 6 Theoretical Framework of the Study . 6 Control-Value Theory of Academic Emotions . 6 Theories on Self-Efficacy . 11
Nonlocal nature of the electrodynamic response of colloidal systems

In this paper we describe the propagation of the coherent component of an electromagnetic wave in a colloidal system with large inclusions using an effective-medium approach. We show that the effective medium is nonlocal spatially dispersive and derive expressions for the nonlocal longitudinal and transverse components of the dielectric response, L and T . Numerical calculations of the wave-vector dependence of these response functions are displayed. The dispersion relation for the transverse modes is calculated and compared with the results obtained using well-known approximations for the effective index of refraction. It is also shown that some of these approximations have actually a nonlocal nature, explaining why it is not possible to use them to calculate, for example, the reflection properties of the colloidal system using conventional continuum electrodynamics. We also calculate the effective nonlocal electric permittivity and effective nonlocal magnetic susceptibility and show that this more traditional description is equivalent to the one using L and T .
DESIGN OF PRIVACY MODEL FOR STORING FILES ON CLOUD STORAGE

Cloud Storages like Google drive, Dropbox are popular for personal and institutional file storage. Cloud storage is beneficial in terms of scalability, availability and economy. But cloud storage has privacy challenges due to which many users are reluctant to use it for personal data storage. Storage of personal or sensitive files should be done carefully. Since cloud storage is third party storage and also has many other possibilities like files can be shifted from one server to another cloud server. Cloud storage needs special solution than traditional third party storages. The data can be encrypted for security purpose but this will further raises issues like key management and key distribution. Encryption also requires more computation cost and time on client/user. This paper introduces the design of novel privacy model for storing files in cloud storage, proposes architecture and algorithms for cloud storage. Paper also discusses about the proof of privacy and proposed system’s performance evaluation parameters for future work.
ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER AT THE SOBRADINHO RESERVOIR UNDER THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT USING MULTI-TEMPORAL LANDSAT IMAGES

Abstract. The matrix of energy generation in Brazil is predominantly hydroelectric power. Consequently, the reservoirs need constant monitoring due to the large volume of artificially dammed water. Images from remote sensing can provide reliable information concerning water bodies. In this paper, we use remote sensing imagery to monitor the Sobradinho dam in three different epochs. The objective was to verify quantitatively the area of the dam’s surface reduced due to the drought of 2015, which was considered the worst in history. The approach used water surface area estimations from bands of Landsat5 and Landsat8 satellites which highlight water bodies better from other features present on surface of the Earth. Through the techniques of growth region and normalized difference water index (NDWI), we determined the surface area of the reservoir in 2011 and calculated the decrease caused by the drought. By analyzing the numbers provided by the results it is possible to estimate how the Sobradinho reservoir has been affected by the drastic drought. The results show that the Landsat images enable the monitoring of large reservoirs. Bearing in mind that monitoring is a primary and indispensable tool, not only for technical study, but also for economic and environmental research, it can help establish planning projects and water administration strategies for future decisions about the hydrical resource priority.
Is Animal-based Biomedical Research Being Used in Its Original Context?

Since the second half of the twentieth century, non-human animals (herein­ after referred to as animals) have been widely used as models for researching human disorders. Historically, this occurred for two main reasons: a) animals are complex living systems; and b) it is considered less ethically-contentious as well as easier, quicker, and cheaper to use animals than humans. Their ben­ efit for biomedical advancement is assumed even though systematic evalua­ tions, though uncommon, suggest otherwise. It is crucial to evaluate whether animal-based biomedical research successfully benefits medical research­ even through indirect pathways-or if it is being used merely to justify further animal-based research. In this chapter we demonstrate that there is a lack of communication between animal-based research and clinical research. We dis­ cuss possible reasons for this and reflect on whether animal use in biomedical research is, indeed, fulfilling its primary purpose. Humans share a long evolutionary story with the rest of the animal king­ dom, which explains common physiological and behavioral traits and ad­ aptations. For example, basal ganglia, a set of subcortical nuclei involved in
Risk-Neutral Probability Densities 1

This result is consistent with financial literature. Innumerable empirical tests have been carried out for many countries and markets and, in general, the results indicate that volatility extracted from options possesses greater informational content than the econometric models that seek to forecast future volatility to be realized. In general, the forecast of future volatility is recovered through options pricing models based on Black and Scholes (1973).
Review of Nomenclature and Benchmarking Models of Text Classification Models: Contemporary Affirmation of the Recent Literature

In this paper we present automated text classification in text mining that is gaining greater relevance in various fields every day. Text mining primarily focuses on developing text classification systems able to automatically classify huge volume of documents, comprising of unstructured and semi structured data. The process of retrieval, classification and summarization simplifies extract of information by the user. The finding of the ideal text classifier, feature generator and distinct dominant technique of feature selection leading all other previous research has received attention from researchers of diverse areas as information retrieval, machine learning and the theory of algorithms. To automatically classify and discover patterns from the different types of the documents [1], techniques like Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Data Mining are applied together. In this paper we review some effective feature selection researches and show the results in a table form.
A comparison of adjustment in divorced and separated black and white mothers: a cultural variant perspective /

This study investigated post-divorce adjustment in Black mothers using a sample of 235 Black and 662 White divorced or separated mothers selected from the National Survey of Families and Households (Sweet, Bumpass, & Call, 1988). The women were not remarried, and they reported having at least one or more biological or adopted children, 18 years or younger living in the home. A cultural variant perspective as proposed by Allen (1978) and Nobles (1978) was used as a conceptual framework to hypothesize that variations in adjustment for Black and White mothers could be explained by differences in the mothers' cultural backgrounds. Specifically, Black mothers were hypothesized to benefit from particular cultural strengths (e.g., social support from strong family and extended family ties, the strong value of children and the importance that is placed on the parent (mother)-child relationship, and participation in and acceptance of flexible and interchangeable role definitions) and thus, would evidence higher levels of adjustment. ANCOVA, controlling for SES and time since divorce, and post hoc analyses indicated support for use of a culturally
Assessing the risks to marine mammal populations from renewable energy devices: an interim approach

University of Aberdeen, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK; E-mail: d.lusseau@abdn.ac. uk; University of St Andrews, Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, St Andrews, KY16 9LZ, UK; Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Aberdeen, AB11 1QA, UK; Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, UK; SMRU Ltd, St Andrews, KY16 9SR, UK.
Numerical simulation of three-dimensional velocity fields in pressurized and non-pressurized Nye channels

Abstract Channels incised into bedrock, or Nye channels, often form an important component of subglacial drainage at temperate glaciers, and their structure exerts control over patterns and rates of (a) channel erosion, (b) water flow-velocity and (c) water pressure. The latter, in turn, exerts a strong control over basal traction and, thus, ice dynamics. In order to investigate these controls, it is necessary to quantify detailed flow processes in subglacial Nye channels. However, it is effectively impossible to acquire such measurements from fully pressurized, subglacial channels. To solve this problem, we here apply a three-dimensional, finite-volume solution of the Reynolds averaged Navier– Stokes (RANS) equations with a one-equation mixing-length turbulence closure to simulate flow in a 3 m long section of an active Nye channel located in the immediate foreground of Glacier de Tsanfleuron, Switzerland. Numerical model output permits high-resolution visualization of water flow through the channel reach, and enables evaluation of the experimental manipulation of the pressure field adopted across the overlying ice lid. This yields an increased theoretical understanding of the hydraulic behaviour of Nye channels, and, in the future, of their effect on glacier drainage, geomorphology and ice dynamics.
Fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (fAFLP) analyses and genetic diversity in Litopenaeus vannamei (Penaeidae)

The Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Penaeidae), represents about 95% of all Brazilian shrimp production. The Brazilian L. vannamei foundation broodstock was made up of specimens collected from different American Pacific sites, but little information was collected on the genetic structure of the broodstock. We used the fluorescence amplified fragment length polymorphism (fAFLP) method to study the genetic diversity of L. vannamei broodstock lines 03CMF1 and 03CBF1 originally produced by breeder-shrimps imported mainly from Panama and Ecuador, although wild individuals from other localities may also have been used in producing these two lines. Our results showed a total of 93 polymorphic bands ranging from 50 to 500 bp, the mean Nei's genetic diversity calculated for the total sample was 13.4% and identity and genetic distance analyses indicated high genetic homogeneity within and between both the broodstock lineages studied which suggests that they had similar genetic structure. These results may represent an important tool for the appropriate management of L. vannamei broodstocks.
Detection of SNP effects on feed conversion ratio in pigs based on entropy approach.

The objectives of the study were to classify SNPs according to their contribution to the feed conversion ratio and to indicate interactions between the most informative SNPs using entropy analysis. The records of 1296 pigs were included. Two selection criteria for molecular data were applied: call rate 0.95 and minor allele frequency 0.05. After this, 50 951 SNPs were included into the entropy analysis. For each SNP entropy and conditional entropy were estimated. For interaction analyses the most informative SNPs were selected. For each pair of SNPs, the mutual information was assessed. A majority of the loci studied showed relatively small contributions. The most informative SNPs are mainly located on chromosomes: 1, 4, 7, 9 and 14. Whereas important interactions between SNP pairs were detected on chromosomes: 1, 14, 15 and 16. High mutual information was registered for SNPs located nearby.
Use of DNA Probe for Detection of Papaya ringspot virus Using Nucleic Acid Hybridization Method

Papaya ringspot caused by Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is one of the most destructive diseases of papaya. The disease had not been found in Indonesia, until disease outbreak in Nangroe Aceh Darussalam was reported in 2012. Since then, the disease spread rapidly in most papaya growing areas in Sumatera, Java and Bali. Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is generally detected using serological or polymerase chain reaction methods. Improvement in detection method is necessary to facilitate a more reliable tool for controlling the spread of PRSV. The aim of the research was to construct DNA probe for development of detection method based on nucleic acid hybridization. Molecular characterization based on HCPro gene sequence indicated high homology (97.88 to 99.05%) among PRSV isolates from Boyolali (Central Java), Medan (North Sumatera), Sleman (Yogyakarta) and Tabanan (Bali). Two DNA clones of HCPro gene were selected for probe construction and the probes were then labeled using PCR DIG-dioxigenin. Optimization of nucleic acid dot blot hybridization method to achieve strongest positive reaction was developed, i.e. using stringency washes at 1×SSC, 0.1% SDS, incubation at J Fitopatol Indones Nuhantoro et al.
Implementing Relationship Banking Strategies and Techniques and Improving Customer Value

This paper identifies strategic concepts and practical techniques in relationship-banking andexploreshow customer value was improved and how relationship-bankingperformancewas measured and linked to relationship managers’ compensation. Grounded theory was adopted to collect and analyse data. 25 interviews have been conducted with relationship managers and corporate banking directors in 11 case banks and case banks’ quantitative data was used to support the propositions. It was found that customer relationship was seen as a valuable asset. Relationship Orientation and Customer Focus were evaluated by undertaking internal surveys and relationship management objectives were formulated and actions were proposed to improve Customer Value to the case banks. In the case banks Customer Information was collected through multiple customer touch points and integrated and analyzed.Customer Knowledge wasaccumulated and sustainable Competitive Advantages were built.Customer Perception and Customer Loyalty were measured externally.Customer Value and Risk Adjusted Return on Asset (RAROA) wereemployed to measure relationship banking performance and reward relationship managers accordingly. The interviewees perceived that relationship-banking performance could be improved in this dynamic learning process.
Interdependencies in corporate development: Relationship between strategic alliance and acquisition activities

A substantial amount of work in the field of strategic management has attempted to explain the antecedents and outcomes of organizational learning. Though multinational corporations simultaneously engage in various types of tasks, activities, and strategies on a regular basis, the transfer of organizational learning in a multi-task context has largely remained under-explored in the literature. To inform our understanding in this area, this dissertation aimed at synthesizing findings from two parallel research streams of corporate development activities: strategic alliances and acquisitions. Structured in the form of two empirical studies, this dissertation examines: 1) the strategic outcomes of alliance experience of previously allying partners in terms of subsequent acquisition attempts, and 2) the performance implications of prior alliance experience for acquisitions. The first study draws on the relational view of inter-organizational governance to explain how various deal-specific and dyadic characteristics of a partnership relate to partnering firms’ post-alliance acquisition attempts. This model theorizes on a variety of relational mechanisms to build a cohesive theory of inter-organizational exchanges in a multi-task setting where strategic alliances ultimately lead to a firm’s decision to commit further resources. The second study applies organizational learning theory, and specifically examines whether frequency, recency, and relatedness of different dimensions of prior alliances, beyond the dyad-level experience, relate to an acquirer’s superior post-acquisition performance. The hypotheses of the studies are tested using logistic and ordinary least square regressions, respectively. Results analyzed from a sample of cross-border alliance and acquisition deals attempted (for study I) and/or completed (for study II) during the period of 1991 to 2011 generally support the theory that relational exchange determines acquiring firms’ post alliance acquisition behavior and that organizational routines and learning from prior alliances influence a future acquirer’s financial performance. Overall, the empirical findings support our overarching theory of interdependency, and confirm the transfer effect of learning across these alternate, yet related corporate strategies of alliance and acquisition.