Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gravitational instability of slowly rotating isothermal spheres

We discuss the statistical mechanics of rotating self-gravitating systems by allowing properly for the conservation of angular momentum. We study analytically the case of slowly rotating isothermal spheres by expanding the solutions of the Boltzmann-Poisson equation in a series of Legendre polynomials, adapting the procedure introduced by Chandrasekhar (1933) for distorted polytropes. We show how the classical spiral of Lynden-Bell & Wood (1967) in the temperature-energy plane is deformed by rotation. We find that gravitational instability occurs sooner in the microcanonical ensemble and later in the canonical ensemble. According to standard turning point arguments, the onset of the collapse coincides with the minimum energy or minimum temperature state in the series of equilibria. Interestingly, it happens to be close to the point of maximum flattening. We generalize the singular isothermal solution to the case of a slowly rotating configuration. We also consider slowly rotating configurations of the self-gravitating Fermi gas at non-zero temperature.
QoS and Energy Aware Cooperative Routing Protocol for Wildfire Monitoring Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are presented as proper solution for wildfire monitoring. However, this application requires a design of WSN taking into account the network lifetime and the shadowing effect generated by the trees in the forest environment. Cooperative communication is a promising solution for WSN which uses, at each hop, the resources of multiple nodes to transmit its data. Thus, by sharing resources between nodes, the transmission quality is enhanced. In this paper, we use the technique of reinforcement learning by opponent modeling, optimizing a cooperative communication protocol based on RSSI and node energy consumption in a competitive context (RSSI/energy-CC), that is, an energy and quality-of-service aware-based cooperative communication routing protocol. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm performs well in terms of network lifetime, packet delay, and energy consumption.
Mid-Infrared and CO Observations of the Infrared/X-Ray Luminous Seyfert 1 Galaxy NGC 985: The Making or Breaking of a ULIRG?

We describe Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) and BIMA observations of the z = 0.04 Seyfert 1 ring galaxy NGC 985 which suggest close parallels with some quasar host galaxies. NGC 985 contains two closely spaced nuclei embedded in an R1/4-law stellar bulge and an outer ring, evidence of an ongoing merger. The system contains ~1.8 × 1010 M☉ of highly disturbed molecular gas which lies in an asymmetric barlike structure with the peak in observed CO column densities significantly offset from the compact double nucleus. In contrast to this, the ISO observations show strong dust emission centered on the active galactic nucleus (AGN), located in one of the two nuclei. Fainter CO, mid-infrared (MIR), and radio continuum emission provides a glimpse of the complexities of star formation in the outer ring. An analysis of the kinematics of the main CO emission reveals evidence for two dynamically distinct molecular components within NGC 985. The first is a set of isolated supergiant molecular clouds (SGMCs) which are concentrated within 9-10 kpc of the active nucleus. Although randomly distributed about the center, the clouds may form part of a clumpy highly disturbed disk which may be either just forming around double nucleus (the making of an ultraluminous infrared galaxy [ULIRG]) or alternatively in the process of being disrupted, perhaps as a result of a powerful nuclear outflow (the breaking of a ULIRG). A second major concentration of CO lies offset from the double nucleus in a dynamically coherent ridge of emission in which powerful star formation is occurring. We tentatively associate CO emission with two out of six UV absorption lines seen in the blue wing of the very broad Lyα emission. Such an association would imply a complex interrelationship between the nuclear CO cloud population in colliding systems and AGN-driven winds.
Review of Strategic Alignment, ICT Infrastructure Capability and E-Governance Impact

E-Governance initiatives that leverage the potential of information and communication technologies have had a high positive influence in enabling and transforming government services in many countries. However the extent of ICT usage for e-governance is characterized by wide disparity between developed and developing countries all over the world. In addition factors like strategy, enterprise architecture and interoperability play a significant role in providing the right impetus to E-Governance. This paper provides a broad review of some of the well cited work, then provides the necessary motivation and necessity for research by addressing the challenges evolving out of the work on strategy, Enterprise Architecture and Interoperability. Lastly, the work lays the groundwork for proposing an integrated conceptual framework with the suggested methodology and the direction for future work.
MPEG-4 FGS Video Streaming Traffic Delivery Experimentation in an IP/DVB Network

The paper targets to demonstrate through a set of experimental studies that the common operation of IP DiffServ and DVB bandwidth management (BM) mechanisms can offer quality gains for prioritized MPEG-4 FGS media delivery across an heterogeneous IP/DVB setting. The experimental studies refer to the delivery of eight YUV QCIF 4:2:0 different video sequences across a heterogeneous IP/DVB testbed that includes two IP autonomous systems interconnected through a DVB MPEG-2 autonomous system acting as a trunk network.
Psychophysiological consequences arising from the stress of everyday life and work activities

The results suggest that the professionals studied demonstrated psychophysiological alterations resulting from stressors that arise in the workplace and in everyday life. The response to these stressors, although it was frequently not perceived, culminates in several chronic diseases. To cope with these stressful events, individuals must increase their self-esteem and cultivate a more harmonious and balanced work and personal life.
Embedded systems development: quest for productivity and reliability

It is widely agreed that the state of art in methodologies, techniques and tools for embedded systems development is many years behind their desktop counterparts. The job of the embedded software developer is further complicated by the increasing tendency of system designers to shift functionality and complexity away from hardware and into software. As part of an ongoing research at Philips Semiconductors, we have been investigating solutions to the two main problems of productivity and reliability in embedded software development. This paper describes our research effort in this investigation. Specifically, the paper first describes the requirements on embedded systems and their development challenges. It then provides a literature survey of some techniques that address the issues of productivity and reliability. With this background the paper proposes a model driven architectural approach to embedded software development.
Discovery of research interests of authors over time using a topic model

With a growing number of Web documents, many approaches have been proposed for knowledge discovery on Web documents. The documents do not always provide keywords or categories, so unsupervised approaches are desirable, and topic modeling is such an approach for knowledge discovery without using labels. Further, Web documents usually have time information such as publish years, so knowledge patterns over time can be captured by incorporating the time information. In this paper, we propose a new topic model called the Author Topic-Flow (ATF) model whose objective is to capture temporal patterns of research interests of authors over time, where each topic is associated with a research domain. The design of the ATF model is based on the hypothesis that direct topic flows are better than indirect topic flows in the state-of-the-art Temporal Author Topic (TAT) model, which is the most similar approach to ours. We prove the hypothesis by showing the effectiveness of the ATF model compared to the TAT model.
Implementation of QoS control capabilities in SINET3

This paper describes the QoS control capabilities in the new Japanese academic network, SINET3. SINET3 is a nationwide QoS-aware multi-layer network for more than 700 universities and research institutions and provides a variety of high-quality network services including packet-based QoS services and circuit-based bandwidth-on-demand services. These diversified network services are provided by effectively combining layer-1 switches with layer-2 multiplexing and IP/MPLS routers. This paper first explains how the network accommodates a wide variety of network services such as multilayer and VPN services. It next defines the QoS classes, clarifies QoS control capabilities for packet and circuit-based services, and shows evaluation results for an experimental environment reflecting actual network conditions. The paper focuses on actual implementations over the nationwide network composed of 75 layer-1 switches and 12 IP/MPLS routers.
Can regret prompt compensatory health behaviors? Findings from a clustered randomized trial with physically active adults

participants and procedure Physically active men and women (N = 133) were invited to attend a 6-session fitness course. Using cluster randomization, participants were assigned either to the experimental group with a regret-evoking message after they failed to show up at a fitness session (n = 69), or the control group, which did not receive the regret-evoking message (n = 64). After missing any of the first five fitness sessions participants reported whether they had engaged in compensatory health behaviors during the preceding 24 hours. Data were collected at pre-test, post-test, and after each missed fitness session. results Linear mixed-effects analysis showed no effects of the regret manipulation on compensatory behaviors such as physical activity, nutrition, or substance use avoidance. However, the manipulation resulted in lower levels of engagement in socializing behaviors.
An empirical study of packet voice distribution over a campus-wide network

Support for digital audio and video streams (continuous media) in desktop computers is increasingly widespread and hence the demand for high-quality network distribution of continuous media streams is growing. While current local area and campus-wide networks have high-bandwidth links and powerful routers, the delay sensitivities of continuous media streams pose a challenge. Our paper provides an empirical investigation of the feasibility of transmitting real-time packet streams across a large extant campus network, the University of Virginia campus network. This network is representative of contemporary large enterprise networks consisting of Ethernet segments connected by high-performance routers to high-speed back-bones, e.g., FDDI rings. We focus on interactive packet voice. Delay and loss measurements are obtained for packet voice streams transmitted over three paths through the network. These measurements are used to examine the voice protocol parameters for this environment, including a novel retransmission-based error control proposed by Dempsey (1994). <<ETX>>
Apolipoprotein D Expression in Human Brain Reactive Astrocytes

Astrocytosis is a hallmark of damage that frequently occurs during aging in human brain. Astrocytes proliferate in elderly subjects, becoming hypertrophic and highly immunoreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These cells are one type that actively responds in the repair and reorganization of damage to the neural parenchyma and are a source of several peptides and growth factors. One of these biomolecules is apolipo-protein D (apo D), a member of the lipocalin family implicated in the transport of small hydrophobic molecules. Although the role of apo D is unknown, increments in brain apo D expression have been observed in association with aging and with some types of neuropathology. We have found an overexpression of apo D mRNA in reactive astrocytes by in situ hybridization in combination with immunohistochemistry for apo D in normal aged human brains. The number of double-labeled cells varied according to the cerebral area and the gliosis grade. The possible significance of this increased synthesis of apo D in reactive astrocytes is discussed in relation to the role of apo D in aging and in glial function.
Association of Interarm Systolic Blood Pressure Difference with Atherosclerosis and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

An interarm systolic blood pressure (SBP) difference of 10 mmHg or more have been associated with peripheral artery disease and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated whether an association exists between this difference and ankle-brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and echocardiographic parameters. A total of 1120 patients were included in the study. The bilateral arm blood pressures were measured simultaneously by an ABI-form device. The values of ABI and baPWV were also obtained from the same device. Clinical data, ABI<0.9, baPWV, echocariographic parameters, and an interarm SBP difference ≥10 mmHg were compared and analyzed. We performed two multivariate forward analyses for determining the factors associated with an interarm SBP difference ≥10 mmHg [model 1: significant variables in univariate analysis except left ventricular mass index (LVMI); model 2: significant variables in univariate analysis except ABI<0.9 and baPWV]. The ABI<0.9 and high baPWV in model 1 and high LVMI in model 2 were independently associated with an interarm SBP difference ≥10 mmHg. Female, hypertension, and high body mass index were also associated with an interarm SBP difference ≥10 mmHg. Our study demonstrated that ABI<0.9, high baPWV, and high LVMI were independently associated with an interarm SBP difference of 10 mmHg or more. Detection of an interarm SBP difference may provide a simple method of detecting patients at increased risk of atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy.
Knowledge Reduction Based on Binary Discernibility Matrix in Variable Precision Rough Set

Attributes reduction is one of the most important subjects of knowledge discovery in information systems. As an approach of attributes reduction, binary discernibility matrices have many interesting properties. Due to the disadvantage of binary discernibility matrices in dealing with variable precision rough set (VPRS), this paper presents an approach to knowledge reduction based on the binary discernibility matrix which is redefined formally based on traditional binary discernibility matrices, and is called the extensive binary discernibility matrix. From the practice point of view, two-valued decision attributes are general, our discussions are concentrated on this kind of decision information system (DIS), some conclusions about attributes reduction and computative examples are given in this paper
Consistent Estimation for Aggregated GARCH Processes

We study the properties of a quasi-maximum likelihood (QML) for the parameters of a "weak" GARCH process obtained by contemporaneous aggregation of two independent "strong" GARCH processes. The inconsistency of the Gaussian quasi-likelihood estimator (QMLE) has already been reported by Nijman & Sentana (1996) but has not yet been solved. In this paper we identify the causes of inconsistency of QMLE in the "weak" GARCH case and compare the performance of QMLE when the innovations are assumed to have Gaussian, Laplace (double exponential) or alpha-stable distribution.
SYMPHONY: Attitude analysis and development tool

The presence of good behavioural and positive attitudes in human beings is extremely important to lead a life of respect. This paper gives a detailed description about using an IT based solution for attitude development in children. The main goal of this tool is to encourage healthy attitude development in a child and to motivate good attitude based knowledge improvement through interactive learning environments. The tool developed is based on the affective domain of Bloom's Taxonomy. It will deliver attitude development to children effectively, efficiently and interactively.
Determinantes da transparência pública: um estudo em municípios brasileiros sob a ótica da teoria da escolha pública

A transparencia se mostra como um desafio para a reforma atual e futura da administracao publica. A transparencia aumenta a eficiencia na alocacao de recursos, reduz problemas entre o principal e o agente e desencoraja atividades de rent-seeking. Considerando os pressupostos teoricos da Teoria da Escolha Publica, o homem e um maximizador de utilidade, egoista e racional, o que explicaria suas acoes frente a gestao publica. Essa pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar a influencia dos fatores socioeconomicos, financeiros-orcamentarios e politicos no indice de transparencia ativa e de transparencia passiva dos municipios brasileiros. Para tanto, essa pesquisa trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, em que foram selecionados 3.550 municipios brasileiros, sendo obtidas informacoes socioeconomicas, financeiras-orcamentarias e politicas. Utilizou-se da tecnica de analise multivariada, mais especificamente o metodo de regressao linear multipla por meio do metodo dos minimos quadrados ordinarios (MQO), com dados de secao transversal (cross-section). Os resultados demonstram que o tamanho populacional capta a complexidade da administracao publica e do governo, o que justifica o fato de que, nesses municipios, esses sao mais propensos a adotarem atividades do governo eletronico, por isso se mostram mais transparentes. A variacao positiva nos niveis de renda per capita municipal e de educacao impacta positivamente a variacao no nivel de transparencia. As regioes geograficas brasileiras agregam diferentes caracteristicas socioeconomicas, o que justifica se mostrarem como um determinante do nivel de transparencia. A condicao financeira e a divida municipal estao associadas a credibilidade financeira e a capacidade do governo de atender a seus compromissos de pagamento, por isso os gestores publicos sao encorajados a divulgarem informacoes como um mecanismo para permitir que suas acoes sejam monitoradas. As transferencias intergovernamentais demonstraram exercer influencia negativa sobre a transparencia publica, uma vez que, no Brasil, existem muitos recursos que sao transferidos sem uma condicao ou gasto pre-definido, ocasionando o flypaper effect. Os policymakers se envolvem em projetos de investimento significativos e utilizam a transparencia para que os cidadaos possam visualizar esse tipo de informacao. A competicao politica aumenta o cuidado do gestor, por isso esse precisa justificar e dar mais transparencia de suas acoes. A ideologia politica de direita e a coligacao partidaria com o governador demonstram que esses aspectos influenciam o nivel de transparencia, o que sugere que a estabilidade e o alinhamento politico e ideologico justifiquem as acoes dos gestores publicos. Por fim, gestores no primeiro mandato eleitoral exercem influencia negativa sobre o nivel de transparencia, uma vez que se mostram menos experientes e nao querem transparecer nesse sentido para mostrarem as suas ineficiencias.
Path diversity improves the identification of influential spreaders

Identifying influential spreaders in complex networks is a crucial problem which relates to wide applications. Many methods based on the global information such as K-shell and PageRank have been applied to rank spreaders. However, most of the related previous works overwhelmingly focus on the number of paths for propagation, while whether the paths are diverse enough is usually overlooked. Generally, the spreading ability of a node might not be strong if its propagation depends on one or two paths while the other paths are dead ends. In this letter, we introduced the concept of path diversity and find that it can largely improve the ranking accuracy. We further propose a local method combining the information of path number and path diversity to identify influential nodes in complex networks. This method is shown to outperform many well-known methods in both undirected and directed networks. Moreover, the efficiency of our method makes it possible to apply it to very large systems.
End-to-end congestion control for TCP-friendly flows with variable packet size

Current TCP-friendly congestion control mechanisms adjust the packet rate in order to adapt to network conditions and obtain a throughput not exceeding that of a TCP connection operating under the same conditions. In an environment where the bottleneck resource is packet processing, this is the correct behavior. However, if the bottleneck resource is bandwidth, and flows may use packets of different size, resource sharing depends on packet size and is no longer fair. For some applications, such as Internet telephony, it is more natural to adjust the packet size, while keeping the packet rate as constant as possible. In this paper we study the impact of variations in packet size on equation-based congestion control and propose methods to remove the resulting throughput bias. We investigate the design space in detail and propose a number of possible designs. We evaluate these designs through simulation and conclude with some concrete proposals. Our findings can be used to design a TCP-friendly congestion control mechanism for applications that adjust packet size rather than packet rate, or applications that are forced to use a small packet size.
A unified characterization and solution of input-to-state stabilization via state-dependent scaling

The author presents solutions to input-to-state stabilization and integral input-to-state stabilization problems for nonlinear systems based on the novel concept of state-dependent scaling design. Both state-feedback and output-feedback controllers are constructed in a unified way. The method provides global solutions whenever the system is in the strict-feedback or output-feedback form. The paper encompasses input-to-state stabilization and integral input-to-state stabilization in the presence of structured, static and dynamic uncertainties.
A survey of security issues in multicast communications

The emergence and popularity of group-oriented applications on the World Wide Web has triggered a demand for scalable security solutions for group communication. One such solution, secure multicast is appealing because it leverages the efficiency of multicast data delivery. However, it also presents several research challenges, most notably in a group communication architecture, group key management, and message source authentication. In this survey, we discuss these issues and review proposed solutions to them.
Robust DCT Based Channel Estimation for MIMO-OFDM System

This paper deals with a novel transform domain channel estimation (TD-CE) based on discrete cosine transform (DCT) for the MIMO-OFDM system when null carriers are placed at the edges of the spectrum. After the description of the conventional DCT based method, an improved channel estimation scheme using truncated singular value decomposition is proposed. Finally the efficiency of this estimator is evaluated within 3GPP/LTE system context.