Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-parametric star formation histories for four dwarf spheroidal galaxies of the Local Group

We use recent Hubble Space Telescope colour–magnitude diagrams of the resolved stellar populations of a sample of local dSph galaxies (Carina, Leo I, Leo II and Ursa Minor) to infer the star formation histories of these systems, SFR(t). Applying a new variational calculus maximum likelihood method, which includes a full Bayesian analysis and allows a non-parametric estimate of the function one is solving for, we infer the star formation histories of the systems studied. This method has the advantage of yielding an objective answer, as one need not assume a priori the form of the function one is trying to recover. The results are checked independently using Saha's W statistic. The total luminosities of the systems are used to normalize the results into physical units and derive SN type II rates. We derive the luminosity-weighted mean star formation history of this sample of galaxies.
Introduction to nonprofit organization accounting

This book takes a conceptual-oriented approach allowing readers to understand why accounting procedures are followed. Readers gain practical experience with applications, questions, exercises, problems, and cases at the end of each chapter, including many from prior AICPA exams. Features of this edition include: a new chapter identifies the procedures necessary in accumulating and allocating costs; an ethical issues section has been added to several chapters; and the appendix, audits of nonprofit organizations, has been updated.
The impact of the minimum wage on low-wage earners

This paper estimates the impact of increases in the minimum wage on employment stability, wages and inequality in Portugal. We use data from 2002 to 2010; from 2002 to 2006 the real minimum wage was stable, but it increased quite substantially afterwards. Lower-tail wage inequality widen up to 2006 and declined strongly afterwards. The results point towards a negative employment elasticity for workers whose initial wage is between the old and the new minimum wages. This elasticity is similar to the one obtained in the US, a country with a low minimum wage when compared to the average wage, and smaller than the one obtained for France, a country with a high minimum wage. The wage elasticity to the minimum wage is naturally higher for workers earning exactly the old minimum wage. The wages of all other workers remain unaffected. These results point to a detrimental effect of minimum wage increases for employment stability of low-wage workers, with only minor gains in terms of wages.
Automatic 3D Reconstruction of Coronary Artery Centerlines from Monoplane X-ray Angiogram Images

We present a new method for the fully automatic 3D reconstruction of the coronary artery centerlines, using two X-ray angiogram projection images from a single rotating monoplane acquisition system. During the first stage, the input images are smoothed using curve evolution techniques. Next, a simple yet efficient multiscale method, based on the information of the Hessian matrix, for the enhancement of the vascular structure is introduced. Hysteresis thresholding using different image quantiles, is used to threshold the arteries. This stage is followed by a thinning procedure to extract the centerlines. The resulting skeleton image is then pruned using morphological and pattern recognition techniques to remove non-vessel like structures. Finally, edge-based stereo correspondence is solved using a parallel evolutionary optimization method based on f symbiosis. The detected 2D centerlines combined with disparity map information allow the reconstruction of the 3D vessel centerlines. The proposed method has been evaluated on patient data sets for evaluation purposes.
DASH-based peer-to-peer video streaming in cellular networks

Cellular networks have increasing demands for video streaming applications recently. This makes it challenging for cellular networks operators to provide streaming services with high Quality of Experience (QoE). Here, we propose a novel architecture for improving the QoE of video streaming in cellular networks. The architecture employs Base-Station (BS) -assisted Peerto- Peer (P2P) video streaming in cellular networks. Furthermore, the architecture employs the Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH); an adaptive bit rate video streaming technique. We use the Discrete EVent System Specification (DEVS) formalism to build a model for the proposed architecture in an LTE-A network, and use the model to study the performance achieved by the proposed architecture in terms of many video streaming QoE metrics. We also use the model to simulate a conventional DASH video streaming over a cellular network, i.e., without P2P streaming. Simulation results show that the proposed architecture achieves significant improvement in terms of video streaming QoE.
Metabolite Profiling of adh1 Mutant Response to Cold Stress in Arabidopsis

As a result of global warming, vegetation suffers from repeated freeze-thaw cycles caused by more frequent short-term low temperatures induced by hail, snow, or night frost. Therefore, short-term freezing stress of plants should be investigated particularly in light of the current climatic conditions. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) plays a central role in the metabolism of alcohols and aldehydes and it is a key enzyme in anaerobic fermentation. ADH1 responds to plant growth and environmental stress; however, the function of ADH1 in the response to short-term freezing stress remains unknown. Using real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR, the expression level of ADH1 was analyzed at low temperature (4°C). The lethal temperature was calculated based on the electrolyte leakage tests for both ADH1 deletion mutants (adh1) and wild type (WT) plants. To further investigate the relationship between ADH1 and cold tolerance in plants, low-Mr polar metabolite analyses of Arabidopsis adh1 and WT were performed at cold temperatures using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This investigation focused on freezing treatments (cold acclimation group: −6°C for 2 h with prior 4°C for 7 d, cold shock group: −6°C for 2 h without cold acclimation) and recovery (23°C for 24 h) with respect to seedling growth at optimum temperature. The experimental results revealed a significant increase in ADH1 expression during low temperature treatment (4°C) and at a higher lethal temperature in adh1 compared to that in the WT. Retention time indices and specific mass fragments were used to monitor 263 variables and annotate 78 identified metabolites. From these analyses, differences in the degree of metabolite accumulation between adh1 and WT were detected, including soluble sugars (e.g., sucrose) and amino acids (e.g., asparagine). In addition, the correlation-based network analysis highlighted some metabolites, e.g., melibiose, fumaric acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, and xylose, which enhanced connectedness in adh1 network under cold chock. When considered collectively, the results showed that adh1 possessed a metabolic response to freezing stress and ADH1 played an important role in the cold stress response of a plant. These results expands our understanding of the short-term freeze response of ADH1 in plants.
Targeting Transfers through Restrictions on Recipients

Our objective is to design transfer programs that maximize some social welfare function. Following the optimal income tax formulation, we assume that a random process endows individuals with characteristics that influence welfare, such as ability to earn income, medical condition, or unmonitorable income. The goal is to maximize the utility of a randomly chosen individual. (Other individualistic social welfare functions would lead to equivalent results.) If the random characteristics were observable, a first best outcome could be achieved by making them the basis for lump sum transfers. In practice, however, we can observe only indicators of these characteristics, such as earnings, medical expenditures, or consumption patterns. The challenge for policy is to design an efficient second best transfer program based on indicators. In this paper we argue that 1) An optimal transfer program in general must sacrifice productive efficiency to target efficiency. This is done by imposing restrictions on the choices made by intended beneficiaries. 2) A program that incorporates restrictions-such as means-tested in-kind transfers, commodity-specific taxes and subsidies, and even ordeals (i.e., the imposition of deadweight costs to qualify for a transfer)-will perform better than programs that rely solely on income taxes and cash transfers.
Staphylococcus aureus strain typing by single-molecule DNA mapping in fluidic microchips with fluorescent tags.

BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies require identification or typing of microbial strains. Macrorestriction DNA mapping analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is considered the current gold standard of genomic typing. This technique, however, is difficult to implement because it is labor-intensive and difficult to automate, it requires a long time to obtain results, and results often vary between laboratories. METHODS We used direct linear analysis (DLA), which uses a single reagent set and long fragments of microbial genomic DNA to identify various microbes. In this technique, an automated system extracts fragments exceeding 100 kb from restriction enzyme digests of genomic DNA from microbial isolates and hybridizes them with a sequence-dependent fluorescent tag. These fragments are then stretched in a microfluidics chip, and the patterns of the distribution of the tags are discerned with fluorescence confocal microscopy. The tag pattern on each DNA fragment is compared with a database of known microbial DNA sequences or with measured patterns of other microbial DNAs. RESULTS We used DLA to type 71 Staphylococcus aureus strains. Of these, 9 had been sequenced, 10 were representative of the major pulsed-field types present in the US, and 52 were isolated recently in a hospital in Cambridge, MA. Matching DNA fragments were identified in different samples by a clustering algorithm and were used to quantify the similarities of the strains. CONCLUSIONS DLA-based strain typing is a powerful technique with a resolution comparable to macrorestriction mapping with PFGE, but DLA is faster, more automated, and more reproducible.
Automatic synthesis of reversible logic circuit based on genetic algorithm

The reversible logic circuits (RLC) are a sort of novel circuits which can avoid the information loss and energy dissipation by implementing the reversible logic operations. RLC prohibit the feedback and don't have the fan-out, so the synthesis methods of RLC are very different from the existing irreversible logic circuits. In this paper, evolutionary design techniques are applied to the synthesis of RLC, and then an automatic synthesis approach of RLC based on genetic algorithm is proposed. Firstly, some appropriate reversible logic gates are chosen as the building-blocks, and a computational array model is built for the synthesis of RLC. According to the array model, the synthesis problems are modeled as the constrained multi-objective optimization problems which are converted into their single-objective equivalents by the weighted sum of objective functions. Then, the single-objective equivalents are solved by a specialized genetic algorithm. The experimental results verify the capability of automatic synthesis of the proposed approach, and show that the proposed approach is feasible and effective.
What Persuades Voters? A Field Experiment on Political Campaigning

Political campaigns spend millions of dollars each voting cycle on persuading voters, and it is well established that these campaigns do affect voting decisions. What is less understood is what element of campaigningNthe content of the message or the delivery method itselfN sways voters, a question that relates back to how advertising works generally. We use a field experiment in a 2010 general election for local office to identify the persuasive mechanism behind a particular form of campaigning: candidate door-to-door canvassing. In the experiment, the candidate either canvassed a household or left literature without meeting the voters. In addition, the literature either contained information on the candidate or on how to vote. Our main result is that voters are most persuaded by personal contact (the delivery method), rather than the content of the message. Given our setting, we conclude that personal contact seems to work, not through social pressure, but by providing a costly or verifiable signal of quality. Length: 49
Corporate Branding: The Development of Corporate associations and their Influence on Stakeholder Reactions

textabstractBedrijven worden steeds transparanter naar de maatschappij, bijvoorbeeld met betrekking tot hun producten, hun arbeidsomstandigheden, hun financiele prestaties, en hun prestaties op milieugebied. Het is echter niet duidelijk onder welke omstandigheden mensen geneigd zijn positief te reageren op deze informatie, en onder welke omstandigheden ze geneigd zijn onverschillig of zelfs negatief te reageren. Dit proefschrift begint met een overzicht van de verschillende typen ondernemings-associaties (percepties) die mensen hebben met bedrijven. Hierna bespreek ik de invloed van verschillende typen ondernemings-associaties op de voorkeuren van mensen voor de producten, banen en aandelen van een bedrijf. In het bijzonder is onderzocht onder welke condities associaties met de bekwaamheid en de maatschappelijke verantwoordelijkheid van een bedrijf een sterke invloed hebben op de voorkeuren van mensen, en onder welke condities deze associaties elkaar kunnen compenseren. Tenslotte is onderzocht welke manier van communiceren over een bedrijf in 'corporate' advertenties leidt tot de gunstigste associaties.
A tesselated probabilistic representation for spatial robot perception and navigation

The ability to recover robust spatial descriptions from sensory information and to efficiently utilize these descriptions in appropriate planning and problem-solving activities are crucial requirements for the development of more powerful robotic systems. Traditional approaches to sensor interpretation, with their emphasis on geometric models, are of limited use for autonomous mobile robots operating in and exploring unknown and unstructured environments. Here, researchers present a new approach to robot perception that addresses such scenarios using a probabilistic tesselated representation of spatial information called the Occupancy Grid. The Occupancy Grid is a multi-dimensional random field that maintains stochastic estimates of the occupancy state of each cell in the grid. The cell estimates are obtained by interpreting incoming range readings using probabilistic models that capture the uncertainty in the spatial information provided by the sensor. A Bayesian estimation procedure allows the incremental updating of the map using readings taken from several sensors over multiple points of view. An overview of the Occupancy Grid framework is given, and its application to a number of problems in mobile robot mapping and navigation are illustrated. It is argued that a number of robotic problem-solving activities can be performed directly on the Occupancy Grid representation. Some parallels are drawn between operations on Occupancy Grids and related image processing operations.
Using End-to-End Data to Infer Sensor Network Topology

Knowledge of sensor network topology is useful for understanding the structure of the sensor network, and also important for resource management and redeployment. Additionally, it is a crucial component of sensor network tomography techniques. In this paper we propose a new algorithm, namely hamming distance and hop count based classification algorithm (HHC), to infer network topology by using end-to-end data in sensor network. Specifically, we consider the case of inferring sensor network topology during the aggregation of the data from a collection of sensor nodes to a sink node. The HHC algorithm identifies sensor network topology using hamming distance of the sequences on receiptoss of data maintained in the sink node and incorporating the hop count available at each node. We implement the algorithms in a simulated network and validate the algorithm's performance in accuracy and efficiency.
Viscoelastic properties of Red Blood Cells in a flow

Red Blood Cells (RBC) are transported through blood stream and are responsible of oxygen delivery to the body tissues in vertebrates animals. This is achieved by squeezing RBC through body’s capillaries, with mechanical properties being essential to achieve this function. Shape and composition of RBC are tightly related to their mechanical properties and their variation could induce several diseases and disorders. For that reason, the quantification of the mechanical properties of RBC could acts as an important biomarker. In this project we have performed flow experiments with RBC attached to a micron-sized bead using Optical Tweezers. The obtained results show two different populations of RBC characterized by the formation of a membrane microtube observed at high flow velocities values (800 μm/s or 50 pN of drag force). Analysing the force-velocity curves, we are able to differentiate these two populations and extract drag coefficient of RBC.
Rewarding strivers : helping low-income students succeed in college

Rewarding Strivers presents provocative research and analysis that provides a blueprint for the way forward. --William R. Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions, Harvard University "The terrible 'secret' of higher education in America is that too few students from poorer families have access to it.Kahlenberg again gathers the best thinkers on how to challenge this status quo. " --Anthony Marx, President, Amherst College Today, higher education is a major force in promoting social mobility, yet colleges and universities seem more concerned with prestige than finding ways to make higher learning more accessible. Rewarding Strivers outlines two high-profile models that colleges and universities can follow in making the American Dream a realistic one for all students. Former New York Times education writer Edward B. Fiske (author of The Fiske Guide to Colleges ) explores an exciting new effort to provide extra financial aid and academic support to low-income students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He finds that the "Carolina Covenant" has much to teach public and private universities across the country. In order to benefit from financial aid and support, low-income students first must be admitted to college. In a chapter that is likely to prove highly controversial, Georgetown University's Anthony Carnevale and Jeff Strohl articulate a coherent and concrete way for colleges and universities to provide a leg up to economically disadvantaged students in selective college admissions. The authors make an important contribution to the nation's raging debate over affirmative action by calling on universities to expand preferences beyond race to also include socioeconomic status, and outlining how such a program could work in practice.
Expanding the Flow Model in Adventure Activities: A Reversal Theory Perspective

Abstract This study integrated flow theory and reversal theory perspectives to investigate a potential range of flow states amongst adventure participants in a sequence of two studies. Study one was conducted with expert (n = 6) adventure participants via retrospective interviews, while study two collected prospective data from novice whitewater riversurfers (n = 10) via waterproof-surveys and head-mounted video cameras. These methods were used to evaluate previous conjectures that distinct ‘serious’ (telic) and ‘playful’ (paratelic) flow states may occur in adventure activities and to identify key characteristics which may underpin distinct flow states. Results highlighted qualitative differences amongst flow states, as well as suggesting that flow research in adventurous pursuits could benefit from the integration of reversal theory constructs.
BusMate: Understanding Mobility Behavior for Trajectory-Based Advertising

Mobile advertising is a rapidly growing form of advertising, carrying with it the promise of more finely tuned, targeted advertisements. In this paper, we study mobile advertising in the use of public transportation (specifically, buses). Through a qualitative study, we identify a number of factors that can influence the effectiveness of mobile advertising for bus passengers. We then use these findings to inform a prototype advertising system for bus passengers, called Bus Mate. Collectively, our research suggests that the bus passenger's trip timeline (i.e., How long they will be on the bus, and where they are on the trip) is one of the most important factors in defining the users' attention level. We propose an attention graph and validate it using our experimental mobile application. Finally, we propose some design recommendations, based on our findings, for platforms aiming at targeting mobile ads to bus passengers.
Energy Conservation MAC Protocols with Low Duty Cycling for WSN: A Review

energy constraints in the wireless sensor network are under too much consideration. Since WSN is based on relay system and therefore each node participate in complete communication process either as a source, forwarding nodes or as a receiver. This paper presents critical reviews on recent development in various MAC protocols for saving energy in wireless sensor network by modifying duty cycle. These protocols are based on the work done on the Medium Access Control layer of TCP/IP protocol suit.
Low complexity image recognition algorithm for handheld applications

We propose a low complexity image recognition algorithm based on Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) suitable for handheld applications. The target application is an Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) device used in speech rehabilitation and education. The device recognizes images (pictograms and pictures) and plays a sound message associated with the recognized image. Experimental validation of the proposed algorithm using MATLAB and its DSP implementation is presented.
A Force/Moment Direction Sensor and Its Application in Intuitive Robot Teaching Task

Teach pendant is the most widely used means of robot teaching at present. Despite the difficulties of using the motion command buttons on the teach pendant, it is an economical, robust, and effective device for robot teaching task. This paper presents the development of a force/moment direction sensor named COSMO that can improve the teach pendant based robot teaching. Robot teaching experiment of a six axis commercial robot using the sensor is described where operator holds the sensor with a hand, and move the robot by pushing, pulling, and twisting the sensor in the direction of the desired motion. No prior knowledge of the coord i- nate system is required. The function of the COSMO sensor is to detect the presence of force and moment along the principal axes of the sensor coordinate system. The transducer used in the sensor is micro -switch, and this intuitive robot teaching can be implemented at a very low cost.
Whistleblowing in the Health Service : accountability, law and professional practice

Whistleblowing and the breakdown of accountability. Part I the actors: the whistleblowers speak managerial accountability medical accountability nursing accountability community representation explaining abuse and inadequate care. Part II the working place and the law: self-regulation through employee vigilance freedom of information whistleblowing in American health care two initiatives to reform accountability confidentiality and the public interest conclusion - a new accountability?