Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flow Aggregation of Rate Controlled Round‐Robin Scheduler

Flow aggregation is a scalable method to provide quality of service (QoS) guarantees to a large number of flows economically. A round‐robin scheduler is an efficient scheduling algorithm. We investigate flow aggregation using a round‐robin scheduler and propose the use of periodic timer interrupts for rate control of the round‐robin scheduler. The proposed flow aggregator is a single‐stage scheduler compared to Cobb's two‐stage flow aggregator consisting of an aggregator and non‐aggregating scheduler. It is possible to implement flow aggregation in the existing routers with only a software upgrade. We also present a simulation study showing the delay behaviors of the proposed algorithm.
Price dispersion and station heterogeneity on German retail gasoline markets

Price levels and movements on gasoline and diesel markets are heavily debated among consumers, policy-makers, and competition authorities alike. In this paper, we empirically investigate how and why price levels differ across gasoline stations in Germany, using eight months of data from a novel panel data set including price quotes from virtually all German stations. Our analysis specifically explores the role of station heterogeneity in explaining price differences across gasoline stations. Key determinants of price levels across fuel types are found to be ex-refinery prices as key input costs, a station's location on roads or highway service areas, and brand recognition. A lower number of station-specific services implies lower fuel price levels, so does a more heterogeneous local competitive environment.
The Effect of Banking System in Decreasing Production Costs and Improving Export Performance

The development of stable export is among the important and effective foundations of economic growth, having an undeniable role in the increase of production, investment, employment, and eventually social welfare. On the one hand, in today's unstable and competitive world, to be successful in world markets, it is necessary for export firms to have power for maneuvering in big competitive contests. In order to reduce the costs of exporters, protective export institutes can, through choosing a suitable strategy, play a very important role in the development of export markets and the promotion of the performance of exporters. Considering the importance of the position protective institutes and policy-makers have in the area of export of the country, the present research intents to examine the literature related to this issue. Having examined Tehran's export firms, the research presented a model which was framed in three areas: imported raw materials used for the production of export goods, the role of banking system in the country (in areas including working capital, real measurement of exporters' credit, decreasing the rate of bank's interest, and offering export stimuli) and eventually satisfying informational needs of export firms regarding foreign markets. The research findings show that all the three research hypotheses have important roles in the reduction of production costs, enhancement of firm's competitive power in foreign markets, and consequently an outstanding increase in export performance. The results of the study also show that "working capital" is the most important problem of the analyzed export firms with respect to export.
The Association between Operating Cash Flows and Dividend Changes: Evidence from Jordan

The main objective of this study was to examine whether operating cash flows have incremental information beyond operating net income in explaining dividend changes for a sample of Jordanian industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during the period 1997-2002. Arguments for operating cash flow information suggest that it is better than accrual net income in reflecting the firm performance and in measuring the firm liquidity. Both performance and liquidity are viewed as (.)
The Initial Mass Function of the First Stars Inferred from Extremely Metal-poor Stars

We compare the elemental abundance patterns of ∼200 extremely metal-poor (EMP; [Fe/H] < −3) stars to the supernova yields of metal-free stars, in order to obtain insights into the characteristic masses of the first (Population III or Pop III) stars in the universe. The supernova yields are prepared with nucleosynthesis calculations of metal-free stars with various initial masses (M = 13, 15, 25, 40 and 100 M⊙) and explosion energies (E51 = E/1051[erg] = 0.5–60), to include low-energy, normal-energy, and high-energy explosions. We adopt the mixing-fallback model, to take into account possible asymmetry in the supernova explosions, and the yields that best fit the observed abundance patterns of the EMP stars are searched by varying the model parameters. We find that the abundance patterns of the EMP stars are predominantly best-fitted by the supernova yields with initial masses M < 40 M⊙, and that more than than half of the stars are best-fitted by the M = 25 M⊙ hypernova (E51 = 10) models. The results also indicate that the majority of the primordial supernovae have ejected 10−2–10−1 M⊙ of 56Ni, leaving behind a compact remnant (either a neutron star or a black hole), with a mass in the range of ∼1.5–5 M⊙. These results suggest that the masses of the first stars responsible for the first metal enrichment are predominantly <40 M⊙. This implies that the higher-mass first stars were either less abundant, directly collapsed into a black hole without ejecting heavy elements, or a supernova explosion of a higher-mass first star inhibits the formation of the next generation of low-mass stars at [Fe/H] < −3.
The phytochemical and central nervous system investigation of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves of Chromolaena odorata L.

Introduction: The effect of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Chromolaena odorata L. on the central nervous system of rats was evaluated using a set of pharmacological screening methods. Materials and Methods: A single dose (100 mg/kg) of ethanolic and aqueous extract of leaves of Chromolaena odorata was administered to the rats orally to assess the pharmacological activity. Preliminary phytochemical testing preceded pharmacological screening tests for locomotion and spontaneous behavior conducted on the first, fourth and seventh day of administration. The Locomotor activity was evaluated using Rotamex and spontaneous behavior was studied by using Optovarimex. Results were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey- Kramer multiple comparison's test. Results: On continuous administration of the extract, a dose dependent increase in spontaneous activity was observed in Optovarimex apparatus. There was an increase in distance travelled and a decrease in resting time in the Optovarimex instrument but no significant changes in ambulatory time and stereotypic time, while the DT of aqueous extract showed peak activity at 90 min on day 1. Conclusion: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that the C. odorata extract contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids and proteins. Our findings suggest that the extract has significant CNS stimulant activity. Furthermore, a marked increase in locomotor activity and an improvement in muscle coordination observed with the ethanolic leaf extract indicate that the above CNS activities may be attributed to the various phytoconstituents and antioxidants present in the leaf extract.
Total Quality Management Implementation in the Egyptian Construction Industry

Total quality management (TQM) has been recognized as a successful management philosophy that can be successfully implemented in the construction industry. By examining the Japanese contractors working in Egypt and comparing their managing systems to the local ones, a comparative analysis of the two contractors working in the Egyptian field is presented in this paper to illustrate how TQM can be implemented effectively in the Egyptian construction industry. Bearing in mind the location bound nature of the production process, the competitive bidding, which emphasizes cost and the absence of the quality culture of the clients, subcontractors and site operatives are some of the constraining factors for implementing the quality policy. Based on the research findings, the paper presents some features of the Japanese construction industry that could be implemented in the Egyptian field in addition to a new model for TQM implementation that appropriates the Egyptian construction industry.
Motor Cortex Stimulation Reverses Maladaptive Plasticity Following Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract : The majority of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) develop intractable chronic neuropathic pain that is resistant to conventional pharmacologic treatments. An alternative and potentially effective modality of treatment motor cortex stimulation (MCS) offers hope for these patients. The purpose of this application is to elucidate the neurobiological basis of reduced pain following MCS. We propose that MCS reverses hyperalgesia by enhancing the activity in the GABAergic nucleus zona incerta (ZI), and therefore inhibiting pain processing in the posterior thalamus (PO). Using single cell extracellular electrophysiological recordings from the thalamus of rats with SCI-pain we tested the effect of MCS on the activity of neurons in ZI and PO. We demonstrated last year that MCS significantly enhanced spontaneous and evoked responses in the majority of PO-projecting ZI neurons and caused a significant and robust suppression of activity in PO. We now report that inactivation of ZI using muscimol (GABAA agonist) blocks the effects of MCS stimulation on PO neurons while cutting the pyramidal tracts have no effects on suppressed activity in PO after MCS. These findings further support our overarching hypothesis that MCS alleviates pain by activating the incerto-thalamic pathway.
On Time Series Prediction Based on Control Chart

Control charts are the most commonly used quality control tools. These tools are dedicated to monitoring processes characteristic over time. Control charts may be successfully applied in other statistical areas. The non-classical use of control charts for time series prediction has been presented by Z. Pawlowski in the paper Predykcja za pomocą kart kontrolnych (Control Chart Based Prediction, 1969). The forecasts obtained by this method are quantitative or qualitative. The modification of this method is presented in the paper. It leads to quantitative predictions in all cases. The proposal was compared to some well-known classical prediction methods in the Monte Carlo study.
An Edible Film Characteristic of Chitosan Made from Shrimp Waste as a Plasticizer

The edible film is expected to replace the plastic packaging, so it can reduce plastic waste used. Information about edible film as food packaging that is stored at room temperature is still very few found. The aims of research is to assess the characteristics of an edible film from chitosan for biodegradable packaging to substitute plastic in general that it could not be processed further. The results of characterization making edible film chitosan with the addition of a plasticizer from carrageenan produce the value of the thickness, and tensile strength film meet the criteria of standard value for characterization of edible film, while the transmission of water vapor and the percentage of lengthening is not yet meet the criteria of standard value for characterization of edible film. Packaging is the final part of a process for the production of foodstuffs or other products. Today, the packaging industry is dominated by packaging materials made from plastic. This resulted in the increase of plastic waste in the world. Plastic packaging commonly used type of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and resins that many impacts are not as good as the environmental damage can not be decomposed by microorganisms, expensive in recycling and contamination of foodstuffs was due to the presence of certain substances migrated into the food material. One alternative solution is the use of edible film which has several advantages, which are able to protect the product, the original appearance of the product can be maintained, safe for the environment and can be eaten.
Artificial Rearing of Entomophagous Insects, with Emphasis on Nutrition and Parasitoids - General Outlines from Personal Experience

The disposability of high numbers of entomophagous insects for their use in biological control strategies is an old objective carried on, between others, by the rearing in different kinds of artificial diets. The definition and the perfecting of these diets are at first based on nutritional studies. Food or carcass analyses, nutritional balance studies, and deletion/supplementation methods allow to evaluate the different nutritional needs. Nitrogen sources are the most critical needs especially with fast growing entomophagous insects. Lipids and carbohydrates mainly constitute energy sources with storage possibility. Other nutrients such as salts and vitamins are also needed, and sometimes some specific polyunsaturated fatty acids. There are other important physiological requirements, concerning the digestion process, the respiration, or the hormonal balances. Physico-chemical factors such as Osmotic Pressure and pH often show critical values for the normal development, mostly of endoparasitoid insects. For egg parasitoids and predators, the presentation of the food is of prime importance for a normal food intake, and finally for the success of the rearing. Sterilization of the diet or incorporation of preservative agents is often necessary for preventing bacterial or fungal contaminations. Many successes were obtained for artificial rearing of entomophagous insects, but ultimate efforts are still needed for crucial improvements and supports that may lead to the extension of the use of this biological control strategy.
Strategic patents and asymmetric litigation costs as entry deterrence instruments

To spur innovation, the patent protection system grants the patentee limited monopoly power to recoup his R&D investment, although, in general, allowing the use of the public good "innovation" is socially efficient. But patents and patent threats can also be used strategically, e.g. to deter entry from competitors. This note shows that, besides incumbency, the present patent protection system constitutes an additional strategic instrument that favors the incumbent, because asymmetric litigation costs may deter entry from potential rivals.
THE EFFECT OF PROBLEM BASED LEARNING MODEL ON STUDENT MATHEMATICS LEARNING OUTCOMES VIEWED FROM CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

This study aims to determine the effect of applying problem based learning model on students' mathematics learning outcomes viewed from critical thinking skills of fifth grade students of the private primary school in the Surakarta region. This research is an experimental research using sample of 309 students consisting of experimental class of 153 students and control class of 156 students. Method of data analysis using Two-Way Anova. Results of this study indicate (1) There are significant differences in mathematics learning outcomes between students who following Problem Based Learning model with conventional model (2) There is a significant difference in mathematics learning outcomes between students who have high and low critical thinking skills. (3) There is no interaction effect between learning model and critical thinking skills on mathematics learning outcomes.
EXPERT ’ S CORNER : A PERSONAL APPROACH Is it an epileptic seizure ?

One of the most frequent situations which occur in medical practice is the moment of categorically defining if the symptomatology to which a patient or another reliable source refers corresponds to an epileptic seizure or any of the clinical events presented as differential diagnoses, ranging from lypotimia, a syncope, hyperventilation syndrome, anxiety, somatization, conversion or pseudo seizure. The main element physicians have is the information provided by the patient or the person accompanying the patient. It depends on the way the doctor obtains precise data for the symptomatology study in question, that is, the semiology. Thus, it is essential to keep in mind that clinical training is substantial to collect only useful, complete information and discard data which can cause distraction or confusion. Therefore, the semiology study must include very specific characteristics like: type of symptom, form of onset, mode of installation, duration, intensity and quality of the symptoms, as well as temporal evolution, frequency of presentation, precipitating factors, or symptoms accompanying or following initial onset, in addition to the symptomatology which exacerbates or diminishes the symptom. This information will be best evaluated if obtained from the patient or a trustworthy source who had witnessed the event. This will make it possible to obtain the highest degree of data, which will be useful for the study of the symptom. In medical literature a series of useful questions for the study of these types of clinical phenomena has been reported:
Livestock herders perception on the causes and effects of Senna obtusifolia L. invasion in rangelands of Northern Ethiopia

Livestock herders’ perception on the invasion and effects of Senna obtusifolia L. were gotten from two locations (Kafta Humera and Tsegede) in Northern Ethiopia. From each location, three peasant associations were selected using key formants and group discussion. The invasion level of S. obtusifolia L. was higher near settlements and road side of continuously grazed lands of the study area. S. obtusifolia L. invasion is negatively affecting the grazing lands of the study area. Highly palatable grasses and herbaceous legume species were identified to be increasingly rarer from S. obtusifolia L invade grazing lands. Although unpalatable, herbaceous species was increased in invaded sites in the study area. The replacement of highly palatable grasses and legume species by less palatable and unpalatable herbaceous species in S. obtusifolia L infested grazing lands. This resulted in the shortage of quality and quantity forage for grazing animals near settlements leading to long distance travelling to search for animal feed, and subsequently with the reduction of livestock productivity. Although, S. obtusifolia invasion negatively affect the herbaceous vegetation and livestock productivity with no measure taken into place to control its invasion. Therefore, the collaboration of all stakeholders is needed to optimize the negative impacts of S. obtusifolia invasion. Key words: Grazing lands, group discussion, invasive species, key informants, palatable herbaceous species.
Dietary resource partitioning among sympatric New Zealand and Australian fur seals

Adult male, female and juvenile New Zealand and Australian fur seals Arctocephalus forsteri and A. pusillus doriferus regularly return to colonies, creating the potential for intra- and inter-specific foraging competition in nearby waters. We hypothesise that the fur seals in this study utilise different prey, thereby reducing competition and facilitating coexistence. We analysed scats and regurgitates from adult male, female and juvenile New Zealand fur seals and adult male Aus- tralian fur seals and compared prey remains found in the samples. Most prey consumed by adult male and female fur seals occur over the continental shelf or shelf break, less than 200 km from Cape Gantheaume. Adult female fur seals utilised proportionally more low-energy prey such as large squid and medium-sized fish. The adult female diet reflected that of a generalist predator, dictated by prey abundance and their dependant pups' fasting abilities. In contrast, adult male New Zealand and Aus- tralian fur seals consumed proportionally more energy-rich prey such as large fish or birds, most likely because they could more efficiently access and/or handle such prey. Juvenile fur seals primar- ily consumed small fish that occur in pelagic waters, south of the shelf break, suggesting juveniles cannot efficiently utilise prey where adult fur seals forage. The age and sex groups in this study employ dramatically different strategies to maximise their survival and reproductive success and consequently the prey that they utilise reflect their different physiological constraints and metabolic requirements.
Weighting Procedures and the Cluster Forming Algorithm for Delete-k Jackknife Variance Estimation for Institutional Surveys. Research Report. ETS RR-06-15.

Weighting and variance estimation are two statistical issues involved in survey data analysis for large-scale assessment programs such as the Higher Education Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy Assessment. Because survey data are always acquired by probability sampling, to draw unbiased or almost unbiased inferences for the populations, weights are required in making use of estimators such as a Horvitz-Thompson type. Variance estimation provides the basis for reporting errors. The weighting procedure generates weights based on statistical principles that are consistent with the sampling design. The estimation of the variance from survey data uses the delete-k jackknife resampling replicate (JRR) approach, which can be adapted for variant institutional sampling designs and for dissimilarity in institute conditions. To form clusters of k cases, a merge-dilute algorithm is proposed. The algorithm merges the cases of different groups into a queue and then allocates the cases of the queue to form homogeneous clusters of required sizes. The new algorithm is applied to the ICT sample from an institute taking the 2004 fall trial assessment.
On the theoretical and methodological foundations for a science of consciousness

The target article suggests a way to define consciousness, and discuss why consciousness has been conceived of as a problem to scientific investigation. Arguments that consciousness cannot be studied empirically are analyzed and refused. From here, the article goes on to suggest a way to perform empirical studies. Introspection is suggested as a sine qua non for consciousness studies, and he discusses with which validity introspective techniques can be applied in experimental settings. The target article reviews the notion of ‘neural correlates of consciousness’ to explore the explanatory value of such brain measures, and with which strategy such measures can be obtained.
A Uniform Viscoelastic-Plastic Constitutive Model for MD-PMMA at a Wide Temperature Range

The deformation characteristics of MD-PMMA vary greatly at different temperatures. In the paper, whether a uniform model could be used to describe these complex characteristics was discussed. Tensile properties of MD-PMMA at the temperatures of -50EsC, -25EsC, 20EsC, 60EsC, 90EsC were experimentally investigated. The entire deformation processes of PMMA were divided into four stages: elastic stage, viscoelastic stage, yielding stage and post-yielding stage. Strain softening and strain hardening phenomenon occurred in the yielding and post-yielding stage, it was the results of the competition between loading rate and plastic strain rate. A nonlinear model of activation dashpot was constructed, in the model, the evolution rate of plastic deformation was defined by Eyringâ€™s theory, and the actual stress was the difference between external applied stress and internal resistance stress caused by plastic strain. The above activation dashpot serially connected with the standard linear model (SLM) to identify elastic and viscoelastic characteristics. A two iterations integral algorithm was proposed to simplify the inter-coupling between the internal stress and the plastic strain, and the unknown parameters in the model could be easily fitted by the experimental data. This uniform viscoelastic-plastic model was demonstrated that could predict different deformation behaviors at a wide temperature range.