Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Security Enforcement with Cost Assessmentfor Cloud Data

The cloud computing has become universal, casting its outline over practically every feature of business process in every industry. Its success is due largely to customers’ ability to use services on demand. The cloud user can choose with a pay-as-you go packages, which has proved convenient in many industries. Transmission cost plays an important role when trying to minimize cloud cost. The cloud have to provide a trust ability to the cloud customer. Also the performance of the cloud should not be degraded while providing a privacy over the cloud data. The proposed architecture provides a cost evaluation and privacy over cloud data stored by the data owner. A parallel encryption technique provides a privacy and secured environment over cloud database. The proposed encryption model improves the performance of process computation and cost appraisal guarantees the same level of scalability and availability of the cloud service. In this paper, we propose the parallel encryption for secured data over the cloud in customer point of view. Also we will focus on the SQL-based cloud which will dynamically change.SQL databases are difficult to scale, meaning they are not natively suited to a cloud environment, although cloud database services based on SQL are attempting to address this challenge.
Skilled Migration and Business Networks

The role of migrants’ networks in promoting cross border investments has been stressed in the literature, possibly making migration and FDI complements rather than substitutes in the long run. In this paper, we estimate the magnitude of such business network externalities in dynamic empirical models of FDI-funded capital accumulation. We use original data on capital and migration stocks rather than flows. Regarding migrants, we distinguish the total and skilled diasporas abroad. In both cross-sectional and panel frameworks, we find evidence of strong network externalities, mainly associated with the skilled diaspora.
Do reproduction and regeneration in damaged corals compete for energy allocation

Several field studles have revealed that damaged corals have lower fecundity during regeneration as compared to intact colonies. Thls finding was ~nterpreted as suggesting that there is a trade-off in the allocation of energy between reproductive activities versus growth and regeneration in corals, where sexual reproduction is easily disrupted. However, 3 independent lines of evidence critically challenge the paradigm of energy allocation trade-off and suggest that (1) sexual reproduction in cnidarians may not always be subject to energy constraints and may possess a hierarchial function, (2) shallow-water scleractinians may not be prone to energy constraints, and (3) regeneration is a regulated process expressed through programmed events and not directly related to the energy trade-off principle Growth, tissue repair and the production of the germ cell require 1 major resource, the stem cells It is suggested that any extensive use of these reserve cells may reduce their numbers and significantly affect one or more biological functions. Several studies indirectly confirm this idea. Trade-offs for stem cells between tissue repair and sexual reproduction should be considered as a relevant factor shaping reproduct~ve activities during regeneration in reef corals.
RASD 20 11 International Conference 1-3 July 2013 Pisa th 3 FRICTION INDUCED VIBRATION AS MULTI-SCALE DYNAMICS

The present paper presents a study indicating limitations of the traditional single-scale modeling and analysis approach in friction induced oscillations. Vibration data extracted from a commercial vehicle friction brake during braking is subjected to a statistical increment analysis on different scales. It turns out that the increments of vibration signals under steady sliding are non Gaussian and the degree of deviation from the Gaussian distribution depends on the scale under consideration. The results suggest that the seemingly simple random vibration during sliding is actually generated by mechanisms on different scales that leave their footprint in a complex multi-scale vibration signal.
Fitting diffusion item response theory models for responses and response times using the R package diffIRT

In the psychometric literature, item response theory models have been proposed that explicitly take the decision process underlying the responses of subjects to psychometric test items into account. Application of these models is however hampered by the absence of general and flexible software to fit these models. In this paper, we present diffIRT, an R package that can be used to fit item response theory models that are based on a diffusion process. We discuss parameter estimation and model fit assessment, show the viability of the package in a simulation study, and illustrate the use of the package with two datasets pertaining to extraversion and mental rotation. In addition, we illustrate how the package can be used to fit the traditional diffusion model (as it has been originally developed in experimental psychology) to data.
Producing New Workers: Quality, equality and employability in higher education

This article addresses employability as a performance indicator in higher education. Questions are raised about the values behind seemingly neutral indicators of value, and whether the same employability attributes have similar economic and professional values for different social groups. A central argument is that employability is a socially decontextualised signifier in so far as it overlooks how social structures such as gender, race, social class and disability interact with labour market opportunities. The article also interrogates hegemonic assumptions behind the concept of key or core skills in higher education.
Imaging for a Forward Scanning Automotive Synthetic Aperture Radar

In this paper, we propose a forward scanning synthetic aperture radar methodology for a forward-looking automotive (low-terahertz) radar, which combines scene scanning with synthetic aperture processing, resulting in enhanced angular resolution and improved imaging. We propose two algorithms, first, a modified back-projection (BP) algorithm and, second, a compressed sensing-based BP algorithm. We suggest techniques to reduce computational complexity of the proposed algorithms. Results of simulation and real-data experiments corroborate the validity of our proposed methodology and algorithms.
Thermal Fatigue Properties of Sn-1.2Ag-0.5Cu-xNi Flip Chip Interconnects

Thermal fatigue properties of Sn-1.2Ag-0.5Cu-xNi (x: 0.02, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 mass%) flip chip interconnects was investigated to find out an ideal nickel composition. Sn-1.2Ag-0.5Cu-xNi (x: 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20) had longer thermal fatigue life than Sn-1.2Ag-0.5Cu-0.02Ni. Cracks developed near solder/chip interface for all the bumps tested, and fracture due to thermal strain was a mixed mode, both transgranular and intergranular. Sn grain growth after thermal cycling was suppressed for Sn-1.2Ag-0.5Cu-xNi (x: 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20) solder joints, while Sn grains grew faster for x = 0.02, which suggests that suppression of Sn grain growth enhanced thermal fatigue endurance. Therefore, thermal fatigue properties of Sn-1.2Ag-0.5Cu-xNi (x: 0.02, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20) solder joint correlated to its microstructure, and the addition of 0.05 mass%Ni is required to enhance thermal fatigue endurance.
Cytotoxic Effect of "Glycated Albumin-Transition Metal Ion" on Rat Hepatocyte Suspension

Background: Combination of glycation and oxidation is associated with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of glycated proteins in presence of transition metal ions on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat hepatocyte suspension. Methods: Glycated albumin was prepared by incubation of bovine serum albumin with 100 mM glucose in 0.3 M phosphate buffer at 37°C for 2, 4 , and 6 weeks. The prepared rat liver cell suspension was treated with glycated albumin in presence of either Fe +++ or Cu ++ ions. Produced malone-dialdehyde was measured as an indicator of ROS and of cell injury. Results: The results showed Fe +++ and Cu ++ ions increase the ROS production in presence of glycated albumin (p<0.01). All prepared glycated albumin showed cytotoxicity in rat hepatocytes suspension in the presence of cupric and ferric ions, and this injury was dependent to metal ion concentration. Higher degree of glycation showed higher effect on ROS production (p<0.01). Comparing the effect of Fe +++ and Cu ++ , cupric ion had higher cytotoxic effect (p<0.01). Conclusion: These results indicated that hepatocytes may be damaged by ROS which are produced by the interaction of the glycated albumin and transition metal ion. Iran. Biomed. J. 10 (3): 139-143, 2006
Can we resolve the book , the physical reality , and the dream state problems ? From the two-pole to a three-pole model of shifts in presence

Presence research may have inherited what is labeled the two pole model of presence from its origins in telerobotics and telepresence research. A logical engineering model that saw presence as only moving between physical and virtual space became a psychological model of presence shifts. Psychological theories based on the two pole model have been troubled by an inability to resolve theoretical and observational inconsistencies such as those labeled the book problem, the physical reality problem, and the dream state problem. It is suggested that these problems are just three faces of one problem: the failure of the two pole model to adequately incorporate the roles of mental imagery and spatial attention in driving presence. An outline of the Three Pole Model of Presence is introduced. Once a third pole, mental imagery space, is added, it appears that the book, physical reality, and dream state problems may be just different situations involving shifts of presence to mental imagery space and a withdrawal of attention from sensorimotor stimuli. Compared to the standard two pole models, the Three Pole Model appears better able to resolve the logical and observational challenges summarized in the book, physical reality, and dream state problems.
Visible bandgap ZnCdO heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Single-phase ZnCdO alloys with a band-gap extending from the violet to yellow spectral range are fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy using extremely low growth temperatures in conjunction with O-rich growth conditions. The Cd concentration can be systematically adjusted via the Cd/Zn beam pressure ratio. Despite of growth temperatures as low as 150 ◦C, layer-by-layer growth is accomplished allowing for the preparation of ZnCdO/ZnO quantum well structures. Both epilayers and quantum wells exhibit strong band-gap related emission at room-temperature in the whole composition range.
Listing in Special Corporate Governance Trading Segments and Accuracy of Analysts’ Forecasts in Brazil

The aim of this article is to investigate whether there is a relationship between being listed in a trading segment of the BM&FBovespa requiring enhanced corporate governance and the accuracy of analysts’ forecasts. For this purpose, besides a literature review to establish the dependent and independent variables, we obtained data on the earnings per share estimated by analysts from the I/B/E/S database of Thomson Reuters and the actual figures one year after the forecast from the Economatica database. We then used panel data regression with robust fixed effect, covering a period of 20 quarters (2007-1 to 2011-4). The results did not reveal a significant statistical relationship between listing in one of the three special trading segments of the BM&FBovespa and the accuracy of analysts’ forecasts.
Identification of Rainfall Homogenous Regions taking into account El Niño and La Niña and Rainfall Decrease in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon

The statistical analysis of rainfall data is a tool to identify homogenous clusters which reveal the behavior pattern of the rainfall regime in a given region. Current study identifies homogenous clusters in the state of Para in the Amazon region, Brazil, with rainfall data for 413 monitored sites. A 31-year historical series was used (1960-1990) and the years with the occurrence of El Nino and La Nina were selected. Ward’s Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering Method was employed with Euclidean distance used as a similarity measurement. Results generated homogenous rainfall clusters for the state of Para. A similarity in rainfall rates for the homogenous clusters was constructed which made possible the need to identify and analyze the importance of taking into consideration El Nino and La Nina to determine homogenous rainfall regions. One may also identify regions with low rainfall rates, which may represent climate changes caused by change in land use, as in the southeastern region of Para, where agriculture and ranching have been replacing the Amazon forest for the last forty years.
WPP, No. 105: The Interaction between Spontaneous Imitation and Linguistic Knowledge

The spontaneous imitation paradigm (Goldinger, 1998), in which subjects' speech is compared before and after they are exposed to target speech, has shown that subjects shift their production in the direction of the target, indicating the use of episodic traces in speech perception as well as the close tie between speech perception and production. By using this paradigm, the current study aims to investigate the psychological reality of three levels of linguistic unit (i.e., word, phoneme, and sub-phonemic unit such as feature/gesture) through physical measurements instead of perceptual assessments. An experiment was carried out to test: 1) whether spontaneous phonetic imitation can be generalized across (a) new words which share the same initial phoneme, and (b) new words with a new phoneme falling in the same natural class (sharing a feature/gesture); 2) whether word-level specificity can be obtained through physical measurements of a phonetic feature; and 3) if/how the phonetic imitation interacts with linguistic representations when the change might impair linguistic (in this case, phonemic) contrast. The feature manipulated in the experiments was aspiration, or [+/- spread glottis], on the phonemes /p/ and /k/. The results revealed a significant effect of spontaneous phonetic imitation: subjects produced significantly longer VOTs after they were exposed to target speech with extended VOTs, replicating Shockley (2004) in a non-shadowing paradigm. Furthermore, this modeled feature (increased aspiration) was generalized to new instances of the target phoneme /p/ (i.e., in new words) as well as to the new segment /k/. On the other hand, the subjects did not imitate reduced VOTs, despite the fact that the (modeled) shorter VOTs occur more often than (modeled) longer VOTs in the baseline recordings. These results, taken together, indicate that 1) speakers possess sub-phonemic representations, and 2) knowledge of linguistic (or, phonemic) contrast constrains spontaneous phonetic imitation. Expected word-level specificity, tested through lexical frequency and training exposures, was not observed in this study.
Do intelligent heating controls out-smart ordinary users?

Nearly a third of UK gas and electricity is used in homes, of which 80% is for space heating and hot water provision. Rising consumer bills, concerns about climate change and the surge in personal digital technology use has provoked the development of intelligent domestic heating controls. Whilst the need for having suitable control of the home heating system is essential for reducing domestic energy use, these heating controls rely on appropriate user interaction to achieve a saving and it is unclear whether these ‘smart’ heating controls enhance the use of domestic heating or reduce energy demand. This paper describes qualitative research undertaken with a small sample of UK householders to understand how people use new heating controls installed in their homes and what the requirements are for improved smart heating control design. The paper identifies, against Nielsen’s usability heuristics, the divergence between the householder’s use, understanding and expectations of the heating system and the actual design of the system. Digital and smart heating control systems should be designed to maximise usability so that they can be effectively used for efficient heating control by all users. The research highlights the need for development of new systems to readdress the needs of users and redefine the system requirements.
MULTIAGENT SYSTEMS: FROM THE VAN LOAN SCHEME TO SIMPLE LINEAR ALGORITHMS

We consider an algorithm developed in [Elmachtoub and Van Loan, 2010] which drives a set of points on the plane to a certain regular configuration. Several generalizations of the algorithm are proposed, its new properties are analyzed, its relationship with formation control methods is discussed, and new and simpler linear algorithms of this type are devised.
MODELLING UNCERTAINTY IN DECISION MAKING: FUZZY PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND FUZZY TARGET

Decision making processes are based on performance measures that are compared with other performance measures values or with targets. Generally, the performance measure is only a number which do not consider the uncertainty associated with obtaining it such as measurement errors, precision and accuracy of measurement tools and subjective judgment. In this work, the uncertainty associated with performance measures is quantified through fuzzy numbers. The decision criterion is also represented by a fuzzy number. An indicator that considers both uncertainties in performance measure and decision criterion is developed. This indicator will help the decision maker once it quantifies the risk associated with the decision.
Distribution, Abundance, and Population Trends of Bull Trout in Idaho

Abstract Broad-scale declines in populations of bull trout Salvelinus confluentus over the past century or more led the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to implement statewide no-harvest regulations on bull trout in 1994 and ultimately led to a threatened listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1998. Despite this listing, quantitative evaluations of trends in abundance and estimates of population size over most of the species' historical range have not been made. We evaluated bull trout distribution, abundance, and trends in abundance using stratified sampling extrapolations of fish surveys (snorkeling and electrofishing) conducted at 2,521 survey sites (most distributed nonrandomly) across 77,447 km of stream. Bull trout were captured at 887 (35%) of the sites. Within the 262 local populations designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within seven Idaho recovery units, the number of 70-mm total length and larger bull trout was estimated at 1.13 million; this estimate was most likely bias.
MODELING LIQUIDITY EFFECTS IN DISCRETE TIME

We study optimal portfolio choices for an agent with the aim of maximizing utility from terminal wealth within a market with liquidity costs. Under some mild conditions, we show the existence of optimal portfolios and that the marginal utility of the optimal terminal wealth serves as a change of measure to turn the marginal price process of the optimal strategy into a martingale. Finally, we illustrate our results numerically in a Cox–Ross–Rubinstein binomial model with liquidity costs and find the reservation ask prices for simple European put options.
Is the Friesian polled mutation affecting performance traits in Holstein Friesian cattle

Breeding for polledness has just recently become of interest, since the routinely performed dehorning of calves has raised serious animal welfare concerns. The autosomal dominant inheritance of the polled locus and the availability of a direct gene test have a great potential for a rapid spread of the trait. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether the polled locus influences other traits than horn development as well. In our study, we examined a possible influence of the polled locus on performance traits in Holstein Friesian cattle. For that, we compiled a data set of 1851 Holstein Friesian cows descending from 19 heterozygous polled sires. The genetic horn status of the cows was analyzed and the performances of horned and polled daughters were compared using independent two sample t-tests and multi-factor ANOVAs. As phenotypes, the routinely estimated breeding values for milk performance, fertility and body conformation were abducted. To investigate a pleiotropic effect, the performances of all polled and horned daughters of the sires were compared. However, the results of the independent two-sample ttest and the ANOVA were inconclusive, contradicting a pleiotropic effect of the polled locus. To compare the performance within the different families a nested ANOVA for multiple factors was used, where the factor genotype was nested within the factor sire. Indeed, we found significant results for the traits yield deviation of milk, fat and protein yield, as well as for the total merit index and the relative estimated breeding values for milk production, protein yield, body, total conformation, fertility, paternal calving traits. Intriguingly, the effect of the polled locus between the different sire groups is partly vice versa. A possible explanation for that is that the polled locus could be linked to putative QTLs influencing those performance traits, but the linkage phases differ between different families. To investigate this more closely we contrive to consider the kinship between the sires in the data set. The exclusion of a pleiotropic effect of the polled locus could reduce the skepticism towards including polledness in the practical breeding strategies. Therewith, breeding for polledness as a non-invasive alternative to dehorning could increase the animal welfare in the cattle industry on a long-term base.
Recent developments in metal‐supported solid oxide fuel cells

Metal‐supported solid oxide fuel cells (MSCs) offer certain strategic advantages over the more conventional solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which comprise only ceramic materials. Since alloys such as ferritic steels are very similar in their coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with ceramic components, viz., cerias, zirconias, and nickel oxide doped with either of them, they could provide excellent thermal cyclability while maintaining a strong interlayer bond. Therefore, in an anode‐supported cell the entire NiO‐ceramic support can be replaced by a ferritic steel porous support—the catalytically active NiO is therefore, a functional layer only. A huge savings in materials cost is achievable, because cerias and zirconias [usually doped with Y, Gd, Sm rare earth (RE) elements] are considerably more expensive that ferritic steels. Lowering the capital costs for SOFCs is an extensive global undertaking with US Department of Energy (DOE) laying down targets such as ~$ 200/kW for the stack itself, in order for SOFCs to become competitive with grid power costs and to offer a power source that promises 24 × 7 power supply for critical applications. This will eventually lead to a premier electricity generation device in the distributed power space, with the highest known electrical efficiencies (>50%). MSCs need very robust, high precision, and cost‐effective manufacturing techniques, which are scalable to high volumes. One of the main goals in this review is to showcase some of the work done in this area since the last review (2010), and to assess the technology challenges, and new solutions that have emerged over the past few years. WIREs Energy Environ 2017, 6:e246. doi: 10.1002/wene.246