Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A support for end user-Centric SLAadministration of Cloud-Hosted Databases

Service level agreements for cloud services are not planned to flexible handle even comparatively uncomplicated act. In Exciting system, Cloud computing simplifies the time consuming processes of purchasing and software deployment. Service level agreements of cloud providers are not designed for supporting. The straight forward requirements and restrictions under which SLA of consumers applications need to be handled. We current approach for SLA based management of cloud hosted databases from the user perspective. We present an end-to-end framework for user centric SLA management of cloud hosted databases. Application defined policies for agreeable their individual SLA act requirements. Avoiding the cost of any SLA violation and calculating the economic cost of the allocated computing property. The end user applications with the mandatory flexibility for achieving their SLA supplies
A study on empirical ground motion estimation introducing fault rupture propagating effects

Fault rupture propagating effects such as radiation pattern and forward directivity, are introduced into empirical attenuation relationship of ground motion. In this study, those effects are theoretically defined using the directions of rupture propagation, fault slip, and wave radiation pattern of small sub-faults divided from target fault as used in the Green’s function summation technique. Rupture heterogeneity is also considered as a weight of seismic moment for each small sub-fault. Empirical relationship between site amplification and average shear wave velocity are introduced to estimate shake map. The modification factors to correct the rupture propagating effects are applicable for any attenuation formulae of maximum acceleration or velocity, because the average of the factors for wide area around the target fault are defined to be constant value as one. Using the factors, different ground motion maps are obtained for strike and dip slip faults even using an attenuation formula with magnitude and fault distance which does not care about fault rupture type. The effects of proposing modification factors are verified by using ground motion distributions derived from observed past earthquakes and wide frequency band waveform simulations. The proposing method provides more realistic ground motion distributions than those by original attenuation formula. The proposing technique can be applicable for quick estimations of ground motion distribution in wide target area as required in immediate action just after the earthquake.
Global patterns of annual actual evapotranspiration with land-cover type: knowledge gained from a new observation-based database

The process of evapotranspiration (ET) plays a critical role in the earth system, driving key land-surface processes in the energy, water and carbon cycles. Land-cover (LC) exerts multiple controls on ET, yet the global distribution of ET by LC and the related physical variables are poorly understood. The lack of quantitative understanding of global ET variation with LC begets considerable uncertainties regarding how ET and key land-surface processes will change alongside ongoing anthropogenic LC transformations. Here we apply statistical analysis and models to a new global ET database to advance our understanding of how annual actual ET varies with LC type. We derive global fields for each LC using linear mixed effect models (LMMs) that use geographical and meteorological variables as possible independent regression variables. Our inventory of ET observations reveals important gaps in spatial coverage that overlie hotpots of global change. There is a spatial bias of observations towards the mid latitudes, and LCs with large areas in the high latitudes (lakes, wetlands and barren land) are poorly represented. From the distribution of points as well as the uncertainty analysis completed by bootstrapping we identify high priority regions in need of more data collection. Our analysis of the new database provides new insights into how ET varies globally, providing more robust estimates of global ET rates for a broad range of LC types. Results reveal that different LC types have distinct global patterns of ET. Furthermore, zonal ET means among LCs reveal new patterns: ET rates in low latitudinal bands are more sensitive to LC change than in higher latitude bands; LCs with a higher evaporation component show higher variability of ET at the global scale; and LCs with dispersed rather than contiguous global locations have a higher variability of ET at the global scale. Results from this study indicate two major advancements are required to improve our ability to predict how ET will vary with global change. First, further collection of ground truth observations of ET is needed to fill gaps in LC types and spatial location identified in this paper. Second, LC types need to be de-aggregated into finer categories to better characterize ET, to reduce uncertainty and weakened strength to predictor variables, associated by aggregation of heterogeneous LC types into one group; this will require the development of higher-resolution LC databases.
Corrosion Resistance of Plasma-Anodized AZ91 Mg Alloy in the Electrolyte with/without Potassium Fluoride

Plasma Electrolyte Oxidation (PEO) behavior of AZ91 Mg alloy was investigated in the electrolytes with/without potassium fluoride. Growth rate of coating thickness in the electrolyte containing potassium fluoride (Bath B) was much higher than that in the electrolyte without potassium fluoride (Bath A). The oxide layer formed on AZ91 Mg alloy in electrolyte with potassium fluoride and sodium silicate consisted of MgO, MgF2 and Mg2SiO4. Corrosion current density of oxide layer coated from the electrolyte with potassium fluoride was much lower than that of oxide layer coated from the electrolyte without potassium fluoride. From the result of EIS analysis, it was known that inner barrier layer in the oxide layer coated from the electrolyte with potassium fluoride had a good influence of the corrosion resistance of Mg alloy. The corrosion resistance curves of Bath B were similar to the thickness curves, indicating that the thickness of the oxide layer played an important role in corrosion resistance of AZ91 Mg alloy. The oxide layer in the Bath B containing potassium fluoride was found to be a compact barrier-type passive film in presence of fluoride ions. The existence of the dense MgO and MgF2 in the barrier layer had a favorable effect on the corrosion resistance of the AZ91 Mg alloy formed from Bath B by PEO process. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MER2008345]
Approaches and methods used in analyzing compliance with fishery regulations

This paper reviews existing literature on analytical framework and methodological approaches to study noncompliance with fishery regulations. The causes of the problem of illegal fishing and noncompliance with fishery regulations are analysed and reasons behind the failure of current management regimes to promote sustainable management and exploitation of fishery are investigated. Several deterrence models have been developed to study this problem in static and dynamic decision frameworks. The shortcomings of static model versus dynamic are specified and the static model found to be limited. Dynamic model on the other hand, consider allocation of resources overtime and hence account for the effect of discount future benefits and the repeated nature of the crime and detection. Extensions of both models are also discussed in details. Results from theoretical models are tested empirically using survey data. Different econometric models have been specified to conduct empirical deterrence analysis on determinants and extent of the decision to violate. Intensity of violation and frequency of violation as measures of violation rate are compared. Non-compliance determinants variables include socio-economic attributes, deterrence, and social and legitimacy factors. Empirical studies estimate both violation rate and extent of violation. Deep understanding of how fishers behave and their reaction to regulations is very crucial to tackle the problem and help policy makers to formulate policies accordingly.
Do High Debt Payments Hinder Household Consumption Smoothing?

Recently, U.S. households have committed a rising share of disposable personal income to required principal and interest payments on household debt. Studies of the direct link between the household debt service ratio (DSR) and consumption show mixed results—perhaps because debt may instead alter the relationship between consumption and income. We explore this possibility by comparing the consumption smoothing behavior of households over the DSR distribution. We find that a high DSR alone does not indicate higher sensitivity of consumption to a change in income. However, we find evidence that the DSR may help identify borrowing constrained households. In particular, the consumption of households with low liquid assets and high DSRs is more sensitive than the consumption of other low liquid asset households. Although this effect of high DSR is not precisely estimated, it is large and robust to changes in the specification, suggesting that more work is warranted.
Heritage and Regional Development: A Process-and-outcomes Typology

ANZRSAI's 2006 conference emphasised the important role played by natural, built and cultural heritage in 'driving' regional development. But how can heritage be successfully tapped as a regional development resource, and what kinds of outcomes may result? This paper proposes a typology of approaches, drawing on examples from around the world. The typology is organised according to the level of 'cultural integration' of a given heritage initiative. It focuses on three key areas: Identification Process (how heritage resources are identified), Implementation Process (what kinds of approaches are taken to 'develop' or make use of these resources), and Outcomes (the kinds of outcomes that result). The typology is intended to assist regional development practitioners and academics to recognise and evaluate the broad range of ways that 'heritage' can be used in regional development and the varied outcomes that can be generated. Specifically, the paper considers how to move from opportunistic to sustainable processes, and from single-dimensional to multidimensional outcomes.
LOCAL PERCEPTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) CONSERVATION AROUND PROTECTED AREAS IN THE EASTERN BRAZILIAN AMAZON

The local success of protected areas for effective biodiversity conservation depends largely on ensuring the integration of local communities and the persistence of wildlife species and ecological processes. We investigated the perceptions of riverine residents living around a sustainable-use protected area towards giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis). Between March and December 2011, we conducted 41 interviews with riverine residents in the region of the National Forest of Amapa (AP, Brazil). These interviews revealed a strong negative attitude towards giant otters, highlighted by recent reports of otters being killed in 12.2% of the interviews. Generalized linear models showed that years of education and age weakly predicted attitudes towards otters in the study area (i.e., respondents with the longest time in education and older were less likely to dislike otters and to consider giant otters as damaging income or fishing activities, respectively). These results suggested that to conserve giant otters in this region efforts should focus on environmental education and long-term research projects.
College Selectivity and Degree Completion

How much of a difference does it make whether a student of a given academic ability enters a more or a less selective four-year college? Some studies claim that attending a more academically selective college markedly improves one's graduation prospects. Others report the reverse: an advantage from attending an institution where one's own skills exceed most other students. Using multilevel models and propensity score matching methods to reduce selection bias, we find that selectivity does not have an independent effect on graduation. Instead, we find relatively small positive effects on graduation from attending a college with higher tuition costs. We also find no evidence that students not attending highly selective colleges suffer reduced chances of graduation, all else being equal.
Audiovisual and Pedagogical Network Installation

This paper presents an interactive installation designed to inform visitors of the network flow and the risks to connect their devices to any Wi-Fi hotspots. The system developed in C++ grabs packets using LibPCap, analyses them at low level (e.g., packet length) and also provides high-level information (e.g., port number). This new approach is based on the network flow analysis as well as on network services analysis. The software communicates with ChucK through the OSC protocol and is developed with the OpenFrameworks library in order to create unique visualisation. Users can actively take part to an interactive and didactic audiovisual exhibition system using their mobile device to send e-mails, listen to a web radio, surf on a website, read RSS feeds, in short, the experience begins once visitors exchange data with the network.
in DRO : 29 October 2013 Version of attached le : Other Peer-review status of attached le :

In this paper we address statistical issues in attributing revenue to marketing channels. We describe the relevant data structures and introduce an example. We suggest an asymmetric bathtub shape as appropriate for time-weighted revenue attribution to the customer journey, provide an algorithm, and illustrate the method. We suggest a modification to this method when there is independent information available on the relative values of the channels. We compare the revenue attributions suggested by the methods in this paper with several common attribution methods.
Assessing the Feasibility of DRAINMOD Application Using Soil Hydraulic Properties Estimated by Pedotransfer Functions

DRAINMOD is one of the widely used computer simulation models for drainage water management. Direct and indirect methods are available to feed DRAINMOD with the required inputs. Direct measurements of soil parameters are time consuming and costly compared with indirect methods such as the use of pedotransfer functions (PTFs). The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of running DRAINMOD using saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and soil water characteristics (SWC) data estimated by PTFs. In previous research, we have identified the best performing PTFs for estimating the Ksat and SWC data for US soils of different textural classes. Data from Four U.S. agricultural drained sites, having different soils, crops, drainage systems, and climatological conditions, were used in the analysis. For each of the four sites Ksat and SWC data have been estimated using the best performing PTFs according to the soil textural class. The model was run using both calibrated and PTF-estimated Ksat and SWC data. Measured annual drainage was compared to predicted drainage using estimated and calibrated soil hydraulic properties. The Normalized Root Mean Square Error and Modeling Efficiency were used to assess the model performance. As expected, predicted annual drainage using the calibrated soil parameters (NRMSE=9-24%, EF=0.62-0.91) was more accurate than predicted drainage using PTF-estimated soil parameters (NRMSE=21-33%, EF=0.29-0.70). The errors in DRAINMOD predictions induced by using PTF-estimated soil parameters appear to have a small impact on DRAINMOD predictions of the system’s response (annual drainage rate) to different management scenarios (e.g. conventional and controlled drainage). This finding has important implications regarding the large scale application of DRAINMOD to quantify the hydrologic and water quality impacts of controlled drainage across the U.S. Midwest.
ONLINE 4D RECONSTRUCTION USING MULTI-IMAGES AVAILABLE UNDER OPEN ACCESS

Abstract. The advent of technology in digital cameras and their incorporation into virtually any smart mobile device has led to an explosion of the number of photographs taken every day. Today, the number of images stored online and available freely has reached unprecedented levels. It is estimated that in 2011, there were over 100 billion photographs stored in just one of the major social media sites. This number is growing exponentially. Moreover, advances in the fields of Photogrammetry and Computer Vision have led to significant breakthroughs such as the Structure from Motion algorithm which creates 3D models of objects using their twodimensional photographs. The existence of powerful and affordable computational machinery not only the reconstruction of complex structures but also entire cities. This paper illustrates an overview of our methodology for producing 3D models of Cultural Heritage structures such as monuments and artefacts from 2D data (pictures, video), available on Internet repositories, social media, Google Maps, Bing, etc. We also present new approaches to semantic enrichment of the end results and their subsequent export to Europeana, the European digital library, for integrated, interactive 3D visualisation within regular web browsers using WebGl and X3D. Our main goal is to enable historians, architects, archaeologists, urban planners and affiliated professionals to reconstruct views of historical structures from millions of images floating around the web and interact with them.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CYTOGENETIC RESPONSES OF WHEAT AND BARLEY TO SILVER NANOPRIMING TREATMENT

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of silver-nanopriming on germination percentage, seedling growth and mitotic cell division. The results showed that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) significantly increased the germination percentage. Mean comparison showed that the highest germination percentages (98, 92, 96 %) were observed in the pretreated wheat (Beni Sweif 1 and Gemmieza 9) and barley (Giza 130) seeds. The results clearly revealed that shoot length, fresh and dry weights were slightly promoted by AgNPs while in roots corresponding parameters were reduced compared with those of control. Photosynthetic pigments and chlorophyll fluorescence were affected to some extent by AgNPs priming. Cytological changes in root tips of 72h and 120h germinated seeds were observed by disturbed chromosomes at metaphase and anaphase. The main types of chromosomal aberrations are: chromosomes aneuploidy, binucleate cells, deletion chromosomes, deform nuclei, micronuclei, chromosomes fragment, and stickiness chromosomes. It was found that the mitotic index significantly increased in the three pretreated tested plants compared to the control. This study infers that AgNPs could penetrate plant system and might impair stages of cell division causing chromosomal aberrations.
Online Web Mining Process with Ranking System Using SVM Classifier Model

_________ Abstract - The capability of annotating pictures by computers can lead to breakthroughs in a wide range of applications, including Web image search, online picture-sharing communities, and scientific experiments . image retrieval work is the first technique to achieve real-time performance with a level of accuracy useful in certain real applications. It is also the first attempt to manually assess the large-scale performance of an image annotation system . It is a particular case of information retrieval. It adds more complex mechanisms to relevance image retrieval: visual content analysis and/or additional textual content. The image auto annotation is a technique that associates text to image, and permits to retrieve image documents as textual documents, thus as in information retrieval. The image auto annotation is then an effective technology for improving the image retrieval. In implementing all the conceptual information provided and in addition, we are trying to integrate the ranking features. So that an automatic ranking on the images will be done based on the meta data features of an image . In addition, the user will be provided an option of ranking the site manually.
Traditional Iranian dairy products: A source of potential probiotic lactobacilli

A varied climate in Iran makes the production of a wide range of dairy products possible. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify new potential probiotic lactobacilli from traditional Iran dairy products. The isolates were screened for their probiotic potential activities, including acid and bile resistance, antagonistic activity and cholesterol removal. Screening of acid and bile tolerant strains from 14 different samples led to the identification of 20 isolates of Lactobacillus spp. Most promising strains which assimilated more than 75% of the cholesterol in the medium and/or exhibited high inhibition value against pathogen identified based on 16S rDNA sequence. Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei isolated from yogurt and cheese exhibited both high cholesterol assimilation and antagonist activity. These results suggested that, Iranian indigenous lactobacilli have potential as probiotics, and they might also be good candidates to be used as probiotic carrier or functional foods.
Investors’ Protection, Corruption and Legal Origin on the Equity Market Volatility: A Global Perspective

This study explores the relationship between the roles played by institutional factors such as investors’ protection, corruption and legal origin on the global equity market volatility using a panel data over a period of 5 years; 2008 – 2012. Ninety-one countries were selected based on data availability from the World Bank. Generalized moving methods (GMM) is employed to identify the short and long-run effects of the abovementioned relationship. The results indicate that investors’ protection and legal origin play a significant role in the equity market volatility for all countries. It is conjectured that proper investors’ protection and legal execution are important for a country to have a stable equity market because this mitigates uncertainty and increases investor confidence. Further analysis on sub-groups (Emerging Markets and Developed Markets) indicate that all three variables analysed in this study, i.e., investors protection, transparency levels and legal origin have an impact on the volatility of a stock market. High transparency level coupled with low corruption level creates more confidence amongst investors in the developed countries as opposed to the emerging markets and this reduces the volatility. Taken together, the results clearly signal to the market that investors are cautious on the extent of protection given by a country, its transparency levels and the legal content and enforcement.
Patterns of recorded offending behaviour amongst young Victorian offenders

Previous research has identified that groups of young offenders follow diverse offending trajectories over their early offending careers. This paper uses a statistical technique, the semi-parametric group-based method, to identify the latent offending trajectories of a cohort of Victorian offenders born over a two year period between April 1996 and March 1998, across the first eight years of their offending as recorded by Victoria Police. The analysis identified four trajectory groups: ‘low’, ‘adolescent limited’, ‘late developing’ and ‘high’, with the vast majority of offenders falling into the low group. Risk factors for inclusion in one of the three higher rate trajectory groups included being male, identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and living in one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas at the commencement of their offending record. Additional research is required to identify whether there are particular life events or characteristics that trigger escalation or desistance from offending across the groups identified.