LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Econometric modeling of electricity consumption in post-war Lebanon

This paper applies econometric models to investigate determinants of electrical energy Ž . consumption in post-war Lebanon. The impact of the Gross Domestic Product GDP , Ž . Ž . proxied by total imports TI , and degree days DD on electricity consumption is investigated over different time spans covering the period from 1993 to 1997. The time spans are chosen according to the rationing level of electricity supply. For the 1993]1994 time span, TI is found to be a significant determinant of energy consumption, whereas, DD has a negative correlation. This inconsistency might be attributed to an extensive rationing policy followed during this period. For the 1995]1997 time span which includes reduced rationing period Ž . 1995 , all electrical energy consumption determinants are found to be significant at the 5% significance level. Analysis results for the rationing free 1996]1997 time span also show the significance of TI and DD at the 5% level. Furthermore, cointegration analysis for the 1995]1997 and 1996]1997 subsets reveals the existence of a long-run relationship between all variables. In addition, error correction models for both subsets are developed to predict short-run dynamics. Finally, statistical performance measures such as mean square error, mean average deviation and mean average percentage error are presented for all models. Q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. JEL classifications: C51; Q41
Exploiting a Semantic Annotation Tool for Metaphor Analysis

In this paper, we describe the development and exploitation of a corpus-based tool for the identification of metaphorical patterns in large datasets. The analysis of metaphor as a cognitive and cultural, rather than solely linguistic, phenomenon has become central as metaphor researchers working within ‘Cognitive Metaphor Theory’ have drawn attention to the presence of systematic and pervasive conventional metaphorical patterns in ‘ordinary’ language (e.g. I’m at a crossroads in my life). Cognitive Metaphor Theory suggests that these linguistic patterns reflect the existence of conventional conceptual metaphors, namely systematic cross-domain correspondences in conceptual structure (e.g. LIFE IS A JOURNEY). This theoretical approach, described further in section 2, has led to considerable advances in our understanding of metaphor both as a linguistic device and a cognitive model, and to our awareness of its role in many different genres and discourses. Although some recent research has incorporated corpus linguistic techniques into this framework for the analysis of metaphor, to date, such analyses have primarily involved the concordancing of pre-selected search strings (e.g. Deignan 2005). The method described in this paper represents an attempt to extend the limits of this form of analysis. In our approach, we have applied an existing semantic field annotation tool (USAS) developed at Lancaster University to aid metaphor researchers in searching corpora. We are able to filter all possible candidate semantic fields proposed by USAS to assist in finding possible ‘source’ (e.g. JOURNEY) and ‘target’ (e.g. LIFE) domains, and we can then go on to consider the potential metaphoricity of the expressions included under each possible source domain. This method thus enables us to identify open-ended sets of metaphorical expressions, which are not limited to predetermined search strings. In section 3, we present this emerging methodology for the computer-assisted analysis of metaphorical patterns in discourse. The semantic fields automatically annotated by USAS can be seen as roughly corresponding to the domains of metaphor theory. We have used USAS in combination with key word and domain techniques in Wmatrix (Rayson, 2003) to replicate earlier manual analyses, e.g. machine metaphors in Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Semino and Swindlehurst, 1996) and war, machine and organism metaphors in business magazines (Koller, 2004a). These studies are described in section 4.
A feature set measure based on Relief

s: Feature selection methods try to find a subset of the available features to improve the application of a learning algorithm. Many methods are based on searching a feature set that optimizes some evaluation function. On the other side, feature set estimators evaluate features individually. Relief is a well known and good feature set estimator. While being usually faster feature estimators have some disadvantages. Based on Relief ideas, we propose a feature set measure that can be used to evaluate the feature sets in a search process. We show how the proposed measure can help guiding the search process, as well as selecting the most appropriate feature set. The new measure is compared with a consistency measure, and the highly reputed wrapper approach.
Learning structural SVMs with latent variables

We present a large-margin formulation and algorithm for structured output prediction that allows the use of latent variables. Our proposal covers a large range of application problems, with an optimization problem that can be solved efficiently using Concave-Convex Programming. The generality and performance of the approach is demonstrated through three applications including motiffinding, noun-phrase coreference resolution, and optimizing precision at k in information retrieval.
Zika: the origin and spread of a mosquito-borne virus

OBJECTIVE
To describe the temporal and geographical distribution of Zika virus infection and associated neurological disorders, from 1947 to 1 February 2016, when Zika became a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).


METHODS
We did a literature search using the terms "Zika" and "ZIKV" in PubMed, cross-checked the findings for completeness against other published reviews and added formal notifications to WHO submitted under the International Health Regulations.


FINDINGS
From the discovery of Zika virus in Uganda in 1947 to the declaration of a PHEIC by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 1 February 2016, a total of 74 countries and territories had reported human Zika virus infections. The timeline in this paper charts the discovery of the virus (1947), its isolation from mosquitos (1948), the first human infection (1952), the initial spread of infection from Asia to a Pacific island (2007), the first known instance of sexual transmission (2008), reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome (2014) and microcephaly (2015) linked to Zika infections and the first appearance of Zika in the Americas (from 2015).


CONCLUSION
Zika virus infection in humans appears to have changed in character as its geographical range has expanded from equatorial Africa and Asia. The change is from an endemic, mosquito-borne infection causing mild illness to one that can cause large outbreaks linked with neurological sequelae and congenital abnormalities.
Transcriptional profiling of mycobacterial antigen-induced responses in infants vaccinated with BCG at birth

Novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccines recently tested in humans have been designed to boost immunity induced by the current vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Because BCG vaccination is used extensively in infants, this population group is likely to be the first in which efficacy trials of new vaccines will be conducted. However, our understanding of the complexity of immunity to BCG in infants is inadequate, making interpretation of vaccine-induced immune responses difficult. To better understand BCG-induced immunity, we performed gene expression profiling in five 10-week old infants routinely vaccinated with BCG at birth. RNA was extracted from 12 hour BCG-stimulated or purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD)-stimulated PBMC, isolated from neonatal blood collected 10 weeks after vaccination. RNA was hybridised to the Sentrix® HumanRef-8 Expression BeadChip (Illumina) to measure expression of >16,000 genes. We found that ex vivo stimulation of PBMC with PPD and BCG induced largely similar gene expression profiles, except that BCG induced greater macrophage activation. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, including PPAR-γ, involved in activation of the alternative, anti-inflammatory macrophage response was down-regulated following stimulation with both antigens. In contrast, up-regulation of genes associated with the classic, pro-inflammatory macrophage response was noted. Further analysis revealed a decrease in the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), including integrin alpha M (ITGAM), which is known to be important for entry of mycobacteria into the macrophage. Interestingly, more leukocyte genes were down-regulated than up-regulated. Our results suggest that a combination of suppressed and up-regulated genes may be key in determining development of protective immunity to TB induced by vaccination with BCG.
Intelligent Base Isolation Systems

An intelligent base-isolation system, comprised of low damping isolation bearings and controllable fluid dampers, is studied in this paper. The damper employs a magnetorheological (MR) fluid that change its properties in the presence of a magnetic field, resulting in a damper whose characteristics may be modified in real time to adapt to changing excitations in a stable and cost-effective manner. A model of a five-story building is used to study and compare the efficacy of a passive base-isolation alone, with the addition of an active control device, and with a semi-active MR damper. A preliminary study of active H 2 /LQG designs shows that mostly dissipative designs exist, which may be implemented using far less power in an approximate manner with an MR damper. Simulations of the semi-active system demonstrate that the ‘smart’ damper can achieve most of the decrease in base displacement and peak acceleration typical of an active device.
Dendrimers Bind Antioxidant Polyphenols and cisPlatin Drug

Synthetic polymers of a specific shape and size play major role in drug delivery systems. Dendrimers are unique synthetic macromolecules of nanometer dimensions with a highly branched structure and globular shape with potential applications in gene and drug delivery. We examine the interaction of several dendrimers of different compositions mPEG-PAMAM (G3), mPEG-PAMAM (G4) and PAMAM (G4) with hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs cisplatin, resveratrol, genistein and curcumin at physiological conditions. FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopic methods as well as molecular modeling were used to analyse drug binding mode, the binding constant and the effects of drug complexation on dendrimer stability and conformation. Structural analysis showed that cisplatin binds dendrimers in hydrophilic mode via Pt cation and polymer terminal NH(2) groups, while curcumin, genistein and resveratrol are located mainly in the cavities binding through both hydrophobic and hydrophilic contacts. The overall binding constants of durg-dendrimers are ranging from 10(2) M(-1) to 10(3) M(-1). The affinity of dendrimer binding was PAMAM-G4>mPEG-PAMAM-G4>mPEG-PAMAM-G3, while the order of drug-polymer stability was curcumin>cisplatin>genistein>resveratrol. Molecular modeling showed larger stability for genisten-PAMAM-G4 (ΔG = -4.75 kcal/mol) than curcumin-PAMAM-G4 ((ΔG = -4.53 kcal/mol) and resveratrol-PAMAM-G4 ((ΔG = -4.39 kcal/mol). Dendrimers might act as carriers to transport hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs.
Impact of Repeated Vaccination on Vaccine Effectiveness Against Influenza A(H3N2) and B During 8 Seasons

BACKGROUND
Recent studies suggest that influenza vaccination in the previous season may influence the effectiveness of current-season vaccination, but this has not been assessed in a single population over multiple years.


METHODS
Patients presenting with acute respiratory illness were prospectively enrolled during the 2004-2005 through 2012-2013 influenza seasons. Respiratory swabs were tested for influenza and vaccination dates obtained from a validated registry. Vaccination status was determined for the current, previous, and prior 5 seasons. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated for participants aged ≥9 years using logistic regression models with an interaction term for vaccination history.


RESULTS
There were 7315 enrollments during 8 seasons; 1056 (14%) and 650 (9%) were positive for influenza A(H3N2) and B, respectively. Vaccination during current only, previous only, or both seasons yielded similar protection against H3N2 (adjusted VE range, 31%-36%) and B (52%-66%). In the analysis using 5 years of historical vaccination data, current season VE against H3N2 was significantly higher among vaccinated individuals with no prior vaccination history (65%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36%-80%) compared with vaccinated individuals with a frequent vaccination history (24%; 95% CI, 3%-41%; P = .01). VE against B was 75% (95% CI, 50%-87%) and 48% (95% CI, 29%-62%), respectively (P = .05). Similar findings were observed when analysis was restricted to adults 18-49 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Current- and previous-season vaccination generated similar levels of protection, and vaccine-induced protection was greatest for individuals not vaccinated during the prior 5 years. Additional studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of annual vaccination.
A novel continuous-flow reactor using reactive distillation for biodiesel production.

The production of biodiesel through batch and existing continuous-flow processes requires the use of a much higher excess alcohol, typically 100%, than the stoichiometric molar requirement in order to drive the transesterification reaction to completion. This excess alcohol must be recovered in a separate process, which involves additional capital and operating costs. In this study, a novel reactor system using reactive distillation (RD) was developed and investigated for biodiesel preparation from canola oil and methanol. The goal was to significantly reduce the use of excess methanol while maintaining a high methanol:glyceride molar ratio inside the RD reactor by recycling a small amount of methanol within the system. Reactant conversion rate and product yield were used as the criteria for the reactor evaluation. The effect of the methanol:glyceride ratio was studied on a laboratory-scale perforated-tray RD reactor system. Product parameters such as methyl ester content, glycerides, and methanol content were analyzed. Preliminary results showed that the RD reactor with a methanol:glyceride ratio of 4:1 (molar), in which the use of methanol was cut down by 66%, gave a satisfactory biodiesel yield and oil conversion rate at a column temperature of 65°C. Total reaction time in the pre-reactor and RD column was about 3 min, which is 20 to 30 times shorter than in typical batch processes. The productivity of the RD reactor system was about 6.6 m3 biodiesel per m3 reactor volume per hour, which is 6 to 10 times higher than that of batch and existing continuous-flow processes.
Study of Web Crawler and its Different Types

Due to the current size of the Web and its dynamic nature, building an efficient search mechanism is very important. A vast number of web pages are continually being added every day, and information is constantly changing. Search engines are used to extract valuable Information from the internet. Web crawlers are the principal part of search engine, is a computer program or software that browses the World Wide Web in a methodical, automated manner or in an orderly fashion. It is an essential method for collecting data on, and keeping in touch with the rapidly increasing Internet. This Paper briefly reviews the concepts of web crawler, its architecture and its various types. Keyword: Crawling techniques, Web Crawler, Search engine, WWW
Automated problem diagnosis in distributed systems

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A randomized controlled trial of tai chi for long-term low back pain (TAI CHI): Study rationale, design, and methods

BACKGROUND
Low back pain persisting for longer than 3 months is a common and costly condition for which many current treatments have low-moderate success rates at best. Exercise is among the more successful treatments for this condition, however, the type and dosage of exercise that elicits the best results is not clearly defined. Tai chi is a gentle form of low intensity exercise that uses controlled movements in combination with relaxation techniques and is currently used as a safe form of exercise for people suffering from other chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. To date, there has been no scientific evaluation of tai chi as an intervention for people with back pain. Thus the aim of this study will be to examine the effects of a tai chi exercise program on pain and disability in people with long-term low back pain.


METHODS AND DESIGN
The study will recruit 160 healthy individuals from the community setting to be randomised to either a tai chi intervention group or a wait-list control group. Individuals in the tai chi group will attend 2 tai chi sessions (40 minutes)/week for 8 weeks followed by 1 tai chi session/week for 2 weeks. The wait-list control will continue their usual health care practices and have the opportunity to participate in the tai chi program once they have completed the follow-up assessments. The primary outcome will be bothersomeness of back symptoms measured with a 0-10 numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes include, self-reports of pain-related disability, health-related quality of life and global perceived effect of treatment. Statistical analysis of primary and secondary outcomes will be based on the intention to treat principle. Linear mixed models will be used to test for the effect of treatment on outcome at 10 weeks follow up. This trial has received ethics approval from The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee. HREC Approval No.10452


DISCUSSION
This study will be the first trial in this area and the information on its effectiveness will allow patients, clinicians and treatment funders to make informed choices regarding this treatment.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial has been registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. ACTRN12608000270314.
The earliest trough concentration predicts the dose of tacrolimus required for remission induction therapy in ulcerative colitis patients

BACKGROUND
Oral tacrolimus therapy is effective for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), but dose adjustment according to the trough concentrations which varies largely among individuals, is required. This study aimed to identify factors to predict the tacrolimus dose required for achieving the target trough level for remission induction of UC.


METHODS
Forty-seven consecutive UC patients who were treated with tacrolimus were retrospectively analyzed. Tacrolimus doses were adjusted every 2 or 3 days to achieve trough concentrations of 10-15 ng/mL. The dose required for reaching the target trough level was analyzed based on disease characteristics, course of trough concentrations, and gene polymorphism related to tacrolimus metabolism.


RESULTS
Median daily dose of tacrolimus required for achieving the target trough level was 0.19 (0.07-0.42) mg/kg, and patients were divided into high or low dose group (< 0.2 mg/kg or > 0.2 mg/kg). The value of initial trough concentration/starting dose was higher in the low dose group than in the high dose group (1.35 ng/mL/mg vs. 0.78 ng/mL/mg, p < 0.0001). Although presence of CYP3A5 *1 was more frequently observed in the high dose group, initial trough concentration was the only significant factor for determining requirement of high dose of tacrolimus (OR = 28.0, 95% confidence interval 3.20 - 631).


CONCLUSIONS
The most practical predictor of the dose required for achieving the target trough concentration was the trough concentration measured 2 or 3 days after starting tacrolimus therapy. Our findings would make tarcolimus administration for UC safer, easier and more effective.
LiDAR Ranging System Based on Automatic Gain Control and Timing Discriminators

A LiDAR ranging system has been developed based on automatic gain control and timing discriminators in this paper. Timing discriminators in the time-pickoff circuit, which employ constant fraction discriminator, were designed to reduce the walk error caused by the variation of pulse amplitude. Automatic gain control was used to concentrate the input pulse amplitude of timing discriminator in a limited range, which can meet the demand of timing discriminators and reduce the timing jitter error of timing discriminators. The time-pickoff circuit using automatic gain control (AGC) and the timing discriminators can improve the precision of LiDAR ranging system. The performance of the designed circuits of AGC and timing discriminators has been tested through simulations and experiments. The results of experiments showed that the timing discriminators were able to effectively improve the precision even if the detected distance changes.
Attitudes of Secondary School Students toward the Inclusion of Peers with Borderline Intelligence Prior and After the Application of a Recreation Program

Abstract The purpose of the study was to compare the attitudes of students without disabilities regarding the inclusion of students with borderline intelligence in their class during a recreation activity and to examine their opinions concerning the adaptations of recreation activity required for the successful participation of students with mild learning difficulties. The sample consisted of 79 secondary school students (43 boys and 36 girls) separated in two groups (experimental and control). The research included a pre-intervention phase for the familiarization of five students with borderline intelligence in softball activity that represented the main activity of the research. During the intervention phase, the students of the experimental group and their colleagues with disabilities participated together in softball with all the necessary adaptations. The students of the control group didn’t participate in the activity and generally they did not come in contact with the students with disabilities. Prior