Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Searching for Search Algorithms: Experiments in Meta-search

The conventional approach to solving optimization and search problems is to apply a variety of search algorithms to the problem at hand, in order to discover a technique that is well-adapted to the search space being explored. This paper investigates an alternative approach, in which search algorithms are automatically synthesized for particular optimization problem instances. A language composed of potentially useful basic search primitives is derived. This search language is then used with genetic programming to derive search algorithms. The genetic programming system evaluates the tness of each search algorithm by applying it to a binary-encoded optimization problem (Traveling Salesman), and measuring the relative performance of that algorithm in nding a solution to the problem. It is shown that the evolved search algorithms often display consistent characteristics with respect to the corresponding problem instance to which they are applied. For example, some problem instances are best suited to hill-climbing, while others are better adapted to conventional genetic algorithms. As is to be expected, the search algorithm derived is strongly dependent the scale and representation of the problem explored, the amount of computational eort allotted to the overall search, and the search primitives available for the algorithm. Additionally, some insights are gained into issues of genetic algorithm search. A novel \memetic crossover" operator was evolved during the course of this research.
An Ecological Analysis of Burglary, Auto Theft, and Robbery Using Hierarchical Linear Methodology: An Investigation of a Strategy for Theoretical Integration.

RICE, KENNON JOHN. An Ecological Analysis of Burglary, Auto Theft, and Robbery Using Hierarchical Linear Methodology: An Investigation of a Strategy for Theoretical Integration. (Under the direction of Dr. William R. Smith). Social disorganization theory posits that spatial patterns of crime emerge because neighborhood characteristics contribute to differences in propensity for criminality. Routine activity theory, on the other hand, asserts that spatial patterns emerge due to contextual differences in opportunity for criminal acts. Given that a criminal event requires both a motivated offender and an opportunity, scholars have recently recognized that these two independent traditions are complementary in nature. Spatial characteristics associated with the production of criminality and the creation of opportunity may both be independently associated with the patterns of distribution of criminal events, but when they occur simultaneously in the same location an interaction may occur whereby there is a multiplicative, rather than an additive, effect. This dissertation contributes to the growing body of literature that seeks to integrate these two lines of research on the basis of empirical interaction effects. However, a contentious dilemma has emerged around the choice of an appropriate unit of analysis for the measurement of the concepts involved in these interactions. On the theoretical front, there is general debate as to the role of “awareness space” versus the role of an emergent milieu of a larger social context. On the methodological front, large units are suspected of introducing error through within unit heterogeneity, while small units are suspected of heightening autocorrelational errors. Through the use of Hierarchical Linear Analysis, this dissertation improves the understanding of these issues by developing multi-level models of robbery, burglary, and auto theft using data from a mid-sized south-eastern city. That is, distinct models for each of these crimes are built which simultaneously measure the associates of crime at relatively microand macro-levels of analysis. Both microand macro-level social contexts are found to be important to understanding the ecology of street crime, and the influence of micro-level characteristics are found to be contingent on the macro-level environments in which they are nested. The empirical findings in conjunction with the theoretical interpretation of these findings aid the development of an integrated ecological theory of crime and contribute to knowledge about the unique factors that are associated with the specific crimes of burglary, auto theft, and robbery. AN ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BURGLARY, AUTO THEFT, AND ROBBERY USING HIERARCHICAL LINEAR METHODOLOGY: AN INVESTIGATION OF A STRATEGY FOR THEORETICAL INTEGRATION
Invited paper: Implementing digital data hiding algorithms in reconfigurable hardware — Experiences on teaching and research

Digital data hiding algorithms have recently received attention of the research community as an alternative to fight the piracy problem in the Internet era. Several data hiding applications, such as broadcasting monitoring and live performance watermarking, require a real-time multi-channel behavior, also new applications are constantly pushing the limits of available computing systems. This motivates the research on custom architectures, being reconfigurable logic a good option to implement such processing systems. This paper introduces the field of digital data hiding, including a brief review on hardware based architectures and a discussion of the challenges of implementing custom architectures for this type of applications. Also, the authors' experience in teaching and research on hardware architectures for digital data hiding algorithms at the MSc Program on Computer Science at INAOE is discussed.
Dynamical invariants for group automorphisms

We discuss some of the issues that arise in attempts to classify automorphisms of compact abelian groups from a dynamical point of view. In the particular case of automorphisms of one-dimensional solenoids, a complete description is given and the problem of determining the range of certain invariants of topological conjugacy is discussed. Several new results and old and new open problems are described.
Aggregation of similarity measures in schema matching based on generalized mean

Schema matching represents a critical step to integrate heterogeneous e-Business and shared-data applications. Most existing schema matching approaches rely heavily on similarity-based techniques, which attempt to discover correspondences based on various element similarity measures, each computed by an individual base matcher. It has been accepted that aggregating results of multiple base matchers is a promising technique to obtain more accurate matching correspondences. A number of current matching systems use experimental weights for aggregation of similarities among different element matchers while others use machine learning approaches to find optimal weights that should be assigned to different matchers. However, both approaches have their own deficiencies. To overcome the limitations of existing aggregation strategies and to achieve better performance, in this paper, we propose a new aggregation strategy, called the AHGM strategy, which aggregates multiple element matchers based on the concept of generalized mean. In particular, we first develop a practical way to obtain optimal weights that will be assigned to each associated matcher for the given aggregation task. We then use these weights in our aggregation method to improve the performance of matcher combining. To validate the performance of the proposed strategy, we conducted a set of experiments, and the obtained results are encouraging.
MicroRNA 144 Impairs Insulin Signaling by Inhibiting the Expression of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression in various tissues and body fluids has been demonstrated to be associated with several diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2D). Here, we compare miRNA expression profiles in different tissues (pancreas, liver, adipose and skeletal muscle) as well as in blood samples from T2D rat model and highlight the potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of T2D. In parallel, we have examined the expression profiles of miRNAs in blood samples from Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) and T2D male patients. Methodology/Principal Findings Employing miRNA microarray and stem-loop real-time RT-PCR, we identify four novel miRNAs, miR-144, miR-146a, miR-150 and miR-182 in addition to four previously reported diabetes-related miRNAs, miR-192, miR-29a, miR-30d and miR-320a, as potential signature miRNAs that distinguished IFG and T2D. Of these microRNAs, miR-144 that promotes erythropoiesis has been found to be highly up-regulated. Increased circulating level of miR-144 has been found to correlate with down-regulation of its predicted target, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) at both mRNA and protein levels. We could also experimentally demonstrate that IRS1 is indeed the target of miR-144. Conclusion We demonstrate that peripheral blood microRNAs can be developed as unique biomarkers that are reflective and predictive of metabolic health and disorder. We have also identified signature miRNAs which could possibly explain the pathogenesis of T2D and the significance of miR-144 in insulin signaling.
Subgroup Differences in Situational Judgment Test Performance

In this article, we describe a systematic review of mean race and sex differences in situational judgment test (SJT) performance. On average, White test takers perform better on SJTs than Black, Hispanic, and Asian test takers. Female examinees perform slightly better than male test takers on SJTs. We investigate two moderators of these differences: loading of g or personality on the SJT, and response instructions. Mean race differences between Black, Hispanic, Asian and White examinees in SJT performance are largely explained by the cognitive loading of the SJT such that the larger the cognitive load, the larger the mean race differences. Regarding the effect of personality loadings of SJTs on race differences, Black–White and Asian–White differences are smaller to the extent that the SJT is correlated with emotional stability and Hispanic–White differences are smaller to the extent that SJTs are correlated with conscientiousness and agreeableness. Cognitive loading has minimal effect on male–female SJT score differences; however, SJT score differences are larger, favoring women, when SJTs are correlated with conscientiousness and agreeableness. Concerning response instructions, knowledge response instructions showed greater race differences than behavioral tendency instructions. The mean correlations show that these differences are largely because of the greater g loading of knowledge instructions. A second study showed that when used in hiring, SJTs are likely to have adverse impact by race but not by sex.
SMEs' adoption of enterprise applications: A technology-organisation-environment model

– This paper aims to empirically explore the TOE (technology-organisation-environment) factors influencing small to medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') adoption of enterprise applications (EA). , – Direct interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of SMEs located in the northwest of England. Using partial least squares (PLS) technique, 102 responses were analysed. , – Results indicate that technology, organisation and environment contexts impact SMEs' adoption of EA. This suggests that the TOE model is indeed a robust tool to predict the adoption of EA by SMEs. , – Although this study focused on examining factors that influence SMEs' adoption of a set of systems such as CRM and e-procurement, it fails to differentiate between factors influencing each of these applications. The model used in this study can be used by software vendors not only in developing marketing strategies that can target potential SMEs, but also to develop strategies to increase the adoption of EA among SMEs. , – This model could be used by software vendors to determine which SMEs they should target with their products. It can also be used by policy makers to develop strategies to increase the rate of EA adoption among SMEs. , – This paper provides a model that can predict SMEs' adoption of EA. SMEs, adoption, enterprise applications, enterprise systems, ICT, PLS, technology-organisation-environment framework, TOE
Evaluation of Prevalence of Low Back Pain Among Residents of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Relation with Their Position in Work

SUMMARY Objectives Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among the general population and among health professionals. Multiple workplace-related risk factors may contribute to back pain among physicians. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of lower back pain among medical residents of different medical specialties and to evaluate the relevant risk factors. Methods A Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) was completed by 125 medical residents. Part I concerned general demographic information, part II evaluated workplace-specific factors, and part III assessed the individual characteristics of lower back pain. Results The overall prevalence of lower back pain among residents was 56.8%, with 45.1% of men and 76.5% of women reporting lower back pain. A total of 94.4% of affected individuals believed that their lower back pain was related to their current job, and 72.6% claimed that the onset of lower back pain occurred after beginning medical work. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between lower back pain and certain risk factors, such as working in the same position for long periods, repetitive movement (bending, twisting) of the lumbar region, working in uncomfortable postures, stress, walking, and standing for long periods. However, no significant relationship was found between lower back pain and heavy lifting, smoking, or prolonged sitting. The role of exercise as a protective factor in reducing the incidence of lower back pain was supported by the statistical analysis. Conclusions The prevalence of lower back pain among residents is high and is associated with a number of workplace-related risk factors.
Supernovae in deep Hubble Space Telescope galaxy cluster fields: cluster rates and field counts

We have searched for high-redshift supernova (SN) candidates in multiple deep Hubble Space Telescope (HST) archival images of nine galaxy cluster fields. We detect six apparent SNe, with 21.6I81428. 4 mag. There is roughly 1 SN per deep (I814>26 mag), doubly-imaged WFPC2 cluster field. Two SNe are associated with cluster galaxies (at redshifts z=0.18 and z=0.83), three are probably in galaxies not in the clusters (at z=0.49, z=0.60, and z=0.98), and one is at unknown z. After accounting for observational efficiencies and uncertainties (statistical and systematic) we derive the rate of type Ia SNe within the projected central of rich clusters: SNu in 0.18z0. 37 clusters, and SNu in clusters at 0.83z1. 27 (95 per cent confidence interval; 1 SNu≡1 SN century−1 per 1010 LB⊙). Combining the two redshift bins, the mean rate is SNu. The upper bounds argue against SNe Ia being the dominant source of the large iron mass observed in the intracluster medium. We also compare our observed counts of field SNe (i.e. non-cluster SNe of all types) to recent model predictions. The observed field count is N1 SN with I81426 mag, and 1N3 SNe with I81427 mag. These counts are half of some of the predictions. Since the counts at these magnitudes are likely dominated by type II SNe, our observations may suggest obscuration of distant SNe II, or a SN II luminosity distribution devoid of a large high-luminosity tail.
EKSPLORASI FENOMENA KORBAN BULLYING PADA KESEHATAN JIWA REMAJA DI PESANTREN

Bullying yang terjadi di Indonesia banyak ditemukan di lingkungan sekolah baik formal maupun non formal. Menurut penelitian terdahulu kasus bullying yang sering terjadi sekitar 61 – 73 % dalam bentuk kekerasan, pemerasan, mengancam dan mengambil barang–barang, selebihnya merupakan kasus bullying dalam bentuk yang lain seperti cyber bullying . Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali pengalaman santri yang menjadi korban bullying di pesantren. Tujuan khusus dari penelitian ini untuk mengeksplorasi pengalaman santri yang menjadi korban bullying di pesantren, mengeksplorasi kondisi yang dialami santri saat mendapat perilaku bullying di pesantren, mengeksplorasi perasaan santri saat mengalami bullying di pesantren, mengeksplorasi tindakan yang dilakukan santri saat mengalami bullying di pesantren. Metode yang digunakan dengan menggunakan desain kualitatif pendekatan fenomenologi interpretif. Lokasi penelitian di salah satu pesantren yang ada di Jombang. Teknik pengambilan data melalui wawancara mendalam dengan waktu 20-30 menit menggunakan alat perekam. Partisipan dalam penelitian ini adalah santri yang mengalami perilaku bullying di salah satu pesantren di Jombang. Pemilihan partisipan sebagai narasumber dengan teknik purposive sampling. Jumlah partisipan dalam penelitian sebanyak 5 orang yang pernah mengalami bullying di pesantren. Hasil dan analisis didapatkan delapan tema yaitu pertentangan, mengganggu, mendapat perilaku yang menyakitkan dari senoir, merasa tertekan, kehilangan motivasi, berusaha mengamankan diri, mencari pertolongan dan tidak menyelesaikan masalah. Penjelasan dari tema-tema diatas merupakan proses perjalanan panjang dari pengalaman korban yang mengalami bullying di pesantren sehingga menghasilkan sebuah tema besar terjebak dalam sebagian tradisi pesantren yang melemahkan semangat. Kata Kunci : Bullying, Kesehatan jiwa, Pesantren, Remaja
Crystal structure of the proteasomal deubiquitylation module Rpn8-Rpn11

Significance The 26S proteasome is a multiprotein complex that degrades proteins marked for destruction by the covalent attachment of polyubiquitin chains. Proteasome activity is essential for the removal of damaged, potentially toxic proteins and for the regulation of numerous cellular processes. Multiple crystal structures of the Rpn8-Rpn11 heterodimer, which is responsible for the removal of polyubiquitin tags before substrate degradation in the proteasome, provide insight into how substrate unfolding and isopeptide bond cleavage might be coupled, and how premature activation of this module is prevented. Its accurate function ensures timely degradation of substrates and, ultimately, the replenishment of the limited cellular pool of free ubiquitin. The ATP-dependent degradation of polyubiquitylated proteins by the 26S proteasome is essential for the maintenance of proteome stability and the regulation of a plethora of cellular processes. Degradation of substrates is preceded by the removal of polyubiquitin moieties through the isopeptidase activity of the subunit Rpn11. Here we describe three crystal structures of the heterodimer of the Mpr1–Pad1–N-terminal domains of Rpn8 and Rpn11, crystallized as a fusion protein in complex with a nanobody. This fusion protein exhibits modest deubiquitylation activity toward a model substrate. Full activation requires incorporation of Rpn11 into the 26S proteasome and is dependent on ATP hydrolysis, suggesting that substrate processing and polyubiquitin removal are coupled. Based on our structures, we propose that premature activation is prevented by the combined effects of low intrinsic ubiquitin affinity, an insertion segment acting as a physical barrier across the substrate access channel, and a conformationally unstable catalytic loop in Rpn11. The docking of the structure into the proteasome EM density revealed contacts of Rpn11 with ATPase subunits, which likely stabilize the active conformation and boost the affinity for the proximal ubiquitin moiety. The narrow space around the Rpn11 active site at the entrance to the ATPase ring pore is likely to prevent erroneous deubiquitylation of folded proteins.
Automated, Computer Generated Reminders and Increased Detection of Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Syphilis in Men Who Have Sex with Men

Background Guidelines recommend frequent screening of men who have sex with men (MSM) for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) but few interventions have demonstrated increased testing and detection of bacterial STIs among MSM in controlled studies. Methods We used automated text message and email reminders generated by computer assisted self-interview (CASI) to remind MSM to retest for syphilis. We compared clinic visits, STI testing and detection rates over 12 month between men receiving reminders (reminder group) and men not offered the reminders (concurrent control group). Results Men who chose 3-monthly reminders had more clinic visits (median 3 vs 1) and higher testing rates for pharyngeal gonorrhoea (67.0% vs 33.6%), rectal gonorrhoea (62.7% vs 31.1%), urethral chlamydia (67.3% vs 39.3%), rectal chlamydia (62.9% vs 31.3%), syphilis (67.0% vs 39.3%) and HIV (64.9% vs 36.7%) (all p<0.001) than concurrent controls, within 12 months after their first visit. Also, men receiving reminders had a higher combined testing rate for all the aforementioned STIs at a same visit (55.7% vs 25.5%, p<0.001) compared with concurrent controls. This association remained after adjusting for differences in characteristics between the two groups (adjusted odds ratio:1.77, 95% confidence interval:1.51-2.08). Men receiving reminders also had a higher detection rate of: rectal gonorrhoea (3.7% vs 1.2%, p = 0.001), urethral chlamydia (3.1% vs 1.4%, p = 0.027), rectal chlamydia (6.6% vs 2.8%, p<0.001), and early, latent syphilis (1.7% vs 0.4%, p = 0.008) compared with concurrent controls. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstate that a fully automated reminder system using CASI was associated with increased detection of bacterial STIs among MSM.
Subsequent biotic crises delayed marine recovery following the late Permian mass extinction event in northern Italy

The late Permian mass extinction event was the largest biotic crisis of the Phanerozoic and has the longest recovery interval of any extinction event. It has been hypothesised that subsequent carbon isotope perturbations during the Early Triassic are associated with biotic crises that impeded benthic recovery. We test this hypothesis by undertaking the highest-resolution study yet made of the rock and fossil records of the entire Werfen Formation, Italy. Here, we show that elevated extinction rates were recorded not only in the Dienerian, as previously recognised, but also around the Smithian/Spathian boundary. Functional richness increases across the Smithian/Spathian boundary associated with elevated origination rates in the lower Spathian. The taxonomic and functional composition of benthic faunas only recorded two significant changes: (1) reduced heterogeneity in the Dienerian, and (2) and a faunal turnover across the Smithian/Spathian boundary. The elevated extinctions and compositional shifts in the Dienerian and across the Smithian/Spathian boundary are associated with a negative and positive isotope excursion, respectively, which supports the hypothesis that subsequent biotic crises are associated with carbon isotope shifts. The Spathian fauna represents a more advanced ecological state, not recognised in the previous members of the Werfen Formation, with increased habitat differentiation, a shift in the dominant modes of life, appearance of stenohaline taxa and the occupation of the erect and infaunal tiers. In addition to subsequent biotic crises delaying the recovery, therefore, persistent environmental stress limited the ecological complexity of benthic recovery prior to the Spathian.
Stressful life events as predictors of functioning: findings from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study

Objective: Although much attention has been given to the effects of adverse childhood experiences on the development of personality disorders (PDs), we know far less about how recent life events influence the ongoing course of functioning. We examined the extent to which PD subjects differ in rates of life events and the extent to which life events impact psychosocial functioning.