Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survey, comparison and evaluation of cross platform mobile application development tools

Mobile application development is becoming more challenging with diverse platforms and their software development kits. In order to reduce the cost of development and reach out to maximum users across several platforms, developers are migrating to cross platform application development tools. In this paper, we provide several decision criteria beyond the portability concerns for choosing suitable cross platform tool for application development. The desirable requirements in a cross platform framework are identified. A general architecture for cross platform application development is discussed. Then a survey of several write once run anywhere tools (PhoneGap, Titanium, Sencha Touch) are provided along with a classification and comparison among the tools. To examine the performance in terms of CPU, memory usage, power consumption, Android test applications are developed using such tools. It is found that PhoneGap consumes less memory, CPU and power since it does not included dedicated UI components. Finally the paper summarizes the contributions and concludes with some future directions.
Guessing click-based graphical passwords by eye tracking

Click-based graphical passwords are a new method of authentication where passwords are created and entered by clicking in particular places on an image. This paper presents a study that investigated eye tracking as a potential threat to the security of such passwords. If the gaze data from people looking at an image resembles the click-points of other people's passwords, then covert eye tracking might be used to create dictionaries to effectively guess passwords. The study used an eye tracker to record the participants' gaze as they looked at images that had been used as the basis for passwords in an earlier study. We then compared the eye tracker data with the actual password click-points gathered during the earlier study, and conducted several forms of analysis to determine the likely success of guessing passwords. The eye tracker data did somewhat resemble the password click-points, and might offer attackers an advantage over guessing at random. The effectiveness shown for this approach was limited, however, although might allow improvement that would result in greater danger, especially if gaze data could be gathered without explicit interaction.
Experimental studies on the shape and path of small air bubbles rising in clean water

This Letter reports experiments on the shape and path of air bubbles (diameter range 0.1–0.2 cm) rising in clean water. We find that bubbles in this diameter range have two steady shapes, a sphere and an ellipsoid, depending on the size of the capillary tube from which they detach. The spherical bubbles move significantly slower than the ellipsoidal ones of equivalent volume. Bubbles with diameter less than about 0.15 cm rise rectilinearly. The larger spherical bubbles follow zigzag paths while the larger ellipsoidal bubbles follow spiral paths.
Key clusters as indicators of translator style

Abstract This paper discusses the issue of translator style through the comparison of two Italian translations of H. P. Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness. Using a corpus linguistic approach, this paper proposes a method for the identification of potential indicators of translator style based on key cluster analysis. Comparing the two translations with this method identifies which clusters – i.e., repeated sequences of words – are used more frequently by one translator compared to the other. The analysis shows that the two translators differ in their usage of some linguistic features, specifically Italian euphonic -d, locative clitics, and distal demonstratives, which are then analysed as stylistic divergences.
Encoding syntactic dependencies by vector permutation

Distributional approaches are based on a simple hypothesis: the meaning of a word can be inferred from its usage. The application of that idea to the vector space model makes possible the construction of a WordSpace in which words are represented by mathematical points in a geometric space. Similar words are represented close in this space and the definition of "word usage" depends on the definition of the context used to build the space, which can be the whole document, the sentence in which the word occurs, a fixed window of words, or a specific syntactic context. However, in its original formulation WordSpace can take into account only one definition of context at a time. We propose an approach based on vector permutation and Random Indexing to encode several syntactic contexts in a single WordSpace. Moreover, we propose some operations in this space and report the results of an evaluation performed using the GEMS 2011 Shared Evaluation data.
Xenon produces minimal haemodynamic effects in rabbits with chronically compromised left ventricular function.

BACKGROUND Xenon has only minimal haemodynamic side-effects on normal myocardium and might be a preferable anaesthetic agent for patients with heart failure. We studied the haemodynamic changes caused by 70% xenon in rabbits with chronically compromised left ventricular (LV) function. METHODS Anaesthetized rabbits were thoracotomized and a major coronary artery was ligated to induce ischaemic heart disease. Nine weeks later, rabbits were again anaesthetized (ketamine/propofol), and haemodynamics were measured during inhalation of 70% xenon using echocardiography [LV end-diastolic dimension (LVedD), fractional shortening (FS), velocity of circumferential fibre shortening (VcF), ejection fraction (EF)] in closed-chest animals. Subsequently, rabbits were thoracotomized and instrumented for measurement of LV pressure (tip manometer), LV dP/dtmax and cardiac output (ultrasonic flow probe). Haemodynamics were recorded again during inhalation of 70% xenon. RESULTS All rabbits had compromised LV function 9 weeks after coronary artery ligation. Mean LVedD increased from 12.9 (SD 0.9) mm to 17.1 (0.4) mm; EF decreased from 73 (9) to 64 (8)%; FS decreased from 36 (7) to 29 (5)%; VcF decreased from 28.9 (6.8) to 17.6 (4.7) mm s(-1); all P<0.05. Inhalation of 70% xenon had no effect on haemodynamics in closed-chest rabbits, as measured by echocardiography. After invasive instrumentation, small decreases in LV pressure from 78 (20) to 72 (19) mm Hg, LV dP/dtmax from 3081 (592) to 2633 (503) mm Hg s(-1) and cardiac output from 239 (69) to 225 (71) ml min(-1) were observed during xenon inhalation (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION These data show that xenon has only minimal negative inotropic effects in rabbits with LV dysfunction after coronary artery ligation.
Immunosuppressive Drugs Affect High-Mannose/Hybrid N-Glycans on Human Allostimulated Leukocytes

N-glycosylation plays an important role in the majority of physiological and pathological processes occurring in the immune system. Alteration of the type and abundance of glycans is an element of lymphocyte differentiation; it is also common in the development of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The N-glycosylation process is very sensitive to different environmental agents, among them the pharmacological environment of immunosuppressive drugs. Some results show that high-mannose oligosaccharides have the ability to suppress different stages of the immune response. We evaluated the effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) and rapamycin (Rapa) on high-mannose/hybrid-type glycosylation in human leukocytes activated in a two-way mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). CsA significantly reduced the number of leukocytes covered by high-mannose/hybrid N-glycans, and the synergistic action of CsA and Rapa led to an increase of these structures on the remaining leukocytes. This is the first study indicating that β1 and β3 integrins bearing high-mannose/hybrid structures are affected by Rapa and CsA. Rapa taken separately and together with CsA changed the expression of β1 and β3 integrins and, by regulating the protein amount, increased the oligomannose/hybrid-type N-glycosylation on the leukocyte surface. We suggest that the changes in the glycosylation profile of leukocytes may promote the development of tolerance in transplantation.
Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm vs Genetic Algorithm to Develop Integrated Scheme for Obtaining Optimal Mechanical Structure and Adaptive Controller of a Robot

The performances of Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithm have been compared to develop a methodology for concurrent and integrated design of mechanical structure and controller of a 2-dof robotic manipulator solving tracking problems. The proposed design scheme optimizes various parameters belonging to different domains (that is, link geometry, mass distribution, moment of inertia, control gains) concurrently to design manipulator, which can track some given paths accurately with a minimum power consumption. The main strength of this study lies with the design of an integrated scheme to solve the above problem. Both real-coded Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization are used to solve this complex optimization problem. Four approaches have been developed and their performances are compared. Particle Swarm Optimization is found to perform better than the Genetic Algorithm, as the former carries out both global and local searches simultaneously, whereas the latter concentrates mainly on the global search. Controllers with adaptive gain values have shown better performance compared to the conventional ones, as expected.
Performance optimization of cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks

Cooperative spectrum sensing has been proposed to significantly improve spectrum sensing accuracy by taking advantage of the cooperation among multiple secondary users (SUs). Most of existing work assumes that all SUs have the same SNR values of primary users' signal while the difference of SNR values among SUs, although it is very common in practice, is largely ignored. In this paper, we investigate two cooperative spectrum sensing scenarios where multiple geographically diverse SUs may have different SNR values. In the first scenario a cognitive radio network (CRN) with a single primary channel is considered. We aim to optimize the individual thresholds of SUs to maximize SU throughput subject to the constraint of missed detection probability. In the second scenario where there are multiple channels in a CRN, we jointly optimize the allocation of SUs to sense different channels and the individual detection thresholds of SUs. Our objective is to maximize total SU throughput over multiple channels while guaranteeing the missed detection probability below a given threshold. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed schemes achieve significant improvements in SU throughput over the existing schemes.
T-WAY STRATEGIES AND ITS APPLICATIONS FOR COMBINATORIAL TESTING

The demand for multi-functional software has grown drastically over the years. To cater for this demand, software engineers are forced to develop complex software with increasing number of input parameters. As a result, more and more dependencies between input parameters are to be expected, opening more possibilities of faults due to interactions. Although traditional static and dynamic testing strategies (e.g. boundary value analysis, cause and effect analysis and equivalent partitioning) are useful in fault detection and prevention [1], however they are not sufficiently effective to detect faults due to interaction. As a result, many researchers nowadays are focusing on sampling strategy that is based on interaction testing (termed t-way testing strategies where t indicates the interaction strength) [2].
Hurwitz numbers, matrix models and enumerative geometry

We propose a new, conjectural recursion solution for Hurwitz numbers at all genera. This conjecture is based on recent progress in solving type B topological string theory on the mirrors of toric Calabi-Yau manifolds, which we briefly review to provide some background for our conjecture. We show in particular how this B-model solution, combined with mirror symmetry for the one-leg, framed topological vertex, leads to a recursion relation for Hodge integrals with three Hodge class insertions. Our conjecture in Hurwitz theory follows from this recursion for the framed vertex in the limit of infinite framing.
Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance.

PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to study the effects of aerobic training on performance during soccer match and soccer specific tests. METHODS Nineteen male elite junior soccer players, age 18.1 +/- 0.8 yr, randomly assigned to the training group (N = 9) and the control group (N = 10) participated in the study. The specific aerobic training consisted of interval training, four times 4 min at 90-95% of maximal heart rate, with a 3-min jog in between, twice per week for 8 wk. Players were monitored by video during two matches, one before and one after training. RESULTS In the training group: a) maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) increased from 58.1 +/- 4.5 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) to 64.3 +/- 3.9 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) (P < 0.01); b) lactate threshold improved from 47.8 +/- 5.3 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) to 55.4 +/- 4.1 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) (P < 0.01); c) running economy was also improved by 6.7% (P < 0.05); d) distance covered during a match increased by 20% in the training group (P < 0.01); e) number of sprints increased by 100% (P < 0.01); f) number of involvements with the ball increased by 24% (P < 0.05); g) the average work intensity during a soccer match, measured as percent of maximal heart rate, was enhanced from 82.7 +/- 3.4% to 85.6 +/- 3.1% (P < 0.05); and h) no changes were found in maximal vertical jumping height, strength, speed, kicking velocity, kicking precision, or quality of passes after the training period. The control group showed no changes in any of the tested parameters. CONCLUSION Enhanced aerobic endurance in soccer players improved soccer performance by increasing the distance covered, enhancing work intensity, and increasing the number of sprints and involvements with the ball during a match.
Self-care among caregivers of people living with HIV and AIDS in Kakola location, Nyando District, Kisumu County, Kenya

This study was carried out in Kakola Location of Nyando District in Kenya. The aim of study was to determine the factors influencing the practice of self-care among caregivers for person living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) as well as their practice of self-care. A study by World Health Organization approximated that in developing countries, the need for long-term care will increase by as much as 40% in the coming years. HIV/AIDS has been cited as one of the challenges in long-term care. As demand for long-term care increases, the assumption that extended family networks can meet all the needs of their members deteriorates. The community-based survey employed descriptive cross-sectional design, involving primary caregivers of PLWHAs in Kakola location who had practiced care giving for more than 3 months. A household survey was conducted with 150 respondents. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 11.0. Simple frequencies and cross tabulations to compare variables were produced. Microsoft Excel was used to produce tables and graphs. Majority of the respondents 124 (82.7%) were female, while 26 (17.3%) were male. Self-care elements most practiced by the respondents in all the age categories were infection prevention and nutritional care. Female respondents had the highest proportions in all the practices of self-care. The results also showed that gender, relationship of patient to caregiver and marital status were the main demographic factors that significantly influenced the practice of self-care among caregivers. There was a significant relationship between main sources of income of caregivers with the practice of self-care. The study also revealed that respondents with no education had the lowest number of respondents practicing all the six practices of self-care and belonging to a support group. Recommendations for the study included, forging partnerships among stakeholders, training of caregivers and review of the home-based care policy.
Why are Currency Crises Contagious

Executive Summary Currency crises tend to be regional. Since macroeconomic and financial phenomena are not regional, these phenomena are unimportant in understanding why crises spread. But international trade is regional, as countries tend to trade with their neighbors. This suggests that trade links are important in understanding how currency crises spread, above and beyond any macroeconomic phenomena. We provide empirical support for these hypotheses. Using data for five different currency crises (in 1971, 1973, 1992, 1994, and 1997) we show that currency crises affect clusters of countries tied together by international trade. By way of contrast, macroeconomic and financial influences are not closely associated with the cross-country incidence of speculative attacks.
Flossing bands to treat keinböck’s disease in a collegiate men’s basketball player: a case report

Keinböck’s disease (KD) is defined as ischemia and necrosis of the lunate bone that occurs in the absence of an acute fracture or nonunion fracture.1 Presently, the exact etiology of KD is unknown, but is postulated to be secondary to repetitive or acute trauma to the wrist resulting in damage to the blood supply to the lunate.2 In the absence of a definitive mechanism for KD, possible predispositions include; shape and size of the lunate, and vascularity of the lunate.3 Clinical presentation of KD has been associated with swelling and pain over the lunate, loss of grip strength, weakness with ulnar deviation, and pain with passive third finger extension.4 Standard conservative treatment of KD consists of immobilization of the joint then progressing to range of motion (ROM) and strengthening exercises of the surrounding musculature.1,5 In the event that conservative treatment fails, surgical interventions may include; vascular grafting, radial shortening, ulnar lengthening, proximal row carpectomy, and decompression osteotomies.1,5 Unfortunately, these present surgical options are often termed “salvage procedures”. 1 If a patient is forced to resort to surgery, the prognosis for returning to high level physical activity is poor.1
An algorithm for minimizing the Mumford-Shah functional

In this work we revisit the Mumford-Shah functional, one of the most studied variational approaches to image segmentation. The contribution of this paper is to propose an algorithm which allows to minimize a convex relaxation of the Mumford-Shah functional obtained by functional lifting. The algorithm is an efficient primal-dual projection algorithm for which we prove convergence. In contrast to existing algorithms for minimizing the full Mumford-Shah this is the first one which is based on a convex relaxation. As a consequence the computed solutions are independent of the initialization. Experimental results confirm that the proposed algorithm determines smooth approximations while preserving discontinuities of the underlying signal.
Bodily changes and performance effects in a transitioning transgender college athlete

Abstract National Collegiate Athletic Association regulations stipulate that once collegiate transgender male athletes begin taking hormones, they no longer can compete on a women’s team and can only complete on a men’s team. However, little is known about what happens physically, mentally and emotionally during transgender athletes’ athletic transition. This case study focused on the physical and athletic changes that occurred during the first year of taking testosterone as reported by a trans male US college athlete in a video diary. Diary entries were recorded approximately once a month for 12 months. Guided by transfeminism, we employed a narrative approach to chronicle his transition. The participant described physical changes as his body adjusted to increased testosterone (e.g. increased facial hair, body fat redistribution), emotional or mood disturbances, and training and performance effects. His diary also highlights the challenges of shifting from a women’s to a men’s athletic team, leading us to question current regulations regarding inclusion of transgender athletes.
An efficient and reliable Cooperative Multicast routing based on hop tree in Ad-hoc Networks

A mobile ad-hoc network is an infrastructure less self-configuring network of mobile nodes which move their places randomly, move around or join the network. Over the past few years simulation work has been carried out to achieve a new reliable Routing protocol. This paper mainly concentrates on reducing the factors such as End-to- End Delay, Network Load and Packet loss in conventional AODV and DSR routing protocols. We propose a Cooperative Multicast Ad-hoc on-demand distance vector (CMAODV) Routing protocol. The results indicate that AODV loses more packets than CMAODV. In AODV routing protocol, more number of total packet losses is congestion related and sample data reveals that the packet loss distribution over time is bursting, which makes the tradition Poisson framework unsuitable for modeling it. Preliminary results exhibit self-similar pattern that leads us to believe that fractal model is promising to describe packet loss in ad hoc networks.
Cross-Sectional versus Longitudinal Survey Research: Concepts, Findings, and Guidelines

Marketing academics and practitioners frequently employ cross-sectional surveys. In recent years, editors, reviewers, and authors have expressed increasing concern about the validity of this approach. These validity concerns center on reducing common method variance bias and enhancing causal inferences. Longitudinal data collection is commonly offered as a solution to these problems. In this article, the authors conceptually examine the role of longitudinal surveys in addressing these validity concerns. Then, they provide an illustrative comparison of the validity of cross-sectional versus longitudinal surveys using two data sets and a Monte Carlo simulation. The conceptualization and findings suggest that under certain conditions, the results from cross-sectional data exhibit validity comparable to the results obtained from longitudinal data. This article concludes by offering a set of guidelines to assist researchers in deciding whether to employ a longitudinal survey approach.
Properties of the maximum a posteriori path estimator in hidden Markov models

A hidden Markov model (HMM) consists of a nonobservable Markov chain X=(X<sub>0</sub>,X<sub>1</sub>,.) and a measured process Y=(Y <sub>0</sub>,Y<sub>1</sub>,.) whose distribution is determined by X. To estimate the hidden path of X up to time n,X<sub>0</sub>,X<sub>1</sub>,. ,X<sub>n</sub>, by the observations Y <sub>0</sub>,Y<sub>1</sub>,. ,Y<sub>n</sub>, usually the maximum a posteriori probability path estimator (MAP path estimator) is applied. An effective means for calculating this estimator is the Viterbi algorithm, which is widely employed in the fields of coding theory, correction of intersymbol interference and text recognition. Here, properties of the MAP estimator are derived. Under a certain Condition C, it is shown that the limiting process U=(U<sub>0</sub>,U<sub>1</sub>,.) is a regenerative process. Particularly, this means that U has an asymptotic distribution, satisfies the Central Limit Theorem, and possesses a mean error. Furthermore, Condition C is satisfied for a broad class of HMMs including the most important case for applications, the HMM with additive white Gaussian noise