Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel two-phase approach for QoS-aware service composition based on history records

Existing service composition approaches usually assume that the quality of service does not change over time. Actually, the performance of a service may fluctuate due to the dynamic environments, which may violate the end-to-end QoS constraints or degrade the QoS of a composite service. History records (or QoS records) can exhibit QoS fluctuations over the past period and reflect the actual performance of a service. Thus, a novel Two-Phase Approach for Service Composition (TPASC) based on QoS records is presented to address the problem. The proposed approach has the two phases: one is preliminary filtering, where a heuristic QoS decomposition algorithm is proposed to decompose the end-to-end QoS constraints into local constraints, and then some promising services are selected in terms of the probability that they can meet the local constraints; the other is MIP (Mixed Integer Programming)-based service selection, where QoS records associated with each promising service are reduced by K-means clustering method, and then a MIP model is proposed to rank and select services in terms of the reduced QoS records. The experimental results show TPASC can conduct service composition with high efficiency and significant cost savings in dynamic environments.
Origin of the thermal radiation in a solid state analog of a black hole

An effective black-hole-like horizon occurs, for electromagnetic waves in matter, at a surface of singular electric and magnetic permeabilities. In a physical dispersive medium this horizon disappears for wave numbers with $k>k_c$. Nevertheless, it is shown that Hawking radiation is still emitted if free field modes with $k>k_c$ are in their ground state.
The Part-Time Wage Penalty in European Countries: How Large is it for Men?

Economic theory advances a number of reasons for the existence of a wage gap between part-time and full-time workers. Empirical work has concentrated on the wage effects of part-time work for women. For men, much less empirical evidence exists, mainly because of lacking data. In this paper, we take advantage of access to unique harmonised matched employer-employee data (i.e. the 1995 European Structure of Earnings Survey) to investigate the magnitude and sources of the part-time wage penalty for male workers in six European countries (i.e. Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK). Findings show that the raw gap in hourly gross pay amounts to 16 per cent of male part-timer’s wage in Spain, to 24 per cent in Belgium, to 28 per cent in Denmark and Italy, to 67 per cent in the UK and to 149 per cent in Ireland. Human capital differences explain between 31 per cent of the observed wage gap in the UK and 71 per cent in Denmark. When a larger set of control variables is taken into account (including occupation, industry, firm size, and level of wage bargaining), a much smaller part of the gap remains unexplained by differences in observed characteristics (except in Italy). Overall, results suggest that policy initiatives to promote lifelong learning and training are of great importance to help part-timers catch up. Moreover, except for Italy, they point to a persisting problem of occupational and sectoral segregation between men working part-time and full-time which requires renewed policy attention.
Homocysteine and cobalamin status in German vegans

Abstract Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the homocysteine and cobalamin status of German vegans and determine whether the intake of very small amounts of foods of animal origin can improve this status. Design and setting: Cross-sectional study, Germany. Subjects: The dietary and nutritional intakes of 131 vegans (73 women, 58 men; a range: 20.2–82.1 years) were evaluated using a general questionnaire and two food–frequency questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of inadequate cobalamin status in volunteers of the German Vegan Study was 28.2%, and that of hyperhomocysteinaemia, 38.1%. Moderate vegans were affected to a lesser extent than were strict vegans. Duration of veganism and cobalamin concentration were inversely correlated (Spearman's r = -0.175, P = 0.047). Folate concentration and erythrocyte aspartic acid aminotransferase activity were not correlated with plasma homocysteine concentration, but duration of veganism correlated positively with homocysteine concentration (Spearman's r = 0.319, P < 0.001). Cobalamin and homocysteine concentrations were inversely correlated (when controlling for duration of veganism; r = -0.602, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Cobalamin status needs to be improved in order to minimise the risk of hyperhomocysteinaemia.
Cardiopulmonary effects of iloprost in experimental acute lung injury

Iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue with a prolonged plasma half-life has beneficial effects in chronic pulmonary hypertension, whereas the effects in acute lung injury (ALI) are unknown. The present study was performed to evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of iloprost in experimental ALI. ALI was induced in 18 pigs by repeated lung lavage. Animals were randomised to controls, i.v. or inhaled iloprost for 15 min. Haemodynamics, gas exchange and ventilation–perfusion distribution were measured at the end of iloprost application and after 1 and 2 h. As a short-term effect, both i.v. and inhaled iloprost significantly decreased pulmonary artery pressure without major effects on gas exchange or systemic haemodynamics. After 1 and 2 h, a reduction of pulmonary hypertension was no longer present. As a long-term effect, inhaled, but not i.v. , iloprost decreased pulmonary shunt and significantly improved gas exchange after 1 and 2 h. In conclusion, the single application of iloprost revealed short-term pulmonary vasodilation without other major cardiopulmonary effects. However, inhaled iloprost improved gas exchange due to a decrease of pulmonary shunt as a long-term effect, possibly as a result of a reduction of lung oedema formation.
Autophagy: A potential target for rescuing sepsis-induced hepatic failure

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in intensive care units worldwide; however, it remains a scientific and clinical challenge in modern medicine. An excessive inflammatory response associated with high level of reactive oxygen species results in mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of the unfolded protein response leading to subsequent energetic organ failure in septic patients. In addition to blocking the inflammatory cascade directly, new strategies focusing on host endogenous adaption to severe infection may hold better promise for improving outcomes in septic patients. Autophagy is a fundamental cellular response to stress and pathogen invasion. The study of autophagic responses to sepsis is a critical component of understanding the mechanisms by which tissues respond to infection. This review aims at elucidating the role of autophagy in sepsis-induced hepatic failure and further explores the possible factor that suppresses autophagy and potential targets of augmenting autophagy, in an effort to provide a new perspective for the clinical treatment of sepsis-induced hepatic failure.
Characterization of current codecs degradations for subjective assessment of speech quality

Our work aims to provide reference signals representative of the new techniques of speech coding, for subjective assessment tests of speech quality. At first, we determine a four-dimensional perceptive space of the degradations resulting from 20 wideband codecs. Then, from a verbalization task, it appears that the identified attributes are clear/muffle, background noise, noise on speech and hiss. Finally, these dimensions are characterized with correlates such as spectral centroid, power spectrum for the period of silence, Mean Opinion Score and correlation coefficient.
Evolutionary search for superhard materials: Methodology and applications to forms of carbon and TiO2

We have developed a method for prediction of the hardest crystal structures in a given chemical system. It is based on the evolutionary algorithm USPEX (Universal Structure Prediction: Evolutionary Xtallography) and electronegativity-based hardness model that we have augmented with bond-valence model and graph theory. These extensions enable correct description of the hardness of layered, molecular, and low-symmetry crystal structures. Applying this method to C and TiO2, we have (i) obtained a number of low-energy carbon structures with hardness slightly lower than diamond and (ii) proved that TiO2 in any of its possible polymorphs cannot be the hardest oxide, its hardness being below 17 GPa. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84. 092103
A Kinetic Study of Accumulation and Elimination of Microcystin-LR in Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens) Tissue and Implications for Human Fish Consumption

Fish consumption is a potential route of human exposure to the hepatotoxic microcystins, especially in lakes and reservoirs that routinely experience significant toxic Microcystis blooms. Understanding the rates of uptake and elimination for microcystins as well as the transfer efficiency into tissues of consumers are important for determining the potential for microcystins to be transferred up the food web and for predicting potential human health impacts. The main objective of this work was to conduct laboratory experiments to investigate the kinetics of toxin accumulation in fish tissue. An oral route of exposure was employed in this study, in which juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were given a single oral dose of 5 or 20 μg of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) via food and accumulation in the muscle, liver, and tank water were measured over 24 h. Peak concentrations of the water soluble fraction of microcystin were generally observed 8–10 h after dosing in the liver and after 12–16 h in the muscle, with a rapid decline in both tissues by 24 h. Up to 99% of the total recoverable (i.e., unbound) microcystin was measured in the tank water by 16 h after exposure. The relatively rapid uptake and elimination of the unbound fraction of microcystin in the liver and muscle of juvenile yellow perch within 24 h of exposure indicates that fish consumption may not be a major route of human exposure to microcystin, particularly in the Great Lakes.
Major issues in SISP: Insights into the main reason of SISP failure

The 'SISP community' is an evolving environment, which generally learns from the past. However, the lesson that top management commitment is a key determinant of SISP success has not been learnt. Regardless of the industry type or size, a lack of real commitment from senior management is still the main reason for the SISP formulation and implementation failure. The study introduces the SISP Stakeholders' Designation construct to analyze commitment and participation of the available SISP resources in the light of maximising success of SISP. Also the association between organisational learning and management commitment to SISP is examined. A postal survey of top management from 260 Australian companies revealed that obtaining high-level stakeholder engagement is critical to SISP success. The study presents optimal roles and level of engagement for the SISP Stakeholders' Designation. It was found that if every managerial stakeholder's designation is committed to SISP in all its phases it may result in wasting of valuable time and resources. The findings point to SISP learning reviews as a significant antecedent for managerial commitment to SISP.
The history of mathematics as a pedagogical tool: exploring learner perspectives with regard to the theorem of pythagoras.

This study sought to ascertain whether the inclusion of the history of the Theorem of Pythagoras has any positive influence on learners’ perceptions of the theorem and its applications, on geometry and on mathematics in general. To accomplish this aim, this study had to establish learner perceptions before and after the incorporation of the history of mathematics in the lessons on the Pythagorean Theorem. Changes in perceptions after the inclusion of the history of mathematics were regarded as indicative of the influence of the history of mathematics. The study was informed by the constructivist’s perspective and the genetic approach to teaching and learning. These played a pivotal role in the design of learning materials used during the lessons in which the history of mathematics was incorporated. A case study approach where grade 11 mathematics learners’ perceptions on mathematics, geometry and Pythagoras’ Theorem were sought, was used. Data on learners’ perceptions was collected using qualitative data collection methods, that is, focus group discussions, group interviews and journal entries made by participants after being exposed to lessons in which the history of mathematics was integrated. The collected data was analysed using NVivo software. A qualitative interpretation of analysed results indicated a change in learner perceptions of mathematics, geometry and the theorem of Pythagoras. The change was perceived to have occurred when learners were exposed to learning situations which incorporated the history of mathematics. Notable changes in learner perceptions included affirmations of the increased levels of motivation and claims of preparedness to work hard even in the face of adversity. Despite challenging tasks, learners now regarded mathematics and geometry as challenges that needed to be faced head-on and conquered. It also seemed, from the inclusion of the history of mathematics that learners had learnt that failure is part of the learning process. Learners also confirmed that they had gained confidence in dealing with proofs, enjoyed making their own discoveries and solving mathematical problems in general. Findings from this study were crucial in that they revealed that the history of mathematics has great, yet untapped potential to resolve the challenges of learner apathy and facilitate greater rate of uptake in mathematics at FET phase in South Africa.
Worker Flows Over the Business Cycle: the Role of Firm Quality

In this paper, we study net and gross worker ‡ows over the business cycle as a function of …rm quality. Using linked employer-employee data from the LEHD program at the U.S. Census, we measure employer quality as average pay, though our results are robust to a number of dierent measures. We …rst show that net job creation at high-quality …rms is more responsive to the business cycle than that of low-quality …rms; in recessions low-quality …rms shrink less quickly, while in booms high-quality …rms grow more quickly. We then show that gross hire and separation rates at high- quality …rms are less responsive to the business cycle. While these gross ‡ow rates decline in recessions, they decline by less in high-quality …rms. Therefore the growth rate eect can be accounted for by a larger decline in job separations in low-, compared to high-, quality …rms in recessions. We therefore …nd that jobs at low-quality …rms become stickier in recessions, relative to jobs at high-quality …rms. We conclude with a discussion of our results in the context of existing macroeconomic theories of the labor market. We provide further results based on implications from these models to determine the channel through which our results . For example, we …nd that our results are likely not being driven by dierential downward wage rigidities over the business cycle, or dierential business cycle sensitivty, but are more likely labor supply driven.
Developmental regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ sensitivity of vesicle fusion and Ca2+–secretion coupling at the rat calyx of Held

Developmental refinement of synaptic transmission can occur via changes in several pre‐ and postsynaptic factors, but it has been unknown whether the intrinsic Ca2+ sensitivity of vesicle fusion in the nerve terminal can be regulated during development. Using the calyx of Held, a giant synapse in the auditory pathway, we studied the presynaptic mechanisms underlying the developmental regulation of Ca2+–secretion coupling, comparing a time period before, and shortly after the onset of hearing in rats. We found an ∼2‐fold leftward shift in the relationship between EPSC amplitude and presynaptic Ca2+ current charge (QCa), indicating that brief presynaptic Ca2+ currents become significantly more efficient in driving release. Using a Ca2+ tail current protocol, we also found that the high cooperativity between EPSC amplitude and QCa was slightly reduced with development. In contrast, in presynaptic Ca2+ uncaging experiments, the intrinsic Ca2+ cooperativity of vesicle fusion was identical, and the intrinsic Ca2+ sensitivity was slightly reduced with development. This indicates that the significantly enhanced release efficiency of brief Ca2+ currents must be caused by a tighter co‐localization of Ca2+ channels and readily releasable vesicles, but not by changes in the intrinsic properties of Ca2+‐dependent release. Using the parameters of the intrinsic Ca2+ sensitivity measured at each developmental stage, we estimate that during a presynaptic action potential (AP), a given readily releasable vesicle experiences an about 1.3‐fold higher ‘local’ intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) signal with development. Thus, the data indicate a tightening in the Ca2+ channel–vesicle co‐localization during development, without a major change in the intrinsic Ca2+ sensitivity of vesicle fusion.
Night-time exogenous melatonin administration may be a beneficial treatment for sleeping disorders in beta blocker patients

Sleep disorders are the common side effects of beta blockers. Beta blockers have been shown to reduce the production of melatonin via specific inhibition of adrenergic beta1-receptors. Exogenous melatonin, taken in the evening as a supplement, could reduce the central nervous system (CNS) side effects (sleep disorder) associated with beta-adrenergic receptor blockers as well as the potential risk associated with reduction of the melatonin synthesis.
Integrating agronomic and genomic approaches for wheat adaptation to to Southern Spain Mediterranean agro-environments

Wheat can adapt to most agricultural conditions across temperate regions. This success is the result of phenotypic plasticity conferred by a large and complex genome composed of three homoeologous genomes (A, B, and D). Although drought is a major cause of yield and quality loss in wheat, the adaptive mechanisms and gene networks underlying drought responses in the field remain largely unknown. Here, we addressed this by utilizing an interdisciplinary approach involving field water status phenotyping, sampling, and gene expression analyses. Overall, changes at the transcriptional level were reflected in plant spectral traits amenable to field-level physiological measurements, although changes in photosynthesis-related pathways were found likely to be under more complex post-transcriptional control. Examining homoeologous genes with a 1:1:1 relationship across the A, B, and D genomes (triads), we revealed a complex genomic architecture for drought responses under field conditions, involving gene homoeolog specialization, multiple gene clusters, gene families, miRNAs, and transcription factors coordinating these responses. Our results provide a new focus for genomics-assisted breeding of droughttolerant wheat cultivars.
Aggregate Reallocation Shocks and the Dynamics of Occupational Mobility and Wage Inequality

This paper presents a dynamic model of structural unemployment and occupational choice in which an economy is subjected to aggregate reallocation shocks. Reallocation shocks, which change the relative labour productivity across occupations, drive variation in the distribution of workers across occupations. The wage paid to workers in a given occupation depends on its labour productivity and the number of workers employed in that occupation. Workers who wish to switch occupations in order to obtain higher wages face a fixed cost to retrain and, in addition, it is more costly to switch to occupations requiring vastly different skills relative to those of the worker's current occupation. Thus workers may prefer to remain unemployed in occupations su ering through relatively low productivity states. Between the late-1970s and the mid-2000s the U.S. economy featured an episode during which occupational mobility rose along with an increase in wage inequality both in the top and bottom halves of the wage distribution. This was followed by an episode during which occupational mobility fell, while a rise in inequality in the top half of the wage distribution was accompanied by a fall in inequality in the bottom half. The model can produce episodes with properties similar to that of the U.S. experience and thus offers a theory of why these episodes occur.
Trace metal evidence for a poorly ventilated glacial Southern Ocean

Abstract. Glacial benthic δ13C and Δ14C measurements from the Atlantic Ocean have been interpreted to indicate the existence of a poorly ventilated Southern Ocean with greater CO2 and nutrient contents compared to present. Enhanced storage of CO2 in the deep ocean predicts that oxygen concentrations should have declined at the same time, although no unequivocal evidence for glacial Southern Ocean suboxia has yet been found. Here we take a novel approach by using concentrations of redox-sensitive trace metals to show that Southern Ocean sediments from two cores in the Atlantic sector were suboxic during deglaciation and the last glacial period, implying reduced ventilation and/or elevated export production that significantly altered deep water chemistry. In the Cape Basin, high concentrations of the authigenically deposited trace metal Re coincide with oldest Δ14C values at 3.8 km water depth in the Subantarctic Zone, indicating that poorest Southern Ocean ventilation occurred during the Last Glacial Maximum (~ 23–19 ka). Furthermore, trace metal results suggest that the vertical structure of the glacial Southern Ocean differed from modern deep water mass arrangement such that Lower Circumpolar Deep Water had lower O2 concentrations, and therefore was the likely reservoir of glacial CO2.
Characterization of a‐C:H:N deposition from CH4/N2 rf plasmas using optical emission spectroscopy

Optical emission spectra (OES) from CH4/N2 rf plasmas, which are used for the deposition of nitrogen‐containing hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a‐C:H:N) thin films, have been characterized. Previously unidentified spectral lines have been assigned to atomic N. Further identified species include CH, H, H2, N2, N+2, N, and CN. Variations between spectra from the pure CH4 or N2 plasmas and the mixed CH4/N2 plasma are discussed. The enhancement of excited nitrogen species, with the addition CH4, is attributed to Penning ionization. The observed OES variations of the CH4/N2 plasma with power, pressure, and CH4/N2 ratio are explained in terms of possible reaction mechanisms and their activation, and correlated with preliminary film growth characteristics.
Large-Scale Supervised Multimodal Hashing with Semantic Correlation Maximization

Due to its low storage cost and fast query speed, hashing has been widely adopted for similarity search in multimedia data. In particular, more and more attentions have been payed to multimodal hashing for search in multimedia data with multiple modalities, such as images with tags. Typically, supervised information of semantic labels is also available for the data points in many real applications. Hence, many supervised multimodal hashing~(SMH) methods have been proposed to utilize such semantic labels to further improve the search accuracy. However, the training time complexity of most existing SMH methods is too high, which makes them unscalable to large-scale datasets. In this paper, a novel SMH method, called semantic correlation maximization~(SCM), is proposed to seamlessly integrate semantic labels into the hashing learning procedure for large-scale data modeling. Experimental results on two real-world datasets show that SCM can significantly outperform the state-of-the-art SMH methods, in terms of both accuracy and scalability.