Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information diffusion in OSNs: the impact of nodes' sociality

The advent of Online Social Networks allowed scientists to remarkably improve the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling the formation of information diffusion chains in social networks (typically referred to as information cascades). Nevertheless, we are still not fully able to explain the role of social tie strength in the process, since most of the analyses in literature are based on unweighted networks only, i.e., they do not consider the social strength of the links between nodes. In this paper we contribute to fill this gap by analysing the properties of synthetically generated information cascades in a social network derived from a Facebook communication dataset. The properties of the cascades are studied in detail in relation to the characteristics of the nodes from which the diffusion starts (seed nodes). We compute, for both weighted and unweighted networks, the correlation between different measures of connectivity and centrality of the seed nodes, and the coverage of the resulting cascades. The results indicate that the knowledge of the strength of the social links is fundamental to infer which nodes will give rise to large information cascades.
Self-Regulation of Beer Advertising: A Comparative Analysis of Perceived Violations by Adolescents and Experts.

AIMS We assessed the impact of the 2010 revisions to Brazil's self-regulatory alcohol marketing code using expert and adolescent raters. METHODS Five popular TV beer ads were selected. Ads were rated based on the 2010 Brazilian self-regulatory marketing code. The expert group (N = 31) represented health-related professions; the adolescent group (N = 110) were public high school students. RESULTS At least 1 ad violated 11 of 17 guidelines included in the study. Ratings by experts and adolescents were similar. Both found violations in all sections of the self-regulatory code, but significant group differences were seen in applying the section that prohibits the promotion of excessive alcohol consumption, with experts identifying more violations than adolescents. CONCLUSION Beer ads in the sample systematically violated the self-regulatory standards for alcohol advertising in Brazil according to both experts and youth. Public policies for more effective restrictions and prohibitions in alcohol ads should be considered.
Testing PUF-based secure key storage circuits

Design for test is an integral part of any VLSI chip. However, for secure systems extra precautions have to be taken to prevent that the test circuitry could reveal secret information. This paper addresses secure test for Physical Unclonable Function based systems. In particular it provides the testability analysis and a secure Built-In Self-Test (BIST) solution for Fuzzy Extractor (FE) which is the main component of PUF-based systems. The scheme targets high stuck-at-fault (SAF) coverage by performing scan-chain free functional testing, to prevent scan-chain abuse for attacks. The scheme reuses existing FE sub-blocks (for pattern generation and compression) to minimize the area overhead. The scheme is integrated in FE design and simulated; the results show that a SAF fault coverage of 95.1% can be realized with no more than 50k clock cycles at the cost of a negligible area overhead of only 2.2%. Higher fault coverage is possible to realize at extra cost.
The Role of Meaning-Making in Posttraumatic Growth among Eritrean Refugees with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The study examined the moderating role of meaning made, meaning making and social support on the relationship between negative life events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression as well as the facilitating role of these moderating variables for posttraumatic growth(PTG). Eritrean refugees (N = 135) who were residing in Europe were recruited. The results showed that post-migration living difficulties significantly related with negative outcomes. In addition, the results showed that social support moderated the relationship between the number of traumatic life events and anxiety symptoms. However, meaning made and social support were not significant moderators on the relationship between number of traumatic life events and PTSD and depression, as well as the relationship between negative outcomes and PTG. Clinical implications and the next step for future research are discussed.
Building an Expert-based Web Effort Estimation Model using Bayesian Networks

OBJECTIVE - The objective of this paper is to describe a case study where Bayesian Networks (BNs) were used to construct an expert-based Web effort model. METHOD - We built a single-company BN model solely elicited from expert knowledge, where the domain expert was an experienced Web project manager from a small Web company in Auckland, New Zealand. This model was validated using data from eight past finished Web projects. RESULTS - The BN model has to date been successfully used to estimate effort for four Web projects, providing effort estimates superior to those based solely on expert opinion. CONCLUSIONS - Our results suggest that, at least for the Web Company that participated in this case study, the use of a model that allows the representation of uncertainty, inherent in effort estimation, can outperform expert-based estimates. Another five companies have also benefited from using Bayesian Networks, with very promising results.
Effects of Blocking Individual Maturation Cleavages in Murine Leukemia Virus Gag

ABSTRACT A single protein, termed Gag, is responsible for retrovirus particle assembly. After the assembled virion is released from the cell, Gag is cleaved at several sites by the viral protease (PR). The cleavages catalyzed by PR bring about a wide variety of physical changes in the particle, collectively termed maturation, and convert the particle into an infectious virion. In murine leukemia virus (MLV) maturation, Gag is cleaved at three sites, resulting in formation of the matrix (MA), p12, capsid (CA), and nucleocapsid (NC) proteins. We introduced mutations into MLV that inhibited cleavage at individual sites in Gag. All mutants had lost the intensely staining ring characteristic of immature particles; thus, no single cleavage event is required for this feature of maturation. Mutant virions in which MA was not cleaved from p12 were still infectious, with a specific infectivity only ∼10-fold below that of the wild type. Particles in which p12 and CA could not be separated from each other were noninfectious and lacked a well-delineated core despite the presence of dense material in their interiors. In both of these mutants, the dimeric viral RNA had undergone the stabilization normally associated with maturation, suggesting that this change may depend upon the separation of CA from NC. Alteration of the C-terminal end of CA blocked CA-NC cleavage but also reduced the efficiency of particle formation and, in some cases, severely disrupted the ability of Gag to assemble into regular structures. This observation highlights the critical role of this region of Gag in assembly.
A model–data comparison for a multi-model ensemble of early Eocene atmosphere–ocean simulations: EoMIP

Abstract. The early Eocene (~55 to 50 Ma) is a time period which has been explored in a large number of modelling and data studies. Here, using an ensemble of previously published model results, making up "EoMIP" – the Eocene Modelling Intercomparison Project – and syntheses of early Eocene terrestrial and sea surface temperature data, we present a self-consistent inter-model and model–data comparison. This shows that the previous modelling studies exhibit a very wide inter-model variability, but that at high CO2, there is good agreement between models and data for this period, particularly if possible seasonal biases in some of the proxies are considered. An energy balance analysis explores the reasons for the differences between the model results, and suggests that differences in surface albedo feedbacks, water vapour and lapse rate feedbacks, and prescribed aerosol loading are the dominant cause for the different results seen in the models, rather than inconsistencies in other prescribed boundary conditions or differences in cloud feedbacks. The CO2 level which would give optimal early Eocene model–data agreement, based on those models which have carried out simulations with more than one CO2 level, is in the range of 2500 ppmv to 6500 ppmv. Given the spread of model results, tighter bounds on proxy estimates of atmospheric CO2 and temperature during this time period will allow a quantitative assessment of the skill of the models at simulating warm climates. If it is the case that a model which gives a good simulation of the Eocene will also give a good simulation of the future, then such an assessment could be used to produce metrics for weighting future climate predictions.
Associations between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Metabolic Syndrome

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary antioxidant intake (carotenoid, vitamin C, E and selenium) intake and metabolic syndrome (MS). Method This cross-sectional study included 2069 subjects undergoing a regular health checkup. Biochemical test results and data on dietary intakes were collected for analysis. Adjustment for energy intake and multi-variable logistic regression were performed to determine adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for the relationship between dietary antioxidants intake and MS. The lowest quartile of antioxidant intake was regarded as the reference category. Result Dietary vitamin C intake (P values for trend were 0.02 in energy adjusted analysis and 0.08 in multivariable adjusted analysis) had a negative association with MS, as did selenium intake in the second quartile (energy adjusted OR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.43 to 0.85; multivariable adjusted OR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.43 to 0.86). However, there was no significant relationship between dietary carotenoid and vitamin E intake and MS. Conclusion Subjects with low intake of vitamin C might be predisposed to development of MS, while dietary selenium intake had a moderate negative association with MS. Dietary carotenoid and vitamin E intake was not associated with MS.
Towards an accurate identification of mosaic genes and partial horizontal gene transfers

Many bacteria and viruses adapt to varying environmental conditions through the acquisition of mosaic genes. A mosaic gene is composed of alternating sequence polymorphisms either belonging to the host original allele or derived from the integrated donor DNA. Often, the integrated sequence contains a selectable genetic marker (e.g. marker allowing for antibiotic resistance). An effective identification of mosaic genes and detection of corresponding partial horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) are among the most important challenges posed by evolutionary biology. We developed a method for detecting partial HGT events and related intragenic recombination giving rise to the formation of mosaic genes. A bootstrap procedure incorporated in our method is used to assess the support of each predicted partial gene transfer. The proposed method can be also applied to confirm or discard complete (i.e. traditional) horizontal gene transfers detected by any HGT inferring method. While working on a full-genome scale, the new method can be used to assess the level of mosaicism in the considered genomes as well as the rates of complete and partial HGT underlying their evolution.
DIMENSION ESTIMATES IN SMOOTH DYNAMICS: A SURVEY

We survey a collection of results in the dimension theory of dynamical systems, with emphasis on the study of repellers and hyperbolic sets of smooth dynamics. We discuss the most preeminent results in the area as well as the main difficulties in developing a general theory. Despite many interesting and nontrivial developments, only the case of conformal dynamics is completely understood. On the other hand, the study of the dimension of invariant sets of nonconformal maps unveiled several new phenomena, but it still lacks today a satisfactory general approach. Indeed, we have only a complete understanding of a few classes of invariant sets of nonconformal maps satisfying certain simplifying assumptions. For example, the assumptions may ensure that there is a clear separation between different Lyapunov directions or that number-theoretical properties do not influence the dimension.
Obstacle Avoidance in Collective Robotic Search Using Particle Swarm Optimization

– Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) has been demonstrated to be a useful technique in target search applications such as Collective Robotic Search (CRS). A group of unmanned mobile robots are able to locate a specified target in a high risk environment with extreme efficiency when driven by an optimized PSO algorithm. This paper presents an algorithm for obstacle avoidance with the PSO approach applied to navigate robots in collective search applications. Obstacles represented by basic geometric shapes to simulate perilous ground terrain are introduced to the search area. Results are presented to show that PSO algorithm based CRS is able to locate targets avoiding hazardous pathways.
Exchange Rate Movements, Import And Economic Growth in Nigeria (1986-2010)

The study empirically investigates the effect of exchange rate volatility on import trade in Nigeria during the period 1986: 1-- 2009: 4. The study focuses on import trade because, the import aspect of trade flows has often been ignored by researchers. The study showed that exchange has been volatile in Nigeria as evident from the unusually high and unusually low standard deviation. Also, the econometric results show that exchange rate displays a clustering trend during the period under investigation which portrays high degree of volatility. Further, the econometric results indicated that a long run relationship exists between exchange rate volatility and trade flows. Also, the study showed a significant negative relationship between domestic output and import component of trade flows suggesting that increasing import tends to shrink production line in Nigeria. The study concluded that exchange rate volatility exerted a significant negative relationship with import in Nigeria.
Individual Capability and Effort in Retirement Benefit Choice

We investigate the role of individual capability and effort in the management of retirement ruin. In an experimental setting, we analyze how 854 defined contribution (DC) plan members reallocated wealth between a lifetime annuity and a phased withdrawal account when we increased the risk of exhausting the phased withdrawal account before the end of life. We find that more numerate individuals who put effort into understanding product features chose more longevity insurance at higher ruin risks. Financially literate members were more likely to show understanding of the product features, but general financial literacy did not directly improve ruin risk management. Initiatives aiming to help DC members understand income stream products at the time of the decision are warranted.
The Posttranslocation Chaperone PrsA2 Contributes to Multiple Facets of Listeria monocytogenes Pathogenesis

ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular bacterial pathogen whose virulence depends on the regulated expression of numerous secreted bacterial factors. As for other gram-positive bacteria, many proteins secreted by L. monocytogenes are translocated across the bacterial membrane in an unfolded state to the compartment existing between the membrane and the cell wall. This compartment presents a challenging environment for protein folding due to its high density of negative charge, high concentrations of cations, and low pH. We recently identified PrsA2 as a gene product required for L. monocytogenes virulence. PrsA2 was identified based on its increased secretion by strains containing a mutationally activated form of prfA, the key regulator of L. monocytogenes virulence gene expression. The prsA2 gene product is one of at least two predicted peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans-isomerases encoded by L. monocytogenes; these proteins function as posttranslocation protein chaperones and/or foldases. In this study, we demonstrate that PrsA2 plays a unique and important role in L. monocytogenes pathogenesis by promoting the activity and stability of at least two critical secreted virulence factors: listeriolysin O (LLO) and a broad-specificity phospholipase. Loss of PrsA2 activity severely attenuated virulence in mice and impaired bacterial cell-to-cell spread in host cells. In contrast, mutants lacking prsA1 resembled wild-type bacteria with respect to intracellular growth and cell-to-cell spread as well as virulence in mice. PrsA2 is thus distinct from PrsA1 in its unique requirement for the stability and full activity of L. monocytogenes-secreted factors that contribute to host infection.
Conditioned eyeblink response is impaired in mutant mice lacking NMDA receptor subunit NR2A

NMDA receptor channels, heteromeric assemblies of subunits with diverse subtypes, play critical roles in various kinds of synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. To elucidate the roles of subunits NR2A and NR2C in motor learning, we investigated acquisition of the classically conditioned eyeblink response in a delayed-conditioning paradigm by gene knockout mice. Mutant mice lacking NR2C exhibited no significant defect; however, early acquisition of the task was impaired in mutant mice lacking NR2A or both NR2A and NR2C. Based on the distribution of these subunits in brain, these results indicate that acquisition of the conditioned response does not depend on NMDA receptors in the cerebellar cortex, but that its early acquisition involves the hippocampus and/or cerebellar deep nuclei.
Traceable CP-ABE: How to Trace Decryption Devices Found in the Wild

In Ciphertext-policy attribute-based encrypt- ion (CP-ABE), ciphertexts are associated with access policies, which do not have to contain the identities of eligible receivers, and attributes are shared by multiple users. CP-ABE is useful for providing fine-grained access control on encrypted data. However, it also has a practicality concern that a malicious user, with his attributes shared with other users, might leak his decryption privilege as a decryption blackbox, for some financial gain or other incentives, as there is little risk of getting caught. There are two types of decryption blackboxes that reflect different practical scenarios. A key-like decryption blackbox is associated with an attribute set SD and can decrypt ciphertexts with access policies satisfied by SD. A policy-specific decryption blackbox is associated with an access policy AD and can decrypt ciphertexts with AD. Policy-specific decryption blackbox has weaker decryption capacity than key-like decryption blackbox, but tracing it is deemed to be more difficult. In the preliminary version (in CCS 2013) of this paper, we proposed a new CP-ABE scheme which is adaptively traceable against key-like decryption blackbox. The scheme has sublinear overhead, which is the most efficient one to date supporting fully collusion-resistant blackbox traceability. The scheme is fully secure in the standard model, and supports any monotonic access structures. In this paper, we further show that the scheme is also selectively traceable against policy-specific decryption blackbox. Furthermore, and more importantly, we prove a general statement that if a CP-ABE scheme is (selectively) traceable against policy-specific decryption blackbox, it is also (selectively) traceable against key-like decryption blackbox, which implies that we now only need to focus on building CP-ABE schemes which are traceable against policy-specific decryption blackbox.
Agricultural conservation practices increase wetland ecosystem services in the Glaciated Interior Plains

The Glaciated Interior Plains historically supported a broad variety of wetland types, but wetland losses, primarily due to agricultural drainage, range from 50% to 90% of presettlement area. Wholesale land use change has created one of the most productive agricultural regions on earth, but wetland conversion has also led to the loss of the ecosystem services they provide, particularly water quality improvement, flood de-synchronization, carbon sequestration, and support of wetland-dependent species (biodiversity). Nearly three-quarters of the Glaciated Interior Plains fall within the Mississippi River drainage basin, where the combination of extensive tile drainage and fertilizer use has produced watersheds that contribute some of the highest nitrogen yields per acre to the Mississippi River. Wetland conservation practices implemented under Farm Bill conservation programs have established or involved management of nearly 110 000 ha of wetlands, riparian zones, and associated ecosystem services over the period 2000-2007. We estimated the cumulative ability of these conservation practices to retain sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus in Upper Mississippi River Basin watersheds. Estimated retention amounts to 1.0% ,1 . 5% ,a nd 0.8% of the total N, sediment, and P, respectively, reaching the Gulf of Mexico each year. If nutrient reduction is estimated based on the quantity of nutrients exported from the Glaciated Interior Plains region only, the numbers increase to 6.8% of N, 4.9% of P, and 11.5% of sediment generated in the region annually. On a watershed basis, the correlation between the area of wetland conservation practices implemented and per-hectare nutrient yield was 0.81, suggesting that, for water quality improvement, conservation practices are successfully targeting watersheds that are among the most degraded. The provision of other ecosystem services such as C sequestration and biodiversity is less well studied. At best, implementation of wetland and riparian conservation practices in agricultural landscapes results in improved environmental quality and human health, and strengthens the rationale for expanding conservation practices and programs on agricultural lands.
Optimal orientation of the tensor product of a small diameter graph and a complete graph

For a graph G, let D(G) be the set of all strong orientations of G. The orientation number of G, denoted by d(G), is defined as min{d(D) | D ∈ D(G)}, where d(D) denotes the diameter of the digraph D. In this paper, a sufficient condition is given for d(G×Kn) = d(G×Kn), where G is a graph with d(G) two or three and × is the tensor product of graphs.
Marker Passing as a Weak Method for Text Inferencing

The problem of deciding what is implied by a written text, of “reading between the lines” is the problem of text inference. To extract proper inferences from a text requires a great deal of general knowledge on the part of the reader. Past approaches have often used a “strong method” tuned to process a particular kind of knowledge structure (such as a script, or a plan). The alternative is a “weak method” which is applicable to a variety of knowledge structures. Just such a method is proposed here, one which recognizes six very general classes of inference. These classes are not dependent on individual knowledge structures, but instead rely on patterns of connectivity between concepts. Patterns are discovered, and inferences are suggested, by a process of marker passing between concepts.