Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gloss-Based Semantic Similarity Metrics for Predominant Sense Acquisition

In recent years there have been various approaches aimed at automatic acquisition of predominant senses of words. This information can be exploited as a powerful back-off strategy for word sense disambiguation given the zipﬁan distribution of word senses. Approaches which do not require manually sense-tagged data have been proposed for English exploiting lexical resources available, notably WordNet. In these approaches distributional similarity is coupled with a semantic similarity measure which ties the dis-tributionally related words to the sense inventory. The semantic similarity measures that have been used have all taken advantage of the hierarchical information in WordNet. We investigate the applicability to Japanese and demonstrate the feasibility of a measure which uses only information in the dictionary deﬁnitions, in contrast with previous work on English which uses hierarchical information in addition to dictionary definitions. We extend the deﬁnition based semantic similarity measure with distributional similarity applied to the words in different deﬁnitions. This increases the recall of our method and in some cases, precision as well.
Enhancing TCP fairness in ad hoc wireless networks using neighborhood RED

Significant TCP unfairness in ad hoc wireless networks has been reported during the past several years. This unfairness results from the nature of the shared wireless medium and location dependency. If we view a node and its interfering nodes to form a "neighborhood", the aggregate of local queues at these nodes represents the distributed queue for this neighborhood. However, this queue is not a FIFO queue. Flows sharing the queue have different, dynamically changing priorities determined by the topology and traffic patterns. Thus, they get different feedback in terms of packet loss rate and packet delay when congestion occurs. In wired networks, the Randomly Early Detection (RED) scheme was found to improve TCP fairness. In this paper, we show that the RED scheme does not work when running on individual queues in wireless nodes. We then propose a Neighborhood RED (NRED) scheme, which extends the RED concept to the distributed neighborhood queue. Simulation studies confirm that the NRED scheme can improve TCP unfairness substantially in ad hoc networks. Moreover, the NRED scheme acts at the network level, without MAC protocol modifications. This considerably simplifies its deployment.
Age and Ethnic Disparities in Incidence of Stroke Over Time: The South London Stroke Register

Background and Purpose— Data on continuous monitoring of stroke risk among different age and ethnic groups are lacking. We aimed to investigate age and ethnic disparities in stroke incidence over time from an inner-city population–based stroke register. Methods— Trends in stroke incidence and before-stroke risk factors were investigated with the South London Stroke Register, a population-based register covering a multiethnic population of 357 308 inhabitants. Age-, ethnicity-, and sex-specific incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, assuming a Poisson distribution and their trends over time tested by the Cochran–Armitage test. Results— Four thousand two hundred forty-five patients with first-ever stroke were registered between 1995 and 2010. Total stroke incidence reduced by 39.5% during the 16-year period from 247 to 149.5 per 100 000 population (P<0.0001). Similar declines in stroke incidence were observed in men, women, white groups, and those aged >45 years, but not in those aged 15 to 44 years (12.6–10.1; P=0.2034) and black groups (310.1–267.5; P=0.3633). The mean age at stroke decreased significantly from 71.7 to 69.6 years (P=0.0001). The reduction in prevalence of before-stroke risk factors was mostly seen in white patients aged >55 years, whereas an increase in diabetes mellitus was observed in younger black patients aged 15 to 54 years. Conclusions— Total stroke incidence decreased during the 16-year time period. However, this was not seen in younger age groups and black groups. The advances in risk factor reduction observed in white groups aged >55 years failed to be transferred to younger age groups and black groups.
A comparison of local feature detectors and descriptors for visual object categorization by intra-class repeatability and matching

Intuitive and easily interpretable performance measures, repeatability and matching performance, for local feature detectors and descriptors were introduced by Mikolajczyk et al. [10, 9]. They, however, measured performance in a wide baseline setting that does not correspond to the visual object categorisation problem which is a popular application of the detectors and descriptors. The limitation has been recognised and ad hoc evaluations proposed. To the authors' best knowledge, our work is the first which extends the original repeatability and matching performance measures to the case of object classes. Using the novel evaluation framework we test state-of-the-art detectors and descriptors with the popular Caltech-101 dataset and report the object category level (intra-class) repeatability and matching performances.
A study on the multi-carrier PWM methods for voltage balancing of flying capacitor in the flying capacitor multi-level inverter

The voltage control of flying capacitor is very important for safe operation in flying capacitor multi-level inverter (FCMLI). The voltage unbalancing of flying capacitor causes serious problems in safety and reliability of system, and also limits FCMLI's applications. The voltage unbalancing is occurred due to the difference of each capacitors charging and discharging time applied to FCMLI. This paper investigates and analyzes multi-carrier PWM methods to solve capacitor voltage balancing problem. Among the various PWM methods for the FCMLI, the phase-shift PWM (PSPWM) method, the modified carrier-redistribution PWM (MCRPWM) method and the saw-tooth-rotation PWM (STRPWM) method are discussed and compared with respect to switching state, balancing voltage of capacitors and output waveform. Also, this paper considers the performance of PWM methods. These three PWM methods are analyzed in the flying capacitor three-level inverter. The results are shown through simulation and experiment. Finally, the harmonics about the output voltages of their methods are compared using the harmonic distortion factor (HDF)
Encoding Terms from a Scientific Domain in a Terminological Database: Methodology and Criteria

This paper reports on the main phases of a research which aims at enhancing a maritime terminological database by means of a set of terms belonging to meteorology. The structure of the terminological database, according to EuroWordNet/ItalWordNet model is described; the criteria used to build corpora of specialized texts are explained as well as the use of the corpora as source for term selection and extraction. The contribution of the semantic databases is taken into account: on the one hand, the most recent version of the Princeton WordNet has been exploited as reference for comparing and evaluating synsets; on the other hand, the Italian WordNet has been employed as source for exporting synsets to be coded in the terminological resource. The set of semantic relations useful to codify new terms belonging to the discipline of meteorology is examined, revising the semantic relations provided by the IWN model, introducing new relations which are more suitably tailored to specific requirements either scientific or pragmatic. The need for a particular relation is highlighted to represent the mental association which is made when a term intuitively recalls another term, but they are neither synonyms nor connected by means of a hyperonymy/hyponymy relation.
Weldability of Thermomechanically Treated Steels Having a High Yield Point

STALI The article concerns the issue of weldability of S700MC steel, treated thermo-mechanically, with high yield point. The weakest area of welded joints of this steel is a high - temperature coarse heat aﬀected zone (HAZ) in which due to the nucleation eﬀect of the dissolved phases, strengthening the matrix and their subsequent uncontrolled separation precipitation in the form of ﬁnely disperse and rapid decrease impact strength is observed. Performed arc welding tests here have shown that in order to ensure high quality of welded joints, it is necessary to limit the welding linear heat input. During the welding process of S700MC steel, it is not recommended to use pre heating before the welding process and heat treatment after welding, and the number of repairs should be kept to a minimum, because it leads to a reduction of strength and plastic properties in the HAZ area, as a result of aging processes, dissolution of strengthening phases in the matrix and their subsequent uncontrolled precipitation during cooling.
Two parallel approaches to network data analysis

In this work we compare two alternative approaches to largescale analytic applications. We focus on network data analysis and define four sample Jobs that operate over a publicly available dataset of a trans-Pacific Internet link. First, we present an approach based on a shared-nothing parallel database and discuss the key ingredients of its design. Then we present an approach based on MapReduce, with focus on the design of data analysis Jobs and their optimization. Besides a mere performance comparison, the lessons we learned from several experiments with such systems highlight the challenges in performing the same computations over the same datasets, with two orthogonal approaches.
Answer Set vs Integer Linear Programming for Automatic Synthesis of Multiprocessor Systems From Real-Time Parallel Programs

An automated design approach for multiprocessor systems on FPGAs is presented which customizes architectures for parallel programs by simultaneously solving the problems of task mapping, resource allocation and scheduling. The latter considers effects of ﬁxed-priority preemptive scheduling in order to guarantee real-time requirements, hence covering a broad spectrum of embedded application. Being inherently a combinatorial optimization problem, the design space is modeled using linear equations that capture high-level design parameters. A comparison of two methods for solving resulting problem instances is then given. The intent is to study how well recent advances in propositional satisﬁability (SAT) and thus Answer Set Programming (ASP) can be exploited to automate the design of ﬂexible multiprocessor systems. Integer Linear Programming is taken as a baseline, where architectures for IEEE 802.11g and WCDMA baseband signal processing are synthesized. ASP-based synthesis used a few seconds in the solver, faster by three order of magnitude compared to ILP-based synthesis, thereby showing a great potential for solving difﬁcult instances of the automated synthesis problem.
Mitigation of Application Traffic DDoS Attacks with Trust and AM Based HMM Models

26 ABSTRACT The increase in Internet-based transactions and communications offers new opportunities for hackers to disrupt business operations with DDoS attacks. Organizations that are not adequately protected risk losing customers, revenue, and their good reputations. This thesis discusses the challenges of identifying, countering, and avoiding crippling DDoS attacks. With the proposed comprehensive Self-Defending Network, organizations can deploy layers of defense to detect and mitigate the effects of DDoS attacks. The convenience, efficiency, and global reach of e-business benefit both consumers and businesses. But the accessibility of today’s business operations brings increased security challenges. Legions of malicious hackers target e-commerce sites, online banks, partner networks, and Internet or e-mail servers seeking revenge or profit.
Three‐dimensional Echocardiography In Vivo Validation for Left Ventricular Volume and Function

BackgroundCurrent two-dimensional quantitative echocardiographic methods of volume assessment require image acquisition from standardized scanning planes. Left ventricular volume and ejection fraction are then calculated by assuming ventricular symmetry and geometry. These assumptions may not be valid in distorted ventricles. Three-dimensional echocardiography can quantify left ventricular volume without the limitations imposed by the assumptions of two-dimensional methods. We have developed a three-dimensional system that automatically integrates two-dimensional echocardiographic images and their positions in real time and calculates left ventricular volume directly from traced endocardial contours without geometric assumptions. Methods and ResultsTo study the accuracy of this method in quantifying left ventricular volume and performance in vivo, a canine model was developed in which instantaneous left ventricular volume can be measured directly with an intracavitary balloon connected to an external column. Ten dogs were studied at 84 different cavity volumes (4 to 85 cm3) and in conditions of altered left ventricular shape produced by either coronary occlusion or right ventricular volume overload. To demonstrate clinical feasibility, 19 adult human subjects were then studied by this method for quantification of stroke volume. Left ventricular volume, stroke volume, and ejection fraction calculated by three-dimensional echocardiography correlated well with directly measured values (r=.98, .96, .96 for volume, stroke volume, and ejection fraction, respectively) and agreed closely with them (mean difference, -0.78 cm3, -0.60 cm3, -0.32%). In humans, there was a good correlation (r=.94, SEE=4.29 cm3) and agreement (mean difference, -0.98±4.2 cm3) between three-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler-derived stroke volumes. ConclusionsThree-dimensional echocardiography allows accurate assessment of left ventricular volume and systolic function.
Effect of histologic subtype on treatment and outcomes for esophageal cancer in the United States

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have distinct clinico‐pathologic characteristics; however, it is unclear whether treatment patterns differ by histologic subtype. The objective of this study was to examine differences in treatment use and outcomes by histologic subtype for esophageal cancer in the United States.
Differential eddy current testing sensor composed of double gradient winding coils for crack detection

In this paper the eddy current testing (ECT) sensor composed of double gradient winding coils is researched to detect crack in conductive materials. The gradient winding coil has a high resolution of crack position which can reduce probability of crack undetected and advance test efficiency compared with the round coil. The novel differential configuration makes a multi-functional ECT sensor which can evaluate the characteristics of crack including position and size according to two coils' inductance variations. The data reconstruction algorithms of crack position and width are established by curve fitting method based on the least square principle, and correspondingly estimation errors are both studied. Conclusion and further work are derived on the basis of the findings.
System design for the WeSpace: Linking personal devices to a table-centered multi-user, multi-surface environment

The WeSpace is a long-term project dedicated to the creation of environments supporting walk-up and share collaboration among small groups. The focus of our system design has been to provide 1) groups with mechanisms to easily share their own data and 2) necessary native visual applications suitable on large display environments. Our current prototype system includes both a large high-resolution data wall and an interactive table. These are utilized to provide a focal point for collaborative interaction with data and applications. In this paper, we describe in detail the designs behind the current prototype system. In particular, we present 1) the infrastructure which allows users to connect and visually share their laptop content on-the-fly, and supports the extension of native visualization applications, and 2) the table-centric design employed in customized WeSpace applications to support cross-surface interactions. We will also describe elements of our user-centered iterative design process, in particular the results from a late-stages session which saw our astrophysicist participants successfully use the WeSpace to collaborate on their own real research problems.
Perception of English Word-Final Unreleased Consonants by Brazilian EFL Learners

This study investigates how Southern Brazilian EFL learners perceive the distinctions concerning place of articulation in unreleased voiceless stops  and in word-final position in English. Thirty-two undergraduate students of English in two levels of proficiency (basic and intermediate), from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, participated in this research study. In order to determine the perceptual accuracy regarding the place of articulation of the three consonants, we carried out two perceptual tasks with CVC words, equally distributed according to the vowels  and [. The results show that: (a) the final segments  and are perceived more accurately than the final segment ]; (b) there were greater levels of accuracy in both tasks when the nuclear vowel was lax; and (c) the level of proficiency of the participants was not crucial to ascertain perceptual accuracy.
Eraser: a dynamic data race detector for multi-threaded programs

Multithreaded programming is difficult and error prone. It is easy to make a mistake in synchronization that produces a data race, yet it can be extremely hard to locate this mistake during debugging. This article describes a new tool, called Eraser, for dynamically detecting data races in lock-based multithreaded programs. Eraser uses binary rewriting techniques to monitor every shared-monory reference and verify that consistent locking behavior is observed. We present several case studies, including undergraduate coursework and a multithreaded Web search engine, that demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
The Freeze-Frame File System

Many applications perform real-time analysis on data streams. We argue that existing solutions are poorly matched to the need, and introduce our new Freeze-Frame File System. Freeze-Frame FS is able to accept streams of updates while satisfying "temporal reads" on demand. The system is fast and accurate: we keep all update history in a memory-mapped log, cache recently retrieved data for repeat reads, and use a hybrid of a real-time and a logical clock to respond to read requests in a manner that is both temporally precise and causally consistent. When RDMA hardware is available, the write and read throughput of a single client reaches 2.6GB/s for writes and 5GB/s for reads, close to the limit (about 6GB/s) on the RDMA hardware used in our experiments. Even without RDMA, Freeze Frame FS substantially outperforms existing options for our target settings.
Determinants of Left Atrial Volume in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction Left atrial (LA) enlargement is an important risk factor for incident stroke and a key determinant for the success of rhythm control strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, factors associated with LA volume in AF patients remain poorly understood. Methods Patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF were enrolled in this study. Real time 3-D echocardiography was performed in all participants and analyzed offline in a standardized manner. We performed stepwise backward linear regression analyses using a broad set of clinical parameters to determine independent correlates for 3-D LA volume. Results We included 210 patients (70.9% male, mean age 61±11years). Paroxysmal and persistent AF were present in 95 (45%) and 115 (55%) patients, respectively. Overall, 115 (55%) had hypertension, 11 (5%) had diabetes, and 18 (9%) had ischemic heart disease. Mean indexed LA volume was 36±12ml/m2. In multivariable models, significant associations were found for female sex (β coefficient -10.51 (95% confidence interval (CI) -17.85;-3.16), p = 0.0053), undergoing cardioversion (β 11.95 (CI 5.15; 18.74), p = 0.0006), diabetes (β 14.23 (CI 2.36; 26.10), p = 0.019), body surface area (BSA) (β 34.21 (CI 19.30; 49.12), p<0.0001), glomerular filtration rate (β -0.21 (CI -0.36; -0.06), p = 0.0064) and plasma levels of NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (β 6.79 (CI 4.05; 9.52), p<0.0001), but not age (p = 0.59) or hypertension (p = 0.42). Our final model explained 52% of the LA volume variability. Conclusions In patients with AF, the most important correlates with LA volume are sex, BSA, diabetes, renal function and NT-proBNP, but not age or hypertension. These results may help to refine rhythm control strategies in AF patients.
Asparagine attenuates hepatic injury caused by lipopolysaccharide in weaned piglets associated with modulation of Toll-like receptor 4 and nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain protein signalling and their negative regulators

Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in many models of hepatic damage. In addition, asparagine (Asn) plays an important role in immune function. We aimed to investigate whether Asn could attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver damage. Forty-eight castrated barrows were allotted to four groups including: (1) non-challenged control; (2) LPS-challenged control; (3) LPS+0·5 % Asn; and (4) LPS+1·0 % Asn. After 19 d feeding with control, 0·5 or 1·0 % Asn diets, pigs were injected with LPS or saline. Blood and liver samples were obtained at 4 h (early stage) and 24 h (late stage) post-injection. Asn alleviated liver injury, indicated by reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities linearly and quadratically; it increased claudin-1 protein expression linearly and quadratically at 24 h, and less severe liver morphological impairment at 4 or 24 h. In addition, Asn decreased mRNA expression of TNF-α and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) linearly and quadratically at 4 h; it increased TNF-α mRNA expression, and HSP70 protein expression linearly and quadratically at 24 h. Moreover, Asn increased inducible NO synthase activity linearly and quadratically. Finally, Asn down-regulated the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling molecules (TLR4, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), TNF-α receptor-associated factor 6), nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain protein (NOD) signalling molecules (NOD1, NOD2 and their adaptor molecule receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (RIPK2)), and NF-κB p65 linearly or quadratically at 4 h. Oppositely, Asn up-regulated mRNA expressions of TLR4 and NOD signalling molecules (TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, IRAK1, NOD2 and RIPK2), and their negative regulators (radioprotective 105, single Ig IL-1R-related molecule, Erbb2 interacting protein and centaurin β1) linearly or quadratically at 24 h. These results indicate that, in early and late stages of LPS challenge, Asn improves liver integrity and exerts different regulatory effects on mRNA expression of TLR4 and NOD signalling molecules.
Linguistic features of Italian blogs: literary language

Limited surveys show that the language of blogs is not restricted to the more in­ formal levels of expression. Instead blogs may include many kinds of written lan­ guage: from simple personal notes to lit­ erary prose or poetry. The paper presents a sample of blogs and comments on the results of the search of literary forms in two Web corpora using search engine queries.