Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
System P: Completeness-driven Query Answering in Peer Data Management Systems

Peer data management systems (PDMS) are a highly dynamic, decentral- ized infrastructure for large-scale data integration. They consist of a dynamic set of autonomous peers inter-connected with a network of schema mappings. Queries sub- mitted at a peer are answered with local data and by data that is reached along paths of mappings. Due to redundancies in the mapping network, query answering in PDMS can be very inefficient if the complete query result is to be computed. System P, a fully functional PDMS, compromises the completeness of the query result and reduces cost by pruning the query plan at mappings that are estimated to yield only few result tuples. The demo illustrates the following main components of System P: (1) adaptive estimation of result cardinalities of intermediate queries us- ing histograms, (2) completeness-driven query planning under limited resources using specialized heuristics, and (3) the automatic generation of heterogeneous PDMS test instances, controlled by a rich set of parameters.
Statistical analysis of the variability and reliability of eye-tracking test in measuring mild traumatic brain injury

Saccadic eye-tracking tests have been advocated as a useful tool to distinguish mTBI patients from healthy people. However, intra-individual variances sometimes interfere with the interpretation of eye-tracking results, especially in experiments when group size is restricted. This study analyzes eye-tracking results of 14 mTBI patients taking the test twice with no medical administration in between. Using more accurate models to fit each individual's result, variables such as asymptote (of the fit functions) and hypothetical values for peak velocity, peak acceleration, and duration are derived for variability analysis. We conclude that the asymptotes for peak velocity and peak acceleration are the most reliable variables for future experiments to study, in that these variables have the highest intraclass correlation coefficient and confidence intervals. Moreover, predicted values require fewer participants in each group for the experiment to detect statistical differences between the experimental group and control group. Whichever variable future studies choose to examine, we recommend at least one replication of the same test to be conducted.
The 4W framework for B2B e-contracting

Contracts are fundamental to the engagement of companies in commercial relations. B2B electronic contracting aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the contracting process and to provide new opportunities for the contracting parties. Virtual enterprises, for example, can be dynamically formed on the basis of e-contracts. For the implementation of e-contracting in practice, an integral understanding of the contracting field must be established. In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for business-to-business e-contracting support. The framework provides a complete view of the e-contracting concepts and is the basis for specifying the requirements of the contracting systems. We use it to position research efforts in the e-contracting domain and to analyse them. Based on the framework, we discuss future research issues regarding e-contracting.
Self-evidence: applying somatic connoisseurship to experience design

This design case study examines and illustrates the concept of self-evidence by applying somatic connoisseurship to experience design. It invites a re-thinking of the process of design for technology, one that includes design for the experience of the self. Supported by concepts of somatic phenomenology and discourse surrounding 'felt-life' within HCI, this case study articulates the concept of self-evidence through the application of somatic body-based practices as a framework for technology design within HCI. The case study utilizes examples from the design process of the interactive, networked wearable art installation called whisper. Concepts of somatic connoisseurship are exemplified throughout all phases of an interdisciplinary artist-led design process.
MODIS Aerosol Optical Depth Retrievals with high spatial resolution over an Urban Area using the Critical Reflectance

[1] The retrieval of aerosol optical depth (τa) over land by satellite remote sensing is still a challenge when a high spatial resolution is required. This study presents a tool that uses satellite measurements to dynamically identify the aerosol optical model that best represents the optical properties of the aerosol present in the atmosphere. We use aerosol critical reflectance to identify the single scattering albedo of the aerosol layer. Two case studies show that the Sao Paulo region can have different aerosol properties and demonstrates how the dynamic methodology works to identify those differences to obtain a better τa retrieval. The methodology assigned the high single scattering albedo aerosol model (ϖo(λ = 0.55) = 0.90) to the case where the aerosol source was dominated by biomass burning and the lower ϖo model (ϖo (λ = 0.55) = 0.85) to the case where the local urban aerosol had the dominant influence on the region, as expected. The dynamic methodology was applied using cloud-free data from 2002 to 2005 in order to retrieve τa with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). These results were compared with collocated data measured by AERONET in Sao Paulo. The comparison shows better results when the dynamic methodology using two aerosol optical models is applied (slope 1.06 ± 0.08 offset 0.01 ± 0.02 r2 0.6) than when a single and fixed aerosol model is used (slope 1.48 ± 0.11 and offset −0.03 ± 0.03 r2 0.6). In conclusion the dynamical methodology is shown to work well with two aerosol models. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the methodology in other regions and under different conditions.
Improvements on the applicability of nonlinear constraint solvers

Nonlinear constraints over the real numbers appear in many application domains, like chemistry, economics or computer graphics. Their use in Constraint Logic Programming environments have thusfar been quite limited, because of a combination of performance issues and commercial considerations. This research aims at improving the practical applicability of nonlinear constraints in a CLP environment. We focus in particular on interval-based constraint solving techniques. This paper presents our research goals, our current results and ideas for future work.
Characterization of self-heating in advanced VLSI interconnect lines based on thermal finite element simulation

In this paper, self-heating of interconnects has been shown to affect the lifetime of next generation integrated circuits significantly more severely than today's. The paper proves the necessity for extending the system of design rules, proposes a thermal design rule, and presents an efficient and quantitatively accurate thermal simulator as tool for the design process.
Partition-based caching in Information-Centric networks

We place in the context of Information-Centric Networks a special class of segment-based caching, named partition-based caching, whereby information items are cached in partitions at different caches in the network. Our rationale lies in exploiting the merits of parallel data transmission, which however may come at the expense of increased network utilization. The study of this cost-benefit trade-off underlines our work. Following a theoretical analysis on the benefits of partition-based caching over single replication caching, we propose three traffic engineering algorithms for assigning content partitions to caches and respective routes. Simulation results indicate that partitionbased caching can indeed improve average content transfer time (up to 65%) at the expense of a tolerable increase in network load (up to 25%), for moderate numbers of content partitions (less than 6), balancing at the same time network load better (at the level of 50%), compared to single replication caching.
A 60 pc counter-rotating core in NGC 4621

We present adaptive optics assistedOASIS integral fieldspectrography of the S0 galaxy NGC 4621. Two-dimensional stellar kinematical maps (mean velocity and dispersion) reveal the presence of a ∼60 pc diameter counter-rotating core (CRC), the smallest observed to date. TheOASIS data also suggests that the kinematic center of the CRC isslightly offset from the center of the outer isophotes. This seems to be confirmed by archival HST/STIS data. We also present the HST/WFPC2 V − I colour map, which exhibits a central elongated red structure, also slightly off-centered in the same direction as the kinematic centre. We then construct an axisymmetric model of NGC 4621: the two-integral distribution function is derived using the Multi-Gaussian Expansion and the Hunter & Qian (1993) formalisms. Although the stellar velocities are reasonably fitted, including the region of the counter-rotating core, significant discrepancies between the model and the observations demonstrate the need for a more general model (e.g. a three-integral model).
Summarizing CSP hardness with continuous pro distributions

We present empirical evidence that the distribution of effort required to solve CSPs randomly generated at the 50% satisfiable point, when using a backtracking algorithm, can be approximated by two standard families of continuous probability distribution functions. Solvable problems can be modelled by the Weibull distribution, and unsolvable problems by the lognormal distribution. These distributions fit equally well over a variety of backtracking based algorithms.
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Gd-EOB-DTPA for the Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats

Purpose To investigate the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) with Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) for detecting liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Methods This study was approved by the institutional animal care and use committee. Liver fibrosis in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL/kg 50% CCl4 twice a week for 4-13 weeks. Control rats were injected with saline. Liver fibrosis was graded using the Metaviar score: no fibrosis (F0), mild fibrosis (F1-F2) and advanced fibrosis (F3-F4). DCE-MRI with Gd-EOB-DTPA was performed for all rats. Ktrans, Kep, Ve and iAUC of the liver parenchyma were measured. Relative enhancement (RE) value of the liver was calculated on T1-weighted images at 15, 20 and 25 min after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration. Results Thirty-five rats were included: no fibrosis (n=13), mild fibrosis (n=11) and advanced fibrosis (n=11). Ktrans and iAUC values were highest in advanced fibrosis group and lowest in no fibrosis group (P＜0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for fibrosis (stages F1 and greater) were 0.773 and 0.882 for Ktrans and iAUC, respectively. AUROC for advanced fibrosis were 0.835 and 0.867 for Ktrans and iAUC, respectively. Kep and RE values were not able to differentiate fibrosis stages (all P＞0.05). Conclusion Ktrans and iAUC obtained from DCE-MRI with Gd-EOB-DTPA are useful for the detection and staging of rat liver fibrosis induced by CCl4.
Appraisal Approaches of Business Competitive Forces in an Industrial Cluster

First, the processes and properties of knowledge transition of a business in an industrial cluster are systematically analyzed based on the Nonaka's SECI model, and the influencing factors of knowledge transition on a business competitive force are discussed in the paper. Second, an evaluative indexes system of a business competitive force are designed according to the influencing factors of a business competitive force, and the evaluative models of a business competitive force are established by the application of analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy synthetic evaluative approaches. Lastly, a practical application of the appraisal approaches and models are presented.
Join the club: Engaging parents in mathematics education

While extensive reference in the literature can be found in regard to professional learning sessions and workshops for teachers of mathematics, relatively little has been reported about engaging parents in learning about mathematics and mathematics education. The importance of home school partnerships is readily acknowledged, with parents being arguably the most influential factor in their children‘s educational success, yet many parents feel uninformed about current educational practices and how best to support their child‘s learning. This paper reports on an initiative undertaken with the parents from a District High School whereby they joined a ―Maths club‖ and attended information sessions designed to familiarise them with current mathematical practices and pedagogy. The results indicated that parents were appreciative of the opportunities provided to them and that they were supportive of contemporary mathematical practices.
Development and Maturation of the Immune System in Preterm Neonates: Results from a Whole Genome Expression Study

To expand the knowledge about the consecutive expression of genes involved in the immune system development in preterm neonates and to verify if the environment changes the gene expression after birth we conducted a prospective study that included three cohorts: (A) extremely (gestational age (GA): 23–26 weeks; n = 41), (B) very (GA: 27–29 weeks; n = 39), and (C) moderately preterm infants (GA: 30–32 weeks; n = 33). Blood samples were drawn from the study participants on the 5th and 28th day of life (DOL). The mRNA samples were evaluated for gene expression with the use of GeneChip Human Gene 1.0ST microarrays. Differential expression analysis revealed small subsets of genes that presented positive or negative monotone trends in both the 5th (138 genes) and 28th DOL (308 genes) in the three subgroups of patients. Based on pathway enrichment analysis, we found that most of the pathways that revealed a positive monotone trend were involved in host immunity. The most significantly GA dependent pathways were T-cell receptor signaling pathway and intestinal immune network for IgA production. Overall 4431 genes were differentially expressed between the 5th and 28th DOL. Despite differences in gestational age, patients with the same postconceptional age have a very similar expression of genes.
Structuring Effects in Environmental Decision Models

Decision analysis interviews provide a new way to collect opinions of different stakeholder groups involved in environmental decisions. There exists, however, a number of cognitive biases that may affect the results of decision analysis interviews. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the existence of biases, in particular so called splitting bias, in an environmental decision context. Splitting bias suggests that presenting an attribute in more detail may increase the weight it receives. An important aspect is whether the splitting bias can be eliminated or reduced through instructions and training. Another possible source of bias observed in this thesis is the effect of the order of the attribute levels in a value tree. The test case used in this thesis is the regulation of the Päijänne-Kymijoki lake-river system. To investigate the biases decision analysis interviews were done with both university students and residents of Asikkala living by Lake Päijänne. The subjects weighted a set of differently structured value trees using an interface that was built on the Excel spreadsheet program. The splitting bias was not totally avoided even though the subjects were aware of its existence because of the instructions. A large part of the students had no bias or a considerably small bias in their responses. Nearly all of the local residents had a systematic splitting bias meaning that the total weight of the environmental or economic attributes grew in proportion to the number of attributes belonging to these groups. The magnitude of the bias did not depend on whether the division was made for the environmental or economic attributes. No clear effect of the order of the attribute levels was found. A majority of the subjects had similar results with the two different value trees used.
Snapback Primer Mediated Clamping PCR for Detection of EGFR and KRAS Mutations in NSCLC Patients by High Resolution Melting Analysis

Assays for detecting somatic mutations are requested with higher sensitivity and more convenience. Here, we describe snapback primer mediated allele clamping enrichment polymerase chain reaction (SPACE-PCR), a novel form of PCR that amplifies minority alleles selectively from mixtures. We replaced regular PCR with SPACE-PCR before sequencing or genotyping assays to improve mutation detection sensitivity by up to 100-fold in detecting EGFR and KRAS somatic mutations. Combined SPACE-PCR with analysis of snapback primer by high resolution melting (SPACE-HRM), the high sensitive system that enables a closed-tube detection of mutations after isolating mutants has been established, as low as 1/105–1/1000 mutant samples can be diagnosed. And finally, in a double-blind experiment of 150 cases of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, compared with direct DNA sequencing and ADX-EGFR/KRAS mutation detection kit, up to 25% of the PCR-direct sequencing negative cases turned out to be positive in SPACE-HRM mutation tests; the specificity is 100%. Results demonstrated that the SPACE-HRM system we set up is a high sensitive assay that can be used for EGFR and KRAS allele enrichment and reliable detection. We anticipate that the method will be employed in multiple applications in the clinic, including diagnosis, scanner recurrence monitoring, and treatment management.
Platforms, Markets and Innovation

The emergence of platforms is a novel phenomenon impacting most industries, from products to services. Industry platforms such as Microsoft Windows or Google, embedded within industrial ecosystems, have redesigned our industrial landscapes, upset the balance of power between firms, fostered innovation and raised new questions on competition and innovation. Annabelle Gawer presents cutting-edge contributions from 24 top international scholars from 19 universities across Europe, the USA and Asia, from the disciplines of strategy, economics, innovation, organization studies and knowledge management. The novel insights assembled in this volume constitute a fundamental step towards an empirically based, nuanced understanding of the nature of platforms and the implications they hold for the evolution of industrial innovation. The book provides an overview of platforms and discusses governance, management, design and knowledge issues.
Why environmental scientists are becoming

James S. Clark Advances in computational statistics provide a general framework for the high-Nicholas School of the dimensional models typically needed for ecological inference and prediction. Hierarchical Environment and D e ~ a m e n t Bayes (HB) represents a modelling structure with capacity to exploit diverse sources of Of BiO'OgK Duke Univeni* information. to accommodate influences that are unknown (or unknowable). and to ,. common spatiotemporal problems. The flexible framework means that parameters, variables and latent variables can represent broader classes of model elements than are treated in traditional models. Inference and prediction depend on two types of stochasticity, including (1) uncertaa');~g, which describes our knowledge of fixed quantities, it applies to all 'unobservables' (latent variables and parameters), and it declines asymptotically with sample size, and (2) variabdIs'p, which applies to fluctuations that are not explained by deterministic processes and does not decline asymptotically with sample size. Examples demonstrate how different sources of stochasticity impact inference and prediction and how allowance for stochastic influences can guide research.
Mutually exclusive splicing regulates the Nav 1.6 sodium channel function through a combinatorial mechanism that involves three distinct splicing regulatory elements and their ligands

Mutually exclusive splicing is a form of alternative pre-mRNA processing that consists in the use of only one of a set of two or more exons. We have investigated the mechanisms involved in this process for exon 18 of the Nav 1.6 sodium channel transcript and its significance regarding gene-expression regulation. The 18N exon (neonatal form) has a stop codon in phase and although the mRNA can be detected by amplification methods, the truncated protein has not been observed. The switch from 18N to 18A (adult form) occurs only in a restricted set of neural tissues producing the functional channel while other tissues display the mRNA with the 18N exon also in adulthood. We demonstrate that the mRNA species carrying the stop codon is subjected to Nonsense-Mediated Decay, providing a control mechanism of channel expression. We also map a string of cis-elements within the mutually exclusive exons and in the flanking introns responsible for their strict tissue and temporal specificity. These elements bind a series of positive (RbFox-1, SRSF1, SRSF2) and negative (hnRNPA1, PTB, hnRNPA2/B1, hnRNPD-like JKTBP) splicing regulatory proteins. These splicing factors, with the exception of RbFox-1, are ubiquitous but their levels vary during development and differentiation, ensuing unique sets of tissue and temporal levels of splicing factors. The combinatorial nature of these elements is highlighted by the dominance of the elements that bind the ubiquitous factors over the tissue specific RbFox-1.
A unified distance measure scheme for orientation coding in identification

For a recognition task, distance measure between patterns is one of the most important procedures. Orientation coding-based methods have achieved high accuracy and speed in recognition, such as competitive code, palmprint orientation code and robust line orientation code. For orientation coding-based patterns, OR_XOR (Hamming distance) and SUM_XOR (Angular distance) are usually used for measuring the distance. However, little work have been done to study the physical significance of these distances for orientation coding-based patterns. The relationship between SUM_XOR and OR_XOR is not clear. This paper is focusing on the relationship between them and proposes a unified distance measure (UDM) scheme. To automatically compute the parameters introduced in UDM model, the population based heuristic algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO), differential evolution (DE) and fireworks algorithm (FWA) are used for the determination of parameters. Experimental results on artificial date set, PolyU palmprint database and the collected finger-vein database, suggest that the proposed PSO-UDM, DE-UDM, FWA-UDM gain lower equal error rate.
Improving Data Center Multicast with In-Packet Lightweight Bloom Filter

IP Multicast benefits data center networks (DCNs) for saving bandwidth and improving throughput. In-packet Bloom filter (BF) has been recently proposed to achieve efficient and scalable multicast in DCNs, where a Bloom filter encodes all nodes in a multicast tree into the packet header for making routing decisions. However, prior work incurs large traffic overhead due to tree encoding and false positive forwarding. In this paper, we propose an improved data center multicast scheme called in-packet lightweight Bloom filter (LBF) for significantly reducing traffic overhead. The basic idea behind LBF is to encode the switches of a multicast tree into the Bloom filter carried in the packet header, which facilitates decreasing the tree encoding length and false positive rate. Each forwarding switch examines the in-packet LBF for multicast packet forwarding, while each edge switch in the tree uses a hash table lookup for forwarding packets to the receivers on the servers. Simulations and experiments on Click prototype show that in-packet LBF reduces the traffic leakage ratio by up to 39.3% as well as the tree encoding length by 38.8%, and improves the packet forwarding rate by up to 98.7% compared to in-packet BF.