Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Deployment Scheme of Virtual Machines for Campus Cloud Platform

With the continuous deepening of teaching informatization, campus cloud platform is becoming increasingly popular, but the resource utilization in the campus cloud is still low, resulting in a serious waste of resources. To tackle this problem, this paper puts forward a deployment scheme of virtual machines for campus cloud platform, defines the course requirement model and the physical machine load model, and proposes a virtual machine deployment algorithm. This scheme can adapt to the characteristics of teaching applications such as periodicity, predictability, and batch, and achieve the purpose of energy saving and load balancing. Experiments show that the scheme can effectively reduce power consumption and achieve load balancing.
Generating applicable environmental knowledge among farmers: experiences from two regions in Poland

ABSTRACT Raising environmental awareness among farmers is the key to successfully reaching environmental goals. The present study assessed the knowledge development process and the raising of environmental awareness among 30 farmers from Poland exposed to four approaches aimed to reduce phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) losses to water. The farmers were interviewed with open-ended questions on-farm both before and after the project intervention. As hoped, the farmers attempted to adjust their farm practices to the European Union regulations, which are in some cases supported by subsidies. As a complement, the project offered tools for system-thinking based on farm data and support from agricultural advisors: a) a survey of plant-available P, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and soil pH, resulting in soil maps; b) assessment of nitrogen leaching risks from individual fields; c) compilation of a farm-gate balance. Farmers were positive to soil surveys and maps, but had limited understanding of the nutrient balance concept and calculations. They generally relied on their own experiences regarding fertilization rather than on calculated farm nutrient balances and leaching risks. Farmers’ understanding and willingness to adopt new approaches to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce negative environmental impacts are discussed.
Can a native rodent species limit the invasive potential of a non-native rodent species in tropical agroforest habitats?

BACKGROUND Little is known about native and non-native rodent species interactions in complex tropical agroecosystems. We hypothesised that the native non-pest rodent Rattus everetti may be competitively dominant over the invasive pest rodent Rattus tanezumi within agroforests. We tested this experimentally by using pulse removal for three consecutive months to reduce populations of R. everetti in agroforest habitat, and assessed over 6 months the response of R. tanezumi and other rodent species. RESULTS Following removal, R. everetti individuals rapidly immigrated into removal sites. At the end of the study period, R. tanezumi were larger and there was a significant shift in their microhabitat use with respect to the use of ground vegetation cover following the perturbation of R. everetti. Irrespective of treatment, R. tanezumi selected microhabitat with less tree canopy cover, indicative of severely disturbed habitat, whereas R. everetti selected microhabitat with a dense canopy. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that sustained habitat disturbance in agroforests favours R. tanezumi, while the regeneration of agroforests towards a more natural state would favour native species and may reduce pest pressure in adjacent crops. In addition, the rapid recolonisation of R. everetti suggests this species would be able to recover from non-target impacts of short-term rodent pest control. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
The associations between height components (leg and trunk length) and adult levels of liver enzymes

Study objective: To examine the separate associations of leg length, a biomarker of prepubertal exposures and growth, and trunk length with adult levels of liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the British Women’s Health and Heart Study, a random sample of British women aged 60–79 years. Results: Leg length was inversely associated with age-adjusted levels of ALT, GGT and ALP. These associations remained when controlling for childhood and adulthood social class, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, waist-to-hip ratio and trunk length. Trunk length was positively associated with ALT and inversely associated with ALP and the associations remained when adjusting for covariables. Conclusions: Adult liver function is affected by early life environmental exposures as reflected in leg length, and this may suggest common childhood influences on liver development and adult risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease. Further studies with detailed measures of early life exposures relevant to leg length would be valuable in identifying any specific exposures contributing to adult liver function and cardiovascular disease.
Firm demography and regional development. Evidence form Italy

This article contributes to the literature on firm demography and regional development in at least three different ways. First, consumption, rather than employment, which is the most common variable seen in literature, is used to measure the impact of firm demography on regional development. Second, while the literature is mainly focused on the relationship between new business formation and regional development, we investigate both entry and exit flows of firms. Third, we decompose each of these flows into spatial and sectoral components. The empirical investigation looks at the Italian regions with reference to the period 2004–2009. Results seem to be substantially divergent between the South and the rest of Italy.
rgpA DNA vaccine induces antibody response and prevents alveolar bone loss in experimental peri-implantitis.

BACKGROUND Peri-implantitis is one of many reasons for dental implant failure. This study is designed to prevent experimental peri-implantitis by arginine-specific gingipain A (rgpA) DNA vaccine. METHODS The bilateral mandibular second and third premolars from 15 male beagle dogs were extracted, and 60 implants were immediately implanted. Three months after implantation, the animals were randomly divided into groups A, B, and C and immunized with plasmid vector-rgpA, heat-killed Porphyromonas gingivalis, and plasmid vector, respectively. Cotton ligatures infiltrated with P. gingivalis were placed in the submarginal position around the neck of the implants to induce peri-implantitis. Clinical measurements, including probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing, were recorded every 2 weeks postoperatively, and P. gingivalis-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum and secretory IgA (sIgA) in saliva were quantitatively analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the same time. Animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks, 50-μm undecalcified histologic sections were prepared using methylene blue dye, and bone loss around implants was measured. RESULTS Higher levels of IgG in serum and sIgA in saliva could be measured in groups A and B but not in group C after immunization. There were statistical differences (P <0.05) between, before, and after immunization, but no difference was found between groups A and B (P >0.05). Both peri-implant PD and bone loss in group A were significantly less than in groups B and C. CONCLUSIONS IgG and sIgA could be generated by immunization with rgpA DNA vaccine, which could significantly slow down bone loss in the experimental peri-implantitis canine model.
A Hybrid Framework for Fault Detection, Classification, and Location—Part II: Implementation and Test Results

This paper is the second part of a series of two papers addressing a hybrid framework for achieving fault detection, classification, and location, simultaneously. The proposed framework is formed by a variety of analysis techniques, including symmetrical component analysis, wavelet transforms, principal component analysis, support vector machines, and adaptive structure neural networks. In our previous paper, the mathematical foundation of this framework with numerical results obtained by computer-based simulations has been presented. This paper is devoted to discuss the field-programmable gate-array implementation and experimental results acquired by using real-world scenarios. The hardware implementation of the runtime training technique in the proposed framework is an evolvable hardware tested by the power signals used in a power company transmission network for performance evaluation. The runtime training technique allows the FPGA to have learning and re-training capabilities. The main purpose of this paper is to show the applicability of the proposed framework on a hardware platform and test the framework's robustness and evolvability against noises from the system and measurements.
Auditable $\sigma $ -Time Outsourced Attribute-Based Encryption for Access Control in Cloud Computing

As a sophisticated mechanism for secure fine-grained access control over encrypted data, ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) is one of the highly promising candidates for cloud computing applications. However, there exist two main long-lasting open problems of CP-ABE that may limit its wide deployment in commercial applications. One is that decryption yields expensive pairing cost which often grows with the increase of access policy size. The other is that one is granted access privilege for unlimited times as long as his attribute set satisfies the access policy of a given ciphertext. Such powerful access rights, which are provided by CP-ABE, may be undesirable in real-world applications (e.g., pay-as-you-use). To address the above drawbacks, in this paper, we propose a new notion called <italic>auditable <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sigma $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-time outsourced CP-ABE</italic>, which is believed to be applicable to cloud computing. In our notion, expensive pairing operation incurred by decryption is offloaded to cloud and meanwhile, the correctness of the operation can be audited efficiently. Moreover, the notion provides <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sigma $ </tex-math></inline-formula><italic>-time</italic> <italic>fine-grained access control</italic>. The cloud service provider may limit a particular set of users to enjoy access privilege for at most <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sigma $ </tex-math></inline-formula> times within a specified period. As of independent interest, the notion also captures <italic>key-leakage resistance</italic>. The leakage of a user’s decryption key does not help a malicious third party in decrypting the ciphertexts belonging to the user. We design a concrete construction (satisfying our notion) in the key encapsulation mechanism setting based on Rouselakis and Waters (prime order) CP-ABE, and further present security and extensive experimental analysis to highlight the scalability and efficiency of our construction.
Application of Non-Linear Principal Component Analysis to Hyperspectral data for noise filtering using artificial neural networks

This work describes results of noise filtering techniques based on a Non-Linear Principal Component Analysis (NLPCA), applied to Hyperspectral CASI remote sensed data. NLPCA was carried out using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) which are capable of modeling data non-linearity. NLPCA operated feature extraction on which original data were reconstructed, filtering the noise which affects first VNIR bands. Such a technique cleans VNIR bands, but does not affect the signal of other bands (SWIR). In order to appreciate improvements in classification due to noise filtering a supervised classification algorithm, based on Support Vector Machines (SVM), was applied to both original, noise filtered data, and NLPCA components (NLPCs). Results show that classification obtained using NLPCA-derived data is more accurate. Finally, SVM classification was also applied to fused images adding LiDAR Digital Surface Model (DSM) to the NLPCs and the original image in order to evaluate further improvements introduced by the dimensionality reduction offered by the NLPCA. Results show that the proposed method is able to improve the classification both by reducing dimensionality and suppressing the noise.
3D photorealistic modeling of university building using Digital Close Range Photogrammetry

Most of the local university building models are lack of accurate photorealistic visualization and documentation which are significant for efficient conveying spatial information. Digital Close Range Photogrammetry (DCRP) is frequently method to obtain an accurate and practical measurement in the 3D building. This study is to integrate the recent developments in 3D model and photorealistic UiTM building to enhance their capabilities using DCRP technique. Four main stages of research implementation conducted in the study; project planning, data acquisition, data processing and data representation. The result shows the DCRP technique is capable to generate the 3D photorealistic model and structural building. The digital images processed using PhotoModeler Pro 5 software is also essential to establish the photo-texture of the building modeling. The coordinates of selected point on the building are determined based on local projection system. The output product is the 3D photorealistic and structural building generated from the modeling and visualization software. The study could give a new chapter or tool of improvement for building texture and precision documentation project particularly in university buildings.
Localization and activity of multidrug resistance protein 1 in the secretory pathway of Leishmania parasites

Upregulation of the multidrug resistance protein 1 (LeMDR1) in the protozoan parasite, Leishmania enriettii, confers resistance to hydrophobic drugs such as vinblastine, but increases the sensitivity of these parasites to the mitochondrial drug, rhodamine 123. In order to investigate the mechanism of action of LeMDR1, the subcellular localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged versions of LeMDR1 and the fate of the traceable‐fluorescent LeMDR1 substrate calcein AM were examined in both Leishmania mexicana and L. enriettii LeMDR1 –/– and overexpressing cell lines. The LeMDR1‐GFP chimera was localized by fluorescence microscopy to a number of secretory and endocytic compartments, including the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and a multivesicular tubule (MVT)‐lysosome. Pulse–chase labelling experiments with calcein AM suggested that the Golgi and ER pools, but not the MVT‐lysosome pool, of LeMDR1 were active in pumping calcein AM out of the cell. Cells labelled with calcein AM under conditions that slow vesicular transport (low temperature and stationary growth) inhibited export and resulted in the accumulation of fluorescent calcein in both the Golgi and the mitochondria. We propose that LeMDR1 substrates are pumped into secretory compartments and exported from the parasite by exocytosis. Accumulation of MDR substrates in the ER can result in alternative transport to the mitochondrion, explaining the reciprocal sensitivity of drug‐resistant Leishmania to vinblastine and rhodamine 123.
LFA-1 Contributes an Early Signal for NK Cell Cytotoxicity

Cytotoxicity of human NK cells is activated by receptors that bind ligands on target cells, but the relative contribution of the many different activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors is difficult to assess. In this study, we describe an experimental system that circumvents some of the difficulties. Adhesion through β2 integrin LFA-1 is a common requirement of CTLs and NK cells for efficient lysis of target cells. However, the contribution of LFA-1 to activation signals for NK cell cytotoxicity, besides its role in adhesion, is unclear. The role of LFA-1 was evaluated by exposing NK cells to human ICAM-1 that was either expressed on a Drosophila insect cell line, or directly coupled to beads. Expression of ICAM-1 on insect cells was sufficient to induce lysis by NK cells through LFA-1. Coexpression of peptide-loaded HLA-C with ICAM-1 on insect cells blocked the LFA-1-dependent cytotoxicity of NK cells that expressed HLA-C-specific inhibitory receptors. Polarization of cytotoxic granules in NK cells toward ICAM-1- and ICAM-2-coated beads showed that engagement of LFA-1 alone is sufficient to initiate activation signals in NK cells. Thus, in contrast to T cells, in which even adhesion through LFA-1 is dependent on signals from other receptors, NK cells receive early activation signals directly through LFA-1.
How do postgraduate qualifications in medical education impact on health professionals?

Abstract Background and Purpose: The number of degree-awarding programmes in medical education is steadily increasing. Despite the popularity and extensive investment in these courses, there is little research into their impact. This study investigated the perceived impact of an internationally-renowned postgraduate programme in medical education on health professionals’ development as educators. Methods: An online survey of the 2008–12 graduates from the Centre for Medical Education, University of Dundee was carried out. Their self-reported shifts in various educational competencies and scholarship activities were analysed using non-parametric statistics. Qualitative data were also collected and analysed to add depth to the quantitative findings. Results: Of the 504 graduates who received the online questionnaire 224 responded. Participants reported that a qualification in medical education had significantly (p < 0.001) improved their professional educational practices and engagement in scholarly activities. Masters graduates reported greater impact compared to Certificate graduates on all items, including ability to facilitate curriculum reforms, and in assessment and feedback practices. Masters graduates also reported more engagement in scholarship activities, with significantly greater contributions to journals. These qualifications equally benefited all participants regardless of age. International graduates reported greater impact of the qualification than their UK counterparts. Conclusion: A postgraduate medical education programme can significantly impact on the practices and behaviours of health professionals in education, improving self-efficacy and instilling an increased sense of belonging to the educational community.
Autophagy protects auditory hair cells against neomycin-induced damage

ABSTRACT Aminoglycosides are toxic to sensory hair cells (HCs). Macroautophagy/autophagy is an essential and highly conserved self-digestion pathway that plays important roles in the maintenance of cellular function and viability under stress. However, the role of autophagy in aminoglycoside-induced HC injury is unknown. Here, we first found that autophagy activity was significantly increased, including enhanced autophagosome-lysosome fusion, in both cochlear HCs and HEI-OC-1 cells after neomycin or gentamicin injury, suggesting that autophagy might be correlated with aminoglycoside-induced cell death. We then used rapamycin, an autophagy activator, to increase the autophagy activity and found that the ROS levels, apoptosis, and cell death were significantly decreased after neomycin or gentamicin injury. In contrast, treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or knockdown of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins resulted in reduced autophagy activity and significantly increased ROS levels, apoptosis, and cell death after neomycin or gentamicin injury. Finally, after neomycin injury, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine could successfully prevent the increased apoptosis and HC loss induced by 3-MA treatment or ATG knockdown, suggesting that autophagy protects against neomycin-induced HC damage by inhibiting oxidative stress. We also found that the dysfunctional mitochondria were not eliminated by selective autophagy (mitophagy) in HEI-OC-1 cells after neomycin treatment, suggesting that autophagy might not directly target the damaged mitochondria for degradation. This study demonstrates that moderate ROS levels can promote autophagy to recycle damaged cellular constituents and maintain cellular homeostasis, while the induction of autophagy can inhibit apoptosis and protect the HCs by suppressing ROS accumulation after aminoglycoside injury.
Is Exchange Rate Moody? Forecasting Exchange Rate with Google Trends Data

This paper proposes a novel method of exchange rate forecasting. We extend the present value model based on observable fundamentals by including three unobserved fundamentals: credit-market, financial-market, and price-market sentiments. We develop a method of sentiments extraction from Google Trends data on searched queries for different markets. Our method is based on evolutionary algorithms of variable selection and principal component analysis (PCA). Our results show that the extended vector autoregressive model (VAR) which includes markets' sentiment, shows better forecasting capabilities than the model based solely on fundamental variables or the random walk model (naive forecast).
Residential mobility in Flanders: determinants of mobility and transitions in housing tenure

In this paper several crucial aspects of residential mobility in Flanders are examined, using survey data from a sample of 5216 Flemish households in 2005. The first part of this paper discusses the determinants of residential mobility in Flanders. In particular, we examined - separately for homeowners and tenants - the effect of satisfaction with dwelling and neighborhood on the desire to move, and the effect of characteristics of the household and neighborhood. In line with Speare's (1974) model of residential satisfaction we found that satisfaction acts as an intervening variable with regard to mobility desires. Further, our path models - using OLS regression - show direct and indirect effects of several household and housing characteristics (age, presence of children, location of the dwelling and crowding ratio) on mobility desires. These effects differed substantially according to tenure status. Moreover - in contrast to most studies explaining residential mobility - we included a housing quality index in our model. This approach proved to be useful, as (in)direct effects on mobility desires were found. The results of the 2005 Flemish household survey show that almost three households out of four in Flanders are owner-occupied and that many Flemish households regard home-ownership as the 'ideal' housing tenure. Therefore, in the second part of the paper we focus on the determinants of the transition from renting to owning, relying on the family life course perspective. The results of our bivariate analysis and logistic regression model indicate that stability concerning income (employment) and household composition contribute to the likelihood of ownership. Further, the propensity of homeownership rises with household income and the presence of a second earner in the household. In addition, our results suggest that also future (expected) earnings play a role with regard to tenure change.
Data Augmentation via Levy Processes

If a document is about travel, we may expect that short snippets of the document should also be about travel. We introduce a general framework for incorporating these types of invariances into a discriminative classifier. The framework imagines data as being drawn from a slice of a Levy process. If we slice the Levy process at an earlier point in time, we obtain additional pseudo-examples, which can be used to train the classifier. We show that this scheme has two desirable properties: it preserves the Bayes decision boundary, and it is equivalent to fitting a generative model in the limit where we rewind time back to 0. Our construction captures popular schemes such as Gaussian feature noising and dropout training, as well as admitting new generalizations.