Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Malware Detection Response Time with Behavior-Based Statistical Analysis Techniques

Detection of malicious software is a current problem which can be solved via several approaches. Among these are signature based detection, heuristic detection and behavioral analysis. In the last year the number of malicious files has increased exponentially. At the same time, automated obfuscation methods (used to generate malicious files with similar behavior but different aspect) have grown significantly. In response to these new obfuscation methods, many security vendors have introduced file reputation techniques to quickly find out potentially clean and malicious samples. In this paper we present a statistical based method that can be used to identify a specific dynamic behavior of a program. The main idea behind this solution is to analyze the execution flow of every file and to extract sequences of native system functions with a potential malign outcome. This technique is reliable against most forms of malware polymorphism and is intended to work as a filtering system for different automated detection systems. We use a database consisting of approximately 50.000 malicious files gathered over the last three months and almost 3.000. 000 clean files collected for a period of 3 years. Our technique proved to be an effective filtering method and helped us improve our detection response time against the most prevalent malware families discovered in the last year.
Does STEM Stand Out? Examining Racial/Ethnic Gaps in Persistence Across Postsecondary Fields

Informed by the theoretical lens of opportunity hoarding, this study considers whether STEM postsecondary fields stand apart via the disproportionate exclusion of Black and Latina/o youth. Utilizing national data from the Beginning Postsecondary Study (BPS), the authors investigate whether Black and Latina/o youth who begin college as STEM majors are more likely to depart than their White peers, either by switching fields or by leaving college without a degree, and whether patterns of departure in STEM fields differ from those in non-STEM fields. Results reveal evidence of persistent racial/ethnic inequality in STEM degree attainment not found in other fields.
Augmenting Dual Decomposition for MAP Inference

In this paper, we propose combining augmented Lagrangian optimization with the dual decomposition method to obtain a fast algorithm for approximate MAP (maximum a posteriori) inference on factor graphs. We also show how the proposed algorithm can efficiently handle problems with (possibly global) structural constraints. The experimental results reported testify for the state-of-the-art performance of the proposed approach.
Relay-type safeguarding regulator for MPC with unknown computational time

A hot topic of research in the model predictive control community is the real-time implementation of MPC controllers for “fast” systems (e.g. in automotive and aerospace applications). The controller needs to optimize a control sequence on-line while maintaining strict constraints on the time of computations. In this work-in-progress paper we discuss the possibility of asynchronous MPC computations while maintaining the stability of the closed-loop system. In case the computations cannot be performed within the available time slot and this can affect the stability of the closed-loop system, a second controller is activated, which is based on the explicitly constructed MPC cost function. In the case of continuous linear plant dynamics and polyhedral cost, this approach leads to the easily implementable relay-type control.
Differentiating and Assessing Relationships in Service-Learning and Civic Engagement: Exploitative, Transactional, or Transformational.

As a defining aspect of service-learning and civic engagement, relationships can exist among faculty members, students, community organizations, community members, and administrators on campus. This research developed procedures to measure several aspects of these relationships. Investigators collected information from 20 experienced service-learning faculty members about their relationships with representatives of community organizations using the newly-developed Transformational Relationship Evaluation Scale (TRES). Results indicate that transactional and transformational qualities can be differentiated using TRES and are related to other characteristics of relationships (e.g., closeness). Conceptual work underlying this study aims to advance practitioner-scholars’understanding of partnerships as one type of relationship, offering a refinement on and an expansion of the terminology associated with service-learning and civic engagement.
Chains of mean-field models

We consider a collection of Curie–Weiss (CW) spin systems, possibly with a random field, each of which is placed along the positions of a one-dimensional chain. The CW systems are coupled together by a Kac-type interaction in the longitudinal direction of the chain and by an infinite-range interaction in the direction transverse to the chain. Our motivations for studying this model come from recent findings in the theory of error-correcting codes based on spatially coupled graphs. We find that, although much simpler than the codes, the model studied here already displays similar behavior. We are interested in the van der Waals curve in a regime where the size of each Curie–Weiss model tends to infinity, and the length of the chain and range of the Kac interaction are large but finite. Below the critical temperature, and with appropriate boundary conditions, there appears a series of equilibrium states representing kink-like interfaces between the two equilibrium states of the individual system. The van der Waals curve oscillates periodically around the Maxwell plateau. These oscillations have a period inversely proportional to the chain length and an amplitude exponentially small in the range of the interaction; in other words, the spinodal points of the chain model lie exponentially close to the phase transition threshold. The amplitude of the oscillations is closely related to a Peierls–Nabarro free energy barrier for the motion of the kink along the chain. Analogies to similar phenomena and their possible algorithmic significance for graphical models of interest in coding theory and theoretical computer science are pointed out.
Coupling Elastic Solids with SPH Fluids

We propose a method for handling elastic solids in SPH fluids. Our approach samples triangulated surfaces of solids using boundary particles. To prevent fluid particle tunneling in case of large expansions, additional boundary particles are adaptively generated to prevent gaps and undesired leakage. Furthermore, as an object compresses, particles are adaptively removed to avoid unnecessary computations. We demonstrate that our approach produces plausible interactions of SPH fluids with both slowly and rapidly deforming solids.
Research on Adaptive Step Decoding in Segment-based LVCSR

In this paper, a novel adaptive step decoding method using steady-energy pieces (SEPs) is explored in segment model (SM) based LVCSR system. Using speech analysis methods and statistical classification tools, the start and end points of SEPs are detected firstly. In SM decoding stage, frame-by-frame decoding for segments which start or end in SEPs are overleaped, replaced by SEP-based decoding. In our primary study, the SM-based LVCSR system reduced 20.55% of its runtime using our adaptive step decoding, with no increase on WER. The adaptive step decoding using pre-analysis of speech is proved to be a potential way to improve LVCSR system's performance.
A Document Graph Based Query Focused Multi-Document Summarizer

This paper explores the research issue and methodology of a query focused multidocument summarizer. Considering its possible application area is Web, the computation is clearly divided into offline and online tasks. At initial preprocessing stage an offline document graph is constructed, where the nodes are basically paragraphs of the documents and edge scores are defined as the correlation measure between the nodes. At query time, given a set of keywords, each node is assigned a query dependent score, the initial graph is expanded and keyword search is performed over the graph to find a spanning tree identifying relevant nodes satisfying the keywords. Paragraph ordering of the output summary is taken care of so that the output looks coherent. Although all the examples, shown in this paper are based on English language, we show that our system is useful in generating query dependent summarization for non- English languages also. We also present the evaluation of the system.
TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION: A NARRATIVE INQUIRY OF NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKING TEACHERS IN SAUDI ARABIA

This qualitative study examines how five in-service male non-native English speaking teachers (NNESTs) constructed and negotiated their professional identity as teachers to make meaning of their lived experiences in an EFL milieu, a Saudi Arabian university. The study also explores the challenges related to NNESTs’ teaching lives and how they negotiated them as they constructed their professional identities. I approached the studied phenomena by employing a narrative inquiry method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and an autobiography. The study draws on Clandinin and Connelly’s framework of three-dimensional space (temporality, sociality, and place), Bourdieu’s theory of forms of capital, and Gee’s model identity as an analytical lens as the most important theories in this study. The data were analyzed by coding and thematic analysis. Additionally, to conceptualize the themes that emerged, discussions in a form of crosscase analysis as well as a dialogic investigation have been conducted. The study revealed sociocultural and economic factors that had a significant impact on how the NNEST participants constructed
Passion for Science and the Pursuit of a Scientific Domain: The Mediating Role of Persistence and Activity Engagement

The current research is derived from the Dualistic Model of Passion positing the existence of a harmonious (HP) and obsessive passion (OP). We propose and test a serial mediation model of educational persistence in two cross-sectional studies with first (N = 366) and second-year (N = 199) science students in college with the main hypothesis that OP and HP will induce different types of persistence. In both studies, we hypothesized that OP would positively predict a rigid persistence, whereas HP would positively predict flexible persistence and that only those who persisted flexibly would also experience wellbeing outside of school. We also expected both types of persistence to mediate the relationship between passion for science and self-reported science grades, which in turn would lead to intentions to pursue science at university (Study 1) and future applications in STEM university programs (Study 2). Furthermore, we assumed that extracurricular scientific activities would also be positively associated with academic attainment and the pursuit of sciences in higher education (Study 2). Our hypotheses were fully supported. Additionally, only students with a HP engaged in extracurricular scientific activities which, in turn, provided a stronger prediction of science grades compared to rigid and flexible persistence.
AK-Modes: A weighted clustering algorithm for finding similar case subsets

Finding similar crime case subsets is an important task for intelligence analysts in crime investigation. It can not only provide multiple clues to solve crimes but also improve efficiency to catch the criminals. However, the conventional approach by querying specific attributes in relational databases has two defects: first, it is relatively of poor efficiency when a lot of incidents have to be handled; second, the querying process can not reflect the importance of attributes in different case categories. In this paper, we propose a two-phase clustering algorithm called AK-Modes to automatically find the similar case subsets from large datasets. In the attribute-weighing phase, we compute the weight of each attribute related to an offender's behavior trait using the concept Information Gain Ratio (IGR) in classification domain. Then the result of attribute-weighing phase is utilized in the clustering process to find the similar case subsets. Experiments show that AK-Modes is effective and can find significant results.
How autonomy makes an experience pleasurable: The roles of risk perception and personal control

This research challenges the notion that autonomy is beneficial for consumers in every situation. Specifically, this research demonstrates across two experiments and one field study that autonomy can lead to pleasure only when risk is low. Importantly, these studies also identify personal control as a mechanism that explains why autonomy makes the consumption experience more or less pleasurable, depending on risk perceptions. In Study 1, we demonstrate that perceived risk moderates the effect that autonomy may have on making the experience pleasurable, with a lack of risk making autonomy increase personal control. Study 2 replicates this moderating effect of risk in a field study. To test if the effects replicate using another type of perceived risk, Study 3 manipulates social risk and replicates its moderating effect on the relationship between autonomy and personal control on the pleasure observed in Studies 1 and 2. Collectively, this research draws attention to the need to consider risk when making consumers autonomous, and it offers novel contributions to the work on consumer autonomy.
Precursors to the U3 Small Nucleolar RNA Lack Small Nucleolar RNP Proteins but Are Stabilized by La Binding

ABSTRACT Almost all small eukaryotic RNAs are processed from transiently stabilized 3′-extended forms. A key question is how and why such intermediates are stabilized and how they can then be processed to the mature RNA. Here we report that yeast U3 is also processed from a 3′-extended precursor. The major 3′-extended forms of U3 (U3-3′I and -II) lack the cap trimethylation present in mature U3 and are not associated with small nucleolar RNP (snoRNP) proteins that bind mature U3, i.e., Nop1p, Nop56p, and Nop58p. Depletion of Nop58p leads to the loss of mature U3 but increases the level of U3-3′I and -II, indicating a requirement for the snoRNP proteins for final maturation. Pre-U3 is cleaved by the endonuclease Rnt1p, but U3-3′I and -II do not extend to the Rnt1p cleavage sites. Rather, they terminate at poly(U) tracts, suggesting that they might be bound by Lhp1p (the yeast homologue of La). Immunoprecipitation of Lhp1p fused to Staphylococcus aureus protein A resulted in coprecipitation of both U3-3′I and -II. Deletion of LHP1, which is nonessential, led to the loss of U3-3′I and -II. We conclude that pre-U3 is cleaved by Rnt1p, followed by exonuclease digestion to U3-3′I and -II. These species are stabilized against continued degradation by binding of Lhp1p. Displacement of Lhp1p by binding of the snoRNP proteins allows final maturation, which involves the exosome complex of 3′→5′ exonucleases.
On the importance of considering social capitalism when measuring influence on Twitter

Influence on Twitter has drawn a lot of attention these past few years since this microblogging service is used to share, seek or debate about any kind of information. Several tools providing so-called influential scores have thus been proposed. However, the algorithms behind them are kept secret and it is not clear how they consider influence. Yet, many users rely on such tools to evaluate and even try to improve their influence in the Twitter network. In a recent work, it has been shown that automatic accounts can obtain high influential scores with no intuitive reason. Extending and completing this work, we show that such measures fail at distinguishing so-called social capitalists from real, truthful users. This enlights the fact that actual scores do not seem to consider the way followers and interactions are obtained on the network. To overcome this issue, we define a classifier that discriminates social capitalists from truthful users. To that aim, we crawled the Twitter network to gather examples of certified social capitalists and regular users and obtained features related to the profile and behavior of each user. We then use such a classifier to balance Klout's score to adjust influential scores. We also developed an application that allows using our classifier online. We believe our work should raise the question of the legitimacy of influence on Twitter, and lead to significant improvements in the way it is measured.
A Survey- Wireless Sensor Networks Routing Protocols

Wireless sensor networks are generally battery operated devices and these batteries are non-rechargeable. So it is extremely important to design a reliable and efficient protocol in order to enhance the lifetime of the whole network the lifetime of the entire network is the time until the first node runs out of battery. In this paper a review in wireless sensor networks is carried out which are classified as location based, hierarchical, multipath based, data centric protocols, heterogeneity-based Protocols & Qos- based protocols depending on the structure of the network.
Implication of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity on Lung Function in Healthy Elderly: Using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Previous studies have demonstrated a positive association between obesity and decreased lung function. However, the effect of muscle and fat has not been fully assessed, especially in a healthy elderly population. In this study, we evaluated the impact of low muscle mass (LMM) and LMM with obesity on pulmonary impairment in healthy elderly subjects. Our study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2011. Men and women aged 65 yr or older were included. Muscle mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. LMM was defined as two standard deviations below the sex-specific mean for young healthy adults. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. The prevalence of LMM in individuals aged over 65 was 11.9%. LMM and pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second) were independently associated after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and frequency of exercise. LMM with obesity was also related to a decrease in pulmonary function. This study revealed that LMM is an independent risk factor of decreased pulmonary function in healthy Korean men and women over 65 yr of age.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Personalized Web Search

Although personalized search has been under way for many years and many personalization algorithms have been investigated, it is still unclear whether personalization is consistently effective on different queries for different users and under different search contexts. In this paper, we study this problem and provide some findings. We present a large-scale evaluation framework for personalized search based on query logs and then evaluate five personalized search algorithms (including two click-based ones and three topical-interest-based ones) using 12-day query logs of Windows Live Search. By analyzing the results, we reveal that personalized Web search does not work equally well under various situations. It represents a significant improvement over generic Web search for some queries, while it has little effect and even harms query performance under some situations. We propose click entropy as a simple measurement on whether a query should be personalized. We further propose several features to automatically predict when a query will benefit from a specific personalization algorithm. Experimental results show that using a personalization algorithm for queries selected by our prediction model is better than using it simply for all queries.
Decomposed Eigenface Method along with Image Correction for Robust Face Recognition

We have proposed a decomposition of the eigenface into two orthogonal eigenspaces and have shown that the decomposition is effective for realizing robust face recognition under various lighting conditions [lo]. The present paper refines the decomposed eigenface method by introducing a projection-based image correction. The image correction technique is principally authorized when the object shape is fixed and a sufficient number of images are taken beforehand. However, the proposed technique can also be applied to a canonical eigenspace, which is constructed from several faces taken under various lighting conditions. Reflective noises, shadows and occlusions are detected and corrected by the projection of a facial image onto the canonical eigenface. Based on the newly proposed image correction, we develop herein a refined decomposed eigenface method. The experimental results indicate that the refinement works well for face recognition under various lighting conditions, as compared to the original decomposed eigenface method.
A systematic review of internet-based self-management interventions for youth with health conditions.

OBJECTIVE Critically appraise research evidence on effectiveness of internet self-management interventions on health outcomes in youth with health conditions. METHODS Published studies of internet interventions in youth with health conditions were evaluated. Electronic searches were conducted in EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsychINFO. Two reviewers independently selected articles for review and assessed methodological quality. Of 29 published articles on internet interventions; only nine met the inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. RESULTS While outcomes varied greatly between studies, symptoms improved in internet interventions compared to control conditions in seven of nine studies. There was conflicting evidence regarding disease-specific knowledge and quality of life, and evidence was limited regarding decreases in health care utilization. CONCLUSIONS There are the beginnings of an evidence base that self-management interventions delivered via the internet improve selected outcomes in certain childhood illnesses.
Female and Male Gamete Mitochondria Are Distinct and Complementary in Transcription, Structure, and Genome Function

Respiratory electron transport in mitochondria is coupled to ATP synthesis while generating mutagenic oxygen free radicals. Mitochondrial DNA mutation then accumulates with age, and may set a limit to the lifespan of individual, multicellular organisms. Why is this mutation not inherited? Here we demonstrate that female gametes—oocytes—have unusually small and simple mitochondria that are suppressed for DNA transcription, electron transport, and free radical production. By contrast, male gametes—sperm—and somatic cells of both sexes transcribe mitochondrial genes for respiratory electron carriers and produce oxygen free radicals. This germ-line division between mitochondria of sperm and egg is observed in both the vinegar fruitfly and the zebrafish—species spanning a major evolutionary divide within the animal kingdom. We interpret these findings as an evidence that oocyte mitochondria serve primarily as genetic templates, giving rise, irreversibly and in each new generation, to the familiar energy-transducing mitochondria of somatic cells and male gametes. Suppressed mitochondrial metabolism in the female germ line may therefore constitute a mechanism for increasing the fidelity of mitochondrial DNA inheritance.