Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
C-Feel-It: A Sentiment Analyzer for Micro-blogs

Social networking and micro-blogging sites are stores of opinion-bearing content created by human users. We describe C-Feel-It, a system which can tap opinion content in posts (called tweets) from the micro-blogging website, Twitter. This web-based system categorizes tweets pertaining to a search string as positive, negative or objective and gives an aggregate sentiment score that represents a sentiment snapshot for a search string. We present a qualitative evaluation of this system based on a human-annotated tweet corpus.
The New Inhibitor of Monoamine Oxidase, M30, has a Neuroprotective Effect Against Dexamethasone-Induced Brain Cell Apoptosis

Stress detrimentally affects the brain and body and can lead to or be accompanied by depression. Although stress and depression may contribute to each other, the exact molecular mechanism underlying the effects is unclear. However, there is a correlation between stress and an increase in glucocorticoid secretion which causes a subsequent increase in monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity during stress. Consequently, MAO inhibitors have been used as traditional antidepressant drugs. Cellular treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (a cellular stressor), has been reported to markedly increase both MAO A and MAO B catalytic activities, as well as apoptosis. This study compares the neuroprotective abilities of M30 (a new generation inhibitor of both MAO A and MAO B) with rasagiline (Azilect®, another new MAO B inhibitor) and selegiline (Deprenyl®, a traditional MAO B inhibitor) in the prevention of dexamethasone-induced brain cell death and MAO activity in human neuroblastoma cells, SH-SY5Y. M30 demonstrated the highest inhibitory effect on MAO A; however, M30 showed the lowest inhibitory effect on MAO B enzymatic activity in comparison to rasagiline and selegiline. Although, M30 exhibited the greatest neuroprotective effect by decreasing cell death rates and apoptotic DNA damage compared to rasagiline and selegiline, these neuroprotective effects of M30 were, overall, similar to rasagiline. Summarily, M30 has a generally greater impact on neuroprotection than the MAO B inhibitors, selegiline and rasagiline. Our results suggest that M30 may have great potential in alleviating disorders involving increases in both MAO A and MAO B, such as stress-induced disorders.
Petri nets and industrial applications: A tutorial

Petri nets, as a graphical and mathematical tool, provide a uniform environment for modelling, formal analysis, and design of discrete event systems. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the fundamental concepts of Petri nets to researchers and practitioners, both from academia and industry, who are involved in the work in the areas of modelling and analysis of industrial types of systems, as well as those who may potentially be involved in these areas. The paper begins with an overview of applications of Petri nets, mostly industrial ones. Then, it proceeds with a description of Petri nets, properties, and analysis methods. The discussion of properties is put in the context of industrial applications. The analysis methods are illustrated using an example of a simple robotic assembly system. The performance analysis, using Petri nets, is discussed for deterministic and stochastic Petri nets. The presented techniques are illustrated by examples representing simple production systems. In addition, the paper introduces high-level Petri nets, fuzzy Petri nets, and temporal Petri nets. This is done in the context of application prospects. The paper also briefly discusses some of the reasons restricting the use of Petri nets, mostly, to academic institutions. >
Chronic insomnia and performance in a 24‐h constant routine study

Insomniacs report daytime functioning problems, but studies of neurobehavioral functioning in insomniacs have shown little objective evidence of impairment. In addition, very little is known about the influence of the circadian clock on performance in chronic insomniacs. In the present study, we investigated whether chronic insomnia is associated with an overall performance deficit, and what the effect is of circadian rhythmicity, under strictly controlled laboratory conditions. A 24‐h experiment was carried out under constant routine conditions. Psychomotor performance, body temperature, and subjective functioning of 11 insomniacs and 13 healthy subjects were assessed. The insomniacs showed significant overall performance impairments in vigilance, working memory, and motor control. In addition, body temperature, performance and subjective functioning showed a circadian pattern similar to healthy subjects, with trough values in the late night/early morning and peak values in the early evening. Self‐reported functioning among the insomniacs indicated mood disturbances, concentration problems, elevated fatigue and elevated sleepiness. The results indicated that chronic insomnia is associated with a substantial lowering of the 24‐h level of performance and subjective functioning, irrespective of the type of task and/or the particular parameter, and without differential effects of circadian rhythmicity. Apparently, chronic insomnia has a negative impact upon performance as measured under strictly controlled, unmasked conditions.
Mitigating propagation errors for indoor positioning in wireless sensor networks

Implementing positioning systems for indoor environments is notoriously difficult. The vast array of interacting parameters such as furniture, room shape and materials mean that the simulation of such an environment is of limited value. We present in this paper results from an empirical investigation as to the attainable accuracy of a Radio Frequency (RF) positioning system based on received signal strength (RSS). Methods to improve confidence, such as frequency averaging and bi-directional ranging, are explored. Finally we present and evaluate a novel method for calibrating the channel propagation exponent with no prior knowledge of the sensor network layout or room shape.
WS-QBE: A QBE-Like Query Language for Complex Multimedia Queries

The visual database query language QBE (query by example) is a classical, declarative query language based on the relational domain calculus. However, due to insufficient support of vagueness QBE is not an appropriate query language for formulating similarity queries required in the context of multimedia databases. In this work we propose the query language WS-QBE which combines a schema to weight query terms as well as concepts from fuzzy logic and QBE into one language. WS-QBE enables a visual, declarative formulation of complex similarity queries. The semantics of WS-QBE is defined by a mapping of WS-QBE queries onto the similarity domain calculus SDC which is proposed here, too.
Reality TV, Faking It, and the Transformation of Personal Identity

In her paper, "Reality TV, Faking It, and the Transformation of Personal Identity," Joanne Morreale examines the hybrid makeover, game, and reality TV show Faking It as a cultural form that portrays the transformation of personal identity through performance. Morreale argues that the contents and performance of the show intensify the link between consumer culture and the fabrication of identity by teaching that fulfillment comes from becoming, rather than having, a commodity. In the show, participants learn to perform new selves that are perceived as "better. " Faking It thus puts on display the processes of fabrication whereby the self is created and is best understood through the logic of simulation rather than representation. Joanne Morreale, "Reality TV, Faking It, and the Transformation of Personal Identity" page 2 of 7 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 7.2 (2005):
Microbial Community Structure and Diversity in an Integrated System of Anaerobic-Aerobic Reactors and a Constructed Wetland for the Treatment of Tannery Wastewater in Modjo, Ethiopia

A culture-independent approach was used to elucidate the microbial diversity and structure in the anaerobic-aerobic reactors integrated with a constructed wetland for the treatment of tannery wastewater in Modjo town, Ethiopia. The system has been running with removal efficiencies ranging from 94%–96% for COD, 91%–100% for SO42- and S2-, 92%–94% for BOD, 56%–82% for total Nitrogen and 2%–90% for NH3-N. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were constructed and microbial community assemblies were determined by analysis of a total of 801 unique clone sequences from all the sites. Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) - based analysis of the sequences revealed highly diverse communities in each of the reactors and the constructed wetland. A total of 32 phylotypes were identified with the dominant members affiliated to Clostridia (33%), Betaproteobacteria (10%), Bacteroidia (10%), Deltaproteobacteria (9%) and Gammaproteobacteria (6%). Sequences affiliated to the class Clostridia were the most abundant across all sites. The 801 sequences were assigned to 255 OTUs, of which 3 OTUs were shared among the clone libraries from all sites. The shared OTUs comprised 80 sequences belonging to Clostridiales Family XIII Incertae Sedis, Bacteroidetes and unclassified bacterial group. Significantly different communities were harbored by the anaerobic, aerobic and rhizosphere sites of the constructed wetland. Numerous representative genera of the dominant bacterial classes obtained from the different sample sites of the integrated system have been implicated in the removal of various carbon- containing pollutants of natural and synthetic origins. To our knowledge, this is the first report of microbial community structure in tannery wastewater treatment plant from Ethiopia.
A novel mammalian expression system derived from components coordinating nicotine degradation in arthrobacter nicotinovorans pAO1

We describe the design and detailed characterization of 6-hydroxy-nicotine (6HNic)-adjustable transgene expression (NICE) systems engineered for lentiviral transduction and in vivo modulation of angiogenic responses. Arthrobacter nicotinovorans pAO1 encodes a unique catabolic machinery on its plasmid pAO1, which enables this Gram-positive soil bacterium to use the tobacco alkaloid nicotine as the exclusive carbon source. The 6HNic-responsive repressor-operator (HdnoR-ONIC) interaction, controlling 6HNic oxidase production in A.nicotinovorans pAO1, was engineered for generic 6HNic-adjustable transgene expression in mammalian cells. HdnoR fused to different transactivation domains retained its ONIC-binding capacity in mammalian cells and reversibly adjusted transgene transcription from chimeric ONIC-containing promoters (PNIC; ONIC fused to a minimal eukaryotic promoter [Pmin]) in a 6HNic-responsive manner. The combination of transactivators containing various transactivation domains with promoters differing in the number of operator modules as well as in their relative inter-ONIC and/or ONIC-Pmin spacing revealed steric constraints influencing overall NICE regulation performance in mammalian cells. Mice implanted with microencapsulated cells engineered for NICE-controlled expression of the human glycoprotein secreted placental alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) showed high SEAP serum levels in the absence of regulating 6HNic. 6HNic was unable to modulate SEAP expression, suggesting that this nicotine derivative exhibits control-incompatible pharmacokinetics in mice. However, chicken embryos transduced with HIV-1-derived self-inactivating lentiviral particles transgenic for NICE-adjustable expression of the human vascular endothelial growth factor 121 (VEGF121) showed graded 6HNic response following administration of different 6HNic concentrations. Owing to the clinically inert and highly water-soluble compound 6HNic, NICE-adjustable transgene control systems may become a welcome alternative to available drug-responsive homologs in basic research, therapeutic cell engineering and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Separate Visual Signals for Saccade Initiation during Target Selection in the Primate Superior Colliculus

The primary function of the superior colliculus (SC) is to orient the visual system toward behaviorally relevant stimuli defined by features such as color. However, a longstanding view has held that visual activity in the SC arises exclusively from achromatic pathways. Recently, we reported evidence that the primate SC is highly sensitive to signals originating from chromatic pathways, but these signals are delayed relative to luminance signals (White et al., 2009). Here, we describe a functional consequence of this difference in visual arrival time on the processes leading to target selection and saccade initiation. Two rhesus monkeys performed a simple color-singleton selection task in which stimuli carried a chromatic component only (target and distractors were isoluminant with the background, but differed in chromaticity) or a combined chromatic–achromatic component (36% luminance contrast added equally to all stimuli). Although visual responses were delayed in the chromatic-only relative to the combined chromatic–achromatic condition, SC neurons discriminated the target from distractors at approximately the same time provided stimulus chromaticity was held constant. However, saccades were triggered sooner, and with more errors, with the chromatic–achromatic condition, suggesting that luminance signals associated with these stimuli increased the probability of triggering a saccade before the target color was adequately discriminated. These results suggest that separate mechanisms may independently influence the saccadic command in the SC, one linked to the arrival time of pertinent visual signals, and another linked to the output of the visual selection process.
Iteration procedures for the Dirichlet difference problem

Introduction. A fundamental paper in the theory of solving partial differential equations by iteration has been written by Frankel.1 In this paper Frankel discusses the Richardson and Liebmann procedures and their corresponding accelerated procedures. The latter are termed the extrapolated Liebmann and the second-order Richardson procedures. From his paper three disadvantages of the second-order Richardson procedure as compared to the extrapolated Liebmann procedure are implied.
Unsupervised Information Extraction using BabelNet and DBpedia

Using linked data in real world applications is a hot topic in the field of Information Retrieval. In this paper we leveraged two valuable knowledge bases in the task of information extraction. BabelNet is used to automatically recognize and disambiguate concepts in a piece of unstructured text. After extracting all possible concepts, DBpedia is leveraged to reason about the type of each concept using SPARQL.
USING DESCRIPTION LOGICS FOR MAN IN THE MIDDLE ATTACK ANALYSIS

The emerging size and complexity of computer networks and also various services provided by them makes the networks vulnerable to numerous attacks. Although in the last few years a more logical approach to TCP/IP network security problem has been followed, a complete and sound formal approach to this problem is lacking. In this paper, we propose using Description Logics as a formal model to analyze TCP/IP networks against one of famous attack categories, i.e. Man in the Middle (MITM). This model allows verifying and proofing network safety or vulnerability against this attack.
Efficient Optimal Multi-Location Robot Rendezvous

We present an efficient algorithm to solve the problem of optimal multi-location robot rendezvous. The rendezvous problem considered can be structured as a tree, with each node representing a meeting of robots, and the algorithm computes optimal meeting locations and connecting robot trajectories. The tree structure is exploited by using dynamic programming to compute solutions in two passes through the tree: an upwards pass computing the cost of all potential solutions, and a downwards pass computing optimal trajectories and meeting locations. The correctness and efficiency of the algorithm are analyzed theoretically, while a discrete robotic clinic problem and a continuous robot arm problem demonstrate the algorithm’s practicality. This is an extended version of a paper submitted to ICRA 2008 [1].
Synthesis for Detection of Transient Faults

Steadily shrinking feature sizes of circuits are the guarantee to keep up with Moore’s law. But this also degrades the reliability of individual components continuously. Realizing correctly working circuits using unreliable components is a main objective for future design flows. In this work we present a technique to automatically synthesize robust circuits, i.e. circuits that are able to detect a transient fault. The BDD-based synthesis technique MuTaTe [1] is used to enable functional tests. Similar to the razor approach [2], these tests are performed in a time multiplexed scheme instead of adding redundant logic. As a result the area overhead in comparison to a non-robust circuit for the same function is often negligible. Experimental results for benchmark circuits are provided.
Cognitive Processes in Worry and Paranoia: Investigation of the Looming Cognitive Style

The present study investigated a cognitive vulnerability known as the Looming Cognitive Style (LCS), which has previously been associated with anxiety and worry but not depression, in a group of pathological worriers. The present study is the first to examine LCS in a group diagnosed with a psychotic disorder with a history of persecutory delusions. Twenty-five individuals assessed as pathological worriers and 24 individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder were included in the study. In the present study, 63 percent of the psychosis group met the criteria for pathological worry. While both groups did not significantly differ on mean levels of LCS, current findings add to growing empirical evidence that the LCS is a cognitive vulnerability specific to anxiety and suggest that the psychological processes underlying worry in individuals with anxiety are distinct from processes underlying worry in psychosis.
Urine Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1(UMCP-1) as a Biomarker of Renal Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective(s) Lupus nephritis (LN) is frequently associated with a poor long-term prognosis. Renal biopsy is the diagnostic method of choice in this condition. Urine biomarkers have been mentioned in the diagnosis of LN. The study,s purpose was to evaluate the performance of urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(UMCP-1) as a biomarker of renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. Materials and Methods Forty-one recently diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patients (8 male and 33 female) without renal involvement (group 1) and twenty six patients (8 male and 18 female) with LN (group 2), proven by biopsy, were recruited to this study. UMCP-1 sensitivity and specificity for identifying biopsy-proven nephritis were calculated, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to quantify how definitely UMCP-1 distinguishes between patients with and without LN. Results The mean value of UMCP-1 levels were 733.07 pg/ml ± 1282.54 and 144.16 pg/ml ± 137.90 in patients with and without LN respectively. The UMCP-1 level was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. There was no significant correlation between UMCP-1 and 24-hour urine protein (r = 0.031, P= 0.874). The area under the ROC curve was 0.727 with a CI 95% of 0.597 to 0.857 (P=0.002). Using a cut-off value of 82 pg/ml,UMCP-1 had a sensitivity of 88.5% and a specificity of 46.3% for identifying LN. Conclusion UMCP-1 can serve as a biomarker of LN although further longitudinal studies of these biomarkers are required in LN.
Engineering web cache consistency

Server-driven consistency protocols can reduce read latency and improve data freshness for a given network and server overhead, compared to the traditional consistency protocols that rely on client polling. Server-driven consistency protocols appear particularly attractive for large-scale dynamic Web workloads because dynamically generated data can change rapidly and unpredictably. However, there have been few reports on engineering server-driven consistency for such workloads. This article reports our experience in engineering server-driven consistency for a sporting and event Web site hosted by IBM, one of the most popular sites on the Internet for the duration of the event. We also examine an e-commerce site for a national retail store. Our study focuses on scalability and cachability of dynamic content. To assess scalability, we measure both the amount of state that a server needs to maintain to ensure consistency and the bursts of load in sending out invalidation messages when a popular object is modified. We find that server-driven protocols can cap the size of the server's state to a given amount without significant performance costs, and can smooth the bursts of load with minimal impact on the consistency guarantees. To improve performance, we systematically investigate several design issues for which prior research has suggested widely different solutions, including whether servers should send invalidations to idle clients. Finally, we quantify the performance impact of caching dynamic data with server-driven consistency protocols and the benefits of server-driven consistency protocols for large-scale dynamic Web services. We find that (i) caching dynamically generated data can increase cache hit rates by up to 10%, compared to the systems that do not cache dynamically generated data; and (ii) server-driven consistency protocols can increase cache hit rates by a factor of 1.5-3 for large-scale dynamic Web services, compared to client polling protocols. We have implemented a prototype of a server-driven consistency protocol based on our findings by augmenting the popular Squid cache.
On Ontological Foundations of Conceptual Modelling

Failures in information systems development have frequently been attributed to the application of insufficient or faulty information systems devel- opment methods. Some of these methods are concerned with the creation of conceptual models, which are used for multiple purposes throughout the infor- mation systems development process. Criticism of conceptual modelling methods usually targets their lacking of theoretical foundations. In response to such criticism, various approaches towards theoretical foundations of concep- tual modelling have been proposed. They can be differentiated by the refer- ence disciplines they are drawing on. Though the relevance of the philosophical discipline ontology for data modelling had already been recog- nised in the late 1950s, approaches that have been built on ontology are a rather recent phenomenon. It was not before 1986 that Wand and Weber com- menced working on an ontological foundation of conceptual modelling—draw- ing on the scientific ontology by Mario Bunge, thus later named Bunge-Wand- Weber (BWW) ontology. Twenty years after its inception, claims regarding the validity of theoretical foundations of conceptual modelling based on the BWW ontology have not been scrutinised yet. In an attempt to open up a debate, a critical review of the BWW ontology and its application in the context of theo- retical foundations of conceptual modelling is being offered.