Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can Autonomic and Strategic Routing Benefit Internet Autonomous Systems?

The current complexity of Internet routing has resulted in Internet domain administrators having little insight into how their routing decisions affect other parties and themselves. They often make costly arbitrary routing decisions and learn via trial-and-error. Further challenges to the Internet are posed by the emergence of overlay networks-based user-directed routing which has rendered routing increasingly dynamic. In such environment it is believed that domain administrators and users themselves could find benefit in autonomically analysing each other's behaviour and acting strategically. This paper finds evidence for this by modelling for the first time Internet domain administrators' interactions in an environment of user-directed routing by means of Stochastic Game Theory. It introduces a network routing game and assumes this to be repeated over time. At each iteration of this game a domain plays a strategy by advertising a price/penalty to cross their network. End-users then make routing decisions so as to minimise their end-to-end penalty. In this framework, self-interested domains learn a strategy plan based on their current state. Experiments obtained with a simulation implementation of such game suggest that domain administrators can benefit from acting strategically. This allowed them to run their networks more efficiently by achieving on average greater throughput (with equal of fewer drops) both in normal and failure conditions.
Mathematical Model of Developmental Changes in Number Cognition

The acuity of individuals’ approximate number system (ANS) is measured using a non-symbolic numerical discrimination task (e.g., Halberda & Feigenson, 2008) which is encapsulated by the Weber Fraction measure (Piazza & Dehaene, 2004). Children’s performance on this task is linked to symbolic arithmetic skills, standardized test scores and other long-term outcomes (e.g., Beddington et al., 2008; Libertus, Odic, & Halberda, 2012; Parsons & Bynner, 1997). To complete this task individuals must perceive relative quantity of non-symbolic numerosity and indicate their relative values. Numerosity is typically presented visually as sets of objects, though other modalities such as sound have been used (e.g., Jordan & Brannon, 2006). Discriminability of numerical stimuli is thought to depend solely on the ratio-difference between values being compared if other perceptual factors are controlled for. Thus comparison of the same ratio difference, such as 20:25 and 40:50 are equally discriminable and absolute value is not relevant. Thus individual performance on numerical discrimination in terms of accuracy and reaction time varies with the ratio differences and is independent of absolute value. This has been shown in a range of behavioral and neural data with adults (e.g., Barth, Kanwisher, & Spelke, 2003), children (e.g., Barth, Mont, Lipton, & Spelke, 2005) and non-human primates (e.g., Nieder & Miller, 2004). Research with adults contradicts the account that ratio is the sole predictor of discriminability in number comparison task. Though absolute value does not predict discriminability, the interaction of ratio difference and absolute value does (Prather, 2014). The interaction between absolute value is not typically reported because data including comparisons with small ratio differences and variations in absolute value are needed to clearly show the effect. Though there is initial evidence of the effect of absolute value on numerical discrimination it is unclear if such an effect would be present with children, and if the effect varies across development. The consequences of such an effect in children are directly relevant to measures of numerical acuity. Measures of numerical acuity are used to evaluate a correlation to performance on symbolic, and other educational outcomes. If children’s performance varies across absolute value, which is not typically accounted for, then it is unclear the reported numerical acuity is the “true” measure of participants’ accuracy. Inclusion of varying absolute values may change the degree to which non-symbolic discrimination predicts other outcomes. The current study employs behavioral experimentation and computational modeling to address the following questions: 1) is children’s numerical discrimination solely dependent on ratio difference or also an interaction between ratio difference and absolute value, 2) do the factors contributing to children’s numerical discrimination difficulty change with development, 3) how might the neural coding involved numerical perception account for these behavioral effects?
The Diverse Educational Needs and Challenges of Information Technology Teachers in Two Black Rural Schools

This article reflects on the first phase of a research project aimed at the empowerment of Information Technology (IT) teachers in black rural schools in the North-West province of South Africa. In order to empower these IT teachers, the first phase aimed at understanding their unique challenges and needs. Qualitative research methodology was used to determine the IT teachers’ experiences of teaching a difficult subject such as IT in black rural schools. We report on the unique needs and challenges that these teachers experience. Results indicate that mutual challenges exist with regard to Internet access, lack of technical support and learners not having computers at home. Challenges with regard to electricity supply, shortage of textbooks and insufficient software also occur in some instances. We conclude with some recommendations on how the unique needs and challenges of these schools could be addressed in order to empower the teachers in their desire to facilitate success among IT learners.
Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice

Preface Chapter 1. Being a Leader Defining Leadership Global Leadership Attributes Practicing Leadership 1.1 Conceptualizing Leadership Questionnaire 1.2 Observational Exercise 1.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 2. Recognizing Your Traits Historical Leaders: What Traits Do These Leaders Display? Leadership Studies: What Traits Do Effective Leaders Exhibit? 2.1 Leadership Traits Questionnaire 2.2 Observational Exercise 2.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 3. Recognizing Your Philosophy and Style of Leadership What Is Your View of Human Behavior at Work? Styles of Leadership: Authoritarian, Democratic, and Laissez-Faire Box 3.1 Leadership on the Silver Screen What Is Your Style of Leadership? 3.1 Leadership Styles Questionnaire 3.2 Observational Exercise 3.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 4. Attending to Tasks and Relationships What Is Your Personal Style? What Kind of Leader Are You? 4.1 Task and Relationship Questionnaire 4.2 Observational Exercise 4.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 5. Developing Leadership Skills What Are Your Core Leadership Skills? 5.1 Leadership Skills Questionnaire 5.2 Observational Exercise 5.3 Reflections and Action Worksheet Chapter 6. Creating a Vision What Are the Characteristics of a Vision? How Is a Vision Articulated? How Is a Vision Implemented? 6.1 Leadership Vision Questionnaire 6.2 Observational Exercise 6.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 7. Setting the Tone Provide Structure Clarify Norms Build Cohesiveness Promote Standards of Excellence 7.1 Setting the Tone Questionnaire 7.2 Observational Exercise 7.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 8. Listening to Out-Group Members Who Is in the Out-Group? Why Do Out-Groups Form? What Is the Impact of Out-Groups? How Should a Leader Respond to Out-Groups? 8.1 Responding to Members of the Out-Group Questionnaire 8.2 Observational Exercise 8.3 Reflections and Action Worksheet Chapter 9. Handling Conflict Conflict Defined Communication and Conflict Kinds of Conflict Fisher and Ury Approach to Conflict Communication Strategies for Conflict Resolution Styles of Approaching Conflict 9.1 Conflict Style Questionnaire 9.2 Observational Exercise 9.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 10. Overcoming Obstacles Obstacle 1: Unclear Goals Obstacle 2: Unclear Directions Obstacle 3: Low Motivation Obstacle 4: Complex Tasks Obstacle 5: Simple Tasks Obstacle 6: Low Involvement Obstacle 7: Lack of a Challenge 10.1 Path-Goal Styles Questionnaire 10.2 Observational Exercise 10.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 11. Addressing Ethics in Leadership Ethical Leadership Is About the Character of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Actions of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Goals of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Honesty of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Power of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Values of the Leader 11.1 Core Values Questionnaire 11.2 Observational Exercise 11.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Questionnaires
Contribution of CXCR4(+)/PDGFRbeta(+) progenitor cells in hypoxic alveolar arterioles muscularization: role of myocardin.

AIMS Bone marrow (BM) progenitor cells may contribute to vascular remodelling. The present study aimed to investigate the contribution of BM-derived CXCR4(+) (a CXC chemokine receptor) and PDGFRbeta(+) (platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta) progenitor cells in hypoxia-induced muscularization of alveolar arterioles. METHODS AND RESULTS Accumulation of GFP(+) (green fluorescent protein) cells was markedly increased in the pulmonary vasculature by the hypoxic (10% O(2,) 4 weeks) chimeric mice with transgenic GFP-tagged BM. After injection of BM-derived CXCR4(+)/PDGFRbeta(+) progenitor cells into C57BL/6J mice, followed by 6-week hypoxia, the cells were found to home to the alveolar arterioles and readily differentiated into smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Under the same hypoxic conditions, mice infused with myocardin lentiviral RNAi vector-transduced progenitor cells displayed lower myocardin expression in the muscularized alveolar arterioles, correlating with decreased pulmonary artery pressure and arteriole muscularization. In vitro experiments further confirmed that the differentiation of the progenitor cells into SMCs occurred under hypoxia (1% O(2)), and SMC differentiation could be suppressed when myocardin RNAi was administered. CONCLUSION Theses results suggest that myocardin may contribute to the differentiation of CXCR4(+)/PDGFRbeta(+) progenitor cells into SMCs induced by hypoxia, which leads to the muscularization of alveolar arterioles.
Glucose-nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli associated with clinical veterinary specimens

Glucose-nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli (NFB) have been recognized recently as opportunistic pathogens of humans. With few exceptions, strains of NFB have not been considered important enough to be identified when isolated from animals. In this study, all NFB isolated during a 1-year period in a clinical veterinary microbiology laboratory were identified to determine their prevalence. Of the 347 strains of NFB obtained, the most common species were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes. Of all clinical veterinary specimens submitted for cultures, 10% contained nonfermenters.
Barrett's Esophagus and Medications that Relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter

OBJECTIVES:Medications that may increase gastroesophageal reflux could be risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma; however, epidemiologic studies present conflicting results. We evaluated patients with a high-risk condition, Barrett's esophagus, to identify risk factors that may act early in the carcinogenic process.METHODS:We conducted a nested case-control study within a large integrated health-services organization. Electronic databases were used to identify incident diagnoses of Barrett's esophagus (cases); two controls were matched to each case. Electronic databases provided information on the use of medications that may induce reflux (nitrates, calcium channel blockers, xanthines, benzodiazepines, and beta agonists) and potential confounders. A supplemental mailed questionnaire evaluated additional potential confounders.RESULTS:We identified 421 cases and selected 842 controls. The association between any medication use and a Barrett's esophagus diagnosis was modified by age; an increased risk was observed only among subjects <70 yr of age (adjusted odds ratio [OR]= 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–4.6). A Barrett's esophagus diagnosis was associated with asthma medication use (OR 5.8; 95% CI 2.2, 14.9), but not with the other medications studied. Subgroup analyses suggested that medication use was not independently associated with reflux symptoms and that adjustment for asthma symptoms substantially reduced the association between medication use and a Barrett's esophagus diagnosis.CONCLUSION:The use of medications that may induce reflux was associated with a Barrett's esophagus diagnosis among younger persons. This association was only observed with asthma medications; the analyses suggested the possibility of confounding by indication, whereby reflux may cause both asthma and Barrett's esophagus.
Relationship between Delusions and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Alzheimer’s Disease

To investigate the association between delusions and cerebral functional deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we evaluated probable AD patients with and without delusions. Methods: Functional brain imaging was performed by single photon emission computed tomography with technetium-99m-labeled ethyl cysteinate dimer (99mTc-ECD) in 64 AD patients and 76 age-matched normal healthy volunteers. SPECT data were analyzed by statistical parametric mapping. Results: In AD patients, no differences were found in age and cognitive activities between those with (n = 25) and without (n = 39) delusions. Compared with normal healthy volunteers, AD patients had significantly decreased perfusion in the posterior cingulate gyri, precunei, and parietal association cortex. Moreover, in the patients with delusions, perfusion was significantly decreased in the frontal lobe with right side dominance. In the comparison between the patients with and without delusions, the patients with delusions had significantly decreased perfusion in the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyri, inferior to middle temporal cortices, and parietal cortex of the right hemisphere (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The functional deficits in the right hemisphere may be the cause of delusions in AD.
On Voting Caterpillars : Approximating Maximum Degree in a Tournament by Binary Trees

Voting trees describe an iterative procedure for selecting a single vertex from a tournament. It has long been known that there is no voting tree that always singles out a vertex with maximum degree. In this paper, we study the power of voting trees in approximating the maximum degree. We give upper and lower bounds on the worst-case ratio between the degree of the vertex chosen by a tree and the maximum degree, both for the deterministic model concerned with a single fixed tree, and for randomizations over arbitrary sets of trees. Our main positive result is a randomization over surjective trees of polynomial size that provides an approximation ratio of at least 1/2. The proof is based on a connection between a randomization over caterpillar trees and a rapidly mixing Markov chain.
Family Factors as a Modifier of Individual Differences in Children with Higher Functioning Autism and Their Families

of a dissertation at the University of Miami Dissertation supervised by Professor Heather Henderson and Professor Peter Mundy. (108) This study investigated the impact of family factors on individual differences in the social and emotional development of children with autism and their families. Based on the modifier model hypothesis suggested by Mundy, Henderson, Inge, and Coman (2007), family factors may serve as a modifier that contributes to the variability in the phenotypic presentation of children with higher functioning autism. Results indicated that Expressed Emotion (EE) was associated with parent-reported hyperactivity and anxiety in children and adolescents. Family cohesion was associated with parent-reported aggression and depression. These results differed for typically developing and HFA children; higher EE or lower cohesion was associated with greater impairment in the HFA group and less impairment in the typically developing children. Family factors were not associated with social symptoms, indicating these effects may be more related to the development of comorbidity than to the core symptoms of autism. Expressed emotion was related meaningfully to neutral attributions on the FMSS and provided validity for the measure. Family factors were not associated with parental stress, which was not expected. Implications for clinical interventions and future directions are discussed.
Error analysis for band generation process in generalized orthogonal subspace projection

 Orthogonal subspace projection (OSP) has been successfully applied in hyperspectral image processing. In order for the OSP to be effective, the number of bands must be no less than that of endmembers to be classified, i.e., the number of equations have to be more than or equal to that of unknowns. This is known as Band Number Constraint. Such constraint is not an issue for hyperspectral images since they generally have hundreds of bands. However, this may not be true for multispectral images where the number of signatures to be classified might be greater than the number of bands such as 3-band SPOT XS images. The generalized version of OSP has been developed, called generalized OSP (GOSP) to relax this constraint in such a manner that the OSP can be extended to multispectral image processing in an unsupervised fashion. The idea of the GOSP is to create a new set of additional bands that are generated nonlinearly from original multispectral bands prior to the OSP classification. Since those additional bands are generated nonlinearly, for linear mixture model, this also introduces error. In this paper, we analyze the error resulting from band generation process with each nonlinear function used for generating additional bands. And then we further propose an approach to select a set of nonlinear functions for GOSP which will yield better classification results.
Comparison of video shot boundary detection techniques

Many algorithms have been proposed for detecting video shot boundaries and classifying shot and shot transition types. Few published studies compare available algorithms, and those that do have looked at limited range of test material. This paper presents a comparison of several shot boundary detection and classification techniques and their variations including histograms, discrete cosine transform, motion vector, and block matching methods. The performance and ease of selecting good thresholds for these algorithms are evaluated based on a wide variety of video sequences with a good mix of transition types. Threshold selection requires a trade-off between recall and precision that must be guided by the target application.
Power manipulability analysis of redundantly actuated parallel kinematic manipulators with different types of actuators

Spatial object manipulation is typically accomplished by parallel kinematic manipulators (PKM), whose number of actuators is equal to the required number of degrees of freedom. In order to improve the performance and reliability of PKM, their basic configuration can be extended by redundant actuators. This paper is devoted to the special case of PKM with both linear and rotational actuation, which can be operated simultaneously. Corresponding manipulators face the problem of coexisting translational and rotational joint space parameters inducing inhomogeneous Jacobian matrices. In this context, power manipulability ellipsoids provide a suitable performance evaluation for PKM featuring different types of redundantly applicable actuators. Accordingly, this research intends to analyze the kinetostatic performance of redundantly actuated PKM and to demonstrate their efficiency in contrast to non-redundant drive configurations. The analyses exemplarily are focused on the translational 3-RPC manipulator, since it can be equipped with both revolute and/or prismatic joint actuation.
Dynamic service migration in mobile edge-clouds

We study the dynamic service migration problem in mobile edge-clouds that host cloud-based services at the network edge. This offers the benefits of reduction in network overhead and latency but requires service migrations as user locations change over time. It is challenging to make these decisions in an optimal manner because of the uncertainty in node mobility as well as possible non-linearity of the migration and transmission costs. In this paper, we formulate a sequential decision making problem for service migration using the framework of Markov Decision Process (MDP). Our formulation captures general cost models and provides a mathematical framework to design optimal service migration policies. In order to overcome the complexity associated with computing the optimal policy, we approximate the underlying state space by the distance between the user and service locations. We show that the resulting MDP is exact for uniform one-dimensional mobility while it provides a close approximation for uniform two-dimensional mobility with a constant additive error term. We also propose a new algorithm and a numerical technique for computing the optimal solution which is significantly faster in computation than traditional methods based on value or policy iteration. We illustrate the effectiveness of our approach by simulation using real-world mobility traces of taxis in San Francisco.
Hug the Elephant: Migrating a Legacy Data Analytics Application to Hadoop Ecosystem

Big data applications that rely on relational databases gradually expose limitations on scalability and performance. In recent years, Hadoop ecosystem has been widely adopted as an evolving solution. This paper presents the migration of a legacy data analytics application in a provincial data center. The target platform follows "no one size fits all" method. Considering different workloads, data storage is hybrid with distributed file system (HDFS) and distributed NoSQL database. Beyond the architecture re-design, we focus on the problem of data model transformation from relational database to NoSQL database. We propose a query-aware approach to free developers from tedious manual work. The approach generates query-specific views (NoView) for NoSQL and re-structures the views to align with NoSQL's data model. Our results show that the migrated application achieves high scalability and high performance. We believe that our practice provides valuable insights (such as NoSQL data modeling methodology), and the techniques can be easily applied to other similar migrations.