Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
KD Strikes Back: from Keyphrases to Labelled Domains Using External Knowledge Sources

English. This paper presents L-KD, a tool that relies on available linguistic and knowledge resources to perform keyphrase clustering and labelling. The aim of L-KD is to help finding and tracing themes in English and Italian text data, represented by groups of keyphrases and associated domains. We perform an evaluation of the top-ranked domains using the 20 Newsgroup dataset, and we show that 8 domains out of 10 match with manually assigned labels. This confirms the good accuracy of this approach, which does not require supervision. Italiano. In questo lavoro descriviamo LKD, un sistema che utilizza risorse linguistiche e basate su conoscenza per ragruppare concetti-chiave e categorizzarli. L’obiettivo di L-KD è quello di supportare gli utenti nel rilevare la presenza di specifici temi in documenti italiani e inglesi, rappresentandoli attraverso gruppi di concetti-chiave e relativi domini. Abbiamo valutato l’affidabilità del sistema analizzando i domini più rilevanti nel 20 Newsgroup dataset, e dimostrando che 8 su 10 domini nel gold standard sono assegnati correttamente anche dal sistema. Questa valutazione conferma le buone performance di L-KD, senza il bisogno di
Can Zipf Analyses and Entropy Distinguish Between Artificial and Natural Language Texts

We study statistical properties of natural texts written in English and of two types of arti(cid:12)cial texts. As statistical tools we use the conventional and the inverse Zipf analyses, the Shannon entropy and a quantity which is a nonlinear function of the word frequencies , the frequency relative \entropy". Our results obtained by investigating eight complete books and sixteen re-lated arti(cid:12)cial texts suggest that the inverse Zipf analysis of the frequencies of distinct words may succeed better than the conventional Zipf analysis of the distinct words in distinguishing between natural and arti(cid:12)cial texts. Our results also indicate that the frequency relative \entropy" is more useful than 1
Search web images using objects, backgrounds and conditions

As the volumes of web images have grown rapidly in the last decade, Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) has attracted substantial interests as an effective tool to manage the images. Most existing CBIR systems focus on the object in the image, while ignoring the conditions (day/night, sunny/rain, etc) and the backgrounds, both of which are very helpful to meet the user's information need. To overcome this shortcoming, in this paper, we present a novel CBIR system depending on a novel query formulation considering three aspects: Object, Background and Condition. Specifically, we design a user-friendly interface to help the user formulate a query. The interface can allow the user to give the percentage, relative position and size of each object in the background. Moreover, a corresponding effective ranking method is proposed to return the desirable search results. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed system improves the searching performance and the user experience compared with the existing searching systems.
Application of antenna diversity technique on Wireless Sensor Network localization

Node localization is becoming a hotspot in international research of WSN (Wireless Sensor Network) nowadays. Distance measuring, as the core of all location algorithms, may cause large range error. RSSI? Received Signal Strength Indication? , one of the common methods of distance measuring in WSN node localization, is very sensitive to the environment, thereby it causes great range error. The antenna diversity technique, mostly used to enlarge the capacity of channels and expand the cover range of the signal in order to improve the quality of the transmission signal, is applied in the WSN node localization. Compared with the traditional RSSI distance measuring, the location accuracy is effectively improved.
Predicting drug absorption rates through human skin

Predicting the rate at which a substance will pass through human skin and into the bloodstream is a problem of current interest. We use Gaussian Process modeling to train a set of predictors using every combination of six molecular features. We find that only three of the features are needed for our best predictor. This result could be useful in the further analysis of skin permeability.
Route optimisation models and algorithms for hazardous materials transportation under different environments

This study focuses on how to determine the optimum transportation route for hazardous materials under the certain, fuzzy or stochastic environment. On the basis of analysing the transportation route selection problem of hazardous materials TRSP-HM, three objectives are presented and the multi-objective routing programming model MRPM for hazardous materials transportation HMT is put forward under the certain environment, and an improved label algorithm is proposed to solve the MRPM. After defining the maximum-chance optimum route and the α-optimum routes, the multi-objective routing chance-constrained programming model MRCPM and multi-objective routing dependent-chance programming model MRDPM for HMT under the fuzzy or stochastic environment are established respectively. Then, the integration intelligent algorithm is developed to solve the proposed models, which integrates the fuzzy simulation, neural networks, stochastic simulation and genetic algorithm. Finally, the proposed models and algorithms are successfully tested with the help of two real cases.
OXIDATION-REDUCTION OF NATURAL GRAPHITE-A STEP TOWARDS SYNTHESIS OF GRAPHENE

Carbon has been of great scientific and technological interest over all civilizations, mainly because of its application of its own but also in development of products through combinations with other elements. This interest is mainly due to the numerous structures it can be formed of. The latest interests are nanocarbons, mainly carbon nanotubes and graphene. Studies have been performed on wet oxidation of graphite, followed by exfoliation and reduction in order to synthesise graphene. Acid route has been followed for oxidation whereas reduction has been carried out in aqueous medium as well as in DMF. The reactions have been followed using FTIR, TGA and Raman spectroscopy. Reduction of exfoliated graphene oxide sheets in water with hydrazine results in a material with characteristics that are comparable to those of pristine graphite.
Direct nonlinear control design: the virtual reference feedback tuning (VRFT) approach

This paper introduces the virtual reference feedback tuning (VRFT) approach for controller tuning in a nonlinear setup. VRFT is a data-based method that permits to directly select the controller based on data, with no need for a model of the plant. It is based on a global model reference optimization procedure and, therefore, does not require to access the plant for experiments many times so as to estimate the control cost gradient. For this reason, it represents a very appealing controller design methodology for many control applications.
Structure–activity relationship: analyses of p‐glycoprotein substrates and inhibitors

Objective: A large number of structurally and functionally diverse compounds act as substrates or modulators of p‐glycoprotein (p‐gp). Some of them possess multiple drug resistance (MDR)‐reversing activity, but only a small number of them have entered clinical study. In order to uncover the factors which exert a significant impact on the interaction between substrates/modulators and p‐gp, we have performed structure–activity relationship (SAR) analyses, including molecular modelling, two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) parameter‐frame‐setting analysis, quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) analysis among substrates/modulators, as well as clinically promising MDR‐reversing agents.
Separation, review and supervision controls in the context of a credit application process: a case study of organisational control principles

This paper presents a case study of the organisational control principles present in a credit application process at the branch level of a bank. The case study has been performed in the context of an earlier suggested formal framework [6] for organisational control principles based on the Alloy predicate logic and its facilities for automated formal analysis and exploration [2]. In particular, we establish and validate the novel concepts of specific and general obligations. The delegation of these two kinds of obligations must be controlled by means of review and supervision controls. The example of a credit application process is used to discuss these organisational controls.
Electronically switchable-beam reflectarray antenna

This contribution presents the design of a two-beam electronically switchable reflectarray antenna based on patches aperture-coupled to delay lines. The antenna switches the beam from −5 degrees to +5 degrees in the switching plane and works in the 10 GHz band. The phase-shift control is performed using a SPST switch implemented with a series PIN diode. The number of diodes, as well as their associated biasing lines has been reduced to a half by using the concept of gathered elements for reflectarrays. The final breadoboard mask for the phase-shifter layer is also shown.
Manipulation of Search Engine Results during the 2016 US Congressional Elections

—Web spammers are individuals who attempt to manipulate the structure of the Web in such a way that a search engine (SE) will give them higher ranking location (and thus, greater visibility) in search results than what they would get without manipulation. Typically, Web spammers aim to promote their own ﬁnancial, political or religious agendas exploiting the trust that users associate with SE query results. Over the last ten years, search engines have taken steps to defend against spammers with some success. Arguably, Web spamming is crucial during election times, when voters are likely to use search engines to get information about electoral candidates. At times of elections, spammers could succeed in spreading propaganda manipulating SE query results of candidates’ names. In a symmetric but, arguably, less likely scenario, SEs might inﬂuence elections by manipulating their own results to favor one candidate over another. In fact, some have suggested that SEs (Google in particular) should be proactively regulated to avoid such a possibility. In this paper, we investigate to what degree the SE query results related to searches of electoral candidates names were altered by anyone (Web spammers or SEs) during the 2016 US congressional election, an election that saw the rise of “fake news” sites. Our results indicate that different SEs had different degree of success defending against spammers: Google gave preference to reliable sources in the ﬁrst 6 of the top-10 search results when queried with the name of any electoral candidate. Also, Google did not allow much variation in the ranking of the top-10 results and did not allow “fake news” sites to appear at its organic results. Bing and Yahoo, on the other hand, did not have as good a record. This is even more apparent in the autocomplete box “suggest” options presented to the user while forming the query.
Antibody-Based Sensors: Principles, Problems and Potential for Detection of Pathogens and Associated Toxins

Antibody-based sensors permit the rapid and sensitive analysis of a range of pathogens and associated toxins. A critical assessment of the implementation of such formats is provided, with reference to their principles, problems and potential for ‘on-site’ analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on the detection of foodborne bacterial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, and additional examples relating to the monitoring of fungal pathogens, viruses, mycotoxins, marine toxins and parasites are also provided.
Grid information service based on network latency

Grid information service influences quality of service for grid platforms directly. In this paper, based on network latency, network coordinate is introduced into grid information service to locate each grid node. By network coordinates, network latency between user and resource providers can be forecasted, and the result can be submitted to grid information service, which offers a list of resource providers with increasing of network latency. The proposal is suitable for time-sensitive applications and can enhance the ability of grid resource sharing and collaboration.
Potential secondary poisoning risks to non-targets from a sodium nitrite toxic bait for invasive wild pigs.

BACKGROUND An acute and orally delivered toxic bait containing micro-encapsulated sodium nitrite (MESN), is under development to provide a novel and humane technology to help curtail damage caused by invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa). We evaluated potential secondary risks for non-target species by: testing whether four different types of micro-encapsulation coatings could reduce vomiting by invasive wild pigs, testing the levels of residual sodium nitrite (SN) in tissues of invasive wild pigs, testing the environmental persistence of SN in vomitus, and conducting a risk assessment for scavengers. RESULTS Micro-encapsulation coatings did not affect the frequency of vomiting. We identified no risk of secondary poisoning for non-target scavengers that consume muscle, eyes, and livers of invasive wild pig carcasses because residual SN from the toxic bait was not detected in those tissues. The risk of secondary poisoning from consuming vomitus appeared low because ∼90% of the SN was metabolized or broken down prior to vomiting, and continued to degrade after being exposed to the environment. Secondary poisoning could occur for common scavengers that consume approximately ≥15% of their daily dietary requirements of digestive tract tissues or undigested bait from carcasses of invasive wild pigs in a rapid, single-feeding event. The likelihood of this occurring in a natural setting is unknown. The digestive tracts of poisoned invasive wild pigs contained an average of ∼4.35 mg/g of residual SN. CONCLUSION Data from this study suggest no risks of secondary poisoning for non-target species (including humans) that consume muscle, liver, or eyes of invasive wild pigs poisoned with a MESN toxic bait. More species-specific testing for scavengers that consume digestive tract tissues and undigested bait is needed to reduce uncertainty about these potential risks. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Successful Commissioning of FORS1 - the First Optical Instrument on the VLT

FORS, the FOcal Reducer/low dispersion Spectrograph, was the first VLT instrument to be designed and built outside ESO. Following a Call for Proposals in 1990, the contract to realise the project was awarded in 1991 to a consortium of three German astronomical institutes (Landessternwarte Heidelberg and the University Observatories of Gottingen and Munich). Due to its large variety of observing modes, a heavy demand for observing time was expected for the envisaged instrument. Therefore, ESO decided from the beginning to order two nearly identical instruments from the consortium. An account of the start of the project is given in [1]. In April 1992 the Preliminary Design Review was held followed by the Final Design Review in February 1994. Immediately afterwards, the consortium started to transform the approved design into hardware. The performance of the instrument and its components was continuously tested in the laboratory during the different stages of Successful Commissioning of FORS1 – the First Optical Instrument on the VLT
Impacts of Lactobacillus plantarum in Depuration for Reducing Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

This study investigated potential application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in depuration for reducing Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters. Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014, which exhibited strong bactericidal effects against V. parahaemolyticus in vitro, was added to artificial seawater for depuration of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) inoculated with V. parahaemolyticus BE 98-2029 (O3:K6) to levels of about 104 MPN/g at 15 ± 1 and 10 ± 1°C. Application of L. plantarum ATCC 8014 treatment (107 CFU/mL) in oyster depuration did not enhance reductions of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters depurated at 15 ± 1°C but significantly decreased (p < 0.05) levels of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters depurated at 10 ± 1°C after 5 days (3.40 log reductions) when compared with controls (2.75 log reductions). It is not clear if a competitive exclusion by LABs to compete with V. parahaemolyticus binding sites in oyster tissues plays a role in the reduction of V. parahaemolyticus in the oysters. Further studies utilizing different types of LABs in oyster depuration might provide additional knowledge for application of LAB in depuration for decontaminating V. parahaemolyticus in oysters.
N‐way morphing for 2D animation

We present a novel approach to the creation of varied animations from a small set of simple 2D input shapes. Instead of providing a new 2D shape for each keyframe of an animation sequence, we interpolate between a few example shapes in a reduced pose‐space. Similar approaches have been presented in the past, but were restricted in the types of input or range of deformations allowed. In order to address these limitations, we reformulate the problem as an N‐way morphing process on 2D input bitmap or vector graphics. Our formulation includes an N‐way mapping technique, an efficient, rigidity preserving nonlinear blending function, improved extrapolation and a novel scattered data interpolation technique to manage the reduced pose‐space. The resulting animations are correlated to paths in the reduced pose‐space, allowing users to intuitively and interactively control temporal behaviours with simple gestures. We demonstrate our techniques in several example animations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Analysis of the Tradeoffs between Policy Instruments to Induce Dairy Producers in California to Participate in a Centralized Digester

Tradeoff between different utility rates and policy intervention to induce dairy producer to join a regional digester are studied. Results demonstrate that a regional digester for the dairy industry in California is feasible given the digester receives $0.05 per kWh and government intervention or $0.0925 per kWh with no intervention.
Hypoxia abrogates antichlamydial properties of IFN-γ in human fallopian tube cells in vitro and ex vivo

IFN-γ has an important role in the adaptive immune response against intracellular pathogens. In urogenital tract (UGT) infections with the obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis, IFN-γ–mediated control of chlamydial growth implies the JAK-STAT signaling cascades and subsequent induction of the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). As oxygen concentrations in the UGT are low under physiological conditions (O2 < 5%) and further decrease during an inflammatory process, we wondered whether antibacterial properties of IFN-γ are maintained under hypoxic conditions. Using primary cells that were isolated from human fallopian tubes and an ex vivo human fallopian tube model (HFTM), we found that even high IFN-γ concentrations (200 units/mL) were not sufficient to limit growth of C. trachomatis under hypoxia. Reduced antibacterial activity of IFN-γ under hypoxia was restricted to the urogenital serovars D and L2, but was not observed with the ocular serovar A. Impaired effectiveness of IFN-γ on chlamydial growth under hypoxia was accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of Stat-1 on Tyr701 and diminished IDO activity. This study shows that IFN-γ effector functions on intracellular C. trachomatis depend on the environmental oxygen supply, which could explain inadequate bacterial clearance and subsequent chronic infections eventually occurring in the UGT of women.
Extracting and Structuring Drug Information to Improve e-Prescription and Streamline Medical Treatment

Currently, physicians are using the patient electronic health record (EHR) to support their practice. The Romanian healthcare system switched to the electronic prescription starting with 2012. Physicians use the electronic medical record and health card to access patient data whenever available. To improve the medical act, we propose a tool supporting the prescription process, structuring and extracting important information from drug characteristics leaflets (prospectus). The application processes data extracted from around 3.000 medical prospectuses using several Romanian language Web sources. The drug leaflet data is structured on sections: therapeutic action, contraindications, mode of administration, adverse reactions, etc. A stemming algorithm has been applied to each section, extracting the root of the word for an easy search. The result is a text in an *. xml file. After structuring step, the application searches in the structured file the necessary information to prescribe the patient’s medication as closely as possible related to patient state. The application suggests all the drugs matching the patient's disease and are not contraindicated, or enter in conflict with other diseases, treatments or allergies of the patient, and the physician may select the best solution for the given situation.
Computed tomography and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography for therapy control of Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients: when do we really need FDG-PET?

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and [(18)F]fluoro-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for prediction of progression-free survival of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients after completion of therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS CT and FDG-PET were performed in 40 HD, 17 indolent NHL and 44 aggressive NHL patients (29 women, 72 men; aged 41+/-14 years) in a median of 2 months after therapy. Progression-free survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Independent prognostic factors were identified by means of Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS CT imaging results were progressive disease (PD) in five, stable disease (SD) in 57, and partial response (PR) or complete remission (CR) in 39 patients. FDG-PET suggested residual lymphoma in 24 patients. Three-year progression-free survival rates after exclusion of five PD patients were: 100% (PET negative; CT: PR or CR), 81% (PET negative; CT: SD), 21% (PET positive; CT: SD) and 0% (PET positive; CT: PR). FDG-PET (P<0.0001) and bulky disease (P <0.05) were identified as independent prognostic variables. CONCLUSIONS Among lymphoma patients with PR and SD on CT, FDG-PET discriminated those destined to progress into a low risk of < or =20% and a high risk for recurrence of > or =80%.
Learning, literacy and identity: ‘I don’t think I’m a failure any more’

The impact of participation in adult literacy programmes on learners’ identities is examined through an interrogation of their past and current experiences and the assessment of the effect of particular pedagogies. The findings show how learners’ positive experiences in their programmes had caused them to re-evaluate their previous understandings and enabled the construction of new identities as people that are able to learn. These changes had come about through the challenging of negative discourses, the creation of new figured worlds and imagined futures, and the use of a learning curriculum where learners’ experiences were utilized as positive resources.