Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Battling the Fear of Heights: Pros and Cons of the 'Personal Cloud'

The ever-evolving technological world is undergoing a paradigm shift. After the older generations of the mainframe, the PC, the client-server architectures and the web, the fifth generation of computing now ushers itself in. Cloud computing has become the buzzword of the day and is being hailed by many as the technology of tomorrow. But despite its wide popularity and partial implementation and adoption in many companies with an avalanche of gray literature available, the concept of 'cloud computing' remains considerably shroud amidst ambiguity and vagueness. Almost every other article on cloud computing seems to have its own conception of the cloud. The first half of this paper tries to analyze the reason behind this situation. The second and main part of this paper focuses on the extended concept of the 'personal cloud'. Cloud computing is, no doubt, an excellent paradigm for enterprise computing but this paper considers the other side of the equation -- personal computing. Personal cloud computing services on a commercial basis abound on the web but in this paper we consider in depth whether cloud computing is really all that compatible to personal computing, if at all.
FOR NON-EXPERIMENTAL CAUSAL STUDIES

This paper considers causal inference and sample selection bias in non-experimental settings in which: (i) few units in the non-experimental comparison group are comparable to the treatment units; and (ii) selecting a subset of comparison units similar to the treatment units is difficult because units must be compared across a high-dimensional set of pretreatment characteristics. We discuss the use of propensity score matching methods, and implement them using data from the NSW experiment. Following Lalonde (1986), we pair the experimental treated units with non-experimental comparison units from the CPS and PSID, and compare the estimates of the treatment effect obtained using our methods to the benchmark results from the experiment. For both comparison groups, we show that the methods succeed in focusing attention on the small subset of the comparison units comparable to the treated units and, hence, in alleviating the bias due to systematic differences between the treated and comparison units.
Large-Eddy Simulations of Strongly Precipitating, Shallow, Stratocumulus-Topped Boundary Layers

Large-eddy simulations that incorporate a size-resolving representation of cloud water are used to study the effect of heavy drizzle on PBL structure. Simulated surface precipitation rates average about 1 mm day 21. Heavily drizzling simulations are compared to nondrizzling simulations under two nocturnal PBL regimes—one primarily driven by buoyancy and the other driven equally by buoyancy and shear. Drizzle implies a net latent heating in the cloud that leads to sharp reductions in both entrainment and the production of turbulent kinetic energy by buoyancy (particularly in downdrafts). Drizzle, which evaporates below cloud base, promotes a cooler and moister subcloud layer that further inhibits deep mixing. The cooling and moistening is in quantitative agreement with some observations and is shown to favor the formation of cumuli rising out of the subcloud layer. The cumuli, which are local in space and time, are responsible for most of the heat and moisture transport. They also appear to generate a larger-scale circulation that differs dramatically from the regularity typically found in nonprecipitating stratocumulus. Time-averaged turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture increase in the presence of precipitation, suggesting that drizzle (and drizzle-induced stratification) should not necessarily be taken as a sign of decoupling. Because drizzle primarily affects the vertical distribution of buoyancy, shear production of turbulent kinetic energy mitigates some of the effects described above. Based on large-eddy simulation the authors hypothesize that shallow, well-mixed, radiatively driven stratocumulus cannot persist in the presence of heavy drizzle. In accord with some simpler models, the simulated case with heavy precipitation promotes a reduction in both liquid-water path and entrainment. However, the simulations suggest that timeintegrated cloud fraction may increase as a result of drizzle because thinner precipitating clouds may persist longer if the boundary layer does not deepen as rapidly. These somewhat more complicated dynamics have important implications for a number of hypotheses suggesting that changes in aerosol concentrations, when metabolized by stratocumulus, have a significant effect on climate.
A Novel Evidence-Based Bayesian Similarity Measure for Recommender Systems

User-based collaborative filtering, a widely used nearest neighbour-based recommendation technique, predicts an item’s rating by aggregating its ratings from similar users. User similarity is traditionally calculated by cosine similarity or the Pearson correlation coefficient. However, both of these measures consider only the direction of rating vectors, and suffer from a range of drawbacks. To overcome these issues, we propose a novel Bayesian similarity measure based on the Dirichlet distribution, taking into consideration both the direction and length of rating vectors. We posit that not all the rating pairs should be equally counted in order to accurately model user correlation. Three different evidence factors are designed to compute the weights of rating pairs. Further, our principled method reduces correlation due to chance and potential system bias. Experimental results on six real-world datasets show that our method achieves superior accuracy in comparison with counterparts.
The Revealed Preferences of a Government Bureaucracy: Theory

A method is developed for inferring, from the consequences or outcomes of organizational decisions, an implicit choice criterion such that the organization behaves as if it were following this decision rule. The method is quantified for the case of a public bureaucracy facing discrete alternatives, and is applied in a study of the decision rules underlying freeway route selection by a state division of highways. Tests are carried out on the form of the benefit-cost calculus utilized by the bureaucracy, on the implicit evaluation of indirect benefits and costs, and on the influence of political factors on routing decisions.
A new reconstruction algorithm in tomography with geometric feature-preserving regularization

We present a new optimization-based reconstruction model with geometric feature-preserving regularization. The previous construction approach of optimization-based requires generally solving a tremendously large discrete linear system. In addition, the analytic algorithms, such as, back-projection related methods, Fourier transform based reconstruction algorithms, are sensitive to noise. These disadvantages motivate us naturally to present a new optimization-based regularization algorithm, as distinct from traditionally constructing a discrete linear system, that is based upon a continuous energy functional model like analytic one. Some theoretical derivations and numerical computing of our model are discussed. Experimental results illustrate the desirable performance of the algorithm under various noiseless data situations. And the geometric feature-preserving regularizer is used in numerical simulations to demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the algorithm under various contaminated data scenarios.
Exchange rate pass-through into Romanian price indices. A VAR approach

This paper investigates the exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) into import prices, producer prices and several different measures of consumer price indices for the Romanian economy. In order to determine the size and describe the dynamics in ERPT, the paper employs an array of econometric methods belonging to the VAR family. The methods employed are RVARs (on different price indices and/or on a rolling window) and Sign-restriction VARs (also using different consumer inflation measures). The results point to an almost complete pass-through into import prices and incomplete pass-through into producer and consumer prices. In all cases except import prices the ERPT displays a decline in magnitude over the analysed time interval.
Transformation of a Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma to a Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma—An Unusual Presentation

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) is characterized by a proliferation of follicle center cells in the skin. A definitive diagnosis is frequently delayed because of difficulties in interpretation of the histopathologic findings. It has an excellent prognosis with a 5-year survival over 95% and its risk of transformation has not been established. We describe a case report of man with a gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) referred to our clinic because of nodules in the back that had gradually developed over a period of 10 years. A biopsy performed 3 years before was interpreted as reactive follicular hyperplasia. A new skin biopsy revealed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements from the initial skin biopsy (PCBCL) and the DLBCL gastric biopsy were studied by polymerase chain reaction and an identical clonal rearrangement was detected which was highly suggestive of a transformation lymphoma.
Localization of epileptic foci based on scalp EEG and approximate entropy

In order to reduce damage from invasive check and save resources during iEEG (intracranial electroencephalogram) collection, especially when large area of craniotomy is operated, we combined nonlinear dynamics with medical statistical methods to carry out epileptic foci localization by analyzing scalp EEG (electroencephalogram) which can be collected by noninvasive way. Firstly, ApEn (approximate entropy) was measured to get the complexity of EEG quantitatively. Secondly, a physiological reference range of ApEn which was caculated from normal EEG was set up and different degrees of the complexity changes on each electrode during seizures were obtained. Based on the above steps, the preliminary localization of epileptic foci could be finally achieved. We analyzed scalp EEG data for a total of six patients who had been diagnosed as partial epilepsy, and won the success of the preliminary locations on these six patients.
Recent trends in material flows and resource productivity in Asia and the Pacific

This report is intended to supplement the original Resource Efficiency: Economics and Outlook for Asia and the Pacific report (UNEP 2011). The content is based on an updated material flows database which presents data up to 2008, and the onset of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The scope of this report is considerably narrower than the original report, focusing on deepening quantitative analyses specifically relating to primary material flows in the ten greatest resource consuming countries in Asia and the Pacific, and the trajectories of related resource efficiency indicators
Rolling and Spinning Friction Characterization of Fine Particles Using Lateral Force Microscopy Based Contact Pushing

In this paper, we have utilized Lateral Force Microscopy (LFM) based mechanical pushing of micro/nano-objects to study adhesion and friction characterization at the micro/nanoscale. Continuum micro/nano-friction models for particle rolling, spinning and sliding cases are discussed for general particle–substrate interfaces. A rolling resistance model using the Double–Hertz model is devoloped for such general interfaces. Using the friction models, the effect of work of adhesion, effective Young's modulus, and contact radius at the particle–substrate interface are studied in detail. Combining friction models with experimental particle pushing vertical and lateral force data, the critical frictional interface parameters such as critical rolling distance and the interfacial shear strength are measured for a polystyrene particle and glass substrate interface. Results show that the critical rolling distance varies with the particle radius, and it is measured to be 42, 84 and 128 nm on average for 5, 10 and 15 μm radii particles, respectively. Next, using the particle spinning experimental data, the interfacial shear strength of the particle–substrate interface is measured as 9–15 MPa.
Detection and Recognition of Human in Videos Using Adaptive Method and Neural Net

Detection and recognition of the moving objects in dynamic environment is difficult task. This paper presents a modified framework for the detection and recognition of moving people in videos. Detection part of the proposed method consists of average background model with supportive secondary model and an adaptive threshold selection model based on Gaussian distribution. The background model used for background modelling and adaptive threshold method is used to simultaneously update the system according to environment. Then feature extraction is performed by an established human model. This human model consists of five parts with robust features to facilitate recognition process. For recognition purpose, back propagation neural network has been used as a classifier. Experimental results show the effectiveness of proposed system.
Computer Self-Efficacy, Anxiety, and Learning in Online Versus Face to Face Medium

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between changes to computer selfefficacy (CSE) and computer anxiety and the impact on performance on computer-related tasks in both online and face-to-face mediums. While many studies have looked at these factors individually, relatively few have included multiple measures of these factors concurrently and assessed the effects over a period of time in a realistic environment. Transactional Distance Theory and previous research are used to develop a theoretical model integrating these factors. Transactional distance can be viewed as an outcome of the culture within an educational environment. As such the three transactional distance variables structure, dialogue, and learner autonomy may be measured by certain aspects of that culture. Describing the two mediums in terms of transactional distance allowed us to explore the interrelationships between the changes in CSE, Anxiety, and Performance in face-to-face and online classes.
Discovery of Novel Saponins from the Viscera of the Sea Cucumber Holothuria lessoni

Sea cucumbers, sometimes referred to as marine ginseng, produce numerous compounds with diverse functions and are potential sources of active ingredients for agricultural, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products. We examined the viscera of an Australian sea cucumber Holothuria lessoni Massin et al. 2009, for novel bioactive compounds, with an emphasis on the triterpene glycosides, saponins. The viscera were extracted with 70% ethanol, and this extract was purified by a liquid-liquid partition process and column chromatography, followed by isobutanol extraction. The isobutanol saponin-enriched mixture was further purified by high performance centrifugal partition chromatography (HPCPC) with high purity and recovery. The resultant purified polar samples were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS)/MS and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)/MS to identify saponins and characterize their molecular structures. As a result, at least 39 new saponins were identified in the viscera of H. lessoni with a high structural diversity, and another 36 reported triterpene glycosides, containing different aglycones and sugar moieties. Viscera samples have provided a higher diversity and yield of compounds than observed from the body wall. The high structural diversity and novelty of saponins from H. lessoni with potential functional activities presents a great opportunity to exploit their applications for industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical use.
Securitization, history, and identity: some conceptual clarifications and examples from politics of Finnish war history

This article shows how we can use the securitization framework to study extreme history politics. Securitization refers to a speech act or discursive process in which an actor makes a claim that some referent object, deemed worthy of survival, is existentially threatened. If successful, securitization justifies the use of extraordinary measures to counter the threat. After introducing the concept of securitization in detail, the article presents three ways in which history and securitization can be connected: history can serve as a facilitating condition of securitization; history can be explicitly used to strengthen a securitizing move; or history, or a particular interpretation of it, can be the referent object of securitization. The second half of the article is devoted to a discussion on the role of history in the securitization of national identities. Historical myths are the standard building blocks of national identities; challenging these myths can be presented as threats to the survival of the nation. The article also discusses potential forms of resistance against securitization of history/national identities. Illustrative examples from the political use of WWII history in Finland will be used to show the practical consequences of various conceptual choices.
Learning a Probabilistic Semantic Model from Heterogeneous Social Networks for Relationship Identification

Nowadays, social networks play an important role in our lives, in which information and knowledge are exchanged, shared and transformed. With time, large volumes of real-world data have been accumulated capturing diversified application domains. However, heterogeneity and incompleteness of data make social networks perform as 'data isolated islands' separated to each other. In this paper, we propose a generic approach that consists of an ontology-based social network integration approach and a statistic learning method towards the Semantic Web data. In particular, an extended FOAF (Friend-Of-A-Friend) ontology is used as the mediation schema to integrate social networks and a hybrid entity reconciliation method is used to resolve entities of different data sources. We also present an analyzing approach that learns a probabilistic semantic model (PSM) from social data for relationship identification. Empirical results prove that, compared with single numeric or logical methods respectively, our hybrid reconciliation method has obvious improvements on precision and recall during combining LinkedIn.com and DBLP. In addition, PSM framework can reserve richer semantics of semantic data completely during data analysis.
Marine biofilms on submerged surfaces are a reservoir for Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae

The enteric bacterium and potential human pathogen, Escherichia coli, is known to persist in tropical soils and coastal waters. Vibrio cholerae causes the disease cholera and inhabits marine environments including microbial films on submerged surfaces. The abundances of E. coli and V. cholerae were quantified in biofilm and water-column samples from three harbors in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, which differ in their local and international ship traffic. E. coli and, in some cases V. cholerae, occurred in relatively high abundances in marine biofilms formed on abiotic surfaces, including the exterior hulls of ships. The community fingerprints of the biofilms and the water harboring these pathogens were further analyzed. The community compositions of biofilms from different locations were more similar to each other than to water-column communities from the same locations. These results suggest that biofilms are an overlooked reservoir and a source of dissemination for E. coli and V. cholerae.
GATA-2 Transduces LPS-Induced il-1β Gene Expression in Macrophages via a Toll-Like Receptor 4/MD88/MAPK-Dependent Mechanism

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a critical factor for inducing acute lung injury. GATA-2, a transcription factor, contributes to the control of cell activity and function. Exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to LPS induced interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA and protein expression and GATA-2 translocation from the cytoplasm to nuclei in concentration- and time-dependent manners. A bioinformatic search revealed that GATA-2-specific binding elements exist in the 5’-promoter region of the il-1β gene. LPS could enhance the transactivation activity of GATA-2 in macrophages. Knocking-down translation of GATA-2 mRNA using RNA interference significantly alleviated LPS-induced IL-1β mRNA and protein expression. As to the mechanism, transfection of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 small interfering (si)RNA into macrophages concurrently decreased LPS-caused increases in nuclear GATA-2 levels. Sequentially, treatment with myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) siRNA decreased LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) kinase 1/2 and subsequent translocation of GATA-2. Reducing MAPK activities using specific inhibitors simultaneously decreased GATA-2 activation. Furthermore, exposure of primary macrophages to LPS significantly increased the transactivation activities of GATA-2 and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression. Transfection of GATA-2 siRNA inhibited LPS-induced IL-1β mRNA expression. Results of this study show that LPS induction of il-1β gene expression in macrophages is mediated by GATA-2 via activation of TLR4, MyD88, and MAPKs.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex and robot-assisted arm training in chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury: A proof of concept sham-randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND After cervical spinal cord injury, current options for treatment of upper extremity motor functions have been limited to traditional approaches. However, there is a substantial need to explore more rigorous alternative treatments to facilitate motor recovery. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate whether anodal-primary motor cortex (M1) excitability enhancement (with cathodal-supra orbital area) (atDCS) combined with robot-assisted arm training (R-AAT) will provide greater improvement in contralateral arm and hand motor functions compared to sham stimulation (stDCS) and R-AAT in patients with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (iCSCI). METHODS In this parallel-group, double-blinded, randomized and sham-controlled trial, nine participants with chronic iCSCI (AIS C and D level) were randomized to receive 10 sessions of atDCS or stDSC combined with R-AAT. Feasibility and tolerability was assessed with attrition rate and occurrence of adverse events, Changes in arm and hand function were assessed with Jebson Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). Amount of Use Scale of Motor Activity Log (AOU-MAL), American Spinal Injury Association Upper Extremity Motor Score and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) at baseline, after treatment, and at two-month follow-up. RESULTS None of the participants missed a treatment session or dropped-out due to adverse events related to the treatment protocol. Participants tended to perform better in JTHFT and AOU-MAL after treatment. Active group at post-treatment and two-month follow-up demonstrated better arm and hand performance compared to sham group. CONCLUSION These preliminary findings support that modulating excitatory input of the corticospinal tracts on spinal circuits may be a promising strategy in improving arm and hand functions in persons with incomplete tetraplegia. Further study is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of recovery.