Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Jupiter – friend or foe? II: the Centaurs

Abstract It has long been assumed that the planet Jupiter acts as a giant shield, significantly lowering the impact rate of minor bodies upon the Earth, and thus enabling the development and evolution of life in a collisional environment which is not overly hostile. In other words, it is thought that, thanks to Jupiter, mass extinctions have been sufficiently infrequent that the biosphere has been able to diversify and prosper. However, in the past, little work has been carried out to examine the validity of this idea. In the second of a series of papers, we examine the degree to which the impact risk resulting from objects on Centaur-like orbits is affected by the presence of a giant planet, in an attempt to fully understand the impact regime under which life on Earth has developed. The Centaurs are a population of ice-rich bodies which move on dynamically unstable orbits in the outer Solar system. The largest Centaurs known are several hundred kilometres in diameter, and it is certain that a great number of kilometre or sub-kilometre sized Centaurs still await discovery. These objects move on orbits which bring them closer to the Sun than Neptune, although they remain beyond the orbit of Jupiter at all times, and have their origins in the vast reservoir of debris known as the Edgeworth–Kuiper belt that extends beyond Neptune. Over time, the giant planets perturb the Centaurs, sending a significant fraction into the inner Solar System where they become visible as short-period comets. In this work, we obtain results which show that the presence of a giant planet can act to significantly change the impact rate of short-period comets on the Earth, and that such planets often actually increase the impact flux greatly over that which would be expected were a giant planet not present.
On the use of clone detection for identifying crosscutting concern code

In systems developed without aspect-oriented programming, code implementing a crosscutting concern may be spread over many different parts of a system. Identifying such code automatically could be of great help during maintenance of the system. First of all, it allows a developer to more easily find the places in the code that must be changed when the concern changes and, thus, makes such changes less time consuming and less prone to errors. Second, it allows the code to be refactored to an aspect-oriented solution, thereby improving its modularity. In this paper, we evaluate the suitability of clone detection as a technique for the identification of crosscutting concerns. To that end, we manually identify five specific crosscutting concerns in an industrial C system and analyze to what extent clone detection is capable of finding them. We consider our results as a stepping stone toward an automated "aspect miner" based on clone detection.
Notice of RetractionReview: Recommender system in e-commercial environment

The development of information technology enables network consumption to become topical focus of many consumers' attention, it also makes e-commerce become many enterprises' and research scholars' focus. Research of consumer behavior according to the network through a network of consumer behavior to apply to electronic commerce recommender systems, to better provide services to consumers is of great significance. This article is intended to be passed to the network of consumer behavior and commodities recommended both areas representative of summarizing research results with a view to contributing to the development of e-commerce in China to provide theoretical support.
Parallelizing a genetic operator for GPUs

Genetic algorithms (GAs) have parallelism among applications of genetic operators to individuals, but in order to extract high performance of a GPU, parallelizing each genetic operator is desirable. This paper presents parallelization of the OX (order crossover) operator and experimentally show that our parallelized OX is effective on a GPU based on the CUDA architecture. The experiments with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX580 GPU show that our GPU program for the traveling salesman problem (TSP) is about up to 101.3 times faster than the corresponding CPU program on a single core of 2.67 GHz Intel Xeon X5550.
Energy-Efficient Maximum Lifetime Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks

One of the most critical issues in wireless sensor networks is represented by the limited availability of energy on network nodes; thus, making good use of energy is necessary to increase network lifetime. In this paper, we present an energy-efficient maximum lifetime (EEML) algorithm in wireless sensor networks. EEML improves energy utility by changing the activity of wireless communication module of sensor nodes, energy model and state transition of sensor nodes. And employs the subset of active sensor nodes to build a routing tree for transmission, in the course of processing, dynamic computing the energy consumption to determine one node whether or not is active to prolong the network lifetime. Simulation results show that EEML performs better than DD and EER algorithm for wireless sensor network with high-density deployment and low traffic.
Sall1 balances self-renewal and differentiation of renal progenitor cells

The formation of the proper number of functional nephrons requires a delicate balance between renal progenitor cell self-renewal and differentiation. The molecular factors that regulate the dramatic expansion of the progenitor cell pool and differentiation of these cells into nephron precursor structures (renal vesicles) are not well understood. Here we show that Sall1, a nuclear transcription factor, is required to maintain the stemness of nephron progenitor cells. Transcriptional profiling of Sall1 mutant cells revealed a striking pattern, marked by the reduction of progenitor genes and amplified expression of renal vesicle differentiation genes. These global changes in gene expression were accompanied by ectopic differentiation at E12.5 and depletion of Six2+Cited1+ cap mesenchyme progenitor cells. These findings highlight a novel role for Sall1 in maintaining the stemness of the progenitor cell pool by restraining their differentiation into renal vesicles.
Impact of nano-scale through-silicon vias on the quality of today and future 3D IC designs

One of the most effective ways to deal with the area and capacitance overhead issues with through-silicon vias (TSVs) in 3D ICs is to reduce the size of TSVs themselves. Today, the diameter of the smallest TSV available is around l(im, and this is expected to reach sub-micron dimensions in a few years. This downscaling of TSVs requires research on the impact of nano-scale TSVs on the quality of 3D IC designs to provide academia and industry with the quantified effects. In this paper, we investigate, for the first time, the impact of nano-scale TSVs on the area, wirelength, delay, and power quality of today and future 3D IC designs. For our future process technology, we develop a 22nm standard cell and interconnect library. We also use four sets of TSV-related dimensions in our GDSII-level 3D IC layouts. Based on these resources, we present a thorough study on the impact of nano-scale TSVs on the design quality of today and future 3D ICs.
Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation Parameters Are Affected by Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon: A Study of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is defined as a delayed distal vessel contrast opacification in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease during coronary angiography. There is conflicting data in medical literature regarding the effects of CSFP on the left ventricular functions assessed by conventional echocardiography or tissue Doppler imaging. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether there is any abnormality in the myocardial deformation parameters (strain, strain rate (SR), rotation, twist) of the left ventricle obtained by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients with CSFP.
Channel capacity and beamforming for multiple transmit and receive antennas with covariance feedback

We consider the capacity of a narrowband point to point communication system employing multiple-element antenna arrays at both the transmitter and the receiver with covariance feedback. Under covariance feedback the receiver is assumed to have perfect channel state information (CSI) while at the transmitter the channel matrix is modeled as consisting of zero mean complex jointly Gaussian random variables with known covariances. Specifically we assume a channel matrix with i.i. d. rows and correlated columns, a common model for downlink transmission. We determine the optimal transmit precoding strategy to maximize the Shannon capacity of such a system. We also derive closed form necessary and sufficient conditions on the spatial covariance for when the maximum capacity is achieved by beamforming. The conditions for optimality of beamforming agree with the notion of water-filling over multiple degrees of freedom.
Scalable Visual Instance Mining with Threads of Features

We address the problem of visual instance mining, which is to extract frequently appearing visual instances automatically from a multimedia collection. We propose a scalable mining method by exploiting Thread of Features (ToF). Specifically, ToF, a compact representation that links consistent features across images, is extracted to reduce noises, discover patterns, and speed up processing. Various instances, especially small ones, can be discovered by exploiting correlated ToFs. Our approach is significantly more effective than other methods in mining small instances. At the same time, it is also more efficient by requiring much fewer hash tables. We compared with several state-of-the-art methods on two fully annotated datasets: MQA and Oxford, showing large performance gain in mining (especially small) visual instances. We also run our method on another Flickr dataset with one million images for scalability test. Two applications, instance search and multimedia summarization, are developed from the novel perspective of instance mining, showing great potential of our method in multimedia analysis.
Moderate-deviations of lossy source coding for discrete and Gaussian sources

We study the moderate-deviations (MD) setting for lossy source coding of stationary memoryless sources. More specifically, we derive fundamental compression limits of source codes whose rates are R(D) ± εn, where R(D) is the rate-distortion function and εn is a sequence that dominates √1/n. This MD setting is complementary to the large-deviations and central limit settings and was studied by Altug and Wagner for the channel coding setting. We show, for finite alphabet and Gaussian sources, that as in the central limit-type results, the so-called dispersion for lossy source coding plays a fundamental role in the MD setting for the lossy source coding problem.
Distributed dynamic SINR pricing for multi-cell beamforming with limited backhaul signaling

This paper considers a distributed approach in designing the downlink beamformers in a multiple-input-single-output (MISO) wireless system. The base stations (BSs) aim to minimize transmit power subject to a set of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) targets of users. To avoid using a central processor (CP), a distributed iteration framework is adopted in which each BS announces a SINR pricing term to limit the interference it generates at non-local users. The pricing term is announced on these users' SINR constraints by using interior-point method. With a second-order Taylor approximation the pricing term can be locally built only with a few parameters exchanged between BSs. The main contribution of this paper is to propose an original SINR pricing mechanism that achieves a performance quite close to the optimum with limited backhaul signaling. Simulation is presented, which compares the algorithm with the non-cooperative game and the existing interference pricing algorithm. Numerical results show that the proposed SINR pricing algorithm closely approaches the optimal performance with a desirable convergence speed.
A Grounded Theory Study to Describe Approaches Gay K-8 Teachers Take to Living Openly at Work

This Dissertation is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by ScholarWorks@UNO with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Dissertation in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself.
Construction of the co-expression plasmids of fostriecin polyketide synthases and heterologous expression in Streptomyces

Abstract Context: Polyketides are bioactive natural products with diverse bioactivities, and heterologous production of polyketides in easily engineered microbial hosts is preferred for the production of structurally diverse and the therapeutically active polyketides. Objective: In this study, heterologous expression of the biosynthetic genes encoding type I polyketide synthases (PKS) involved in biosynthesis of fostriecin, a unique phosphate monoester polyketide antibiotic, was attempted. Materials and methods: Fostriecin PKS (Fos-PKS) biosynthetic gene cluster in a total of 48.4 kb were cloned downstream of the act I promoter in two compatible Streptomyces vectors using Red/ET recombination. The co-expression plasmids were sequentially transferred into Streptomyces lividans and Streptomyces coelicolor. Active transcription of the polyketide genes was confirmed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, and the metabolites were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The recombinant strains S. lividans TK24/p6-fosAB–p4-fosCDEF and S. coelicolor M512/p6-fosAB–p4-fosCDEF were obtained for heterologous expression in Streptomyces. Pigmentation was observed in the recombinant strains, whereas the control strain with empty vector displayed no change in pigment production. Active transcription of the polyketide genes was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis and subsequent sequencing. Conclusion: The present study is the first attempt to overexpress Fos-PKS biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces. More studies on heterologous expression of the fostriecin biosynthetic gene cluster would be beneficial for further understanding the mechanisms of its structural as well as the potential pharmaceutically effect.
Feeding Large Econometric Models by a Mixed Approach of Classical Decomposition of Series and Dynamic Factor Analysis: Application to Wharton-UAM Model

The aim of this article is to submit an applied methodology to design long term scenarios that, many times, are needed to feed large econometric models in their most classical approach of L.R. Klein's legacy. In our proposal we mix the classical decomposition of time series with dynamic factor analysis, which, in fact, is closely linked to most recent Klein's works on High Frequency Models. The methodological approach is illustrated through an application for the set of exogenous variables that shape the international environment of the Wharton-UAM model for the Spanish economy.
On Mobile Cloud for Smart City Applications

This paper is devoted to mobile cloud services in Smart City projects. As per mobile cloud computing paradigm, the data processing and storage are moved from the mobile device to a cloud. In the same time, Smart City services typically contain a set of applications with data sharing options. Most of the services in Smart Cities are actually mashups combined data from several sources. This means that access to all available data is vital to the services. And the mobile cloud is vital because the mobile terminals are one of the main sources for data gathering. In our work, we discuss criteria for selecting mobile cloud services.
Performance evaluation of a volcano monitoring system using wireless sensor networks

A volcano monitoring system plays a key role for launching emergency early warning, and the use of alternative technologies have proven their effectiveness in this setting, which is the case of wireless sensor networks. For surveillance systems, the real-time requirement is mandatory due to the need for immediate access to the signals derived from a natural disaster where the goal is safeguarding lives. Previous works did not report detailed enough performance evaluation of this kind of systems, either by means of using simulation tools or in a test-bed related to real-time metrics. Our aim was to identify the optimum number of sensors to be deployed in a Volcano Monitoring System based on simulation results and corroborated with an in-situ testbed. We used ns-2 as simulation tool, where Random and Tessellation scenarios were evaluated. Our study identified that the optimal scenario in volcano monitoring is Random, with maximum eighteen nodes to satisfy metrics such as throughput, time delay, and packet loss. We deployed sixteen sensors in a strategic area at Cotopaxi Volcano, where the information was obtained during three days of continuous monitoring. This information was sent to a surveillance laboratory located 45 km away from the station placed at the volcano, and WiFi-based long distance technology was used for this purpose. The data obtained with our system allowed to distinguish long period events and volcano tectonic earthquakes.
Raising Our Children to Be Resilient: A Guide to Helping Children Cope with Trauma in Today's World

Foreword. Acknowledgments. Introduction. Part I: Grief and Trauma: The Impact on Our Children. Living In a Complex World. Traumatic Events in a Complex World. Talking to Children about Complex Events. Bullying and Victimization: A Deadly Disease and Invisible Killer. School Violence - No Place to Feel Safe. Part II: Working With Kids and Trauma: Home, School, Community. Trauma Resolution Techniques: Helping Children Succeed. School Systems Respond to Crisis: Children and War. Part III: Coming Together to Create Change. Chapter 7: Parenting through a Crisis/ Preparing for the Future. Chapter 8: Educators at Work: Meeting the Challenge of Traumatic Events. Chapter 9: Community Action: From Fear to Freedom. Creating Resilient Children. Part IV: Resources and Information: Growing Strong Spirits. National Resources That Help.
Helicobacter pylori eradication as the sole treatment for gastric and duodenal ulcers

Conclusions Eradication treatment for H. pylori-positive gastric or duodenal ulcer is sufficient, with no need to follow it with anti-secretory medication. Cure of the infection reduces ulcer relapses in patients who did not use NSAIDs or ASA. (95% CI, 73-100%) and 75% (95% CI, 19-99%) in H. pylori-negative (12 patients) and H. pylori-positive patients (four patients) (P = not significant). Ulcer relapses occurred in 5% (95% CI, 1-13%) of H. pylori-negative and in 36% (95% CI, 19-56%) of H. pylori-positive patients (P< 0.01). In H. pylori-negative patients who used NSAIDs or ASA the ulcer relapse rate was 30% (95% CI, 7-65%), whereas the ulcer relapse rate was 2% (95% CI, 0.4-10%) in patients who did not use NSAIDs or ASA (P< 0.05). No difference in ulcer relapse rate in H. pylori-positive patients who used or did not use NSAIDs or ASA was found. The eradication rate of H. pylori was 93% (95% CI, 76-99%) in the quadruple therapy group, 83% (95% CI, 64-94%) in the dual therapy group, 100% (95% CI, 87-100%) in the triple therapy group, and 0% (95% CI, 0-12%) in the lansoprazole and placebo group.
Detection of Gold Nanoparticles Aggregation Growth Induced by Nucleic Acid through Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

The gold nanoparticle (GNP) aggregation growth induced by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is studied by laser scanning confocal and environmental scanning electron microscopies. As in the investigated case the direct light scattering analysis is not suitable, we observe the behavior of the fluorescence produced by a dye and we detect the aggregation by the shift and the broadening of the fluorescence peak. Results of laser scanning confocal microscopy images and the fluorescence emission spectra from lambda scan mode suggest, in fact, that the intruding of the hydrophobic moiety of the probe within the cationic surfactants bilayer film coating GNPs results in a Förster resonance energy transfer. The environmental scanning electron microscopy images show that DNA molecules act as template to assemble GNPs into three-dimensional structures which are reminiscent of the DNA helix. This study is useful to design better nanobiotechnological devices using GNPs and DNA.
Robust Video Stabilization Using Particle Keypoint Update and l1-Optimized Camera Path

Acquisition of stabilized video is an important issue for various type of digital cameras. This paper presents an adaptive camera path estimation method using robust feature detection to remove shaky artifacts in a video. The proposed algorithm consists of three steps: (i) robust feature detection using particle keypoints between adjacent frames; (ii) camera path estimation and smoothing; and (iii) rendering to reconstruct a stabilized video. As a result, the proposed algorithm can estimate the optimal homography by redefining important feature points in the flat region using particle keypoints. In addition, stabilized frames with less holes can be generated from the optimal, adaptive camera path that minimizes a temporal total variation (TV). The proposed video stabilization method is suitable for enhancing the visual quality for various portable cameras and can be applied to robot vision, driving assistant systems, and visual surveillance systems.
Assessing and Improving the Mutation Testing Practice of PIT

Mutation testing is extensively used in software testing studies. However, popular mutation testing tools use a restrictive set of mutants which does not conform to the community standards and mutation testing literature. This can be problematic since the effectiveness of mutation strongly depends on the used mutants. To investigate this issue we form an extended set of mutants and implement it on a popular mutation testing tool named PIT. We then show that in real-world projects the original mutants of PIT are easier to kill and lead to tests that score statistically lower than those of the extended set of mutants for a range of 35% to 70% of the studied classes. These results raise serious concerns regarding the validity of mutation-based experiments that use PIT. To further show the strengths of the extended mutants we also performed an analysis using a benchmark with mutation-adequate test cases and identified equivalent mutants. Our results confirmed that the extended mutants are more effective than a) the original version of PIT and b) two other popular mutation testing tools (major and muJava). In particular, our results demonstrate that the extended mutants are more effective by 23%, 12% and 7% than the mutants of the original PIT, major and muJava. They also show that the extended mutants are at least as strong as the mutants of all the other three tools together. To support future research, we make the new version of PIT, which is equipped with the extended mutants, publicly available.
Privacy Preserving Naïve Bayes Classifier for Vertically Partitioned Data

The problem of secure distributed classification is an important one. In many situations, data is split between multiple organizations. These organizations may want to utilize all of the data to create more accurate predictive models while revealing neither their training data / databases nor the instances to be classified. The Naive Bayes Classifier is a simple but efficient baseline classifier. In this paper, we present a privacy preserving Naive Bayes Classifier for horizontally partitioned data.