Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Top-k Structural Similarity Search

Search for objects similar to a given query object in a network has numerous applications including web search and collaborative filtering. We use the notion of structural similarity to capture the commonality of two objects in a network, e.g., if two nodes are referenced by the same node, they may be similar. Meeting-based methods including SimRank and P-Rank capture structural similarity very well. Deriving inspiration from PageRank, SimRank has gained popularity by a natural intuition and domain independence. Since it's computationally expensive, subsequent work has focused on optimizing and approximating the computation of SimRank. In this paper, we approach SimRank from a top-k querying perspective where given a query node v, we are interested in finding the top-k nodes that have the highest SimRank score w.r. t. v. The only known approaches for answering such queries are either a naive algorithm of computing the similarity matrix for all node pairs or computing the similarity vector by comparing the query node v with each other node independently, and then picking the top-k. None of these approaches can handle top-k structural similarity search efficiently by scaling to very large graphs consisting of millions of nodes. We propose an algorithmic framework called TopSim based on transforming the top-k SimRank problem on a graph G to one of finding the top-k nodes with highest authority on the product graph G G. We further accelerate Top Sim by merging similarity paths and develop a more efficient algorithm called Top Sim-SM. Two heuristic algorithms, Trun-Top Sim-SM and Prio-Top Sim-SM, are also proposed to approximate Top Sim-SM on scale-free graphs to trade accuracy for speed, based on truncated random walk and prioritizing propagation respectively. We analyze the accuracy and performance of Top Sim family algorithms and report the results of a detailed experimental study.
An investigation into the therapeutic effects of statins with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Objectives To investigate the therapeutic effects of statins with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Settings Endocrinology department. Participants MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until October 2014. Studies comparing statins and placebo, as well as the combination of statins and metformin and metformin alone, were included in the analysis. Interventions Data were independently extracted by two researchers; any convergence was resolved by a third reviewer. Primary and secondary outcome measures The following properties were extracted from the qualified trials to identify the effects of statins: clinical variables, metabolic characteristics, hormone outcomes, sign of inflammation, glucose parameters and insulin outcomes. Results Data from four trials comparing statin and metformin with metformin alone were analysed. The combination of statins and metformin decreases the levels of C reactive protein (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.91; 95% CI −1.81 to −0.02; p=0.046), triglyceride (SMD −1.37; 95% CI −2.46 to −0.28; p=0.014), total cholesterol (SMD −1.28; 95% CI −1.59 to −0.97; p=0.000) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (SMD −0.74; 95% CI −1.03 to −0.44; p=0.000). However, the combined therapy fails to reduce fasting insulin (SMD −0.92; 95% CI −2.07 to 0.24; p=0.120), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD −1.15; 95% CI −3.36 to 1.06; p=0.309) and total testosterone (SMD −1.12; 95% CI −2.29 to 0.05; p=0.061). Analysis of the five trials comparing statin with placebo shows that statin monotherapy reduces LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and total cholesterol. Conclusions Combined statin and metformin therapy can improve lipid and inflammation parameters, but cannot effectively improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. A large-scale randomised controlled study must be conducted to ascertain the long-term effects of the therapy.
Bayesian Sparsity for Intractable Distributions

Bayesian approaches for single-variable and group-structured sparsity outperform L1 regularization, but are challenging to apply to large, potentially intractable models. Here we show how noncentered parameterizations, a common trick for improving the efficiency of exact inference in hierarchical models, can similarly improve the accuracy of variational approximations. We develop this with two contributions: First, we introduce Fadeout, an approach for variational inference that uses noncentered parameterizations to capture a posteriori correlations between parameters and hyperparameters. Second, we extend stochastic variational inference to undirected models, enabling efficient hierarchical Bayes without approximations of intractable normalizing constants. We find that this framework substantially improves inferences of undirected graphical models under both sparse and group-sparse priors.
The Human Semantic Potential: Spatial Language and Constrained Connectionism

Part 1 Introduction: matter and method space and semantic potential negative evidence and language learning the modelling challenge constrained connectionism a brief exchange an overview of the book. Part 2 The linguistic categorization of space: perception and the human semantic potential the primacy of space crosslinguistic variation cognitive linguistics summary. Part 3 Connectionism and cognitive models: overview parallel distributed processing structured connectionism constrained connectionism learning sequences using back-propagation another brief exchange. Part 4 Learning without explicit negative evidence: the problem a solution - mutual exclusivity difficulties with mutual exclusivity salvaging mutual exclusivity implementation results. Part 5 Structures: structures and constrained connectionism orientation combination map comparison motion - source, path and destination. Part 6 A model of spatial semantics: overview the problem the model a run through the model results prototype effects discussion. Part 7 Extensions: polysemy deixis prelinguistic conceptual development key events distance convex hulls implicit paths. Part 8 Discussion: inquiry into linguistic universals falsifiability the nature of the model what have we learned about models? a final word.
Fudging Maps at Jam

The minaret and archaeological remains at Jam, in central Afghanistan, were nominated as Afghanistan's first World Heritage site in 2002. The nomination was successful despite the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)'s reservations about the quality and completeness of the nomination document: in particular, ICOMOS was concerned about the rudimentary mapping and imprecise definition of the site, which has not been surveyed systematically or in detail. The extensive, but largely undocumented, looting of the site over the past two decades has further complicated archaeological investigations there. The key goals of the fieldwork I coordinated at Jam in 2003 and 2005, therefore, included an 'on the ground' re-appraisal of the extent of the site and the mapping issues, and an assessment of the looting. In particular, I wanted to determine whether it was possible to utilize the robber holes as a source of information, both of localized sub-surface remains, and as an indication of the broader spatial limits of the site. This was based on the premise that looters only continue to dig in areas where they are finding sufficient artefacts to warrant their efforts. I also hoped to correlate the robber holes we documented on the ground with those visible in the high resolution satellite imagery of the site. This would enable us to study a larger area than it was practical to survey during our short field seasons given the mountainous terrain, and simultaneously to generate a base-line against which any further looting of the site could be monitored. The fieldwork revealed that the base map used in the World Heritage Nomination document is flawed – the actual site is about a third of the size of that delineated on the map, and when the GPS points we took are plotted on the map, they often occur hundreds of metres from their actual location. A similar problem arose when we attempted to overlay the GPS points on the high resolution satellite image of the site. The latter problem was partially solved when we ortho-rectified the central portion of the image but the complex, deeply incised topography of the mountainous region limited the size of the area we were able to rectify. Since it is currently not possible to return to Jam to undertake a proper topographic survey of the site, the best way to 'fudge' the problems of integrating existing cartographic sources, the satellite imagery and a range …
Fourth-Order MUSIC Algorithm Based on Minimum Redundant Virtual Extended Array

A novel forth-order multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm was proposed based on the virtual array technique. Since the effective array aperture is extended according to the higher-order steering vector expression, a virtual spatial covariance matrix is derived using the forth-order cumulants. In this way, the redundant information contained in the cumulants are removed, and the computational complexity is reduced for the dimension of the virtual covariance matrix is decreased, which is equal to the number of the virtual array elements. Numerical results show that for Gaussian signals, the performance of the second-order methods is optimal. However, for non-Gaussian signals, the direction estimation variance of the proposed method is decreased and the resolution probability of two close signals is improved, compared to those of the second-order MUSIC algorithm
Finding Communities in Weighted Signed Social Networks

In this paper I have proposed a novel algorithm AGMA (Automatic Graph Mining Algorithm). AGMA automatically classifies a weighted social network graph into appropriate number of clusters which does not require user involvement. AGMA uses the linked pattern and the link weight as the clustering criterion based on which the classification of nodes is done. The algorithm is able to find out communities in disconnected graphs. The final section of the paper demonstrates the applicability of AGMA with examples in identifying social communities in artificial as well as in the real world examples like Gahuku-Gama Subtribes Network and 9/11 terrorist network. The signed social networks also lie in the applicability domain of this algorithm.
Using Syllables as Features in Morpheme Tagging in Swahili

Utilizing corpora to build morphological analyzers for the purposes of computational application has been addressed in many different ways. Methods for automated morphological analysis generally focus on segmentation from raw text, and ignore the actual learning of what morpheme features are present. Other methods are time-consuming and require a great deal of prior knowledge of the language such as constructing a grammar by hand using finite-state transducers. We seek to create an analyzer which identifies which features are present without explicit segmentation and analysis. In this paper, we propose utilizing the surface-level cues of the morpheme based on the character sequences which generally comprise it as a guide for statistical morphological tag assignment in Bantu languages. In Swahili, these surface-level cues are syllabic in nature. This is grounded in typological insights from Bantu phonology; morphemes are generally monosyllabic, open syllables. Furthermore, this insight from Bantu is mirrored in current phonological theory. Optimality Theory (OT)(Prince and Smolensky, 2004) is a constraint-based approach at deriving a phonetic output from its phonological output, and vice versa. The phenomenon discussed above relates very closely to the OT constraint known as MORPH=σ1. This stipulates a typological phonological proclivity to relate morphemes to no more or less than a single syllable. The success of the approach we propose, therefore, should reaffirm not only the utility of such an insight, but its role in cur-
Grey Correlation Analysis of Corrosion on the First Oil Atmospheric Distillation Equipment

Corrosion is serious on the first atmosphericdistillation unit when the plant processes high-acidcrude oil from Shengli Oil Field. Measured thecorrosion pate on the top of atmospheric distillationtower with electric resistance probe every two month,monitored sulfur value, salt value, salt value afterdesalt, acid value in crude oil, iron ion in productcontainer and pH value in cooling water every month.Created grey data sequence with equal weightwhitenization and stepwise ratio generation method,carried on grey correlation analysis, calculatedabsolute, relative and synthetic degree of incidence,carried on predominance analysis too. The conclusionis that the main factor to corrosion is acid value, andthen is salt value after desalt, pH value, content of salt,sulphur value and iron ion value. Getting rid of saltfrom crude oil as possible is benefit to equipment, andmonitoring salt value after desalts, pH value couldpredict corrosion.
Evaluation Indicator System and Weights Research of Communication Effects in ERP Implementation Project

Based on communication theory and characteristics of communication in ERP implementation project, this paper focuses on communication influencing factors analysis and proposes a new two level evaluation indicator system of communication effects for ERP implementation project. Besides, this paper carries on a weights research of the indicator system by means of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, questionnaire survey and expert scoring method. The indicator system and weights research can serve as a basis to evaluate communication effects in the context of ERP implementation project and help management team to prioritize their attentions according to the weights of elements. Furthermore, this paper is an exploratory research about communication in ERP implementation
An efficient algorithm for determining the girth and ACE distributions in LDPC code Tanner graphs

We propose a simple and efficient algorithm for evaluating the girth and approximate cycle extrinsic message degree (ACE) of all short cycles through symbol nodes in short-to-medium length low-density parity-check (LDPC) code Tanner graphs. The algorithm uses single-edge tree-apex (SETA) subgraph expansions to find all the short cycles in a code graph in a direct manner, unlike existing algorithms which use message-passing algorithms or trellis representations of code graphs. The complexity of the algorithm, when applied to a parity-check matrix H of dimension m × n, is O(n m). Due to the fact that both girth and ACE are features of cycles, we adopt parameters similar to those used for girth descriptions for ACE descriptions. Accordingly, we define the ‘local ACE’ at a symbol node or the ‘symbol node ACE’, as the minimum ACE of the short cycles through the symbol node in the graph. This basic parameter enables the local ACE distribution, minimum and maximum local ACE, modal ACE, and the average ACE of an LDPC code graph to be determined using SETA subgraph expansions. The average ACE of an LDPC code graph is a concise single-valued measure of the overall connectivity of cycles in the graph. The proposed algorithm determines the local girth and ACE distributions in irregular short length LDPC codes in less time than existing algorithms. The algorithm is not intended for quasi-cyclic (QC) LDPC codes.
A Family of Optimal , Distributed Traffic Control Laws in a Multidomain Environment

This paper addresses the problem of optimal traffic engineering in a multidomain environment. Based on Nonlinear Control Theory, the approach taken in this paper provides a family of optimal adaptation laws. These laws enable each edge node in the network to independently distribute traffic among any given set of paths/next-hops in an optimal way, as measured by a given global utility function of a general form. This optimal traffic distribution is achieved with minimum information exchange between neighboring nodes. Furthermore, this approach not only allows for optimal multiple forwarding paths but also enables multiple Classes of Service; e.g., classes of service defined in the DiffServ architecture. Moreover, the proposed decentralized control scheme enables optimal traffic redistribution in the case of link failures.
Interacting with Traditional Chinese Culture through Natural Language

Intangible cultural heritage represents the cultural identities and diversity of mankind, and should be preserved and passed on to the current and future generations. However, in digital cultural heritage research, intangible cultural heritage has been relatively less studied, and the focus has been placed on creating tools and applications for professionals rather than for the general public. In this paper, we present our research effort on creating an interactive system for conveying traditional Chinese culture through natural language conversation. We propose a systematic method for the domain experts to construct, with minimal effort, the knowledge base from a set of unstructured philosophy texts, and we design an algorithm to build a conversational agent emulating the conversation ability of a famous Chinese philosopher. We also report two evaluation studies on the prototype we developed, showing encouraging results on the feasibility and benefits of our approach. By automating part of the answer-finding task using natural language processing and information retrieval technology, the system is able to find answers dynamically, without the need to manually author large amounts of question and answer pairs. Our proposed method could potentially be used to create other conversational agents for educating and promoting cultural values to the general public in a natural and appealing way.
Social cohesion, Twitter and far-right politics in Australia: Diversity in the democratic mediasphere

The concept of ‘social cohesion’ has become an orthodoxy in governmental and academic discourse, augmenting the complex of progressive and liberal politics that have formed around the modern, multicultural and globally engaged nation-state. The reinvigoration of far-right politics is challenging this orthodoxy, at least inasmuch as these politics appear to be gaining traction through the strategic manipulation of increasing insecurity within these democratic states. This article examines these challenges conceptually and through an empirical case study. The case study examines the appearance in 2016 of Senator Elect Pauline Hanson on the ABC’s Q&A television programme. The article examines Twitter discourses that were generated around the far-right senator’s appearance on the broadcast programme. The article concludes that ‘social cohesion’ and its role in electoral, participative and deliberative democratic processes is a largely inadequate discursive buttress to the complex of language wars within which the concept is besieged.
An online method for the analysis of volatile organic compounds in electronic cigarette aerosol based on proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry

Rationale Due to the recent rapid increase in electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) use worldwide, there is a strong scientific but also practical interest in analyzing e‐cigarette aerosols. Most studies to date have used standardized but time‐consuming offline technologies. Here a proof‐of‐concept for a fast online quantification setup based on proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) is presented. Methods The combination of a novel sampling interface with a time‐of‐flight PTR‐MS instrument specially designed for three scenarios is introduced: (i) mainstream aerosol analysis (aerosol that the user inhales prior to exhalation), and analysis of exhaled breath following (ii) mouth‐hold (no inhalation) and (iii) inhalation of e‐cigarette aerosols. A double‐stage dilution setup allows the various concentration ranges in these scenarios to be accessed. Results First, the instrument is calibrated for the three principal constituents of the e‐cigarettes' liquids, namely propylene glycol, vegetable glycerol and nicotine. With the double‐stage dilution the instrument's dynamic range was easily adapted to cover the concentration ranges obtained in the three scenarios: 20–1100 ppmv for the mainstream aerosol characterisation; 4–300 ppmv for the mouth‐hold; and 2 ppbv to 20 ppmv for the inhalation experiment. Conclusions It is demonstrated that the novel setup enables fast, high time resolution e‐cigarette studies with online quantification. This enables the analysis and understanding of any puff‐by‐puff variations in e‐cigarette aerosols. Large‐scale studies involving a high number of volunteers will benefit from considerably higher sample throughput and shorter data processing times. © 2016 The Authors. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Lipids in Health and Disease

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities comprising visceral obesity, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance (IR). With the onset of IR, the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), a key regulator of lipoprotein metabolism, is reduced. Increased activation of glucocorticoid receptors results in MetS symptoms and is thus speculated to have a role in the pathophysiology of the MetS. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the bioactive constituent of licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra) inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 that catalyzes the activation of glucocorticoids. Thus, oral administration of GA is postulated to ameliorate the MetS. Results: In this study, daily oral administration of 50 mg/kg of GA for one week led to significant increase in LPL expression in the quadriceps femoris (p < 0.05) but non-significant increase in the abdominal muscle, kidney, liver, heart and the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues (p > 0.05) of the GA-treated rats compared to the control. Decrease in adipocyte size (p > 0.05) in both the visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue depots accompanies such selective induction of LPL expression. Consistent improvement in serum lipid parameters was also observed, with decrease in serum free fatty acid, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol but elevated HDLcholesterol (p > 0.05). Histological analysis using tissue lipid staining with Oil Red O showed significant decrease in lipid deposition in the abdominal muscle and quadriceps femoris (p < 0.05) but non-significant decrease in the heart, kidney and liver (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Results from this study may imply that GA could counteract the development of visceral obesity and improve dyslipidaemia via selective induction of tissue LPL expression and a positive shift in serum lipid parameters respectively, and retard the development of IR associated with tissue steatosis. Published: 29 July 2009 Lipids in Health and Disease 2009, 8:31 doi:10.1186/1476-511X-8-31 Received: 22 June 2009 Accepted: 29 July 2009 This article is available from: http://www.lipidworld. com/content/8/1/31 © 2009 Lim et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.