Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Invocation Flow Lines: Patterns of Invocation and Message Processing in Object Remoting Middleware

Object remoting middleware greatly facilitates creating distributed, object-oriented systems. However, developers face many situations in which a middleware’s invocation and message processing architecture fails to fully support all their requirements. This problem is caused, for instance, by limitations in realising certain invocation styles (e.g., one-way and two-way conversations) on top of a shared processing infrastructure, in adding extensions to invocation handling (i.e., add-on services such as security and inspection), and in bypassing selected steps in the invocation handling to balance resource consumption and invocation performance. Often, these limitations are caused by design and implementation decisions taken early when crafting the middleware framework. To better explain the needed decision making, and help developers to apply adaptations or guide the selection of alternatives, we present a pattern language that captures the essentials of invocation and message processing in object remoting middleware. We also outline instantiations of the patterns and their relationships in existing middleware frameworks.
A novel broadband equivalent source reconstruction method for broadband radiators

Traditional equivalent source reconstruction methods are only operating at a single frequency point each time. However, for wide band radiators, their computation cost of the source reconstruction increases linearly with the number of frequency points. In this paper, a wide-band equivalent source reconstruction method (WB-SRM) based on the Neville-type Stoer-Bulirsch (SB) algorithm is developed. Supported by the adaptive frequency sampling (AFS) scheme, the number of required sampling data is significantly reduced, which leads to much better computational efficiency. During the AFS process, three fitting models (FM) are considered: two are “triangle rules”, and another one is “rhombus rule”. The combination of these three FMs will result in different sampling schemes. In this paper, a bisection searching strategy is performed. Numerical examples are presented to validate the proposed WB-SRM and demonstrate its accuracy and applications.
A model-based approach to support smart and social home living

A system to improve the quality of human life is developed and proposed. A model-based approach is used where smart home residents, appliances, energy sources and correlations among them are comprehensively modeled. The model was integrated with activity recognition information that enables the system to suggest smart life tips that provide advice to residents in a non-intrusive way. A crowd-sourced large-scale survey of 1,000 subjects was conducted that enabled important tips for improving the quality of human life to be quantified. On the basis of the survey results, quantitative metrics and strategies were designed for presenting suitable tips in a timely manner depending on the lifestyle of subjects. The system was evaluated by (1) 34 actual subjects in virtual smart homes and (2) family members in an actual house in an experiment lasting more than one month in which actual sensors were deployed.
Concurrent Search Tree by Lazy Splaying

In many search tree (maps) applications the distribution of items accesses is non-uniform, with some popular items accessed more frequently than others. Traditional self-adjusting tree algorithms adapt to the access pattern, but are not suitable for a concurrent setting since they constantly move items to the tree’s root, turning the root into a sequential hot spot. Here we present lazy splaying, a new search tree algorithm that moves frequently accessed items close to the root without making the root a bottleneck. Lazy splaying is fast and highly scalable making at most one local adjustment to the tree on each access. It can be combined with other sequential or concurrent search tree algorithms. In the experimental evaluation we integrated lazy splaying into Bronson et. al.’s optimistic search tree implementation to get a concurrent highly scalable search tree, and show that it significantly improves performance on realistic non-uniform access patterns, while only slightly degrading performance for uniform accesses.
Using machine learning to improve rule-based machine translation

We present an experiment of using transformation-based learning for improving translation quality of a rule-based machine translation system by means of post-processing. Transformation rules are learned based on a parallel corpus of machine translation output and a human-corrected version of the output. The experiment resulted in a signiﬁcant increase in translation quality of 0.8 measured using the BLEU metric.
On the Cuspidality of the Analytic 3-RPR

The parallel manipulator 3-RPR has been extensively studied, many researches dealing with the cuspidality condition that appears for some designs of this manipulator. However, most of the investigations have focused on studying the cusp points that appear in a section of the joint space, so that one of the inputs must remain constant. In this paper, the authors obtain in a complete analytic way the locus of cusp points in the three-dimensional joint space for the cuspidal analytic 3-RPR. This enables working in the whole joint space, hence having the feasibility of varying the three actuators and additionally, ensuring that these inputs are actuated satisfactorily and without sudden movements. By analyzing at first trajectories in a section of the joint space, it will be shown that due to a peculiar characteristic of this manipulator, more non-singular transitions than the ones which are initially expected are performed. With the purpose of explaining this fact the reduced configuration space will be used. Once the behaviour of the manipulator at the time of making these non-singular transitions is understood, trajectories in the three-dimensional joint space can be planned by surrounding one of the curves belonging to the locus of cusp points.
Deception Detection and Rumor Debunking for Social Media

The main premise of this chapter is that the time is ripe for more extensive research and development of social media tools that filter out intentionally deceptive information such as deceptive memes, rumors and hoaxes, fake news or other fake posts, tweets and fraudulent profiles. Social media users’ awareness of intentional manipulation of online content appears to be relatively low, while the reliance on unverified information (often obtained from strangers) is at an all-time high. I argue there is need for content verification, systematic fact-checking and filtering of social media streams. This literature survey provides a background for understanding current automated deception detection research, rumor debunking
Transplantation of vascular endothelial growth factor-modified neural stem/progenitor cells promotes the recovery of neurological function following hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC) transplantation has been shown to effectively improve neurological function in rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signaling protein that stimulates angiogenesis and improves neural regeneration. We hypothesized that transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs would alleviate hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats. We produced and transfected a recombinant lentiviral vector containing the VEGF165 gene into cultured NSCs. The transfected NSCs were transplanted into the left sensorimotor cortex of rats 3 days after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Compared with the NSCs group, VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels were increased in the transgene NSCs group, and learning and memory abilities were significantly improved at 30 days. Furthermore, histopathological changes were alleviated in these animals. Our findings indicate that transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs may facilitate the recovery of neurological function, and that its therapeutic effectiveness is better than that of unmodified NSCs.
Basolateral transport of the uraemic toxin p-cresyl sulfate: role for organic anion transporters?

Sir, The article by Miyamoto et al.[1] recently published in this journal describes the role of organic anion transporters (OATs) in the uptake of p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) in rat renal cortical slices and a human proximal tubule cell model, viz. HK-2 cells. In this study, uptake of PCS in both model systems could be inhibited by several OAT inhibitors including probenecid and p-aminohippuric acid. As mentioned by the authors, specificity of PCS transport was investigated using well-known substrates for OATs at a concentration of 1 or 10 mM in renal slices or HK-2 cells, respectively. As these concentrations are much higher compared to their inhibitory potencies reported [2], it could be argued that the affinity of PCS for OATs is very low in both models. Moreover, such concentrations are hardly soluble in an aqueous solution at physiological pH and highly influence cell viability [3]. In our opinion, it is more likely that HK-2 cells have only little or no OAT expression at all. Functional transport by OATs is generally studied using heterologous expression in cultured cells or Xenopus leavis oocytes [2]. These systems are used because there are no stable cell lines known to date that highly express functional endogenous OATs and, to our knowledge, no publications are available for functional OAT transport in HK-2 cells. Moreover, functional expression of OATs in primary human proximal tubule cells can only be sustained for a limited time in culture [4]. In the study from Miyamoto et al., protein expression of OATs was solely demonstrated by an unconvincing western blot. Previously, it has been reported that OATs can become non-functional upon culturing due to internalization [2]. These findings indicate that, although protein expression seems to be present, multiple assays are required to demonstrate functionality of transporters. How can the uptake of PCS as observed by Miyamoto et al. be explained? Another kidney-specific basolateral transporter demonstrated to be involved in the removal of uraemic toxins is the organic anion transporting polypeptide 4C1 (SLCO4C1) [5]. Note that the lack of inhibition by digoxin, as demonstrated by Miyamoto et al., is not conclusive for the involvement of this transporter [5]. Using quantitative PCR, we indeed demonstrated the expression of SLCO4C1 in human kidney homogenates and HK-2 cells (Ct: 29 6 0.06 and 22 6 0.05; Ct GAPDH: 26 6 0.5 and 15 6 0.1, respectively), whereas gene expression levels of OAT1 and OAT3 were undetectable in the cell line. Taken together, the low affinity of PCS as demonstrated together with the absence of OATs in the HK-2 model suggest that the mechanism of PCS excretion in the kidney is more complicated than postulated by Miyamoto et al., and the possible contribution of SLCO4C1 warrants further investigation.
A new method for face recognition based on PCA optimize strategy

This paper is focused on the problem of selecting optimum discrimination eigenvectors of PCA and improving the recognition accuracy. A new method for face recognition based on PCA optimize strategy is presented, in which the PSO algorithm is embedded, which select the recognition accuracy as the fitness value of particle swarm, to find out the optimum discrimination eigenvectors of PCA and obtain the optimal recognition accuracy simultaneously. We validate the effectiveness of this method with the ORL database and the Yale database. The experimental results indicate that the method can obtain the optimum discrimination eigenvector of PCA and a major improvement on recognition accuracy compared with the eigenvector selection approach based on the energy accumulative contribution rate.
Finding minimum spanning trees in O(m (m; n)) time

We describe a deterministic minimum spanning tree algorithm running in time O(m (m; n)), where is a natural inverse of Ackermann's function and m and n are the number of edges and vertices, respectively. This improves upon the O(m (m; n) log (m; n)) bound established by Chazelle in 1997. A similar O(m (m; n))-time algorithm was discovered independently by Chazelle, predating the algorithm presented here by many months. This paper may still be of interest for its alternative exposition.
Neutralizing Antibody Responses in Macaques Induced by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Monovalent or Trivalent Envelope Glycoproteins

A major goal of efforts to develop a vaccine to prevent HIV-1 infection is induction of broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies (bcnAb). In previous studies we have demonstrated induction of neutralizing antibodies that did cross-react among multiple primary and laboratory strains of HIV-1, but neutralized with limited potency. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that immunization with multiple HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Envs) would result in a more potent and cross-reactive neutralizing response. One Env, CM243(N610Q), was selected on the basis of studies of the effects of single and multiple mutations of the four gp41 glycosylation sites. The other two Envs included R2 (subtype B) and 14/00/4 (subtype F), both of which were obtained from donors with bcnAb. Rhesus monkeys were immunized using a prime boost regimen as in previous studies. Individual groups of monkeys were immunized with either one of the three Envs or all three. The single N610Q and N615Q mutations of CM243 Env did not disrupt protein secretion, processing into, or reactivity with mAbs, unlike other single or multiple deglycosylation mutations. In rabbit studies the N610Q mutation alone or in combination was associated with an enhanced neutralizing response against homologous and heterologous subtype E viruses. In the subsequent monkey study the response induced by the R2 Env regimen was equivalent to the trivalent regimen and superior to the other monovalent regimens against the virus panel used for testing. The 14/00/4 Env induced responses superior to CM243(N610Q). The results indicate that elimination of the glycosylation site near the gp41 loop results in enhanced immunogenicity, but that immunization of monkeys with these three distinct Envs was not more immunogenic than with one.
Cerebral networks for spontaneous and synchronized singing and speaking

Singing in unison is usually easier than singing alone, but the neural mechanism underlying these two contrasting modes of singing remains unknown. We investigated neural correlates of singing by a functional magnetic resonance imaging study focusing on the capacities of spontaneity and synchronization and compared them with those of speaking. The left inferior frontal gyrus appears important for self-generation of text in singing and speaking without auditory input, whereas the left posterior planum temporale plays a key role in synchronizing both text and melody, in combination with the bilateral inferior parietal lobule for singing along, and with the left angular gyrus for speaking in chorus. These findings indicate that text and melody are not processed symmetrically or parallel in singing a well-learned song.
A multiplex single nucleotide polymorphism typing assay for detecting mutations that result in decreased fluoroquinolone susceptibility in Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A

Objectives Decreased susceptibility to fluoroquinolones has become a major problem for the successful therapy of human infections caused by Salmonella enterica, especially the life-threatening typhoid and paratyphoid fevers. Methods By using Luminex xTAG beads, we developed a rapid, reliable and cost-effective multiplexed genotyping assay for simultaneously detecting 11 mutations in gyrA, gyrB and parE of S. enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A that result in nalidixic acid resistance (NalR) and/or decreased susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. Results This assay yielded unambiguous single nucleotide polymorphism calls on extracted DNA from 292 isolates of Salmonella Typhi (NalR = 223 and NalS = 69) and 106 isolates of Salmonella Paratyphi A (NalR = 24 and NalS = 82). All of the 247 NalR Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A isolates were found to harbour at least one of the target mutations, with GyrA Phe-83 as the most common one (143/223 for Salmonella Typhi and 18/24 for Salmonella Paratyphi A). We also identified three GyrB mutations in eight NalS Salmonella Typhi isolates (six for GyrB Phe-464, one for GyrB Leu-465 and one for GyrB Asp-466), and mutations GyrB Phe-464 and GyrB Asp-466 seem to be related to the decreased ciprofloxacin susceptibility phenotype in Salmonella Typhi. This assay can also be used directly on boiled single colonies. Conclusions The assay presented here would be useful for clinical and reference laboratories to rapidly screen quinolone-resistant isolates of Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A, and decipher the underlying genetic changes for epidemiological purposes.
Improving Systematic Mapping Reviews

Context: Systematic mapping reviews are now common in software engineering. However, if there are rigorous guidelines for systematic literature reviews in software engineering, the same is not true for mapping reviews. Objective: Develop a set of rigorous guidelines for mapping reviews. Method: The guidelines were based on some orientations for mapping reviews, mapping studies and on adaptations from existent guidelines for systematic literature reviews. Results: A set of guidelines, presented as a method, consisting of six stages. Conclusion: The guidelines form a well structured method for mapping reviews with the potential to attain high-quality reviews.
OMEGA hyperspectral images using Regularized 2 Sliced Inverse Regression

In this paper, a statistical method is proposed to evaluate the 4 physical properties of surface materials on Mars from hyperspectral images 5 collected by the OMEGA instrument aboard the Mars express spacecraft. 6 The approach is based on the estimation of the functional relationship F be-7 tween some observed spectra and some physical parameters. To this end, a 8 database of synthetic spectra is generated by a physical radiative transfer 9 model and used to estimate F. The high dimension of spectra is reduced by 10 Gaussian regularized sliced inverse regression (GRSIR) to overcome the curse 11 of dimensionality and consequently the sensitivity of the inversion to noise 12 (ill-conditioned problems). Compared with other approaches, GRSIR has the 13 advantage of being very fast, interpretable and accurate.
Time Error Correction For Laser Range Scanner Data

Most signal and fusion processings consider synchronous data (acquired at the same time) and neglect small time differences. In dynamic situations, the time delay between two supposed synchronous data can imply errors. These errors can be a drawback in some applications, where data are required at a same exact time. This paper proposes to correct the error produced by timestamping error in sensor data acquisition. An example of such data is shown for laser range scanners that acquire data at a fixed frequency. All values are estimated at a same specified time. Experimentations have been carried out, with a laser range scanner (SICK LMS 291) which scans 180 degrees horizontal rows at frequency of 75 Hz. It has been placed at the back of an instrumented car, and an error correction up to 40 cm has been observed
Emotional Intelligence and Resistance to Change: Mediating role of Psychological Capital in Telecom Sector of Pakistan

Emerging research on positive psychological resources has identified Psychological Capital (PsyCap) as an important contributor towards a number of useful organizational outcomes. Literature on change management suggests that one of the most significant obstacles in managing change is employees’ inability to accept the change initiatives, and that emotional intelligence (EI) and PsyCap both support in combating resistance towards change (RTC). Based on the importance of the three interrelated concepts, the present study is aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological capital on the relationship between emotional intelligence and resistance towards change. Data has been collected from a sample of 170 employees from telecom organizations operating in Pakistan through personally administered questionnaires. The mediation effect has been tested using Baron and Kenny’s method of hierarchical multiple regression. Results show a positive relationship between EI and PsyCap, a negative relationship between PsyCap and resistance towards change and a negative relationship between emotional intelligence and the resistance toward change. Finally, PsyCap fully mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and resistance towards change. The study makes a significant and unique contribution to literature by showing the mediation effect of PsyCap between the relationship of EI and RTC, which has been explored for the first time. Also, the study establishes that significant relationships exist between EI, PsyCap and RTC individually in the unique context of telecom sector of Pakistan. It is concluded that emotional intelligence leads to stronger psychological resources which play a significant role in employee’s proactive attitudes towards change. Finally, limitations, future research and practical implications have been discussed.
StatREC: a graphical user interface tool for visual hypothesis testing of cost prediction models

Background: During the previous decades there has been noted a significantly increased research interest on the construction of prediction models for accurate estimation of software cost. Despite the development of sophisticated methodologies, there is a continuous debate concerning the divergent and controversial conclusions of the related literature. Nowadays, due to this fact, the research community attempts to systematically base the whole comparison and evaluation process on formal frameworks and structured guidelines in concordance with modern statistical practices and methodologies, so as to resolve the problem of inconsistent findings. Aims: Towards this direction, we present StatREC, a Graphical User Interface, which facilitates the visualization and hypothesis testing of error distributions through their graphical representation as REC curves. Conclusions: The advantage of StatREC is that it provides to the non-expert user a robust, highly interactive, rich in graphics and easily interpretable way to perform comparisons among alternative models. The goal of StatREC is to support project managers during the decision-making process on the cost of software development.