Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Confidence regions and tests for a change-point in a sequence of exponential family random variables

SUMMARY Maximum likelihood methods are used to test for a change in a sequence of independent exponential family random variables, with particular emphasis on the exponential distribution. The exact null and alternative distributions of the test statistics are found, and the power is compared with a test based on a linear trend statistic. Exact and approximate confidence regions for the change-point are based on the values accepted by a level x likelihood ratio test and a modification of the method proposed by Cox & Spj0tvoll (1982). The methods are applied to a classical data set on the time intervals between coal mine explosions, and the change in variation of stock market returns. In both cases the confidence regions for the change-point cover historical events that may have caused the changes.
US low-risk drinking guidelines: an examination of four alternatives.

BACKGROUND This study compared four sets of US low-risk drinking guidelines (two interpretations of the US Dietary Guidelines and two variations of the NIAAA physicians' guidelines) in terms of adherence and how well they predicted five different alcohol-related outcomes. METHODS Using data from a nationally representative sample of 17,542 US adults 21 years of age and over who drank 12 or more drinks in the past year, this study assessed the sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and odds ratios of the various drinking guidelines (specifically, of having exceeded them with different degrees of frequency) as predictors of alcohol dependence, impaired driving, liver disease, peptic ulcer, and hypertension. RESULTS The proportions of past-year regular drinkers exceeding the four sets of guidelines varied from 20.9%, whose average intake exceeded the weekly limits, to between 21.0% and 42.7% who exceeded the daily guidelines at least once a week, and to between 69.2% and 94.2% who ever exceeded the daily limits in the year preceding the interview. Sensitivity and odds ratios were highest for the ever exceeding the Dietary Guidelines daily limits, intermediate for ever exceeding the two variations based on the NIAAA physicians' guidelines, and lowest for exceeding the Dietary Guidelines interpreted as weekly limits. The opposite pattern was observed for specificity and overall predictive accuracy. When frequently exceeding the daily limits was considered, their sensitivity declined but their specificity and positive predictive value increased. CONCLUSIONS If sensitivity and specificity are deemed equally important, the NIAAA physicians' guidelines incorporating both daily and weekly limits seem to do the best job of balancing these dimensions in the prediction of a variety of alcohol-related outcomes.
Optimal database combining with Multi Output Support Vector Machine for Eddy Current Testing

This paper provides a new methodology for the characterization of defect size in a conductive nonmagnetic plate from the measurement of the impedance variations. The methodology is based on Finite Element Method (FEM) combined with the Multi Output Support Vector Machines (MO-SVM). The MO-SVM is a statistical learning method that has good generalization capability and learning performance. FEM is used to create the adaptive database required to train the MO-SVM and the Cross Validation (CV) is used to find the parameters of MO-SVM model. The results show the applicability of MO-SVM to solve eddy current inverse problems instead of using traditional iterative inversion methods which can be very time-consuming. With the experimental results we demonstrate the accuracy which can be provided by the MO-SVM technique.
Trauma-hemorrhagic shock-induced up-regulation of endothelial cell adhesion molecules is blunted by mesenteric lymph duct ligation

ObjectivePrevious studies have shown that mesenteric lymph duct ligation prevents trauma-hemorrhagic shock-induced lung injury and neutrophil activation. Since endothelial cells rapidly express adhesion molecules, such as P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, after shock, and because trauma-hemorrhagic shock-induced lung injury appears to involve neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions, we tested the hypothesis that lymph duct ligation would diminish trauma-hemorrhagic shock-induced P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in the lung and other organs. DesignProspective animal study with concurrent control. SettingSmall animal laboratory. SubjectsAdult male Sprague-Dawley rats. InterventionsFour groups of male rats were studied: trauma (laparotomy) plus sham shock, trauma-sham shock plus lymph duct ligation, trauma-hemorrhagic shock (90 mins of shock at 30 mm Hg), and trauma-hemorrhagic shock plus lymph duct ligation. At 3 or 24 hrs after trauma-hemorrhagic shock or trauma-sham shock, lung, heart, liver, kidney, intestinal, and other visceral concentrations of P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression were measured using the dual radiolabeled monoclonal antibody technique. Measurements and Main ResultsAt 3 and 24 hrs, trauma-hemorrhagic shock increased endothelial cell P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 adhesion molecule expression in the lung and liver. At 3 and 24 hrs after trauma-hemorrhagic shock, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression was increased in the heart, spleen, pancreas, intestine, and kidney, whereas at 24 hrs, but not 3 hrs, P-selectin expression also was increased in these organs. Lymph duct ligation prevented trauma-hemorrhagic shock-induced increased adhesion molecule expression in all of these organs with the exception of intestinal P-selectin expression. ConclusionsTrauma-hemorrhagic shock-induced increases in endothelial cell P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in the lung and liver as well as other tissues appear to be related to factors liberated from the ischemic gut and carried in intestinal lymph.
Foundations of Group Key Management - Framework, Security Model and a Generic Construction

Group Key Establishment is fundamental for a variety of security mechanisms in group applications. It allows n ≥ 2 principals to agree upon a common secret key. This can further be classified into Group Key Exchange (or Group Key Agreement), where all the principals participate in the construction of the key, and Group Key Transport (or Group Key Distribution), where the key is chosen by a singe principal and is then securely communicated to the others. Both these techniques can be analyzed in the context of either static or dynamic groups. Dynamic Group Key Establishment is better known as Group Key Management (GKM), as it involves not only the initital key establishment, but also efficient key management when group members join or leave the group. Dynamic Group Key Exchange is also known as decentralized or distributed GKM, while Dynamic Group Key Transport is known as centralized GKM. While there has been a lot of recent work in formal security models for Dynamic Group Key Exchange, little, if any, attention has been directed towards building a concrete framework and formal security model for centralized GKM. Many such schemes that have been proposed so far have been broken, as they cite ambiguous arguments and lack formal proofs. In this paper, we take a first step towards addressing this problem by providing firm foundations for centralized Group Key Management. We provide a generalized framework for centralized GKM along with a formal security model and strong definitions for the security properties that dynamic groups demand. We also show a generic construction of a centralized GKM scheme from any given multireceiver ID-based Key Encapsulation Mechanism (mID-KEM). By doing so, we unify two concepts that are significantly different in terms of what they achieve. Our construction is simple and efficient. We prove that the resulting GKM inherits the security of the underlying mID-KEM up to CCA security. We also illustrate our general conversion using the mID-KEM proposed in 2007 by Delerablee.
LOOKING BEYOND UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION

This paper addresses gender equity in parents' educational investments in children in rural Bangladesh. The authors analyse correlates of time spent in school, studying outside school and work, using a dataset on time-use patterns of school-going children. The authors find that time spent at work varies inversely with the amount of time spent studying at home. Time spent in school is insensitive to factors such as poverty and gender. Time spent studying outside school is strongly influenced by household decisions that favour boys, who appear to have about 30 minutes more discretionary study time than girls.
Using on-board electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in battery management systems

As the need for better prediction of battery life parameters in secondary batteries evolves, especially for electric vehicles, many researchers have looked for methods beyond simple battery modeling. One of the promising methods is electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This is typically a technique used to get insight on the kinetic reactions in batteries and various studies have shown excellent correlation between impedance data and the state of health and ageing effects in lithium-ion batteries. In this article the benefits of using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in battery management systems will be studied as it has been shown by multiple researchers that it is possible to develop an embedded electrochemical impedance spectroscopy circuit. The accuracy of currently available models based on impedance data deteriorates over time and to enable a battery management system to keep accurate predictions on state of health and other ageing-related effects there is a need for on-board electrochemical impedance measurements. Aspects such as SoH, balancing, battery ageing, and second life is discussed in relation to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and battery management systems.
Self-Concept Development of Students With Disabilities

Developmental trajectories of two self-concept constructs (self-confidence and importance beliefs) in three domains (academic, social, and self-image) were estimated in a nationally representative sample of approximately 3,500 students with disabilities ages 8 to 17 representing 11 federal disability categories. Students’ self-confidence in the three domains declined in elementary school but rebounded in secondary school, whereas their importance beliefs showed linear declines over time. The authors found significant mean differences in self-concept but similarities in the shape of trajectories across disability categories, gender, and race. Students with emotional disturbances or autism had significantly lower self-confidence in the social and self-image domains and lower academic importance beliefs than students with learning disabilities. Girls had significantly higher self-confidence and importance beliefs than boys. Compared to their white peers, Black students had significantly higher self-confidence in all domains, whereas Hispanic students had significantly lower levels of importance beliefs in the social and self-image domains.
Learning in Closed-Loop Brain–Machine Interfaces: Modeling and Experimental Validation

Closed-loop operation of a brain-machine interface (BMI) relies on the subject's ability to learn an inverse transformation of the plant to be controlled. In this paper, we propose a model of the learning process that undergoes closed-loop BMI operation. We first explore the properties of the model and show that it is able to learn an inverse model of the controlled plant. Then, we compare the model predictions to actual experimental neural and behavioral data from nonhuman primates operating a BMI, which demonstrate high accordance of the model with the experimental data. Applying tools from control theory to this learning model will help in the design of a new generation of neural information decoders which will maximize learning speed for BMI users.
Partial discharge inception voltages of an inhibited mineral oil in quasi-uniform electric fields

The insulating liquid used in a large power transformer is typically subjected to uniform or quasi-uniform electric fields, however, the majority of the research concerning partial discharge (PD) characteristics of dielectric liquids employs electrode systems generating highly divergent electric fields so as to facilitate PD inception. This research aims to investigate the PD inception voltage (PDIV) of an inhibited mineral oil under divergent and quasi-uniform a.c. electric fields. In the experiments a plane-to-plane electrode system with an adjustable needle protrusion was used to produce quasi-uniform electric fields. To obtain the PD inception fields (PDIF) under different configurations at the corresponding PDIVs, electrode system models were developed in COMSOL software to simulate the electric field distribution. Results from different electrode configurations suggest that the PDIV of the mineral oil is affected by electrode configuration. But unlike PDIV, the PDIF tends to be independent of electrode configuration. The simulated PDIF of the mineral oil is 1426.4 kV/mm.
Bragging in the right context: Impressions formed of self-promoters who create a context for their boasts

Two studies examined the impression formed of self-promoters who actively work on creating the right context for their boasts. According to previous research, self-promotion in response to a question is perceived more positively. The current research claims that people commonly encourage their interactants to ask them a question pertaining to their success, and investigates the resulting impressions created. In Study 1 speakers were perceived more negatively when they raised the issue relevant to their self-promotion only when their interactant did not ask them a question concerning their success. Study 2 provided evidence regarding the cognitive process underlying the perception of the self-promoter. The results are discussed in terms of the correspondence bias, the mindlessness hypothesis, and models of reconstructive memory.
Fighting Like Brother and Sister: Sibling Relationships and Future Adult Romantic Relationship Quality

Many factors influence the quality of a romantic relationship, and there has been increasing evidence that early attachment plays a vital role in adult bonds, including romantic relationships. However, most of the literature has focused on the role of parent–child and peer attachments with little focus on sibling attachments. Using the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire, we asked a sample of New Zealand university students to retrospectively rate the relationship they had with a significant sibling during their adolescence, and to rate their current romantic relationship quality using the Relationship Assessment Scale. We found no significant correlations between the subscales of the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire and the Relationship Assessment Scale. However, further analysis uncovered a significant association between the Relationship Assessment Scale, birth order, and relationship length.
Community and Civil Society Returns of Multi-generation Cohousing in Germany

Multi-generation cohousing and community developments have been promoted for more than a decade in Germany. They are confronted with rising expectations of success regarding their effects on the health, care, and well-being of their residents, as well as on local civil society. This article analyses their impact on residents and associational life by surveying eight German developments. The empirical findings underline the relevance of an informal sphere between communities and civil society for welfare and quality of life. However, relevant questions concerning their future funding and their relationship to local civil society merit further discussion and analysis.
““Breaking Bread with a Spread”” in a San Francisco County Jail

In many jails and prisons, inmates devise a cuisine that supplements –– or replaces –– the official meals provided them. Nearly every evening in the San Francisco County jails, inmates make ““spread,”” the generic term for this cuisine, out of dried ramen noodles and ingredients saved from their meal trays or purchased on weekly commissary orders. Based on a series of over thirty interviews, inmate9s recipes indicate wide ethnic variations in spread, as well as skills in inventing pies and other desserts. Obtaining ingredients and sharing spread establishes bonds between individuals and groups within the jail setting. As both product and practice, spread9s significance emerges out of its oppositions –– in appearance, taste, and origins –– to jail food. According to the inmates, despite its adherence to nutritional standards, the jailhouse diet represents monotony, insufficiency, and a lack of autonomy; spreading thus provides a creative and social outlet that counters the constraints of incarceration.
Actively Soliciting Feedback for Query Answers in Keyword Search-Based Data Integration

The problem of scaling up data integration, such that new sources can be quickly utilized as they are discovered, remains elusive: global schemas for integrated data are difficult to develop and expand, and schema and record matching techniques are limited by the fact that data and metadata are often under-specified and must be disambiguated by data experts. One promising approach is to avoid using a global schema, and instead to develop keyword search-based data integration--where the system lazily discovers associations enabling it to join together matches to keywords, and return ranked results. The user is expected to understand the data domain and provide feedback about answers' quality. The system generalizes such feedback to learn how to correctly integrate data. A major open challenge is that under this model, the user only sees and offers feedback on a few "top-k" results: this result set must be carefully selected to include answers of high relevance and answers that are highly informative when feedback is given on them. Existing systems merely focus on predicting relevance, by composing the scores of various schema and record matching algorithms. In this paper we show how to predict the uncertainty associated with a query result's score, as well as how informative feedback is on a given result. We build upon these foundations to develop an active learning approach to keyword search-based data integration, and we validate the effectiveness of our solution over real data from several very different domains.
Prosodic Features in the Perception of Clarification Ellipses

We present an experiment where subjects were asked to listen to Swedish human-computer dialogue fragments where a synthetic voice makes an elliptical clarification after a user turn. The prosodic features of the synthetic voice were systematically varied, and subjects were asked to judge the computer’s actual intention. The results show that an early low F0 peak signals acceptance, that a late high peak is perceived as a request for clarification of what was said, and that a mid high peak is perceived as a request for clarification of the meaning of what was said. The study can be seen as the beginnings of a tentative model for intonation of clarification ellipses in Swedish, which can be implemented and tested in spoken dialogue systems.
An efficient method for introducing defined lipids into the plasma membrane of mammalian cells

An efficient method has been devised to introduce lipid molecules into the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. This method has been applied to fuse lipid vesicles with the apical plasma membrane of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The cells were infected with fowl plague or influenza N virus. 4 h after infection, the hemagglutinin (HA) spike glycoprotein of the virus was present in the apical plasma membrane of the cells. Lipid vesicles containing egg phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and an HA receptor (ganglioside) were then bound to the cells at 0 degrees C. More than 85% of the vesicles were released by external neuraminidase at 0 degrees C or by simply warming the cells to 37 degrees C for 10 s, probably because of the action of the viral neuraminidase at the cell surface. However, when the cells were warmed to 37 degrees C in a pH 5.3 medium for 30 s, 50% of the bound vesicles could no longer be released by external neuraminidase. This only occurred when the HA protein had been cleaved into its HA1 and HA2 subunits. When we used influenza N virus, whose HA is not cleaved in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, cleavage with external trypsin was required. The fact that the HA protein has fusogenic properties at low pH only in its cleaved form suggests that fusion of the vesicles with the plasma membrane had taken place. Further confirmation for fusion was obtained using an assay based on the decrease of energy transfer between two fluorescent phospholipids in a vesicle upon fusion of the vesicle with the plasma membrane (Struck, D. K., D. Hoekstra, and R. E. Pagano. 1981. Biochemistry, 20:4093-4099).
Selective inactivation of alcohol oxidase in two peroxisome‐deficient mutants of the yeast Hansenula polymorpha

We have studied selective inactivation of alcohol oxidase (AO) in two peroxisome‐deficient (PER) mutants of the yeast Hansenula polymorpha. In these mutants high activities of cytosolic AO are induced by different growth conditions. At enhanced expression rates AO is arranged in large crystalloids in the cytosol, whereas smaller crystalloids are often observed inside the nucleus. Transfer of cells of the PER mutant 125‐2E, which completely lacks peroxisomes, to glucose‐excess conditions did not lead to degradative inactivation of AO and catalase as observed in wild‐type (WT) cells used as a control. The gradual decrease in enzyme activities in the PER mutant could be accounted for by dilution of existing enzyme into newly formed cells as a result of growth. Morphologically, degradation of the cytosolic crystalloids was also not observed. Similar results were obtained with a second PER mutant (strain 124‐2D), impaired in the import of peroxisomal matrix proteins. This mutant is characterized by the presence of small peroxisomes and large cytosolic AO crystalloids. Upon a shift of cells to glucose‐excess conditions only part of the small peroxisomes present in these cells were degraded by mechanisms similar to those observed in WT cells placed under identical conditions. These results indicate that degradative inactivation of AO in H. polymorpha is strictly dependent on the localization of the enzyme inside peroxisomes and furthermore suggests that the mechanisms triggering this process are not directed against AO protein, but instead, to the membrane surrounding the organelle. Transfer of cells to methanolor ethanol‐containing media both resulted in modification inactivation of AO. Under these conditions also the AO crystalloids remained unaffected by incubation in the new environment.
A mechanism for discovery and prevention of coopeartive black hole attack in mobile ad hoc network using AODV protocol

In present mobile ad hoc network is an innovative and incredibly popular technology but influenced by foremost security issue because of its dynamic nature or decentralized network The black hole is one of the attack from several attack in the MANETs which advertise itself having the shortest or “freshest” route to transmit the packet to the destination and replies the route request incorrectly to drop all the packets. In this paper, broadcast synchronization (BS) and relative distance (RD) method of clock synchronization is used to prevent the black hole nodes and the analysis of the following parameter used in this proposed method such as throughput, end to end delay, and packet delivery ratio is done in NS 2.34 network simulator.