Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agent-Based Control of Distributed Infrastructure Resources

Managing distributed infrastructure resources is usually accomplished by telephone calls among the managers and operators. This works reasonably well under ordinary circumstances but breaks down—often catastrophically—under stress. Individual motivation, long response times, and poor situation awareness interfere with operation and can even cause breakdowns. Broadly distributed operations would more robust and fail more gracefully than centralized systems, but remain unlikely given the difficulty in operating large infrastructures even with modern Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. The solution is management by distributed software that maintains normal operation, enforces operational and security policy, deals with contingencies, and protects against malicious indsiders, errors, and outright attacks. We specify a distributed agent coalition able to accomplish this for distributed electric power and describe a prototype implementation based on Sandia-developed technology.
Developing Java applications for a nuclear fusion experiment: a test case for Java applicability in a demanding environment

The paper describes the experience gained in the development of Java applications in a nuclear fusion experiment. Two Java tools for graphical data display and experiment configuration set‐up are presented as case studies. Based on these tools, the results derived by the application of some metrics for object oriented software and by the analysis of the design patterns imported in the applications are presented to highlight the effective code reuse achieved with Java. The main issues in the applicability of Java in a demanding environment are then introduced and a few weaknesses of the language are finally discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Risks and Implication on the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector

The study seeks to identify the sources of risks in the manufacturing organizations, identify the risks that should be retained, ascertain how to assess and prioritize risks, and ascertain the implication of managing risks. The study was carried out primarily through the survey method and interview of employees in five manufacturing organizations in Nigeria. Secondary data were obtained through books, journals, and internet. Findings indicate that the sources of risks in the manufacturing organizations include employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; small risks, risks that are large, and all risks that are not avoided or transferred are retained; risks are assessed and prioritized by determining the severity of loss, and probability of occurrence; Improperly assessed and prioritized risks result in waste of time dealing with risks that are not likely to occur. Risk management is simply a practice of systematically selecting cost effective approaches for minimizing the effect of threat realization to the organisation. All risks can never be fully avoided or mitigated simply because of financial and practical limitations. Therefore all organizations have to accept some level of residual risks. However, if risks are improperly assessed and prioritized, time can be wasted in dealing with risk of losses that are not likely to occur. Spending too much time assessing and managing unlikely risks can divert resources that could be used more profitably. Unlikely events do occur but if the risks are unlikely enough to occur it may be better to simply retain the risk and deal with the result if the loss does in fact occur. Keywords: Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Charting, Risk Checking, and Risk Management
Chronic Lumbar Intrathecal Catheterization for the Collection of Cerebrospinal Fluid in the Canine

ABSTRACT Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an excessive production of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Studies have shown that concentrations of tau and amyloid protein (β-amyloid (Aβ)) are altered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with AD. In an effort to support the investigation of specialized CSF biomarkers, a reliable and reproducible chronic system was developed to collect lumbar CSF from conscious dogs. Several nonsurgical and surgical procedures have been published for accessing lumbar CSF. We elected to use a lumbar catheter with a vascular access port to collect lumbar CSF. Although the surgical model is not novel, we evaluated various modifications to the procedure and maintenance to increase patency of chronic indwelling lumbar CSF catheters. Different types of catheters were evaluated, and for our purposes a 3.5 Fr open-ended polyurethane catheter was selected. With our final modified surgical procedure and catheter maintenance program, 67% remained patent for longer than 30 days for the first surgery and 86% remained patent for longer than 30 days if a repair or replacement surgery was performed. Based on the results of the proof of concept studies, our model proved to be useful for single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic studies in a search for effective Alzheimer's disease treatment.
Amorphous Inclusions in Irradiated Silicon and Their Effects on Material and Device Properties

Clustered damage plays an important role in determining the electronic properties of silicon irradiated with particles having a relatively high rate of nonionizing energy loss. This damage has generally been treated as being heavily defected crystal, but substantial evidence points to amorphization. The structure of radiation-produced amorphous regions in silicon is modeled here using atomistic techniques. Those regions consist of a phase distinct from the surrounding crystal, and models based on amorphous inclusions can explain the dominance of clusters in determining key electronic properties in irradiated bulk material and devices.
Dynamic Distributed Storage Architecture on Smart Grids

Most of the power network services such as voltage control, asset management, or flow monitoring are implemented within a centralized paradigm. Novel distributed power generation techniques—eolian fields or local solar panels—are decentralizing this generation paradigm and forcing companies to change their traditional centralized infrastructure. This implies that intelligence and data sources are now spread over the whole network. Smart grids may enable to manage such a change although any standard architecture to deploy them on a power network exists. This challenges researchers to design and implement a new distributed storage system able to offer different levels of consistency and replication depending on the physical location of the smart sensor and according to the network needs. This paper reviews the requirements of smart grids and presents a new dynamic storage architecture following the flavor of cloud computing. This architecture is based on a variant of the primary copy scheme and is suitable to store all needed data and enable smart grids to solve the required functions in a distributed way. Moreover, it is able to offer high scalability and a consistency level similar to the one required by wireless sensor networks.
Globalization and the Environment: Determinants of Firm Self-Regulation in China

Critics assert that globalization is detrimental to the environment because it encourages location of polluting industries in countries with low environmental regulations. We suggest that globalization might also have positive environmental effects because global ties increase self-regulation pressures on firms in low-regulation countries. Using survey data from firms in China we find that multinational ownership, multinational customers, and exports to developed countries increase self-regulation of environmental performance.
Discriminant Analysis of the Effects of Software Cost Drivers on Software Project Schedule Estimates in Nigeria

The paper work investigates the effect of software cost drivers on project schedule estimation of software development projects in Nigeria. Specifically, the paper determines the extent to which software cost variables affect our software project time schedule in our environment. Such studies are lacking in the recent development of information technology in Nigeria. Primary data was collected using the five point Likert scale. The data was subjected to discriminant analysis. It was found that software size cost driver/variable, personnel cost driver, and software development tools cost driver exhibited the largest correlation within the discriminating function (project duration estimate). Although, there are no perfect models yet, it is recommended that particular attention be paid to these cost drivers/variables as they reflect positively in the software development time schedule. Keywords: Software cost drivers, Software projects, Software development time schedule.
Lexical acquisition and semantic space models: Learning the semantics of unknown words

Abstract In recent studies it has been shown that syntax-based semantic space models outperform models in which the context is represented as a bag-of-words in several semantic analysis tasks. This has been generally attributed to the fact that syntax-based models employ corpora that are syntactically annotated by a parser and a computational grammar. However, if the corpora processed contain words which are unknown to the parser and the grammar, a syntax-based model may lose its advantage since the syntactic properties of such words are unavailable. On the other hand, bag-of-words models do not face this issue since they operate on raw, non-annotated corpora and are thus more robust. In this paper, we compare the performance of syntax-based and bag-of-words models when applied to the task of learning the semantics of unknown words. In our experiments, unknown words are considered the words which are not known to the Alpino parser and grammar of Dutch. In our study, the semantics of an unknown word is defined by finding its most similar word in cornetto, a Dutch lexico-semantic hierarchy. We show that for unknown words the syntax-based model performs worse than the bag-of-words approach. Furthermore, we show that if we first learn the syntactic properties of unknown words by an appropriate lexical acquisition method, then in fact the syntax-based model does outperform the bag-of-words approach. The conclusion we draw is that, for words unknown to a given grammar, a bag-of-words model is more robust than a syntax-based model. However, the combination of lexical acquisition and syntax-based semantic models is best suited for learning the semantics of unknown words.
Practical aspects of real‐time pure shift HSQC experiments

Pure shift NMR spectroscopy has become an efficient tool for improving resolution in proton NMR spectra by removing the effect of homonuclear couplings. The introduction of real‐time acquisition methods has allowed the main drawback of pure shift NMR, the long experiment times needed, to be circumvented. Real‐time methods use periodic application of J‐refocusing pulse sequence elements, acquiring a single free induction decay, in contrast to previous methods that construct a pure shift interferogram by concatenating excerpts from multiple free induction decays. In the important heteronuclear single‐quantum correlation experiment, implementing real‐time pure shift data acquisition typically leads to the simultaneous improvement of both resolution and sensitivity. The current limitations of and problems with real‐time pure shift acquisition methods are discussed here in the context of heteronuclear single‐quantum correlation experiments. We aim to provide a detailed account of the technical challenges, together with a practical guide to exploiting the full potential of such methods.
Use of pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal disease: experience in 100 consecutive procedures.

OBJECT Few reports are available on the use of pedicle screw fixation for cancer-related spinal instability. The authors present their experience with pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal column tumors. METHODS Records for patients with malignant spinal tumors who underwent pedicle screw fixation at the authors' institution between September 1994 and December 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Ninety-five patients with malignant spinal tumors underwent 100 surgeries involving pedicle screw fixation: metastatic spinal disease was present in 81 patients, and locally invasive tumors were demonstrated in 14 patients. Indications for surgery were pain (98%) and/or neurological dysfunction (80%). A posterior (48%) or a combined anterior-posterior (52%) approach was performed depending on the extent of tumor and the patient's condition. At the mean follow up of 8.2 months, 43 patients (45%) had died; median survival, as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, was 14.8 months. At I month postsurgery, self-reported pain had improved in 87% of cases (p < 0.001), which is a finding substantiated by reductions in analgesic use, and 29 (47%) of 62 patients with preoperative neurological impairments were functionally improved (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were associated only with preoperative radiation therapy (p = 0.002) and with preexisting serious medical conditions (p = 0.04). In two patients asymptomatic violation of the lateral wall of the pedicle was revealed on postoperative radiography. The 30-day mortality rate was 1%. CONCLUSIONS For selected patients with malignant spinal tumors, pedicle screw fixation after tumor resection may provide considerable pain relief and restore or preserve ambulation with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.
Diversity in Global Virtual Teams: A Partnership Development Perspective

"This study is an attempt to develop and test a comprehensive model for Global Virtual Team (GVT) effectiveness based on development of collaborative partnership among diverse team members and the moderating role of collaborative technology and task. The conceptual model is based on traditional I-P-O framework for understanding GVT effectiveness. Team diversity in terms of surface level, functional, and deep level are treated as the central tenet of team inputs. Collaborative partnership elements are at the process level, moderated by task features and collaborative technology. At the outcome level, this study is more interested in GVT effectiveness as measured by team performance and individual team member satisfaction. Results from a field survey of 58 GVT in various industries indicate three levels of diversity and confirm the moderating role of task interdependence and collaborative technology. Results do not confirm the moderating role of task complexity on the relationship between diversity and collaborative partnership. Results also confirm mediating role of collaborative technology on the relationship between diversity and GVT effectiveness. "--Abstract from author supplied metadata.
Results of railway privatization in Africa

This review is designed to assist the development community and policy makers in other countries who may be contemplating railway privatization. The report is principally concerned with the results of privatization rather than the processes or detailed concession structures, which have varied from country to country depending on diverse local circumstances. This report is concerned with the results of the African concessions. The report contains three main sections: (i) A summary of the background to railway development in sub-Saharan Africa to the start of the 1990's, together with a list of the railway privatizations and concessions undertaken over the last 10 years and a brief description of the main concessionaires; (ii) A more detailed presentation of the thirteen concessions, particularly the three which have been operating the longest ; (iii) An assessment of the overall results of railway privatization/concessioning.
The Effect of Neighbors on Root Distribution in a Creosotebush (Larrea Tridentata) Population

We excavated and mapped the lateral extension of 32 creosotebush shrubs (Larrea tridentata) in the Chihuahuan desert of New Mexico to examine the effect of neighborhood interaction on root distribution. The smallest closed—angle polygon encompassing all roots of an individual was taken as a representation of its root system. Several geometrical characteristics of these polygons were measured and compared to interference vectors based on the location and size of the neighbors. We found that root systems were more developed away from the maximum competitive pressure of neighbors. Relation between root system shape and pressure from neighbors was stronger when the competitive vectors were integrating effect from all neighbors. Size of neighbors did not appear to contribute significantly to the relation. The resulting spatial pattern tended to reduce the overlap between neighboring root systems. Two conceptual models of root growth response to neighbors appear to explain our results. Both models assume that when the root system of neighbors meet, root growth is impaired or ceases at the zone of contact. In the nonoverlapping, non—compensatory model, the decrease in root growth between two close neighbors in not compensated elsewhere, possibly affecting the overall plant performance. In the non—overlapping, compensatory model, a plant with a close neighbor responds by investing in root growth away from the competitive pressure or simply in zones free of neighbors. Under this model, two plants can be close to each other and not compete. Competition in the population is for space and only occurs when a plant root system is crowded on all sides.
Facilitating Awareness of Human Service System Reform

AbstractInnovative service delivery reform is currently taking place in the human servicesystem. Although the importance of awareness of innovative ideas to their diffusion andimplementation has long been recognized, little research has been devoted to the factorsaffecting awareness of innovative ideas. This study examines human service providers’awareness of innovative service delivery reform efforts and its relationship to theirparticipation in new, innovation-focused work settings and to their leaders’ participationin a local interagency coordinating council. The differential effects of service providers’personal involvement in these settings, their agencies’ total involvement in these settings,and their leaders’ involvement in the interagency council are also examined. Resultssuggest that involvement in innovation-related work settings does affect serviceproviders’ awareness of reform efforts, and that agencies’ overall involvement has anaffect on awareness beyond that of individual service providers’ involvement. Theimplications of these results for practitioners of service delivery reform are discussed.
The use of statistical process control in food packing

Presents a synthesis of the early findings from an ongoing project researching the issues surrounding the use of SPC in a food packing environment. A cognitive mapping approach has been utilised to make sense of the complex and varied data resulting from the survey, case studies and interviews carried out to date. This methodological approach is described, and its application illustrated in relation to the research topic. Argues that SPC is one weapon in an arsenal of quality management techniques that food companies can use to consolidate or improve their position in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Once successfully adopted SPC can offer proven operational and financial benefits, but the ability of the organisation to successfully achieve implementation will depend upon a number of organisational factors. Finally, presents the agenda for further research which outlines how this ongoing project is intended to be taken forward from this point.
All in the mind? The neural correlates of unexplained physical symptoms

Physical symptoms with no medical explanation are commonly experienced by healthy people and those attending clinics. Psychiatrists see such patients in liaison settings and clinics for those with psychotic and affective disorders. The pathophysiology remains obscure; physical investigations are usually performed to exclude pathology rather than elucidate dysfunction. However, modern neuroimaging has allowed the study of nervous system structure and function. Although there are few diagnostically specific findings, patterns of association have emerged: where action is impeded (certain forms of conversion disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome) frontal systems of the brain are often implicated; when subjective awareness of the body is disturbed (passivity phenomena and anorexia nervosa) temporo-parietal cortices appear to be dysfunctional. The caudate nuclei (components of the frontal executive circuit) are implicated in a variety of syndromes (including body dysmorphic disorder, somatisation and chronic fatigue). The brain may be viewed as a cognitive neurobiological entity, crucially oriented towards action (for survival). Psychiatric syndromes that have an impact on bodily awareness signal dysfunction within systems representing that body and its performance in time and space.
Authoritative citation KNN learning in multiple-instance problems

In this paper, we propose an authoritative citation K-nearest neighbor (ACKNN) algorithm for learning and classification in multiple-instance problems. We devise an authority measure for each instance or each bag of instances. This authority measure records how well an instance or a bag of instances has contributed to a correct classification, thus documenting how well an instance or a bag has been cited as a nearest neighbor. Based on our experiments with the Musk] and Musk2 datasets, by learning the authority meas­ ures, the ACKNN algorithm outperforms most other algorithms in Musk] classification accuracy, but only performs reasonably well in Musk2 classification ac­ curacy.
Origin of NBTI variability in deeply scaled pFETs

The similarity between Random Telegraph Noise and Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) relaxation is further demonstrated by the observation of exponentially-distributed threshold voltage shifts corresponding to single-carrier discharges in NBTI transients in deeply scaled pFETs. A SPICE-based simplified channel percolation model is devised to confirm this behavior. The overall device-to-device ΔVth distribution following NBTI stress is argued to be a convolution of exponential distributions of uncorrelated individual charged defects Poisson-distributed in number. An analytical description of the total NBTI threshold voltage shift distribution is derived, allowing, among other things, linking its first two moments with the average number of defects per device.
ONTOLOGY-BASED AUTOMATIC TEXT SUMMARIZATION by MEGHANA VISWANATH ( Under the Direction of

by MEGHANA VISWANATH (Under the Direction of Krzysztof J. Kochut) ABSTRACT This thesis presents an ontology-based approach to automatic extractive summarization of text. Most of the extractive summarization systems so far have used statistical importance measures to determine importance of sentences. We use a knowledge-based approach which makes use of ontological knowledge to determine sentence importance. The Wikipedia ontology is the source of this knowledge. A sub-graph of the ontology is extracted after mapping the input document onto the ontology. The sub-graph, called the Thematic Graph, contains ontology concepts which match the terms in the document and edges from the ontology which represent relationships between the concepts. Hence, the thematic graph represents the theme of the input document. The thematic graph thus obtained is then analyzed using various graph-based importance measures to determine the relative importance of nodes. These values are used ultimately to decide which sentences are included in the summary for the document.