Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agent-advising approaches in an interactive reinforcement learning scenario

Reinforcement learning has become one of the fundamental topics in the field of robotics and machine learning. In this paper, we expand the classical reinforcement learning framework by the idea of external interaction to support the learning process. To this end, we review a number of proposed advising approaches for interactive reinforcement learning and discuss their implications, namely, probabilistic advising, early advising, importance advising, and mistake correcting. Moreover, we implement the advice strategies for interactive reinforcement learning based on a simulated robotic scenario of a domestic cleaning task. The obtained results show that the mistake correcting approach outperforms a purely probabilistic advice approach as well as the early and importance advising approaches allowing to collect more reward and also to converge faster.
An analysis of congestion controls in centralized control systems

This article studies different congestion control methods applied to a centralized control system, consisting in several sensors/actuators and one controller. Sensors/actuators are linked to the controller through an IP network. Depending on the data exchanged, the network can be congested. In such case, the congestion control used by data exchange becomes important. We evaluate four congestion control methods used by three classical transport protocols, UDP, TCP and DCCP. This evaluation uses ns2 network simulator. Results on a centralised control system show that TCP and DCCP offer a good tradeoff on reliability vs. throughput, whereas UDP has best results provided that the network is well configured.
A Review Paper on Machine Learning Based Recommendation System

_________ Abstract - Recommendation system plays important role in Internet world and used in many applications. It has created the collection of many application, created global village and growth for numerous information. This paper represents the overview of Approaches and techniques generated in recommendation system. Recommendation system is categorized in three classes: Collaborative Filtering, Content based and hybrid based Approach. This paper classifies collaborative filtering in two types: Memory based and Model based Recommendation . The paper elaborates these approaches and their techniques with their limitations. This survey shows the road map for research in this area.
Clinical and immunological correlates of long term survival in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumour in adults. It represents 54% of all gliomas and 16% of all brain tumours (Ostrom et al. 2016). Despite surgery and treatment with radiotherapy plus an oral alkylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ), tumours invariably recur, and the patient survival is an average of ~14–16 months. In this review we summarise the current understanding of multiple factors that may affect survival of patients with GBMs. In particular, we discuss recent advancements in surgery and detection of genomic-based markers with prognostic values, such as IDH1/2 mutations, MGMT gene promoter methylation, and TERT gene promoter alterations. We address the issue of tumour heterogeneity and evolution that may result in different parts of the same tumour exhibiting different GBM subtypes and in subtype switching, which may restrict the usefulness of the expression-based classification as a prognostic marker before relapse. The determinants of long-term survival in patients with IDH1/2wt GBM, beyond MGMT promoter methylation, remain to be identified, and even the absence of both IDH1/2 mutations and MGMT promoter methylation does not preclude long-term survival. These findings suggest that host-derived factors, such as immune system responsiveness may contribute to long-term survival in such patients. We report the results of high-throughput approaches, suggesting links between long-term survival and enhanced immune-related gene expression. The further search for new gene candidates, promoter methylation status, and specific features of host immunity should provide prognostic biomarkers for the evaluation of survival of IDH1 wild-type/non-G-CIMP GBMs.
Weighted Voting of Discriminative Regions for Face Recognition

This paper presents a strategy, Weighted Voting of Discriminative Regions (WVDR), to improve the face recognition performance, especially in Small Sample Size (SSS) and occlusion situations. In WVDR, we extract the discriminative regions according to facial key points and abandon the rest parts. Considering different regions of face make different contributions to recognition, we assign weights to regions for weighted voting. We construct a decision dictionary according to the recognition results of selected regions in the training phase, and this dictionary is used in a self-defined loss function to obtain weights. The final identity of test sample is the weighted voting of selected regions. In this paper, we combine the WVDR strategy with CRC and SRC separately, and extensive experiments show that our method outperforms the baseline and some representative algorithms. key words: discriminative regions, small sample size, occlusion, weighted strategy, face recognition
A Differential Variational Inequality Approach for the Simulation of Heterogeneous Materials

The phase-field method has recently emerged as a powerful approach for modeling and predicting mesoscale morphological and microstructure evolution in materials. While differential variational inequalities (DVIs) arise naturally in the phase-field method, the prevailing approach replaces these by smooth approximations that result in equations that are typically very stiff and limit the efficiency and accuracy of the numerical methods applied. This paper discusses initial work in formulating the phase-field equations as a DVI, which is equivalent to a complementarity problem. We solve the system with newly developed nonlinear algebraic solvers for variational inequalities, and we demonstrate that this DVI approach is accurate and efficient for the resolution of heterogeneous materials problems.
Equalization of Gaussian-Like Spectra via Optical Lattice Filters With Symmetric-Feedback Structure

This paper presents a scheme for equalizing Gaussian-like spectra by using all-fiber lattice filters with a symmetric feedback structure. With the proposed design strategy and feedback structure, the output power of Gaussian-like spectra is maximized, and the designed equalization filter can flatten the Gaussian-like spectra in the maximally flat sense while satisfying specified spectrum performance. The design scheme is able to efficiently and systematically determine the optimal coefficients of the lattice filter through a recursion algorithm. As an illustrative example, the proposed scheme is applied to the design of an all-fiber equalization filter to flatten the output spectrum of a superluminescence light-emitting diode. Simulation and experimental results are carried out to verify the theoretical analysis
A Survey of Communication Protocols for Internet of Things and Related Challenges of Fog and Cloud Computing Integration

The fast increment in the number of IoT (Internet of Things) devices is accelerating the research on new solutions to make cloud services scalable. In this context, the novel concept of fog computing as well as the combined fog-to-cloud computing paradigm is becoming essential to decentralize the cloud, while bringing the services closer to the end-system. This article surveys e application layer communication protocols to fulfill the IoT communication requirements, and their potential for implementation in fog- and cloud-based IoT systems. To this end, the article first briefly presents potential protocol candidates, including request-reply and publish-subscribe protocols. After that, the article surveys these protocols based on their main characteristics, as well as the main performance issues, including latency, energy consumption, and network throughput. These findings are thereafter used to place the protocols in each segment of the system (IoT, fog, cloud), and thus opens up the discussion on their choice, interoperability, and wider system integration. The survey is expected to be useful to system architects and protocol designers when choosing the communication protocols in an integrated IoT-to-fog-to-cloud system architecture.
Diabetes mellitus and risk factors in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Background Globally, diabetes is rising dramatically causing high health burden in low- and middle-income countries. It is estimated that about 382 million people had diabetes in 2013. In 2013, diabetes caused 5.1 million deaths globally. Almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Purpose To assess the magnitude of diabetes mellitus (DM) and associated risk factors in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2014 at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Convenient sampling technique was implemented. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected by senior clinical nurses. Venous blood was collected from each study participant. Serum glucose and lipid profile of the study participants was measured using HumaStar 80 spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were utilized. Results A total of 393 HIV-infected individuals of age ranging from 21 years to 75 years had enrolled in this study. The overall prevalence of DM in this study was 6.4% (n=25). Two hundred and ninety-one (74%) and 77 (19.6%) of the study participants had normal (70–110 mg/dL) and impaired (111–125 mg/dL) fasting blood glucose values, respectively. After adjusting for the other variables, age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =4.812, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.668–13.881, P=0.004), duration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (AOR =26.928, 95% CI: 3.722–194.822, P=0.001), hypertension (AOR =4.779, 95% CI: 1.646–13.874, P=0.004), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (AOR =5.669, 95% CI: 1.849–17.382, P=0.004) were significantly associated with DM. Conclusion HAART may have an impact on the cause of diabetes. Hence, HIV-infected individuals should be screened for diabetes, both before and after initiation of HAART.
Macropinocytotic Uptake and Infection of Human Epithelial Cells with Species B2 Adenovirus Type 35

ABSTRACT Human adenovirus serotype 35 (HAdV-35; here referred to as Ad35) causes kidney and urinary tract infections and infects respiratory organs of immunocompromised individuals. Unlike other adenoviruses, Ad35 has a low seroprevalence, which makes Ad35-based vectors promising candidates for gene therapy. Ad35 utilizes CD46 and integrins as receptors for infection of epithelial and hematopoietic cells. Here we show that infectious entry of Ad35 into HeLa cells, human kidney HK-2 cells, and normal human lung fibroblasts strongly depended on CD46 and integrins but not heparan sulfate and variably required the large GTPase dynamin. Ad35 infections were independent of expression of the carboxy-terminal domain of AP180, which effectively blocks clathrin-mediated uptake. Ad35 infections were inhibited by small chemicals against serine/threonine kinase Pak1 (p21-activated kinase), protein kinase C (PKC), sodium-proton exchangers, actin, and acidic organelles. Remarkably, the F-actin inhibitor jasplakinolide, the Pak1 inhibitor IPA-3, or the sodium-proton exchange inhibitor 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) blocked endocytic uptake of Ad35. Dominant-negative proteins or small interfering RNAs against factors driving macropinocytosis, including the small GTPase Rac1, Pak1, or the Pak1 effector C-terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1), potently inhibited Ad35 infection. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, electron microscopy, and live cell imaging showed that Ad35 colocalized with fluid-phase markers in large endocytic structures that were positive for CD46, αν integrins, and also CtBP1. Our results extend earlier observations with HAdV-3 (Ad3) and establish macropinocytosis as an infectious pathway for species B human adenoviruses in epithelial and hematopoietic cells.
Preparation, structure, and fracture modes of Pb-Sn and Pb-In terminated flip chips attached to gold-capped microsockets

The author discusses the effects of selecting nickel, deposited from an electroless phosphorus-based bath, as the base metal to achieve solder wetting in solder-bump, flip-chip interconnection technology. Specifically discussed are the degrading effects on solder wetting due to precipitate formation during process thermal exposure and a method to prevent the problem. The role of a thick-gold overlay, referred to as a gold cap, in preventing degraded solder wetting is considered. Also addressed are the overall metallurgical characteristics of both lead-tin and lead-indium C-4 (controlled collapse chip connection) joints and their relation to performance (i.e. fracture mode and fatigue life). <<ETX>>
Delivery of a Small for Gestational Age Infant and Greater Maternal Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease

Background Delivery of a small for gestational age (SGA) infant has been associated with increased maternal risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD). It is uncertain whether giving birth to SGA infant is a specific determinant of later IHD, independent of other risk factors, or a marker of general poor health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between delivery of a SGA infant and maternal risk for IHD in relation to traditional IHD risk factors. Methods and Findings Risk of maternal IHD was evaluated in a population based cross-sectional study of 6,608 women with a prior live term birth who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006), a probability sample of the U.S. population. Sequence of events was determined from age at last live birth and at diagnosis of IHD. Delivery of a SGA infant is strongly associated with greater maternal risk for IHD (age adjusted OR; 95% CI: 1.8; 1.2, 2.9; p = 0.012). The association was independent of the family history of IHD, stroke, hypertension and diabetes (family history-adjusted OR; 95% CI: 1.9; 1.2, 3.0; p = 0.011) as well as other risk factors for IHD (risk factor-adjusted OR; 95% CI: 1.7; 1.1, 2.7; p = 0.025). Delivery of a SGA infant was associated with earlier onset of IHD and preceded it by a median of 30 (interquartile range: 20, 36) years. Conclusions Giving birth to a SGA infant is strongly and independently associated with IHD and a potential risk factor that precedes IHD by decades. A pregnancy that produces a SGA infant may induce long-term cardiovascular changes that increase risk for IHD.
Sulfated Steroid–Amino Acid Conjugates from the Irish Marine Sponge Polymastia boletiformis

Antifungal bioactivity-guided fractionation of the organic extract of the sponge Polymastia boletiformis, collected from the west coast of Ireland, led to the isolation of two new sulfated steroid-amino acid conjugates (1 and 2). Extensive 1D and 2D NMR analyses in combination with quantum mechanical calculations of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, optical rotation, and 13C chemical shifts were used to establish the chemical structures of 1 and 2. Both compounds exhibited moderate antifungal activity against Cladosporium cucumerinum, while compound 2 was also active against Candida albicans. Marine natural products containing steroidal and amino acid constituents are extremely rare in nature.
Silhouette-based object phenotype recognition using 3D shape priors

This paper tackles the novel challenging problem of 3D object phenotype recognition from a single 2D silhouette. To bridge the large pose (articulation or deformation) and camera viewpoint changes between the gallery images and query image, we propose a novel probabilistic inference algorithm based on 3D shape priors. Our approach combines both generative and discriminative learning. We use latent probabilistic generative models to capture 3D shape and pose variations from a set of 3D mesh models. Based on these 3D shape priors, we generate a large number of projections for different phenotype classes, poses, and camera viewpoints, and implement Random Forests to efficiently solve the shape and pose inference problems. By model selection in terms of the silhouette coherency between the query and the projections of 3D shapes synthesized using the galleries, we achieve the phenotype recognition result as well as a fast approximate 3D reconstruction of the query. To verify the efficacy of the proposed approach, we present new datasets which contain over 500 images of various human and shark phenotypes and motions. The experimental results clearly show the benefits of using the 3D priors in the proposed method over previous 2D-based methods.
An Examination of Adolescent Recall of Anti-Smoking Messages: Attitudes, Message Type, and Message Perceptions

ABSTRACT Delayed message recall may be influenced by currently held accessible attitudes, the nature of the message, and message perceptions (perception of bias and message elaboration). This study examined the potential of message perceptions to mediate the influence of valenced attitude accessibility and message type on unaided recall of anti-smoking Public Service Announcements (PSAs). In a field experiment, ninth grade students (N = 244) watched three PSAs and responded to items on laptop computers. Twelve weeks later, follow-up telephone surveys were conducted to assess unaided recall. Both valenced attitude accessibility and message type were associated with message perceptions. However, only perception of message bias partially mediated the relationship between message type and unaided recall.
Body size measures and risk of venous thromboembolism: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Obesity is significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE); however, the related mechanisms remain unclear. Previous studies have suggested that this might be related to physical factors including anthropometric measures. We intend to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies to summarise the extant literature on the associations between a set of seven measures of body size and the risk of VTE. Methods and analysis The current systematic review will include prospective cohort studies assessing the association between seven measures of body size (height, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio) and the risk of VTE. We will conduct comprehensive searches of MEDLINE and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) for articles published from inception through 31 August 2017, without any language restriction. Two investigators will independently screen, select studies and perform data extraction and risk of bias assessment, with discrepancies resolved by a third investigator. For each body size measure, study-specific relative risks will be pooled using random effects meta-analysis models. Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochran’s Q statistic, H and the I2 statistics. Sources of heterogeneity will be investigated using subgroup and meta-regression analyses as deemed appropriate. Publication bias will be assessed with funnel plots supplemented by Egger’s test. Ethics and dissemination This systematic review will use data from published literature; therefore, ethical approval is not required. We expect our findings to supplement previous epidemiological studies by providing an updated and comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on the association between body size measures and risk of VTE in the general population. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific meetings. PROSPERO registration number CD CRD42017071996.
A Low-Cost Vehicle Anti-Theft System Using Obsolete Smartphone

In modern society, vehicle theft has become an increasing problem to the general public. Deploying onboard anti-theft systems could relieve this problem, but it often requires extra investment for vehicle owners. In this paper, we propose the idea of PhoneInside, which does not need a special device but leverages an obsolete smartphone to build a low-cost vehicle anti-theft system. After being fixed in the vehicle body with a car charger, the smartphone can detect vehicle movement and adaptively use GPS, cellular/WiFi localization, and dead reckoning to locate the vehicle during driving. Especially, a novel Velocity-Aware Dead Reckoning (VA-DR) method is presented, which utilizes map knowledge and vehicle’s turns at road curves and intersections to estimate velocity for trajectory computation. Compared to traditional dead reckoning, it reduces accumulated errors and achieves great improvement in localization accuracy. Furthermore, based on the learning of the driving history, our system can establish individual mobility model for a vehicle and distinguish abnormal driving behaviors by a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network. With the help of ad hoc authentication, the system can identify vehicle theft and send out timely alarming and tracking messages for rapid recovery. The realistic experiments running on Android smartphones prove that our system can detect vehicle theft effectively and locate a stolen vehicle accurately, with average errors less than the sight range.
Identification and Characterization of the MADS-Box Genes and Their Contribution to Flower Organ in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

Dianthus is a large genus containing many species with high ornamental economic value. Extensive breeding strategies permitted an exploration of an improvement in the quality of cultivated carnation, particularly in flowers. However, little is known on the molecular mechanisms of flower development in carnation. Here, we report the identification and description of MADS-box genes in carnation (DcaMADS) with a focus on those involved in flower development and organ identity determination. In this study, 39 MADS-box genes were identified from the carnation genome and transcriptome by the phylogenetic analysis. These genes were categorized into four subgroups (30 MIKCc, two MIKC*, two Mα, and five Mγ). The MADS-box domain, gene structure, and conserved motif compositions of the carnation MADS genes were analysed. Meanwhile, the expression of DcaMADS genes were significantly different in stems, leaves, and flower buds. Further studies were carried out for exploring the expression of DcaMADS genes in individual flower organs, and some crucial DcaMADS genes correlated with their putative function were validated. Finally, a new expression pattern of DcaMADS genes in flower organs of carnation was provided: sepal (three class E genes and two class A genes), petal (two class B genes, two class E genes, and one SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP)), stamen (two class B genes, two class E genes, and two class C), styles (two class E genes and two class C), and ovary (two class E genes, two class C, one AGAMOUS-LIKE 6 (AGL6), one SEEDSTICK (STK), one B sister, one SVP, and one Mα). This result proposes a model in floral organ identity of carnation and it may be helpful to further explore the molecular mechanism of flower organ identity in carnation.