Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the GARF replicated objects platform

This paper presents the design and implementation of the GARF system, an object-oriented platform that helps programming fault-tolerant distributed applications in a modular way. The originality of GARF is to separate a distributed object into several objects, the complexity of distribution and fault-tolerance being encapsulated in reusable classes. The use of those classes by the GARF system is based on a run-time mechanism of invocation redirection, where most other systems use inheritance, a compile-time mechanism. Our runtime, which supports the GARF object model, is written in Smalltalk. It is presented in detail, as well as the reusable classes that support fault-tolerance. Fault-tolerant objects are implemented using groups of replicated objects. Our Dependable Object Toolkit provides group management facilities at the object level. Object groups are built on top of the Isis toolkit, which provides group management facilities at the Unix process level. Our mapping of object groups on process groups and our interfacing of Smalltalk and Isis are detailed. Performance analysis and a first evaluation of our prototype are also presented.
Unsteady state flow and stagnation in distribution systems affect the biological stability of drinking water

The effects of water stagnation and flushing on the biological stability of drinking water were studied by promoting the formation of biofilms under continuous flow (turbulent or laminar) and subsequently subjecting them to unsteady hydraulic situations. Independently of the flow regime under which the biofilm was formed, stagnation promoted bacterial accumulation, either in attached or suspended form, which were carried away in higher numbers when flow was re-started, thereby compromising its biological quality. In all cases, Betaproteobacteria was the dominant phylogenetic group, although Gamma and Alpha subclasses were also present. These results suggest that special attention should be given to the biological quality of drinking water where consumption is subjected to strongly variable demands such as in seasonal hotels, week-end houses or dental clinics after week-ends as abnormal changes may have occurred in the microbiological parameters. Moreover, this study showed that the cultivable bacterial numbers are not related to those of total bacteria and, thus, should not be the basis for the routine tests of bacteriological control in these systems.
Measuring Oligopsony Power of UK Salmon Retailers

A significant increase of concentration in the UK salmon retail subsector has heightened concerns about retail firms' ability to exercise market power in the purchase of supplies (oligopsony power). To assess the extent to which retail firms have exercised oligopsony power, we develop a dynamic error correction translog profit function to model the behaviour of retailers in the input market for smoke, fillet, and whole salmon. Initial estimates indicated violations of monotonicity and convexity conditions as implied by economic theory. In order to ameliorate the problem, a Bayesian technique was used to impose inequality restrictions to correct the anomaly. The final estimated indices of market power in the models were low and statistically significant but sufficiently closer to the perfect competition benchmark indicating that retailers as a whole behaved competitively during much of the period covered by this study.
Griffin : Uniting CPU and GPU in Search Engines for Intra-Query Parallelism

Interactive information retrieval services, such as enterprise search and document search, must provide relevant results with consistent, low response times in the face of rapidly growing data sets and query loads. These growing demands have led researchers to consider a wide range of optimizations to reduce response latency, including query processing parallelization and acceleration with co-processors such as GPUs. However, previous work runs queries either on GPU or CPU, ignoring the fact that the best processor for a given query depends on the query’s characteristics, which may change as the processing proceeds. We present Griffin, a search engine that dynamically combines GPUand CPU-based algorithms to process individual queries according to their characteristics. Griffin uses stateof-the-art CPU-based query processing techniques and incorporates a novel approach to GPU-based query evaluation. Our GPU-based approach, as far as we know, achieves the best available GPU search engine performance by leveraging a new compression scheme and exploiting an advanced merge-based intersection algorithm. We evaluate Griffin with real world queries and datasets, and show that it improves query performance by 10x compared to a highly optimized CPU-only implementation, and 1.5x compared to our GPU-approach running alone. We also find that Griffin helps reduce the 95th-, 99th-, and 99.9th-percentile query response time by 10.4x, 16.1x, and 26.8x, respectively. CCSConcepts • Information systems→ Search engine architectures and scalability; •Computingmethodologies → Parallel algorithms; • Applied computing → Document searching;
Software Reliability Growth Modeling with New Modified Weibull Testing-effort and Optimal Release Policy

development life cycle, software testing is one of the most important tasks; and in the testing, software reliably is very important aspect for any category of software systems. A number of testing-effort functions for software reliability growth model based on non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) have been proposed in the past. Although these models are quite helpful for software developers and have been widely accepted and applied in the industries and research centers, we still need to put more testing-effort functions into software reliability growth model for accuracy on estimate of the parameters. In this paper, we will consider the case where the time dependent behaviors of testing- effort expenditures are described by New Modified Weibull Distribution (NMWD). Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGM) based on the NHPP are developed which incorporates the (NMWD) testing-effort expenditure during the software- testing phase. It is assumed that the error detection rate to the amount of testing-effort spent during the testing phase is proportional to the current error content. Model parameters are estimated by Least Square and Maximum Likelihood estimation techniques, and software measures are investigated through numerical experiments on real data from various software projects. The evaluation results are analyzed and compared with other existing models to show that the proposed SRGM with (NMWD) testing-effort has a fairly better faults prediction capability and it depicts the real-life situation more faithfully. This model can be applied to a wide range of software system. In addition, the optimal release policy for this model, based on reliability criterion is discussed.
Analyzing Association of the XRCC 3 Gene Polymorphism with Ovarian Cancer Risk

This meta-analysis aims to examine whether the XRCC3 polymorphisms are associated with ovarian cancer risk. Eligible casecontrol studies were identified through search in PubMed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were appropriately derived from fixed effects models. We therefore performed a meta-analysis of 5,302 ovarian cancer cases and 8,075 controls from 4 published articles and 8 case-control studies for 3 SNPs of XRCC3. No statistically significant associations between XRCC3 rs861539 polymorphisms and ovarian cancer risk were observed in any genetic models. For XRCC3 rs1799794 polymorphisms, we observed a statistically significant correlation with ovarian cancer risk using the homozygote comparison (T2T2 versus T1T1: OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.54– 0.90, P = 0.005), heterozygote comparison (T1T2 versus T1T1: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00–1.21, P = 0.04), and the recessive genetic model (T2T2 versus T1T1+T1T2: OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.52–0.87, P = 0.002). For XRCC3 rs1799796 polymorphisms, we also observed a statistically significant correlation with ovarian cancer risk using the heterozygote comparison (T1T2 versus T1T1: OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.83–0.99, P = 0.04). In conclusion, this meta-analysis shows that the XRCC3 were associated with ovarian cancer risk overall for Caucasians. Asian and African populations should be further studied.
Assessment of Phishing Announcements on Market Value of Firms

This is a research study of indirect financial impact of phishing announcements on firm value. Using about 3,000 phishing announcements, we showed that phishing has significant negative influence on firms regardless of company size. With regard to attacks on holding and subsidiary companies, we also discovered that the impact on holding companies is significantly higher. We believe that our research can enrich literature in the fields of phishing research and encourage future research in the area of information security.
Descriptions of improvisational thinking by developing jazz improvisers

Research investigating improvisational skill development in adolescent learners is scant. In this study interviews with developing jazz improvisers are used to characterize the skill-building process. The findings were considered in light of two views of skill learning. In one view, students progress through several discrete levels, while in a different view students think like experts throughout development although the contextual demands vary. The six participants first improvised over a common 12-measure progression and then discussed their thinking in an interview that referenced their performance through approximate notation and audio recordings of their improvisation. Previous research with artist-level improvisers was used to develop an a priori coding frame to investigate to what extent the current participants described thinking that resembled that of experts. Results indicate that all six participants used monitoring and evaluation processes independent of skill level. However, only three participants with multiple years of jazz improvisation experience discussed how the underlying chord structure shaped their output. Also, experience level influenced the extent of planning during the improvisations, with novices thinking ahead a couple of notes while more experienced participants formulated plans for upcoming phrases and choruses. Pedagogical implications for improvisation in other music education settings are discussed.
Candidate odorant binding proteins and chemosensory proteins in the larval chemosensory tissues of two closely related noctuidae moths, Helicoverpa armigera and H. assulta

In order to acquire enough nutrients and energy for further development, larvae need to invest a large portion of their sensory equipments to identify food sources. Yet, the molecular basis of odor-driven behavior in larvae has been poorly investigated. Information on olfactory genes, particularly odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs) which are involved in the initial steps of olfaction is very scarce. In this study, we have identified 26 OBP and 21 CSP genes from the transcriptomes of Helicoverpa armigera larval antennae and mouthparts. A comparison with the 34 OBP and 18 CSP genes of the adult antenna, revealed four novel OBPs and seven novel CSPs. Similarly, 27 OBPs (six novel OBPs) and 20 CSPs (6 novel CSPs) were identified in the transcriptomes of Helicoverpa assulta larval antennae and mouthparts. Tissue-specific profiles of these soluble proteins in H. armigera showed that 6 OBP and 4 CSP genes are larval tissue-specific, 15 OBPs and 13 CSPs are expressed in both larvae and adult, while the rest are adult- specific. Our data provide useful information for functional studies of genes involved in larval foraging.
Evaluation of a novel colorimetric broth microdilution method for antifungal susceptibility testing of yeast isolates

A comparative evaluation of two broth microdilution methods for antifungal susceptibility testing of 600 clinical yeast isolates (Candida spp., Torulopsis glabrata, and Cryptococcus neoformans) against amphotericin B, fluconazole, and flucytosine (5FC) was conducted. Microdilution testing was performed according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) recommendations (NCCLS document M27-P). By using the growth control for comparison, reference microdilution MIC endpoints for amphotericin B were scored as the lowest concentration at which a score of 0 (complete absence of growth) was observed, and those for 5FC and fluconazole were scored at the lowest concentration at which a score of 2 (prominent decrease in turbidity) (MIC-2) was observed. The second microdilution method employed a colorimetric endpoint using an oxidation-reduction indicator (Alamar Biosciences, Inc., Sacramento, Calif.) and was assessed independently of the reference microdilution MICs. The MICs for the two microdilution test systems were read after 24 and 48 h of incubation. Excellent agreement between the reference and colorimetric microdilution MICs was observed. Overall agreement was > or = 95% for all three drugs at 24 h. At 48 h, agreement was > or = 98% for amphotericin B and 5FC but dropped to 84% for fluconazole. Given these results it appears that the colorimetric microdilution approach to antifungal susceptibility testing may be viable alternative to the NCCLS reference method for testing yeasts.
Deposited in DRO : 16 April 2018 Version of attached le :

Social media tools have changed our world due to the way they convey information between individuals; this has led to many social movements either starting on social media or being organised and managed through this medium. At times however, certain human-induced events can trigger Human Security Threats such as Personal Security, Health Security, Economic Security or Political Security. The aim of this paper is to propose a holistic Data Analysis Framework for examining Social Movements and detecting pernicious threats to National Security interests. As a result of this, the proposed framework focuses on three main stages of an event (Detonating Event, Warning Period and Crisis Interpretation) to provide timely additional insights, enabling policy makers, first responders, and authorities to determine the best course of action. The paper also outlines the possible computational techniques utilised to achieve in depth analysis at each stage. The robustness and effectiveness of the framework are demonstrated by dissecting Warning Period scenarios, from real-world events, where the increase of Human Security aspects were key to identifying likely threats to National Security.
Logic Programs as a Basis for Machine Learning

First order predicate logic appears frequently in Artificial Intelligence. In learning programs, it is often the language used to describe concepts, rules, examples, events, etc. This paper presents an overview of research in logic-related learning systems and describes those features of first order logic which have made it such a useful tool. Two developments are of particular interest to us: the use of logic in what is now called "constructive induction", and the benefits to machine learning contributed by logic programming.
SDNShield: Towards more comprehensive defense against DDoS attacks on SDN control plane

While the software-defined networking (SDN) paradigm is gaining much popularity, current SDN infrastructure has potential bottlenecks in the control plane, hindering the network's capability of handling on-demand, fine-grained flow level visibility and controllability. Adversaries can exploit these vulnerabilities to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against the SDN infrastructure. Recently proposed solutions either scale up the SDN control plane or filter out forged traffic, but not both. We propose SDNShield, a combined solution towards more comprehensive defense against DDoS attacks on SDN control plane. SDNShield deploys specialized software boxes to improve the scalability of ingress SDN switches to accommodate control plane workload surges. It further incorporates a two-stage filtering scheme to protect the centralized controller. The first stage statistically distinguishes legitimate flows from forged ones, and the second stage recovers the false positives of the first stage with in-depth TCP handshake verification. Prototype tests and dataset-driven evaluation results show that SDNShield maintains higher resilience than existing solutions under varying attack intensity.
14q13.1‐21.1 deletion encompassing the HPE8 locus in an adolescent with intellectual disability and bilateral microphthalmia, but without holoprosencephaly

Interstitial deletions involving 14q13.1q21. 1 are rare. In the literature at least 10 cases involving this region have been described and all patients showed a phenotype within the holoprosencephaly (HPE) spectrum. Previous studies suggested the HPE8 region as a candidate locus for HPE at 14q13. We report an adolescent with a 14q13.1q21. 1 deletion encompassing the HPE8 region associated with intellectual disability (ID), bilateral microphthalmia, and coloboma, without cerebral anomalies typical of HPE. Except for ocular defects (i.e., microphthalmia, coloboma) consistent with HPE‐type anomalies, the minor facial dysmorphia was not suggestive for HPE and the absence of cerebral anomalies should rule out this diagnosis. The deletion of the potential HPE candidate genes NPAS3, EAPP, SNX6, and TULIP1, raises doubts about their pathologic role in determining HPE. It is likely that deletions of HPE genes are not sufficient to cause HPE, and that multiple genetic, chromosomal, and environmental factors interact to determine the variable clinical expression of HPE. This is the first case of a 14q deletion encompassing the HPE8 locus with the only features consistent with HPE‐type anomalies affecting the ocular system (i.e., microphthalmia, coloboma), and without cerebral anomalies specific for HPE. The inclusion of potential HPE candidate genes in the deletion raises the question whether this patient is affected by a less severe form of HPE (HPE microform), or whether he has a new ID/MCA deletion syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Genetic Algorithm Based Multi Objective Service Restoration in Distribution Systems

Problem statement: A Genetic Algorithm (GA) used here to find exact or approximate solutions to optimization and search problems. Genetic algorithms are a particular class of evolutionary algorithms that use techniques inspired by evolutionary biology such as inheritance, mutation, selection and crossover. Approach: GA is a method for search and optimization based on the process of natural selection and evolution. In this approach, several modifications are done for effective implementation of GA to solve the Electric Power Service Restoration Problem. Results: The problem statement includes all the objectives and constraints required for a practical supply restoration scheme. GA is used here to obtain the better result compared with other methods. GA starts with number of solutions to a problem, encoded as a string of status of sectionalizing and tie switches. Conclusion: The status of the switch ‘1’ and ‘0’ has been considered as ‘close’ and ‘open’ condition of the switch. The string that encodes each string is ‘chromosome’ and the set of solutions are termed as population. Obtained results are good and this technique is recommended here for future study.
Title TGF beta and BMP Dependent Cell Fate Changes Due to Loss of Filamin B Produces Disc Degeneration and Progressive Vertebral Fusions Permalink

Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis (SCT) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive vertebral fusions and caused by loss of function mutations in Filamin B (FLNB). FLNB acts as a signaling scaffold by linking the actin cytoskleteon to signal transduction systems, yet the disease mechanisms for SCT remain unclear. Employing a Flnb knockout mouse, we found morphologic and molecular evidence that the intervertebral discs (IVDs) of Flnbmice undergo rapid and progressive degeneration during postnatal development as a result of abnormal cell fate changes in the IVD, particularly the annulus fibrosus (AF). In Flnbmice, the AF cells lose their typical fibroblast-like characteristics and acquire the molecular and phenotypic signature of hypertrophic chondrocytes. This change is characterized by hallmarks of endochondral-like ossification including alterations in collagen matrix, expression of Collagen X, increased apoptosis, and inappropriate ossification of the disc tissue. We show that conversion of the AF cells into chondrocytes is coincident with upregulated TGFβ signaling via Smad2/3 and BMP induced p38 signaling as well as sustained activation of canonical and noncanonical target genes p21 and Ctgf. These findings indicate that FLNB is involved in attenuation of TGFβ/BMP signaling and influences AF cell fate. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the IVD disruptions in Flnbmice resemble aging degenerative discs and reveal new insights into the molecular causes of vertebral fusions and disc degeneration. PLOS Genetics | DOI:10.1371/journal.pgen. 1005936 March 28, 2016 1 / 22 OPEN ACCESS Citation: Zieba J, Forlenza KN, Khatra JS, Sarukhanov A, Duran I, Rigueur D, et al. (2016) TGFβ and BMP Dependent Cell Fate Changes Due to Loss of Filamin B Produces Disc Degeneration and Progressive Vertebral Fusions. PLoS Genet 12(3): e1005936. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen. 1005936 Editor: John F Bateman, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, AUSTRALIA Received: August 25, 2015 Accepted: February 24, 2016 Published: March 28, 2016 Copyright: © 2016 Zieba et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are
Perfectionism and stress control in adolescents: Differences and relations according to the intensity of sports practice

The sistematic practice physical activity in children and adolescents, improves both psychological welfare as cognitive processes and personality, both mental structures constructed during that period. Regarded as a personality trait it is identified perfectionism currently understood as a functional feature linked to positive (positive affect, self-esteem, task cohesion,.) like dysfunctional aspects have been associated with anxiety and stress. Since adolescence is a period of change and the presence of difficult situations, perceive and interpret stress in a useful way, it is an important issue for personal growth and experience psychological well-being. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify which indicators of perfectionism provide conditions / skills for stress management in an adaptive way. Participated 127 adolescents (45 females and 82 males) aged between 13 and 17 years (M = 14.56, SD = 1.57) who completed self-reports like the Multidimensional Scale Perfectionism (FMPS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and a questionnaire sociodemographic. The results indicate that the higher the frequency of AF, there are significant differences in indicators of adaptive perfectionism (personal demands and organization) and indicators of maladaptive perfectionism (parental expectations and fear of making mistakes) regarding facilitate or limit the perception of stress control. In short, research on such variables allows training and design programs for teens to know how to cope situations interpreted as stressful in an effective way. The results indicate that the higher the frequency of AF, there are significant differences in indicators of adaptive perfectionism (personal demands and organization) and indicators of maladaptive perfectionism (parental expectations and fear of making mistakes) regarding facilitate or limit the perception of stress control. In short, research on such variables allows training and design programs for teens to know how to cope situations interpreted as stressful in an effective way.