Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Searchable Encryption and Data Retrieval in cloud computing

Cloud computing is a specialised form of distributed computing that introduces utilization models for remotely provisioning scalable and measured resources. The driving motivation behind the cloud computing is to provide IT resources as a service that encapsulates other IT resources. Data service outsourcing is one of the service that is economically enabled by the cloud computing. But in order to protect data privacy sensitive data has to be encrypted before outsourcing to the commercial public cloud. Data encryption protects data security to some extent, but this may lead to a compromise on the part of efficiency of storage and retrieval on the server. This paper analyzes various searchable encryption schemes where data owner itself is responsible for his data security. These searchable encryption schemes allow retrieval of encrypted data over the cloud thereby making data retrieval fast and efficient. These schemes also guarantee high security and efficiency.
Making ethnography accessible: bringing real-world experience to HCI designers and software engineers

This short paper proposes that bringing real-world experience through field studies of work and other environments where systems are used is a means of bridging the gap between software engineering and HCI. We argue that all disciplines involved in systems development can benefit from field studies and observations of users at work and at home and we briefly discuss a range of techniques that we have developed to facilitate these field studies.
Multimodal biometrics for improvised security

Biometrics simply means to recognise a person based on his behavioural or physiological characteristics. With this, we can establish an individual on the basis of “who the person is”, rather than “what does he possess” or “what he remembers”. With the increase in security requirements and increase in forging of data, a single fold or unimodal biometric verification is not of much accuracy. Hence, there is a revolutionary implementation of combination of more than one biometric data which is called multimodal biometrics. In our research paper we would be going for a 4-fold security system where we will use fusion of facial recognition, retina pattern, and finger print pattern along with the personal password which would be recognised using keystroke dynamics. This will reduce the probability of false accept rate & false reject rate by a great percentage.
Design Variables Optimization of Mechanical Problems

An improved genetic algorithm (IGA) is presented to solve the mixed-discrete-continuous design optimization problems. The IGA approach combines the traditional genetic algorithm with the experimental design method. The experimental design method is incorporated in the crossover operations to systematically select the better genes to tailor the crossover operations in order to find the representative chromosomes to be the new potential offspring, so that the IGA approach possesses the merit of global exploration and obtains better solutions.
NIPPERS: network of interpolated PeERS for Web service discovery

Web services are becoming an important enabler of the semantic Web. Besides the need for a rich description mechanism, Web service information should be made available in an accessible way for machine processing. In this paper, we propose a new P2P based approach for Web services discovery. Peers that store Web services information, such as data item descriptions, are efficiently located using a scalable and robust data indexing structure for peer-to-peer data networks, NIPPERS. We present a theoretical analysis which shows that the communication cost of the query and update operations scale double-logarithmically with the number of NIPPERS nodes. Furthermore, we show that the network is robust with respect to failures fulfilling quality of Web services requirements.
Cognitive Decompiosition of Wirless Networks

In this paper, we provide a framework for a fundamental study of the communication limits of networks of cognitive devices. It is shown that all communication in a network of cognitive and non-cognitive devices can be cast into competitive, cognitive and cooperative behaviors. An achievable rate region for the cognitive radio channel (which captures the most fundamental form of cognition - vertical spectrum sharing), is presented
Annotated portfolios

As soon as a divide is made between theories and what they are theories of, the tip of technoscience is immediately shrouded in fog. Theories, now made abstract and autonomous objects, float like flying saucers above the rest of science, which by contrast becomes ‘experi-mental’ or ‘empirical. ’ —Bruno Latour
Perceived versus actual attitude similarity as predictors of change in interpersonal attraction

The present investigation was intended to identify factors that affect the degree to which interpersonal attraction changes over the course of face-to-face interaction. Participants completed a modified version of Byrne's (1971) attitude questionnaire, the Crowne-Marlowe Social Desirability Scale (1964), and Snyder's Self-Monitoring Scale and were then paired into attitudinally similar, dissimilar, or neutral dyads. Both before and after interacting for 40-minutes, dyads were asked to rate their interpersonal attraction toward their partner. Attitude similarity better predicted post-conversation interpersonal attraction when controlling for pre-conversation attraction than when not controlling for pre-conversation attraction. Social desirability, selfmonitoring, and the coordination of vocal activity rhythms were not related to interpersonal attraction.
Reducing False Positives in Video Shot Detection

Video has become an interactive medium of daily use today. However, the sheer volume of video makes it extremely difficult to browse and find required information. Organizing the video and locating required information effectively and efficiently presents a great challenge to the researchers. This demands a tool which would break down the video into smaller and manageable units called shots. Traditional shot detection methods use histograms, or temporal slice analysis to detect hard-cuts and gradual transition for video. However, to our knowledge there is no system which is robust to sequences that contain illumination changes, camera effects, and other effects such as fire, explosion, and synthetic screen split manipulations. Traditional systems produce false positives for these cases; i.e., they claim a shot break when there is none. We propose a shot detection system which reduces errors even if all the above effects are cumulativelypresent in one sequence. The similarity between successive frames are computed by finding the correlation. Correlation sequence is analyzed using a wavelet transformation, which is used to locate the location of shot breaks. We achieve better accuracy in detecting hard-cuts when compared with other techniques.
Has Large-Scale Named-Entity Network Analysis Been Resting on a Flawed Assumption?

The assumption that a name uniquely identifies an entity introduces two types of errors: splitting treats one entity as two or more (because of name variants); lumping treats multiple entities as if they were one (because of shared names). Here we investigate the extent to which splitting and lumping affect commonly-used measures of large-scale named-entity networks within two disambiguated bibliographic datasets: one for co-author names in biomedicine (PubMed, 2003–2007); the other for co-inventor names in U.S. patents (USPTO, 2003–2007). In both cases, we find that splitting has relatively little effect, whereas lumping has a dramatic effect on network measures. For example, in the biomedical co-authorship network, lumping (based on last name and both initials) drives several measures down: the global clustering coefficient by a factor of 4 (from 0.265 to 0.066); degree assortativity by a factor of ∼13 (from 0.763 to 0.06); and average shortest path by a factor of 1.3 (from 5.9 to 4.5). These results can be explained in part by the fact that lumping artificially creates many intransitive relationships and high-degree vertices. This effect of lumping is much less dramatic but persists with measures that give less weight to high-degree vertices, such as the mean local clustering coefficient and log-based degree assortativity. Furthermore, the log-log distribution of collaborator counts follows a much straighter line (power law) with splitting and lumping errors than without, particularly at the low and the high counts. This suggests that part of the power law often observed for collaborator counts in science and technology reflects an artifact: name ambiguity.
Easy-read Documents as a Gold Standard for Evaluation of Text Simplification Output

This paper presents initial research into the use of easy-read articles written for people with cognitive disabilities as a gold standard for the evaluation of the output of text simplification systems. We investigate the compliance of the easyread documents available on the Web with guidelines for development of easyread material, as well as their suitability as a gold standard for simple documents for two types of populations in particular: adult readers with autism and readers with mild intellectual disability (MID). The results indicate an overall good level of compliance with the guidelines and suggest that easy-read documents are a suitable resource for evaluation of accessible documents produced for adults with autism or MID.
Opinions network for politically controversial topics

This paper describes OpinioNetIt, a structured, faceted, knowledge-base of opinions, and its use in political opinions analysis. OpinioNetIt consists of information about people, topics and opinions in the form of person, opinion, topic triples, indicating the opinion of a person on a topic. Our specific focus has been on acquiring opinions held by various stakeholders on politically controversial topics. Our system can be used for various kinds of analysis, including, heat maps showing political bias, flip-flopping politicians, dissenters, etc. In this paper, we describe the architecture of our system, and how it can be used to address these various use-cases.
An Approach to Filter the Test Data for Killing Multiple Mutants in Different Locations

—Mutation testing is a fault-based testing technique that can be used for testing software at unit level, integration level and specification level. In addition to assessing the test data adequacy, mutation testing has also been used to support other testing activities such as test data generation, regression testing etc. Several works has been done on automatic generation of test data that can be effectively kill mutants. Constraint-based test data generation (CBT) is one of the automatic test data generation techniques using mutation testing, however, existing approaches of test case generation generally generate test data by killing one mutant at one time. Thus, more test cases are needed for achieving a given mutation score. In this paper, an approach is proposed by filtering the test data according to necessity condition and reachability condition by killing multiple mutants, mutated at the different location at one time and filtered test data also achieved same or approximate same mutation score. In proposed approach, some test data is filtered out of large test data that is sufficient to kill multiple mutants, located at different location. So this approach reduces the testing cost and time.
Adapting artificial hopfield neural network for agriculture satellite image segmentation

Beekeeping plays an important role in increasing and diversifying the incomes of many rural communities in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, despite the region's relatively good rainfall, which results in better forage conditions, bees and beekeepers are greatly affected by seasonal shortages of bee forage. Because of these shortages, beekeepers must continually move their colonies in search of better forage. The aim of this paper is to determine the actual bee forage areas with specific characteristics like population density, ecological distribution, flowering phenology based on color satellite image segmentation. Satellite images are currently used as an efficient tool for agricultural management and monitoring. It is also one of the most difficult image segmentation problems due to factors like environmental conditions, poor resolution and poor illumination. Pixel clustering is a popular way of determining the homogeneous image regions, corresponding to the different land cover types, based on their spectral properties. In this paper Hopfield neural network (HNN) is introduced as Pixel clustering based segmentation method for agriculture satellite images.
The binary-weights neural network for robot control

We propose a pure topological recurrent networks controller, which has random binary connections in hidden layer, and all hidden neurons are activated by sinusoidal functions. A direct graph encoding method and four genetic operators are implemented for using genetic programming to train this controller. Firstly, its feasibility and efficiency were validated by a pair of function approximation experiments, the results show that through evolutionary learning, this novel RNN controller can handle nonlinear problems as well as common RNN even without adjustable weights. Moreover, a simulated mobile robot was equipped with this controller, and the robot was navigated around obstacles toward a goal in physical simulation environments; during tests, this robot exhibited four successful behaviors just by topological evolving on the simple controller. This experiment reveals that this controller has the simplicity, usability and potential for robot control, it then raises the hope for further works in exploring network motifs from high level controllers.
The v-sis protein retains biological activity as a type II membrane protein when anchored by various signal-anchor domains, including the hydrophobic domain of the bovine papilloma virus E5 oncoprotein

Membrane-anchored forms of the v-sis oncoprotein have been previously described which are oriented as type I transmembrane proteins and which efficiently induce autocrine transformation. Several examples of naturally occurring membrane-anchored growth factors have been identified, but all exhibit a type I orientation. In this work, we wished to construct and characterize membrane-anchored growth factors with a type II orientation. These experiments were designed to determine whether type II membrane-anchored growth factors would in fact exhibit biological activity. Additionally, we wished to determine whether the hydrophobic domain of the E5 oncoprotein of bovine papilloma virus (BPV) can function as a signal-anchor domain to direct type II membrane insertion. Type II derivatives of the v-sis oncoprotein were constructed, with the NH2 terminus intracellular and the COOH terminus extracellular, by substituting the NH2 terminal signal sequence with the signal-anchor domain of a known type II membrane protein. The signal-anchor domains of neuraminidase (NA), asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) and transferrin receptor (TR) all yielded biologically active type II derivatives of the v-sis oncoprotein. Although transforming all of the type II signal/anchor-sis proteins exhibited a very short half-life. The short half-life exhibited by the signal/anchor-sis constructs suggests that, in some cases, cellular transformation may result from the synthesis of growth factors so labile that they activate undetectable autocrine loops. The E5 oncoprotein encoded by BPV exhibits amino acid sequence similarity with PDGF, activates the PDGF beta-receptor, and thus resembles a miniature membrane-anchored growth factor with a putative type II orientation. The hydrophobic domain of the E5 oncoprotein, when substituted in place of the signal sequence of v-sis, was indistinguishable compared with the signal-anchor domains of NA, TR, and ASGPR, demonstrating its ability to function as a signal-anchor domain. NIH 3T3 cells transformed by the signal/anchor-sis constructs exhibited morphological reversion upon treatment with suramin, indicating a requirement for ligand/receptor interactions in a suramin- sensitive compartment, most likely the cell surface. In contrast, NIH 3T3 cells transformed by the E5 oncoprotein did not exhibit morphological reversion in response to suramin.
Bronchioalveolar stem cells vindicated!

Fourteen years ago, Kim et al . (1) reported the existence of bronchioalveolar stem cells (BASCs) in the lung. These cells expressed both secretoglobin family 1A member 1 (Scgb1a1) and surfactant protein c (Sftpc), the differentiation marker of club cells and alveolar epithelial type 2 cells, respectively.
Robust prediction of the radiated pattern features with uncertainties in reflectarray design

The analysis of the tolerance effects on the radiated power pattern caused by the fabrication errors in the printing of the microstrip patches of reflectarrays is addressed through a method based on the Interval Analysis and the arithmetic of intervals. The dimensions of the microstrip patches are defined as intervals of values including the tolerance errors and the mathematics of intervals is exploited to compute the upper and lower bounds of the power pattern representing the maximum distortion with respect to the nominal solution. A representative example is reported to validate the proposed approach and show its behavior.
A high-efficiency Class-E polar power-amplifier with a novel digitally-controlled output matching network

We present in this paper a high-efficiency Class-E polar power amplifier (PA) with a novel digitally-controlled output matching network (OMN). The OMN varies the load impedance seen by the PA to modulate the amplitude of the output signal. It performs the modulation while simultaneously achieving a high power-efficiency by attaining an approximate zero-voltage-switching condition at the PA, and mitigating the load mismatches. The proposed PA embodying the OMN is designed using the TSMC 40 nm CMOS technology. Simulation results at 2.4 GHz and 1.1 V supply show that the PA achieves a 48% power-efficiency at peak output power of 17 dBm.
Nesfatin-1: role as possible new anti-obesity treatment

In this article, we review on the current concepts about Nesfatin-1 as a new anti-obesity treatment and evaluate the existing issues in the context of this knowledge and the available literature. The intent is to enable clinicians to know Nesfatin-1 as a new anti-obesity treatment and make rational decisions based on this perspective as possible clinical application. Future research should seek to clarify whether Nesfatin-1 would be beneficial in the management of obesity.
Flagellar structure and hyperthermophily: analysis of a single flagellin gene and its product in Aquifex pyrophilus

The polytrichously inserted flagella of Aquifex pyrophilus, a marine hyperthermophilic bacterium growing at 85 degrees C, were isolated and purified. Electron micrographs of the 19-nm-diameter flagellar filaments show prominent helical arrays of subunits. The primary structure of these 54-kDa flagellin monomers determining the helical shape and heat stability of filaments was of particular interest. The genomic region encoding the flagellin subunit (flaA gene) and an upstream open reading frame (orf1) were cloned and sequenced. The 1,503-bp flaA and 696-bp orf1 are preceded by separate sigma 28-like promoters and ribosome-binding motifs and succeeded by palindromic transcription terminators. Both genes are actively transcribed, but the nature and function of the orf1-encoded 231-residue polypeptide remain unknown. The deduced primary structure of the 501-amino-acid flagellin encoded by flaA consists of conserved N- and C-terminal regions and a variable 246-residue central domain. In comparison to mesophilic flagellins, the thermostable A. pyrophilus flagellin is characterized by increases in aromatic residues and prolines as well as by a 7.9% +/- 3.2% increase in all hydrophobic residues that is balanced by a respective decrease in hydrophilic residues. This composition is thought to form more compact flagellin monomers and stable interface contacts between neighboring subunits in the polymer.
Teaching and learning philosophy in Ontario high schools

ABSTRACT Primary objective: This study represents the first large-scale research on high school philosophy in a public education curriculum in North America. Our objective was to identify the impacts of high school philosophy, as well as the challenges of teaching it in its current format in Ontario high schools. Research design: The qualitative research design captured the perspectives of students and teachers with respect to philosophy at the high school level. All data collection was structured around central questions to provide insight into the dynamics of their shared process of teaching/learning. Methods and procedures: We conducted semi-structured with interviews philosophy teachers (n = 9), classroom observations (n = 142), and student focus groups at 16 diverse high schools. Transcripts were coded according to themes. Results: Our findings reflect the complicated nature of philosophy as a discipline characterized by abstract thinking. Participants found it mind-opening, yet challenging, providing educational opportunities that are largely absent in conventional schooling. They saw multiple connections between philosophy and other subjects, but also appreciated its distinctive benefits. Teachers relied primarily on textbooks and contemporary media to deliver the curriculum. We found that a teacher’s background in philosophy may influence what is taught in philosophy courses and how, especially given the flexibility of the provincial curriculum. Conclusions: The findings suggest that philosophy is a unique, beneficial subject that teachers enjoy teaching and students greatly value, characterizing it as both difficult and rewarding. Our study revealed that considerable differences exist in how philosophy is taught and learned around the province. The flexibility of the provincial curriculum appears to be an invitation for creative and responsive teaching; however, philosophy teachers’ weak preparation can, by their own admission, be a hindrance to effective curriculum delivery. Studying philosophy enhances students’ thinking about other academic areas of study and in some cases opens them up to new ways of thinking.
Command recognition by haptic interface on human support robot

This paper describes a method for command recognition by a haptic interface on a human support robot. Feature quantities are derived from the contact trajectory when an operator runs his finger across the haptic interface. The robot then recognizes a command based on these derived feature quantities from the symbolized contact trajectory. Conforming the robot motion to the symbolized contact trajectory allows for intuitive operation of the robot. The experimental results indicate that novice operators using this interface can obtain high command recognition rates.
Agile standardization by means of PCE Requests

Standardization of data models in automation industry is a tedious, time-consuming and multidisciplinary process. The absence of a successfully standardized and established data exchange methodology for PCE (Process Control Equipment) Requests as the most informative capsule of data is an unsolved gap between process and control engineering tools. This contribution describes the first application of a novel and agile standardization method, applied by means of PCE Requests. In the result, within 10 month, leading CAE tool vendors and users of engineering tools have developed a detailed standard electronic data model of the PCE Request, as well as prototype exporter and importer for process and control engineering tools. Consequently, the bidirectional data exchange of PCE Requests between multiple software tools in various disciplines have been successfully demonstrated at the NAMUR Annual General Meeting 2014.