Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TiO2-nanoparticles-impregnated photocatalytic macroporous carbon films by spin coating

Macroporous TiO2/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and TiO2/carbon hybrid films are fabricated directly by spin coating. Macroporosity is promoted under the conditions favoring the growth of instabilities and dewetting of the spin-coated films such as lower film thicknesses, higher evaporation rates and lower molecular weights (viscosity). The synthesis of the hybrid film is achieved by a two-step process. First, TiO2 powder mixed with PAN in N, N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solvent is cast as a thin film on a silicon wafer by spin coating. Second, heat treatment at 900°C produces pure rutile TiO2 nanocrystals and concurrently pyrolyzes PAN to a porous glassy carbon matrix. The resultant TiO2/carbon hybrid porous films exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity as shown for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye in aqueous medium.
Policy Changes and the Methadone Maintenance Treatment System for Opioid Dependence in Ontario, 1996 to 2001

Abstract Background. Until recently, the availability of methadone treatment in Ontario, Canada was limited. In 1996, policy changes Methods. For these census data, descriptive statistics were used to examine changes in the patient and provider populations over time using data from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Methadone Maintenance Registry of Patients and the Registry of Methadone Prescribing Physicians. Results. Between 1996 and 2001, the total number of clients in treatment increased substantially from: 1595 to 7787. Over this time period, the number of physicians prescribing methadone increased from 60 to 161. Interpretation. Policy changes resulted in substantial increases in the patient and provider populations across Ontario. However, the estimated low proportion of opiate users in treatment indicates that more efforts are needed to address the potential demand for treatment.
A Family of Scalable Polynomial Multiplier Architectures for Lattice-Based Cryptography

Lattice based cryptography is considered as an important candidate for post-quantum cryptosystems. Various lattice based cryptosystems are based on the Ring learning with errors (Ring-LWE) problem. As a basic operation of Ring-LWE problem, polynomial multiplication over rings is the most critical and computationally intensive operation of these cryptosystems. In this paper, we exploit the number theoretic transform (NTT) to build a family of scalable polynomial multiplier architectures, which provide designers with a trade-off choice of speed vs. area. Our multiplier architectures reduce the required clock cycles from 8n+1.5n lg n) to (2n+1.5n lg n/B), where n is the dimension of the polynomials and B is number of butterfly operators. The experimental results on a Spartan-6 FPGA show that our proposed polynomial multiplier (B = 2) achieves a speedup of 2.5 times on average and consumes less slices and block RAMs when compared with the state of art of compact design. On a Stratix FPGA, our polynomial multiplier (B = 4) is able to achieve a speedup of 1.2 times on average and save around 90% Memory ALUTs, 75% block memory bits, and 63% DSPs when compared with the state of art of high speed design. On a Spartan-6 FPGA, our polynomial multiplier (B = 8) is capable to calculate the product of two polynomials of degree 256/512/1024/2048 in 2.88/5.71/11.46/24.89 μs.
Automatic crash detection for motor cycles

In this paper we present a concept for automated crash detection to motorcycles. In this concept, three different inertial measurement units are attached to head of the motorist, torso of the motorist and to the rear of the motor cycle. Crash dummy tests are done by throwing the dummy with different altitudes to simulate the effect of crash to the motorist and real data is collected by driving the motorcycle. A maximum a posteriori classifier is trained to classify the crash and normal driving. The implemented prototype system shows promising results for automatic crash detection.
Planning with Temporally Extended Preferences by Heuristic Search

In this paper we describe a planner that extends the TLPLAN system to enable planning with temporally extended preferences specified in PDDL3, a variant of PDDL that includes descriptions of temporal plan preferences. We do so by compiling preferences into nondeterministic finite state automata whose accepting conditions denote achievement of the preference described by the automaton. Automata are represented in the planning problem through additional predicates and actions. With this compilation in hand, we are able to use domain-independent heuristics to guide TLPLAN towards plans that realize the preferences. We are entering our planner in the qualitative preferences track of IPC5, the 2006 International Planning Competition. As such, the planner description provided in this paper is preliminary pending final adjustments in the coming weeks.
Digital systems for artificial neural networks

The current art of digital electronic implementation of neural networks is reviewed. Most of this work has taken place as digital simulations on general-purpose serial or parallel digital computers. Specialized neural network emulation systems have also been developed for more efficient learning and use. Dedicated digital VLSI integrated circuits offer the highest near-term future potential for this technology. <<ETX>>
Shared Task Organizing Committee -transliteration Mining: Whitepaper of News 2010 Shared Task on Transliteration Generation Transliteration Generation and Mining with Limited Training Resources Transliteration Using a Phrase-based Statistical Machine Translation System to Re-score the Output of a Jo

ii Preface Named Entities play a significant role in Natural Language Processing and Information Retrieval. While identifying and analyzing named entities in a given natural language is a challenging research problem by itself, the phenomenal growth in the Internet user population, especially among the non-English speaking parts of the world, has extended this problem to the crosslingual arena. We specifically focus The purpose of the NEWS workshop is to bring together researchers across the world interested in identification, analysis, extraction, mining and transformation of named entities in monolingual or multilingual natural language text. The workshop scope includes many interesting specific research areas pertaining to the named entities, such as, orthographic and phonetic characteristics, corpus analysis, unsupervised and supervised named entities extraction in monolingual or multilingual corpus, transliteration modelling, and evaluation methodologies, to name a few. For this years edition, 11 research papers were submitted, each of which was reviewed by at least 3 reviewers from the program committee. 7 papers were chosen for publication, covering main research areas, from named entities recognition, extraction and categorization, to distributional characteristics of named entities, and finally a novel evaluation metrics for co-reference resolution. All accepted research papers are published in the workshop proceedings. This year, as parts of the NEWS workshop, we organized two shared tasks: one on Machine Transliteration Generation, and another on Machine Transliteration Mining, participated by research teams from around the world, including industry, government laboratories and academia. The transliteration generation task was introduced in NEWS 2009. While the focus of the 2009 shared task was on establishing the quality metrics and on baselining the transliteration quality based on those metrics, the 2010 shared task expanded the scope of the transliteration generation task to about dozen languages, and explored the quality depending on the direction of transliteration, between the languages. We collected significantly large, hand-crafted parallel named entities corpora in dozen different languages from 8 language families, and made available as common dataset for the shared task. We published the details of the shared task and the training and development data six months ahead of the conference that attracted an overwhelming response from the research community. Totally 7 teams participated in the transliteration generation task. The approaches ranged from traditional unsupervised learning methods (such as, Phrasal SMT-based, Conditional Random Fields, etc.) to somewhat unique approaches (such as, DirectTL approach), combined with several model combinations for results re-ranking. A report of …
Evaluation of scalable, on-demand DNS-as-a-Service

The Domain Name Service (DNS) is a vital service in the Internet. Much more than a simple translation mechanism, it also allows higher profile functionalities such as load balancing and enhanced content distribution. In the scope of cloud computing, DNS is foreseen as an elastic and robust service, supporting failover mechanisms, decentralised configuration and multi-tenant isolation.
Proteomics and integrative omic approaches for understanding host–pathogen interactions and infectious diseases

Organisms are constantly exposed to microbial pathogens in their environments. When a pathogen meets its host, a series of intricate intracellular interactions shape the outcome of the infection. The understanding of these host–pathogen interactions is crucial for the development of treatments and preventive measures against infectious diseases. Over the past decade, proteomic approaches have become prime contributors to the discovery and understanding of host–pathogen interactions that represent anti‐ and pro‐pathogenic cellular responses. Here, we review these proteomic methods and their application to studying viral and bacterial intracellular pathogens. We examine approaches for defining spatial and temporal host–pathogen protein interactions upon infection of a host cell. Further expanding the understanding of proteome organization during an infection, we discuss methods that characterize the regulation of host and pathogen proteomes through alterations in protein abundance, localization, and post‐translational modifications. Finally, we highlight bioinformatic tools available for analyzing such proteomic datasets, as well as novel strategies for integrating proteomics with other omic tools, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, to obtain a systems‐level understanding of infectious diseases.
A Distributed Graph Engine for Web Scale RDF Data

Much work has been devoted to supporting RDF data. But state-of-the-art systems and methods still cannot handle web scale RDF data effectively. Furthermore, many useful and general purpose graph-based operations (e.g., random walk, reachability, community discovery) on RDF data are not supported, as most existing systems store and index data in particular ways (e.g., as relational tables or as a bitmap matrix) to maximize one particular operation on RDF data: SPARQL query processing. In this paper, we introduce Trinity. RDF, a distributed, memory-based graph engine for web scale RDF data. Instead of managing the RDF data in triple stores or as bitmap matrices, we store RDF data in its native graph form. It achieves much better (sometimes orders of magnitude better) performance for SPARQL queries than the state-of-the-art approaches. Furthermore, since the data is stored in its native graph form, the system can support other operations (e.g., random walks, reachability) on RDF graphs as well. We conduct comprehensive experimental studies on real life, web scale RDF data to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Ibandronate to treat skeletal-related events and bone pain in metastatic bone disease or multiple myeloma: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

Objective Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have given contradictory results about the efficacy and safety of ibandronate in treating metastatic bone disease (MBD) or multiple myeloma. This review meta-analysed the literature to gain a more comprehensive picture. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of ibandronate compared with placebo or zoledronate. Data sources PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify RCTs published up to March 2015 evaluating ibandronate to treat MBD or multiple myeloma. Review method 10 RCTs involving 3474 patients were included. Six RCTs were placebo-controlled and four compared ibandronate with zoledronate. The studies included in this review were mainly from European countries. Results Intravenous ibandronate (6 mg) or oral drug (50 mg) decreased the risk of skeletal-related events compared to placebo (risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.90, p=0.002). It also reduced the bone pain score below baseline significantly more than did placebo at 96 weeks (weighted mean difference −0.41, 95% CI −0.56 to −0.27, p<0.001). The incidence of diarrhoea, nausea and adverse renal events was similar between the ibandronate and placebo groups, but ibandronate was associated with greater risk of abdominal pain. Ibandronate was associated with similar risk of skeletal-related events as another bisphosphonate drug, zoledronate (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.26, p=0.87). The incidence of nausea, jaw osteonecrosis and fatigue was similar for the two drugs, but the incidence of adverse renal events was significantly lower in the ibandronate group. Conclusions Ibandronate significantly reduces the incidence of skeletal-related events and bone pain in patients with MBD or multiple myeloma relative to placebo. It is associated with a similar incidence of skeletal-related events as zoledronate.
MIMO-OFDM scheme based on Permutation spreading

In this paper, a novel transmission scheme is developed to effectively combine permutation spreading technique with MIMO-OFDM to obtain improved bit error rate performance in the presence of frequency selective fading channels with low system complexity. Unlike conventional MIMO-OFDMA, where users are separated in different frequency bands (subchannels), and each user is coded separately using STBC or SFBC, the proposed new scheme enables multi access by joint code design across multiple antennas, subcarriers, and users. Such system will benefit from the combined space and frequency domain freedom as well as multiuser diversity. Hence, better spectrum efficiency is achieved while improving bit error rate performance with respect to signal-to-interference ratio.
Current imaging assessment and treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE This article reviews current neuroimaging techniques used for screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of patients with intracranial aneurysms as well as neuroendovascular therapeutic options available to patients. CONCLUSION The diagnosis and management of intracranial aneurysms have evolved dramatically in the past 20 years. MR angiography and CT angiography allow radiologists to reliably and noninvasively diagnose most intracranial aneurysms. Nonoperative endovascular techniques for treating intracranial aneurysms are now making treatment increasingly safer and more effective.
A Collaborative Filtering Approach Combining Clustering and Navigational based Correlations

Recommender systems are widely used for automatic personalization of information on web sites and informa- tion retrieval systems. Collaborative Filtering (CF) is the most popular recommendation technique, but several CF systems still suffer from problems like data rating availability and space dimensionality for neighborhood selection. In this paper, we present a new CF approach (PSN-CF) that uses usage traces to model users. These traces are used to estimate ratings that will be employed to generate clusters. Then, the PSN-CF evaluates navigational correlations between users within these clusters. Predictions are performed in a following step. The performance of PSN-CF is evaluated in terms of accuracy and time processing on a real usage dataset. We show that PSN-CF highly improves the accuracy of predictions in terms of MAE. Moreover, the use of clustering and positive sequences before computing the navigational correlations contributes to an important reduction of time processing.
Progressive open source

The success of several Open Source/sup TM/ software systems, e.g., Apache, Bind, Emacs, and Linux, has recently sparked interest in studying and emulating the software engineering principles underlying this innovative development and use model. Certain aspects of the Open Source development method are having fundamental and far reaching consequences on general software engineering practices. To leverage such Open Source methods and tools, we have defined an innovative software engineering paradigm for large corporations: progressive open source (POS). POS leverages the power of Open Source methods and tools for large corporations in a progressive manner: starting from completely within the corporation, to include partner businesses, and eventually complete Open Source. In this paper we present the design goals and principles for POS. We illustrate POS with two programs in HP: Corporate Source and the collaborative development program. We present early results from both these programs suggesting the power and necessity of POS for all modern large corporations.
Influence of Different Inertial Loads on Basic Training Variables During the Flywheel Squat Exercise.

PURPOSE To analyze the effects of different inertial loads on power production and power maintenance, as well as the number of sessions required for proper familiarization during the flywheel quarter-squat. METHODS Twenty-four high-level handball players attended 4 testing sessions consisting of 4 sets of 10 repetitions using 4 different inertial loads (0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg·m2). In addition, a 5th set of 15 repetitions was performed. Both concentric and eccentric peak power and the eccentric:concentric ratio were recorded. RESULTS The results showed the need to perform 3 sessions for a proper familiarization (ie, outcomes stabilization). The inertial load of 0.025 kg·m2 led to greater concentric peak power compared with the other inertial loads (from likely to most likely greater values). Both 0.025 and 0.050 kg·m2 inertial loads entailed greater eccentric peak power compared with 0.075 and 0.100 kg·m2 (most likely greater). Conversely, the 0.025-kg·m2 inertial load showed a lower eccentric:concentric ratio, presenting negative effects (most likely lower values) compared with the inertial loads of 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg·m2. Participants were able to perform 5-12 repetitions per set without significant peak power output decrements. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of performing at least 3 sessions to obtain a stable measure during flywheel squat exercise. Lower inertial loads (0.025 kg·m2) are the better option for eliciting high concentric peak power output values. In contrast, medium to high inertial loads are more appropriate to achieve greater eccentric overload values.
A mind-body program for older adults with chronic low back pain: results of a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES Determine the impact of an 8-week mindfulness meditation program on disability, psychological function, and pain severity in community-dwelling older adults with chronic low back pain, and to test the education control program for feasibility. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. Participants. Forty community-dwelling older adults with moderate low back pain or greater for at least the previous 3 months. Intervention. Participants were randomized to an 8-week meditation program or an 8-week education control program. OUTCOME MEASURES Disability, psychological function, and pain severity were assessed. The same measures were obtained for both groups at baseline, at the end of the program, and 4 months after program completion. RESULTS Sixteen participants (80%) completed the meditation program and 19 (95%) completed the education program. Both the meditation and control group improved on measures of disability, pain, and psychological function, both at program completion and 4-month follow-up. The differences between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. The meditation group practiced mindfulness meditation a mean of 5 days/week (range 1-7) and mean of 31 minutes/session (range 22-48). At 4 months follow-up 14/16 (88%) participants continued to meditate. CONCLUSION Both the intervention group and the education control group improved on outcome measures suggesting both programs had a beneficial effect. Participants continued to meditate on 4-month follow-up. The control program was feasible but not inert. Piloting the control program in mind-body research can inform the design of larger clinical trials.
The Relationship Between AND/OR Search and Variable Elimination

In this paper we compare search and inference in graphical models through the new framework of AND/OR search. Specifically, we compare Variable Elimination (VE) and memory-intensive AND/OR Search (AO) and place algorithms such as graph-based backjumping and no-good and good learning, as well as Recursive Conditioning [7] and Value Elimination [2] within the AND/OR search framework.
Empirically Guided Software Effort Guesstimation

Project LEAP (lightweight, empirical, antimeasurement dysfunction, and portable toolkit) is investigating tools and methods to support low-cost, empirically based software developer improvement. LEAP contains tools to simplify the collection of size and effort data. The collected data serves as input to a set of estimation tools. These tools can produce over a dozen analytical estimates of the effort required for a new project given an estimate of its size. To do this, they use various estimation methods such as linear, logarithmic, or exponential regressions. During project planning, the developer can review these estimates and select one of them or substitute a guesstimate based on his or her experience. The authors' study provides evidence that guesstimates, when informed by low-cost analytical methods, might be the most accurate method.
Most Water in the Tomato Truss Is Imported through the Xylem, Not the Phloem: A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Flow Imaging Study[W][OA]

In this study, we demonstrate nuclear magnetic resonance flow imaging of xylem and phloem transport toward a developing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) truss. During an 8-week period of growth, we measured phloem and xylem fluxes in the truss stalk, aiming to distinguish the contributions of the two transport tissues and draw up a balance between influx and efflux. It is commonly estimated that about 90% of the water reaches the fruit by the phloem and the remaining 10% by the xylem. The xylem is thought to become dysfunctional at an early stage of fruit development. However, our results do not corroborate these findings. On the contrary, we found that xylem transport into the truss remained functional throughout the 8 weeks of growth. During that time, at least 75% of the net influx into the fruit occurred through the external xylem and about 25% via the perimedullary region, which contains both phloem and xylem. About one-half of the net influx was lost due to evaporation. Halfway through truss development, a xylem backflow appeared. As the truss matured, the percentage of xylem water that circulated into the truss and out again increased in comparison with the net uptake, but no net loss of water from the truss was observed. The circulation of xylem water continued even after the fruits and pedicels were removed. This indicates that neither of them was involved in generating or conducting the circulation of sap. Only when the main axis of the peduncle was cut back did the circulation stop.