Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Data Partitioning and Association Rule Mining Using a Multi-Agent System

This paper explores and demonstrates (by experiment) the capabilities of Multi-Agent Data Mining (MADM) System in the context of parallel and distributed Data Mining (DM). The exploration is conducted by considering a specific parallel/distributed DM scenario, namely data (vertical/horizontal) partitioning to achieve parallel/distributed ARM. To facilitate the partitioning a compressed set enumeration tree data structure (the T-tree) is used together with an associated ARM algorithm (Apriori-T). The aim of the scenario is to demonstrate that the MADM vision is capable of exploiting the benefits of parallel computing; particularly parallel query processing and parallel data accessing. In addition the approach described offers significant advantages with respect to computational efficiency when compared to alternative mechanisms for (a) dividing the input data between processors (agents) and (b) achieving distributed/parallel ARM.
Inactivation of the DNA-repair gene MGMT and the clinical response of gliomas to alkylating agents.

BACKGROUND The DNA-repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) inhibits the killing of tumor cells by alkylating agents. MGMT activity is controlled by a promoter; methylation of the promoter silences the gene in cancer, and the cells no longer produce MGMT. We examined gliomas to determine whether methylation of the MGMT promoter is related to the responsiveness of the tumor to alkylating agents. METHODS We analyzed the MGMT promoter in tumor DNA by a methylation-specific polymerase-chain-reaction assay. The gliomas were obtained from patients who had been treated with carmustine (1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, or BCNU). The molecular data were correlated with the clinical outcome. RESULTS The MGMT promoter was methylated in gliomas from 19 of 47 patients (40 percent). This finding was associated with regression of the tumor and prolonged overall and disease-free survival. It was an independent and stronger prognostic factor than age, stage, tumor grade, or performance status. CONCLUSIONS Methylation of the MGMT promoter in gliomas is a useful predictor of the responsiveness of the tumors to alkylating agents.
Optimal relay selection and power allocation using game theory for cooperative wireless networks with interference

Cooperative communication technique relies on the relay selection and power allocation process to optimize its performance. Optimal relay selection using game theory can lead to maximum benefit for both the source and the relay nodes. In this paper, we propose a Stackelberg game model for cooperative wireless communication networks with interference. The simulation result shows that interference coming from other clusters of cooperative communication nodes has an effect to the relay selection process. We also propose optimal relay selection process which limits the number of usable relay nodes while giving a good performance.
Image-based system for measuring objects on an oblique surface

This paper presents an image-based framework for measuring target objects on an oblique plane by using a single CCD camera and two parallel laser projectors beside the camera. Because of the alignment of the laser beams which form in parallel with the optical axis, projected spots in the image can be processed to establish relationships between distance and pixel counts between the projected spots in the image. Based on simple geometrical derivations without complex image processing, the proposed approach can measure the photographing distance, the distance between two arbitrary points on the oblique surface, and the incline angle. Experiment results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach in measuring distant objects on an oblique plane.
Methods, algorithms and tools in computational proteomics: A practical point of view

Computational MS‐based proteomics is an emerging field arising from the demand of high throughput analysis in numerous large‐scale experimental proteomics projects. The review provides a broad overview of a number of computational tools available for data analysis of MS‐based proteomics data and gives appropriate literature references to detailed description of algorithms. The review provides, to some extent, discussion of algorithms and methods for peptide and protein identification using MS data, quantitative proteomics, and data storage. The hope is that it will stimulate discussion and further development in computational proteomics. Computational proteomics deserves more scientific attention. There are far fewer computational tools and methods available for proteomics compared to the number of microarray tools, despite the fact that data analysis in proteomics is much more complex than microarray analysis.
Optical packet switched network layer without optical buffers

We propose a configuration for a packet switched wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) network including a simple wavelength assignment scheme for data packets. Combined with the use of the wavelength dimension for contention resolution, this reduces the need for optical buffers and when more than 11 WDM channels are used for transmitting data in the optical domain the buffers can be avoided.
3D Visual Attention for Stereoscopic Image Quality Assessment

Depth perception is one of the most important characteristic in three-dimensional (3D) images different from traditional two-dimensional (2D) images. Therefore, 3D visual attention will be advantageous to improve 3D visual experience and particularly depth perception. In this paper, we propose a 3D visual attention model for stereoscopic image quality assessment task. The proposed model is constructed based on 2D saliency model, center bias, depth cue (foreground cue and background). Different combination and modulation means of the 3D visual attention model for quality assessment are investigated. The experimental results show that compared with other schemes, the proposed 3D visual attention-based pooling scheme can achieve higher consistency with the subjective assessment of stereoscopic images.
The Ecological Allowance of Enterprise: An Absolute Measure of Corporate Environmental Performance, its Implications for Strategy, and a Small Case

In order to determine the sustainable ecological scale of business activities, the measure ecological allowance is introduced in this contribution. Its main idea is that every enterprise “owns” a certain allowable ecological impact that can be calculated through relating impact and economic performance. This measure then enables the evaluation of absolute environmental performance of a business enterprise, compared to only relative measures as in most other approaches. The measure is explained and detailed with a case from the German automotive industry and complimented by a scenario analysis of different configurations of self-owned and carsharing cars, including technological and economic parameters.
Intra-frame Motion Compensation in Multi-frame Brain PET Imaging

Purpose - Inter-frame and intra-frame motion can adversely impact the performance of dynamic brain PET imaging. Only correcting the former can still result in degraded qualitative and quantitative performance. Meanwhile, patient motion introduces mismatches between transmission and emission data which may lead to incorrect attenuation and scatter compensation in the reconstruction process. As a result, the reconstructed dynamic images may carry erroneous estimates of radioactivity distribution. We seek a solution to this problem. Methods- We investigated the use of iterative deconvolution coupled with a proposed use of time-weighted averaging of motion-transformed transmission images to correct the transmission-emission mismatch artifacts in dynamic brain PET images. We performed simulations using real-patient motion profile acquired by the infrared Polaris Vicra motion tracking device which estimates 3-D motion transformations during PET acquisition. This was followed by frame-based motion correction employing three different transmission-emission alignment strategies: transmission image transformed by (1) mean motion transformation, (2) median motion transformation, and (3) the proposed time-weighted average of motion-transformed transmission images. Results- The results demonstrate that the proposed approach of using time-weighted averaging of motion transformed transmission images outperforms conventional methods by substantially reducing the transmission-emission mismatch artifacts in the reconstructed images. Coupled with an alignment of the reconstructed frames for inter-frame motion correction and a subsequent iterative deconvolution approach for intra-frame motion correction, the resulting motion compensated images showed superior quality, considerable reduction in error norm and enhanced noise-bias performance compared to conventional methods of transmission-emission mismatch compensation. The performance was consistent across different levels of intra-frame motion, and the algorithm was amenable to different framing schemes. Conclusion - In frame-based motion correction of dynamic PET images, it is feasible to achieve intra-frame motion compensation using time-weighted averaging of motion transformed transmission images coupled with a post-reconstruction iterative deconvolution procedure to compensate for intra-frame motion.
Preservation of functional architecture in visual cortex of cats with experimentally induced hydrocephalus

We investigated how neural function is preserved or matured in the visual cortex of cats, following the induction of hydrocephalus by kaolin injection. In vivo optical imaging of intrinsic signals in 11–17‐week‐old hydrocephalic cats revealed orientation maps showing the orderly arrangement of preferred orientations when stimulated by grating stimuli at a low spatial frequency, whereas stimulus‐evoked intrinsic signals in response to gratings at a high spatial frequency were often too weak to construct orientation maps. Furthermore, in two of the three hydrocephalic cats, initially deteriorated orientation maps became almost regular maps in the second imaging experiments conducted 8 and 11 weeks, respectively, after the first imaging. This indicates that, despite large structural deformation of the hydrocephalic brain, orientation maps are elaborated sufficiently after the age of 5–6 months, by which time the orientation map formation is usually completed in normal cats. Single unit recording from the decompressed visual cortex revealed that many neurons showed normal orientation selectivity, whereas the binocularity of these neurons was found to be reduced. These results suggested that the deformed visual cortex of hydrocephalic cats exhibits a high plasticity, retaining its functional organization.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Spirulina on Growth and Phosphatase Activity in Copper-Exposed Carp (Labeo rohita)

The impact of spirulina supplementation at 0, 2, 4, 6, or 10% on the alleviation of copper toxicity was studied in the freshwater cultivable carp, Labeo rohita. Evaluation was based on selected food utilization parameters and phosphatase activities. Copper concentrations in the aquatic medium, selected body tissues, and fecal matter were analyzed to determine the mechanism of toxicity reduction. Dietary supplementation of spirulina significantly improved the tested physiological and biochemical parameters and reduced the metal burden in tissues. Reduction of metal toxicity seems to be achieved via elimination of metal through feces. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.714; p<0.01; n = 18) was obtained between supplementation of dietary spirulina and copper defecation. The addition of 4% spirulina was optimum since this dose produced the maximum elimination of copper from the body and better physiological and biochemical parameters. The treatment period (21 days) was not sufficient for complete removal of the copper. Therefore, a longer period of supplementation is recommended.
Enhancing Low Temperature Analog Performance of Underlap FinFET at Scaled Gate Lengths

Higher mobility and smaller subthreshold slope are some attractive features of low-temperature operation of FinFETs at scaled gate lengths. However, very little effort has been made to enhance the analog performance of the device at lower gate lengths. In this paper, we have studied the low temperature analog performance of underlap FinFET at 16-nm gate length. We have observed that for low-temperature analog operation, high-k gate dielectric is not a viable option at this gate length, as the intrinsic dc gain (AV0) decreases with increase in dielectric constant of the gate dielectric because of a pronounced increase in fringe-induced barrier lowering. On the other hand, dual-k spacer-based underlap FinFET is a promising candidate in improving critical analog figures of merit (FOM), such as intrinsic dc gain (AV0), cutoff frequency (fT), and maximum oscillation frequency (fmax) as the temperature is reduced. More so, the percentage increase in FOM of dual-k FinFET is enhanced at lower temperature as well as at lower gate length. Therefore, dual-k spacer underlap FinFET can be a possible solution for further device scaling at low-temperature environment.
Query Processing in Multi-User Scenario for Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs) how to judiciously utilize the limited energy capacity of sensor nodes is very important, especially in multi-user application scenarios. In this paper data query processing strategies are discussed and the multi-user scenario is defined. In this scenario, there is a large-scale monitored region with a large number of original queries requested from thousands of users. Such a huge number of query requests to sensornets are a heavy load for traditional query processing methods. To mitigate this problem, a novel query processing strategy, NER-MQ (Network Event Report based Multi-user Query), is proposed for these applications. In NER, queries from users can be processed at a Base Station (BS), and then sent to the exact event regions based on the information reported by the event reporting mechanism which is employed in NER. In order to restrict the distribution of queries within the event regions, a special subnet, termed as the embedded network (EN), is employed. Simulation results show that a significant performance improvement is gained with the proposed NER-MQ algorithm in the multi-user scenario of WSNs.
Fast Plug-in Method for Parzen Probability Density Estimator Applied to Genetic Neutrality Study

In order to compute an optimal Kernel probability density function estimator (KDE), the plug-in method is considered in this paper. Such algorithm gives a way to optimize both the kernel and the bandwidth. Here, we propose a new procedure witch is faster than the common plug-in one. For each time, a factor J(f), which is linked to the second order derivative of the pdf, is analytically approximated. The pdf is estimated only once at the end of iterations. Different random variables with difficult distributions are generated in order to prove the efficiency of the proposed optimal estimator. These algorithms are then, applied to genetics data in order to give a better characterisation in the mean of neutrality of a given population by using the fast MISE optimal pdf estimation of the Tajima's D criterion. This criterion is a statistic allowing the estimation of the genetic neutrality of the sample population.
Impact of 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole Dosing on Trace Organic Contaminant Degradation by Laccase

This study investigated the removal of five selecte d non-phenolic trace organic contaminants (TrOC) by extracellular enzyme extract from a white-rot fungus. Except dicl ofenac, no other investigated non-phenolic TrOC were degraded by the extracellular enzyme extract. Improvement of enzymatic degradation of all TrOC was achieved in the presence of a redox mediator, namely, 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT). However, the enhancement of degradation was mediator concentration-specific. A significant impr ovement in degradation at higher dosage than 0.1 mM (HBT) was achieved.
Chronic and Transitory Poverty in Australia 2001-2004

Many people experience poverty at some time in their lives. Tertiary students are an example, but most of them will escape poverty at the conclusion of their studies. People in transition between jobs may be in poverty temporarily and have to consume out of past savings. This type of poverty – transitory poverty – should be of less concern than prolonged, chronic poverty yet little is known about the extent of chronic poverty in Australia. This paper uses data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey to measure chronic and transitory poverty from 2000-01 to 2003-04. An individual is considered to be in chronic poverty if he or she has insufficient permanent income to meet basic needs. Transitory poverty occurs when the individual’s permanent income exceeds a given minimum standard but annual income falls below that standard in some years. Chronic and transitory poverty are measured using two axiomatically sound indices of aggregate poverty. For comparison purposes we also employ the crude, but easily interpretable, head-count ratio and we compare the results with those obtained using a tabulation approach. Our results are presented as poverty profiles, which show the sensitivity of the various poverty measures to the poverty threshold. We find that, for equivalised poverty lines from $10,000 through $18,000 per annum (in 2003-04 dollars), the proportion of people with permanent income less than the poverty threshold is at least double the proportion of people who are poor in all four years. Our preferred index – that of Foster, Greer and Thorbecke – indicates that when the real equivalised poverty line is increased from $10,000 through $18,000 per annum, the proportion of total poverty that is chronic in nature increases from approximately 16 per cent to 51 per cent.
inventory Butterflies ( Lepidoptera : Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea ) of Porto Mauá , Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest Ecoregion , Rio Grande do Sul State , Brazil

This paper presents a list of species of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) sampled in Porto Mauá municipality (27634’S, 28640’W), Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Sampling was carried out monthly between March 2008 and March 2009. After 204 net-hours of sampling effort, a total of 1,993 individuals from 253 species were recorded. With a single additional expedition, eight new species were added, reaching a total of 261 species recorded in the region of Porto Mauá. These new reports and the species accumulation curves may indicate a much richer fauna. The distribution of richness among butterfly families is compared with other inventories in seasonal semideciduous forest areas in the Atlantic Forest. We also discuss the importance of riparian forests of the Uruguay River as an ecological corridor that enables the maintenance of the butterfly fauna on the southern edge of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest Ecoregion.
Does bank competition affect bank stability after the global financial crisis

This paper addresses the dynamic relationship between competition and bank stability in Albanian banking system during the period 2008 - 2015. To this purpose, we construct a proxy for bank competition as referred to the Boone indicator. We also calculated the Lerner index and the efficient adjusted Lerner index, as well as the profit elasticity index and the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index. The main results provide support for the “competition – stability” view – that lower degree of market power sets banks to less overall risk exposure. The results further show that increasing concentration will have a larger impact on bank’s fragility. Similar, bank stability is positively linked with macroeconomic conditions and capital ratio and inverse with operational efficiency. We also used a quadratic term of the competition measures to capture a possible non-linear relationship between competition and stability, but find no supportive evidence.
Planar and bulk resonant periodic screens against plane-wave and electric-dipole excitations

The frequency-selective shielding behavior of periodic screens based on resonant elements is investigated, with particular reference to two-dimensional arrays of Jerusalem crosses and split-ring resonators. A parametric study of the shielding effectiveness under plane-wave far-field incidence is first performed based on a conventional periodic Method-of-Moment approach and verified through other full-wave commercial software simulations. Next, an Array-Scanning Method technique is used to study the shielding properties against finite dipole near-field sources, pointing out the main differences with respect to the far-field excitation.
Tilted Universe and other remnants of the preinflationary Universe.

If the inflationary epoch lasted only \ensuremath{\sim}10 $e$-foldings longer than required to solve the horizon problem, observable "remnants" of the preinflationary Universe may exist. They include dipole and quadrupole anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR). These "remnants" arise due to preinflationary fluctuations in scalar fields such as the inflaton, the axion, and the ilion, or due to preinflationary density perturbations. The dipole anisotropy can lead to the illusion of a "tilted universe": Viewed from the rest frame of the CMBR galaxies throughout the entire observable Universe would have a uniform streaming velocity. A dipole CMBR anisotropy could provide a very unconventional explanation for the large peculiar velocities measured for galaxies in our $\ensuremath{\sim}50{h}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ Mpc neighborhood. Among things very unlikely to be a "remnant" of inflation is a value of $\ensuremath{\Omega}$ today that is significantly different from unity.
Target shift awareness in balanced ensemble learning

In the balanced ensemble learning for a two-class classification problem, the target values are shifted between [1 ∶ 0.5) or (0.5 ∶ 0] instead of 1 and 0 in the learned error function. Such shifted error function could let the ensemble avoid from unnecessary further learning on the well-learned data points. Therefore, the learning direction could be shifted away from the well-learned data points, and turned to the other not-yet-learned data points. By shifting away from well-learned data and focusing on not-yet-learned data, a good balanced learning could be achieved in the ensemble. Through examining both individual learners and the combined ensembles, this paper is to explore how the target shift awareness could help to decide a decision boundary that is neither too close nor too further to all training samples.