Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Timeouts and Neighbor Selection Queries in Peer-to-Peer Networks

In a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network, non-pipelining query result set delivery without a dynamic abort timeout feature is highly unreliable due to what we propose as the simultaneous abort problem: If only one of the many nodes in the query path fails to be responsive for whatever reasons, all other nodes in the chain are waiting, eventually time out at the same time, and the originator receives not even a single result. To address the problem, we derive dynamic abort timeouts using as policy exponential decay with halving. This ensures that a maximum of results can be delivered reliably within the time frame desired by a user. We establish that a timeout for loop detection in query routes must be static. A dynamic timeout is unsuitable to be used as loop timeout, due to what we propose as the non-simultaneous loop timeout problem. In a P2P network, a node forwards a query to the set of nodes obtained from neighbor selection. Using neighbor selection, explicit topology characteristics can be exploited in query guidance. The best neighbor selection policy to adopt depends on the context of the query and the topology. For flexibility and expressiveness, we propose to allow the user to specify the selection policy. In addition to the normal query, the user defines a neighbor selection query (XQuery) that takes the tuple set of the current node as input and returns a subset that indicates the nodes selected for forwarding. A wide range of policies can be implemented in this manner, as the neighbor selection policy can draw from the rich set of information contained in the tuples published to the node.
Impact of Safety-Related Dose Reductions or Discontinuations on Sustained Virologic Response in HCV-Infected Patients: Results from the GUARD-C Cohort

Background Despite the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, peginterferon alfa/ribavirin remains relevant in many resource-constrained settings. The non-randomized GUARD-C cohort investigated baseline predictors of safety-related dose reductions or discontinuations (sr-RD) and their impact on sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients receiving peginterferon alfa/ribavirin in routine practice. Methods A total of 3181 HCV-mono-infected treatment-naive patients were assigned to 24 or 48 weeks of peginterferon alfa/ribavirin by their physician. Patients were categorized by time-to-first sr-RD (Week 4/12). Detailed analyses of the impact of sr-RD on SVR24 (HCV RNA <50 IU/mL) were conducted in 951 Caucasian, noncirrhotic genotype (G)1 patients assigned to peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin for 48 weeks. The probability of SVR24 was identified by a baseline scoring system (range: 0–9 points) on which scores of 5 to 9 and <5 represent high and low probability of SVR24, respectively. Results SVR24 rates were 46.1% (754/1634), 77.1% (279/362), 68.0% (514/756), and 51.3% (203/396), respectively, in G1, 2, 3, and 4 patients. Overall, 16.9% and 21.8% patients experienced ≥1 sr-RD for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, respectively. Among Caucasian noncirrhotic G1 patients: female sex, lower body mass index, pre-existing cardiovascular/pulmonary disease, and low hematological indices were prognostic factors of sr-RD; SVR24 was lower in patients with ≥1 vs. no sr-RD by Week 4 (37.9% vs. 54.4%; P = 0.0046) and Week 12 (41.7% vs. 55.3%; P = 0.0016); sr-RD by Week 4/12 significantly reduced SVR24 in patients with scores <5 but not ≥5. Conclusions In conclusion, sr-RD to peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin significantly impacts on SVR24 rates in treatment-naive G1 noncirrhotic Caucasian patients. Baseline characteristics can help select patients with a high probability of SVR24 and a low probability of sr-RD with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin.
Retrieving opinions from discussion forums

Abstract Understanding the landscape of opinions on a given topic or issue is important for policy makers, sociologists, and intelligence analysts. The first step in this process is to retrieve relevant opinions. Discussion forums are potentially a good source of this information, but comes with a unique set of retrieval challenges. In this short paper, we test a range of existing techniques for forum retrieval and develop new retrieval models to differentiate between opinionated and factual forum posts. We are able to demonstrate some significant performance improvements over the baseline retrieval models, demonstrating that this as a promising avenue for further study.
Winds of M- and S-type AGB stars: an unorthodox suggestion for the driving mechanism

Context: Current knowledge suggests that the dust-driven wind scenario provides a realistic framework for understanding mass loss from C-rich AGB stars. For M-type objects, however, recent detailed models demonstrate that radiation pressure on silicate grains is not sufficient to drive the observed winds, contrary to previous expectations. Aims: In this paper, we suggest an alternative mechanism for the mass loss of M-type AGB stars, involving the formation of both carbon and silicate grains due to non-equilibrium effects, and we study the viability of this scenario. Methods: We model the dynamical atmospheres and winds of AGB stars by solving the coupled system of frequency-dependent radiation hydrodynamics and time-dependent dust formation, using a parameterized description of non-equilibrium effects in the gas phase. This approach allows us to assess under which circumstances it is possible to drive winds with small amounts of carbon dust and to get silicate grains forming in these outflows at the same time. Results: The properties of the resulting wind models, such as mass-loss rates and outflow velocities, are well within the observed limits for M-type AGB stars. Furthermore, according to our results, it is quite unlikely that significant amounts of silicate grains will condense in a wind driven by a force totally unrelated to dust formation, as the conditions in the upper atmosphere and wind acceleration region put strong constraints on grain growth. Conclusions: . The proposed scenario provides a natural explanation for the observed similarities in wind properties of M-type and C-type AGB stars and implies a smooth transition for stars with increasing carbon abundance, from solar-composition to C-rich AGB stars, possibly solving the longstanding problem of the driving mechanism for stars with a C/O close to one.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Review Article

Postsurgical spine syndrome is becoming an increasingly common challenge for clinicians who deal with spinal disorders owing to the expanding indications for spinal surgery and the aging world population. A multidisciplinary approach is most appropriate for patients who are unlikely to benefit from further formal surgical intervention. Anticonvulsant medications are effective in managing neuropathic pain after surgery, whereas opioids are rarely beneficial. Neuromodulation via a surgically implanted dorsal column neurostimulator is gaining popularity owing to its substantial superiority over conventional medical management and/or further surgical intervention. However, considering that prevention is always better than cure, spinal surgeons need to be well aware of the many poor prognostic indicators for spinal surgery, particularly psychosocial overlay.
The Burden of Mental Disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990-2013

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is witnessing an increase in chronic disorders, including mental illness. With ongoing unrest, this is expected to rise. This is the first study to quantify the burden of mental disorders in the EMR. We used data from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) 2013. DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) allow assessment of both premature mortality (years of life lost–YLLs) and nonfatal outcomes (years lived with disability–YLDs). DALYs are computed by adding YLLs and YLDs for each age-sex-country group. In 2013, mental disorders contributed to 5.6% of the total disease burden in the EMR (1894 DALYS/100,000 population): 2519 DALYS/100,000 (2590/100,000 males, 2426/100,000 females) in high-income countries, 1884 DALYS/100,000 (1618/100,000 males, 2157/100,000 females) in middle-income countries, 1607 DALYS/100,000 (1500/100,000 males, 1717/100,000 females) in low-income countries. Females had a greater proportion of burden due to mental disorders than did males of equivalent ages, except for those under 15 years of age. The highest proportion of DALYs occurred in the 25–49 age group, with a peak in the 35–39 years age group (5344 DALYs/100,000). The burden of mental disorders in EMR increased from 1726 DALYs/100,000 in 1990 to 1912 DALYs/100,000 in 2013 (10.8% increase). Within the mental disorders group in EMR, depressive disorders accounted for most DALYs, followed by anxiety disorders. Among EMR countries, Palestine had the largest burden of mental disorders. Nearly all EMR countries had a higher mental disorder burden compared to the global level. Our findings call for EMR ministries of health to increase provision of mental health services and to address the stigma of mental illness. Moreover, our results showing the accelerating burden of mental health are alarming as the region is seeing an increased level of instability. Indeed, mental health problems, if not properly addressed, will lead to an increased burden of diseases in the region.
Derivative and parametric kernels for speaker verification

The use of Support Vector Machines (SVMs) for speaker veri(cid:2)-cation has become increasingly popular. To handle the dynamic nature of the speech utterances, many SVM-based systems use dynamic kernels. Many of these kernels can be placed into two classes, parametric kernels , where the feature-space consists of parameters from the utterance-dependent model, and derivative kernels , where the derivatives of the utterance log-likelihood with respect to parameters of a generative model are used. This paper contrasts the attributes of these two forms of kernel. Furthermore, the conditions under which the two forms of kernel are identical are described. Two forms of dynamic kernel are examined in detail, based on MLLR-adaptation and mean MAP-adapted models. The performance of these kernels is evaluated on the NIST SRE 2002 dataset. Combining the two forms of kernel together gave a 5% relative reduction in Equal Error Rate compared to the best individual kernel.
Bayesian inference-based tracking for wireless capsule endoscopes

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) has emerged as a convenient diagnostic method for human gastrointestinal (GI) diseases owing to its non-invasiveness and capability to explore the entire GI tract. It also has a large potential to play a therapeutic role owing to the rapid advances in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions, a low-cost and accurate tracking system for WCE is highly required. Currently, the received signal strength (RSS)-based techniques are widely used for WCE localization because of its advantages in terms of non-specificity and low-cost implementation. However, these RSS-based techniques are quite susceptible to RSS measurement noise with random characteristics. We develop the Bayesian graphical model (BGM) for the RSS-based tracking system and then use Gibbs sampling to stochastically infer the location of the capsule endoscope. Through the results of the simulation experiment, we demonstrate the validity of the proposed methodology for WCE-tracking system.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Fasciclin-Like Arabinogalactan Protein Gene Family Reveals Differential Expression Patterns, Localization, and Salt Stress Response in Populus

Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs) are a subclass of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) involved in plant growth, development and response to abiotic stress. Although many studies have been performed to identify molecular functions of individual family members, little information is available on genome-wide identification and characterization of FLAs in the genus Populus. Based on genome-wide analysis, we have identified 35 Populus FLAs which were distributed on 16 chromosomes and phylogenetically clustered into four major groups. Gene structure and motif composition were relatively conserved in each group. All the members contained N-terminal signal peptide, 23 of which included predicted glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) modification sites and were anchored to plasma membranes. Subcellular localization analysis showed that PtrFLA2/20/26 were localized in cell membrane and cytoplasm of protoplasts from Populus stem-differentiating xylem. The Ka/Ks ratios showed that purifying selection has played a leading role in the long-term evolutionary period which greatly maintained the function of this family. The expression profiles showed that 32 PtrFLAs were differentially expressed in four tissues at four seasons based on publicly available microarray data. 18 FLAs were further verified with qRT-PCR in different tissues, which indicated that PtrFLA1/2/3/7/11/12/20/21/22/24/26/30 were significantly expressed in male and female flowers, suggesting close correlations with the reproductive development. In addition, PtrFLA1/9/10/11/17/21/23/24/26/28 were highly expressed in the stems and differentiating xylem, which may be involved in stem development. To determine salt response of FLAs, qRT-PCR was performed to analyze the expression of 18 genes under salinity stress across two time points. Results demonstrated that all the 18 FLAs were expressed in root tissues; especially, PtrFLA2/12/20/21/24/30 were significantly induced at different time points. In summary, this study may lay the foundation for further investigating the biological functions of FLA genes in Populus trichocarpa.
Performance Assessment of Fuzzy Logic Control Routing Algorithm with Different Wavelength Assignments in DWDM Networks

DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) is an effective technique to make use of the large amount of bandwidth in optical fibers to meet the broadband requirement of multimedia applications. The routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) algorithm efficiently manages optical network resources and is separated from the optical topology. This paper proposes a dynamic LLR algorithm using fuzzy logic control (FLC LLR) with different wavelength assignments. The unexpected traffic load is increased when the traffic load is high and the lightpath is long for the LLR routing algorithm. How to balance the traffic load of each link and minimize the hop count for each lightpath is considered. The fuzzy logic control in the FLC LLR algorithm is based on the traffic load and hop count to determine whether the lightpath can be established. Simulation results show that the FLC LLR algorithm has better performance than the LLR algorithm in terms of connection, blocking probability and channel utilization, especially when the traffic load is high. We also show that the FLC LLR algorithm increases the number of connections to be set up without incrementing the channel utilization. The number of conversions are compared as three wavelength assignments embedded in the FLC LLR algorithm when the converters are considered.
A dedicated verification approach for scheduling in complex manufacturing machines

Dynamic scheduling of the production in complex industrial manufacturing machines can lead to problems such as, for instance, deadlocks bringing the production to a standstill. An approach to ensure that deadlock is avoided in these highly flexible systems is to investigate all potential schedules. But verification of industrially sized systems by state-space traversal is practically impossible due to combinatoric effects causing state-space explosion. We present an effective approach to overcome this problem. The approach exploits specific characteristics of the systems and properties under consideration. Three situations in which state-space reduction techniques can be applied have been identified, formally defined and implemented in a dedicated checker. Results show that two of the techniques can reduce state-spaces with an exponential factor, and one technique has a linear effect. The application on a number of wafer scanners shows that this approach makes it possible to verify industrially sized systems.
Exchange Rate Misalignment and Agricultural Trade Exchange Rate Misalignment and Agricultural Trade

Using a sample consisting of bilateral trade flows across 10 developed countries between 1974 and 1995, this paper explores the effect of exchange rate misalignment on the growth of agricultural trade as compared to other sectors. Controlling for other factors likely to determine the growth in bilateral agricultural trade, the results show that long-run real exchange rate variability has had a significant negative effect on the growth of agricultural trade over this period. Moreover, the negative impact of misalignment on the growth of agricultural trade has been more significant compared to other sectors.
Pharmacotherapeutic Reports as Tools for Detecting Discrepancies in Continuity of Care

Background The care transition is the time when more medication errors occur. The aim of this study is to analyze the usefulness of a pharmacotherapeutic report model at hospital discharge to prevent medication errors and to simplify pharmacotherapy during a patient’s transition from the hospital to primary care. Methods Prospective study including patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were admitted to a short-stay unit or an emergency room. Relevant variables were extracted from the patients’ clinical history and SPSS software was used to carry out the statistical analysis. Direct costs were also calculated. Results 79.3% of patients were polymedicated, 15.5% of patients were identified as nonadherent to the treatment, 12.1% were users of alternative therapies, and 10.3% had been prescribed drugs that could be monitored. In 32.8% of the reports, reference was made to the primary care pharmacists with a view to resolve any pharmacotherapeutic discrepancies. A total of 132 discrepancies were identified, the majority being related to medicinal requirements (necessary/unnecessary medication). The major cause of drug-related problems (DRPs) were prescription errors. The drugs that were mainly involved in the onset of DRPs belonged to the R group, and the degree of simplification of the pharmacotherapy was 7.6%. The total cost avoided with the reconciliation was 200€/patient. Conclusion A continuity program was implemented based on the drafting of a pharmacotherapeutic report, which allowed for detecting discrepancies and updating the patients’ pharmacotherapeutic history, resulting in financial savings after its implementation.
High Responsiveness for Group Editing CRDTs

Group editing is a crucial feature for many end-user applications. It requires high responsiveness, which can be provided only by optimistic replication algorithms, which come in two classes: classical Operational Transformation (OT), or more recent Conflict-Free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs). Typically, CRDTs perform better on downstream operations, i.e., when merging concurrent operations than OT, because the former have logarithmic complexity and the latter quadratic. However, CRDTs are often less responsive, because their upstream complexity is linear. To improve this, this paper proposes to interpose an auxiliary data structure, called the identifier data structure in front of the base CRDT. The identifier structure ensures logarithmic complexity and does not require replication or synchronization. Combined with a block-wise storage approach, this approach improves upstream execution time by several orders of magnitude, with negligeable impact on memory occupation, network bandwidth, and downstream execution performance.
Logical Analysis of Complex Network Searching

This article describes the relationship between network search space, search strategies and search logic with logical language. The logicalproperty of complex network search algorithm is determined by the initial state (the search state) and the search strategy of complex network space, which can be defined logically. The article also presents the defi- nition of complex network search states set and its relationship with first-order modal predicate logic. All possible net- work search state sets in the search strategy can be described with first-order modal predicate logic. Analysis of net work search state properties lays a good foundation for the intelligentization of complex network search processes in the future.
Discrete mechanics optimal control (DMOC) and model predictive control (MPC) synthesis for reaction-diffusion process system with moving actuator

This paper is concerned with the computation of optimal motion control as well as the optimal input injection policy of an actuator arm regulating the temperature in a reaction-diffusion system. The system has two dynamical components consisting of the arm mechanics with inertial, elastic and damping properties, which is driven by bounded mechanical actuation controls and an underlying reaction-diffusion system described by the parabolic PDE. The state of the actuator arm parametrizes the input injection operator of the parabolic PDE systems model and causes coupling between the two dynamical systems generally operating at different time scales. The method proposed in this paper is aimed at solving this coupled problem. The actuator mechanics and its control are achieved in the discrete mechanics and optimal control (DMOC) framework, while the input injection for the reaction diffusion system is calculated by the modal model predictive control (MMPC) algorithm suitable for the dissipative systems. The actuation arm policy and input to the parabolic PDE system include in its realization low-order discrete representation of the parabolic PDE evolution and incorporate optimality with respect to both the state of the PDE and the actuator displacement cost from current to some more optimal control position as well as naturally present input and PDE state constraints. The proposed actuation arm policy and optimal stabilization of the unstable reaction-diffusion system in the presence of constraints in the full state-feedback controller realization have been evaluated through simulations.