Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The significance of difference:understanding variation in household energy consumption

Studies of energy use at the household level show a large degree of variability in consumption that cannot be entirely explained by infrastructural differences. For example, families living in identically-designed homes use strikingly different amounts of energy. These findings were responsible for highlighting the influential role of the occupant in energy demand some thirty years ago. The extent of this variability also implies that there are no “typical” energy-using households within a society. This paper reviews evidence of the variability in domestic energy consumption and presents data from student apartments in a UK university where both the infrastructure and the number of occupants are comparable. As expected, the variability in consumption is less in this homogeneous sample than previously reported in heterogeneous samples of households. Nonetheless, there is variation, particularly in electricity consumption, that can only be explained by reference to some kind of occupantrelated feature(s). Further qualitative enquiry explores the idea that this difference arises from the practices of the occupants. It is clear that practices do vary between households. This paper develops hypotheses regarding the resulting differences in energy use. To explore these hypotheses, detailed micro-level consumption data is required. But this is difficult data to gather empirically and is not available here, nor widely reported in the literature. However, a framework based on practices could provide a cross-cutting and meaningful structure to relate details of micro-variations to macro-level understanding of the dynamics of energy demand in a society. In this way, analysis based on a practice theory perspective offers much potential to understand and interpret the variation in domestic energy consumption. In particular, it challenges any view that such difference, as it currently exists, is due to idiosyncrasies of individual behaviour.
MELANIN ORNAMENTS, HONESTY, AND SEXUAL SELECTION

MANY STUDIES OF sexual selection have focused on the role of ornaments in mate choice (see Andersson 1994, Espmark et al. 2000). Birds have been a favorite taxon for those studies because of the prevalence of conspicuous ornaments, including brightly colored feathers, skin, and bills, and dramatically elongated feathers or feathers of elaborate structure. The colors of avian ornaments are the result of carotenoids, melanins, tissue structure, or some combination thereof. Carotenoid ornaments (e.g. bright reds, oranges, and yellows) have generated much interest. Those pigments can not be synthesized de novo by animals, but rather must be included in the diet (Brush 1990). That allows for the possibility that they are limited in nature or diffi cult to obtain (Hill 1994, 1996; Hudon 1994; Linville and Breitwisch 1997). Additionally, carotenoids have been implicated in a variety of critical physiological functions in animals. That recognition has stimulated much recent research on mate choice of carotenoid advertisement and the indicator value of carotenoid ornaments for several important aspects of individual condition. Avian melanin ornaments have also received considerable research attention. In contrast to studies of carotenoid ornaments, however, the primary focus of studies of melanin ornaments has been on the advertisement of melanin “badges” in intrasexual competition. Thus, the associations among expressions of melanin ornaments, mate choice, and individual condition have not been made to the same degree as for carotenoids. There are several possible reasons for that. First, melanins not only color ornaments but are also the basis of most inconspicuous appearances (i.e. camoufl age), in contrast to the highly conspicuous carotenoids. Second, melanins are synthesized by animals and thus do not need to be included in the diet. Finally, it is perhaps incorrectly assumed that melanin ornaments are typically black or blackish-brown and thus show both less variation within species and less diversity across species than do carotenoid ornaments. Here, we review a variety of aspects of the biology of avian melanin ornaments. We demonstrate that the color diversity of melanin ornaments is quite broad, including red (e.g. Red Junglefowl and Barn Swallow [Hirundo rustica]), orange (e.g. Red Junglefowl), yellow (e.g. Western Tanager [Piranga ludoviciana]), and green (e.g. Mallard), in addition to black and brown. Color differences in all melanin ornaments are, in part, a function of the ratio of the two types of melanins contained, and we outline the intriguingly different metabolic pathways to the formation of the two different categories of melanins. There are likely to be both signifi cant physiological benefi ts and costs to melanin production, and those may well differ for the two types of melanins. Finally, we Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio 45469-2320, USA JODIE M. JAWOR1 AND RANDALL BREITWISCH MELANIN ORNAMENTS, HONESTY, AND SEXUAL SELECTION The Auk 120(2):249–265, 2003
Research on Sensitivity of Component-Based Reliability

In complicated software system it is very important research task to improve software reliability by improving single component. This paper introduces a kind of sort method by calculating sensitivity of component-based reliability. Considering dynamic and static character of software and complexity, using frequency, dependent intensity of component, this method calculates and sorts sensitivity of component-based reliability to help system manager to allocate resource in developing and testing reasonably.
Social support, psychological distress and depression in hemodialysis patients

The End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and the need for hemodialysis treatment, forces patients to make numerous changes in their daily lives in order to cope with this chronic illness. Such changes often trigger the onset of notable psychological distress and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, these negative feelings may undermine the effectiveness of medical treatment, consequently worsening the patients’ health and quality of life. However, in patients affected by chronic disease the presence of social support seems to be associated with less psychological distress. Thus, the aim of this study ? in a sample group of ESDR patients ? was to explore if a high (vs. low) social support system is associated to a better (vs. a worse) state of psychological well-being. The results seemingly confirm our hypothesis. ESRD patients who benefit from social support resources display less psychological distress and depressive symptoms. These findings highlight - once more - the importance of a psychological evaluation in patients affected by chronic illnesses, such as ESDR. Specifically, identifying the presence (or absence) of the patients’ social support resources. This would be essential when setting up a program of psychotherapeutic sessions, in order to manage the remission of psychological distress. L’Insufficienza Renale Cronica (End Stage Renal Disease - ESRD) e il necessario trattamento di emodialisi impongono al malato considerevoli cambiamenti nell’organizza¬zione e nella gestione della propria vita. Spesso, queste modificazioni sono all’origine di forti stati di disagio psicologico (e.g.: distress) e di sintomi/sintomatologie a carattere depressivo. Questi stati negativi sono spesso in grado di intaccare l’efficacia delle terapie mediche creando gravi modificazioni nella salute e nella qualita della vita del paziente emodializzato. Tuttavia, nei pazienti affetti da patologie croniche, la presenza/assenza di risorse sociali sembrerebbe essere associata - rispettivamente - a un minore/maggiore stato di disagio e di malessere psicologico. Scopo di questo studio e valutare - in un campione di pazienti affetti da ESDR - se la percezione di un alto (vs. basso) supporto sociale sia effettivamente associata a uno stato di benessere psicologico migliore (vs. peggiore). I risultati sembrerebbero confermare tale legame. In particolare, i pazienti emodializzati che beneficiano di risorse sociali mostrerebbero minori livelli di disagio psicologico rispetto a coloro i quali percepiscono un minor supporto sociale. Questo studio sottolinea l’importanza della valutazione psicologica dei pazienti affetti da ESRD. In particolare, individuare e indentificare la presenza/assenza di supporto sociale, potrebbe quindi rivelarsi un aspetto chiave per impostare piani di prevenzione e di intervento per la gestione e la remissione del disagio psicologico in pazienti emodializzati.
Molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most widely diagnosed male cancer in the Western World and while low- and intermediate-risk PCa patients have a variety of treatment options, metastatic patients are limited to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This treatment paradigm has been in place for 75 years due to the unique role of androgens in promoting growth of prostatic epithelial cells via the transcription factor androgen receptor (AR) and downstream signaling pathways. Within 2 to 3 years of ADT, disease recurs—at which time, patients are considered to have castration-recurrent PCa (CR-PCa). A universal mechanism by which PCa becomes resistant to ADT has yet to be discovered. In this review article, we discuss underlying molecular mechanisms by which PCa evades ADT. Several major resistance pathways center on androgen signaling, including intratumoral and adrenal androgen production, AR-overexpression and amplification, expression of AR mutants, and constitutively-active AR splice variants. Other ADT resistance mechanisms, including activation of glucocorticoid receptor and impairment of DNA repair pathways are also discussed. New therapies have been approved for treatment of CR-PCa, but increase median survival by only 2-8 months. We discuss possible mechanisms of resistance to these new ADT agents. Finally, the practicality of the application of “precision oncology” to this continuing challenge of therapy resistance in metastatic or CR-PCa is examined. Empirical validation and clinical-based evidence are definitely needed to prove the superiority of “precision” treatment in providing a more targeted approach and curative therapies over the existing practices that are based on biological “cause-and-effect” relationship.
A Parameter-Free Approach for Mining Robust Sequential Classification Rules

Sequential data is generated in many domains of science and technology. Although many studies have been carried out for sequence classification in the past decade, the problem is still a challenge, particularly for pattern-based methods. We identify two important issues related to pattern-based sequence classification which motivate the present work: the curse of parameter tuning and the instability of common interestingness measures. To alleviate these issues, we suggest a new approach and framework for mining sequential rule patterns for classification purpose. We introduce a space of rule pattern models and a prior distribution defined on this model space. From this model space, we define a Bayesian criterion for evaluating the interest of sequential patterns. We also develop a parameter-free algorithm to efficiently mine sequential patterns from the model space. Extensive experiments show that (i) the new criterion identifies interesting and robust patterns, (ii) the direct use of the mined rules as new features in a classification process demonstrates higher inductive performance than the state-of-the-art sequential pattern based classifiers.
Seasonal Variability of the Polar Stratospheric Vortex in an Idealized AGCM with Varying Tropospheric Wave Forcing

AbstractThe seasonal variability of the polar stratospheric vortex is studied in a simplified AGCM driven by specified equilibrium temperature distributions. Seasonal variations in equilibrium temperature are imposed in the stratosphere only, enabling the study of stratosphere–troposphere coupling on seasonal time scales, without the complication of an internal tropospheric seasonal cycle. The model is forced with different shapes and amplitudes of simple bottom topography, resulting in a range of stratospheric climates. The effect of these different kinds of topography on the seasonal variability of the strength of the polar vortex, the average timing and variability in timing of the final breakup of the vortex (final warming events), the conditions of occurrence and frequency of midwinter warming events, and the impact of the stratospheric seasonal cycle on the troposphere are explored. The inclusion of wavenumber-1 and wavenumber-2 topographies results in very different stratospheric seasonal variabili.
Exploring the potentials of combining photo annotating tasks with instant messaging fun

The combination of photo annotation tasks and with instant messaging fun offers great potentials to both end-users and researchers. In this paper, we first describe our prototype system that allows users to share and annotate digital photos over the Internet while they are chatting online. In addition to manual annotation, our system can extract information from conversations to generate extra annotations. The advantage of using our system is that the boring and tedious task of annotating photos is turned into an essential part of an attractive fun activity, viz. online chatting. Extracting meaningful information from instant messages is challenged by abbreviations, pronouns, jargon, ellipsis, grammatical errors, ambiguities and asynchrony, all of which frequently appear in message conversations. In the paper we provide a roadmap, i.e. a systematic analysis of linguistic aspects of automated interpretation of message conversations.
Structural plasticity of Cid1 provides a basis for its distributive RNA terminal uridylyl transferase activity

Terminal uridylyl transferases (TUTs) are responsible for the post-transcriptional addition of uridyl residues to RNA 3′ ends, leading in some cases to altered stability. The Schizosaccharomyces pombe TUT Cid1 is a model enzyme that has been characterized structurally at moderate resolution and provides insights into the larger and more complex mammalian TUTs, ZCCHC6 and ZCCHC11. Here, we report a higher resolution (1.74 Å) crystal structure of Cid1 that provides detailed evidence for uracil selection via the dynamic flipping of a single histidine residue. We also describe a novel closed conformation of the enzyme that may represent an intermediate stage in a proposed product ejection mechanism. The structural insights gained, combined with normal mode analysis and biochemical studies, demonstrate that the plasticity of Cid1, particularly about a hinge region (N164–N165), is essential for catalytic activity, and provide an explanation for its distributive uridylyl transferase activity. We propose a model clarifying observed differences between the in vitro apparently processive activity and in vivo distributive monouridylylation activity of Cid1. We suggest that modulating the flexibility of such enzymes—for example by the binding of protein co-factors—may allow them alternatively to add single or multiple uridyl residues to the 3′ termini of RNA molecules.
On the Rank of Extreme Matrices in Semideenite Programs and the Multiplicity of Optimal Eigenvalues

We derive some basic results on the geometry of semideenite programming (SDP) and eigenvalue-optimization, i.e. the minimization of the sum of the k largest eigenvalues of a smooth matrix-valued function. We provide upper bounds on the rank of extreme matrices in SDP's, and the rst theoretically solid explanation of a phenomenon of intrinsic interest in eigenvalue-optimization. In the spectrum of an optimal matrix, the k th and (k + 1) st largest eigenvalues tend to be equal, and frequently have multiplicity greater than two. This clustering is intuitively plausible, and has been observed as early as 1975. When the matrix-valued function is aane, we prove that clustering must occur at extreme points of the set of optimal solutions, if the number of variables is suuciently large. We also give a lower bound on the multiplicity of the critical eigenvalue. These results generalize to the case of a general matrix-valued function under appropriate conditions.
MalDet: How to Detect the Malware?

Malware is malicious software. This software used to interrupt computer functionality. Protecting the internet is probably a enormous task that the contemporary epoch of computers have seen. Day by day the threat levels large thus making the network susceptible to attacks. Many novel strategies are brought into the field of cyber security to guard websites from attacks. But still malware has remained a grave reason of anxiety to web developers and server administrators. With this war takes place amid the security community and malicious software developers, the security specialists use all possible techniques, methods and strategies to discontinue and eliminate the threats while the malware developers utilize new types of malwares that avoid implemented security features. Easing this dilemma entirely is a rising area of research. This paper is aimed at classification of malware and the various ways of detecting them.
Guidelines for terms related to chemical speciation and fractionation of elements. Definitions, structural aspects, and methodological approaches (IUPAC Recommendations 2000)

Abstract This paper presents definitions of concepts related to speciation of elements, more particularly speciation analysis and chemical species. Fractionation is distinguished from speciation analysis, and a general outline of fractionation procedures is given. We propose a categorization of species according to isotopic composition of the element, its oxidation and electronic states, and its complex and molecular structure. Examples are given of methodological approaches used for speciation analysis. A synopsis of the methodology of dynamic speciation analysis is also presented.
Epidemic spreading on activity-driven networks with attractiveness

We study SIS epidemic spreading processes unfolding on a recent generalization of the activity-driven modeling framework. In this model of time-varying networks, each node is described by two variables: activity and attractiveness. The first describes the propensity to form connections, while the second defines the propensity to attract them. We derive analytically the epidemic threshold considering the time scale driving the evolution of contacts and the contagion as comparable. The solutions are general and hold for any joint distribution of activity and attractiveness. The theoretical picture is confirmed via large-scale numerical simulations performed considering heterogeneous distributions and different correlations between the two variables. We find that heterogeneous distributions of attractiveness alter the contagion process. In particular, in the case of uncorrelated and positive correlations between the two variables, heterogeneous attractiveness facilitates the spreading. On the contrary, negative correlations between activity and attractiveness hamper the spreading. The results presented contribute to the understanding of the dynamical properties of time-varying networks and their effects on contagion phenomena unfolding on their fabric.
Ensuring efficiency and robustness in MANET

This paper introduces a joint load balancing and hotspot mitigation protocol for mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) termed by us as `load_energy balance + hotspot mitigation protocol (LEB+HM)'. We argue that although ad-hoc wireless networks have limited network resources - bandwidth and power, prone to frequent link/node failures and have high security risk; existing ad hoc routing protocols do not put emphasis on maintaining robust link/node, efficient use of network resources and on maintaining the security of the network. Typical route selection metrics used by existing ad hoc routing protocols are shortest hop, shortest delay, and loop avoidance. These routing philosophy have the tendency to cause traffic concentration on certain regions or nodes, leading to heavy contention, congestion and resource exhaustion which in turn may result in increased end-to-end delay, packet loss and faster battery power depletion, degrading the overall performance of the network. Also in most existing on-demand ad hoc routing protocols intermediate nodes are allowed to send route reply RREP to source in response to a route request RREQ. In such situation a malicious node can send a false optimal route to the source so that data packets sent will be directed to or through it, and tamper with them as wish. It is therefore desirable to adopt routing schemes which can dynamically disperse traffic load, able to detect and remove any possible bottlenecks and provide some form of security to the network. In this paper we propose a combine adaptive load_energy balancing and hotspot mitigation scheme that aims at evenly distributing network traffic load and energy, mitigate against any possible occurrence of hotspot and provide some form of security to the network. This combine approach is expected to yield high reliability, availability and robustness, that best suits any dynamic and scalable ad hoc network environment. Dynamic source routing (DSR) was use as our underlying protocol for the implementation of our algorithm. Simulation comparison of our protocol to that of original DSR shows that our protocol has reduced node/link failure, even distribution of battery energy, and better network service efficiency
Detection of Thyorid Autoimmunity Markers in Euthyroid Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study From Syria

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in women in reproductive age. In many cases, PCOS is associated with infertility and increased risk of miscarriage. Recent studies have detected the presence of several organ specific and nonspecific autoantibodies in women with PCOS. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and levels of thyroid antibodies in euthyroid women with PCOS in Syria. Patients and Methods: This study included 56 euthyroid women with PCOS and 30 healthy women as a control group. PCOS was defined according to the revised 2003 Rotterdam criteria. Thyroid function was evaluated by measurement of serum TSH and FT4 levels. Antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-TG, respectively) were detected as markers for thyroid autoimmunity. All parameters were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Women with PCOS had higher serum levels of anti-TPO in comparison to controls (39.9 ± 59.5 and 18.9 ± 11.2 IU/mL, respectively; P < 0.05) and no significant difference was found in serum levels of anti-TG, TSH, or FT4 between the two groups. Patients with PCOS had a higher prevalence of positive results for anti-TG and/or anti-TPO in comparison to controls (28.6% and 3.3%, respectively; P<0.05), anti-TPO alone (19.6% and 3.3%, respectively; P < 0.05) and anti-TG alone (21.4% and 3.3%, respectively; P < 0.05). No significant associations were found between antibodies and studied hormones. Conclusions: High prevalence of thyroid antibodies in euthyroid patients with PCOS refers to the importance of investigation for thyroid autoimmune state in those patients.