Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ontology-based Privacy Setting Transfer Scheme on Social Networking Systems

— In this age of eternal connectedness, using various social networks, privacy is an important problem that needs to be transparent. Even though social networks provide a user the ability to control their privacy settings, it is often difﬁcult to get similar privacy settings across different social network systems. This is because: (a) privacy settings rely on complicated privacy rules which deﬁne the access control to different elements by different groups; (b) the terminology used varies in different social networking systems; (c) for a typical user, it is hard to set all the privacy settings as desired due to the complicated navigation through the social networking sites. Our goal is to design a framework that enables the transfer of privacy settings among social networking systems. We collect a user’s privacy settings for many social services and store them in an ontology database. When a user registers on a new social network, our system provides recommendations of settings for it based on the user preferences as indicated by the settings in other services. Our framework covers personal privacy settings and the settings of the relationships of groups/tags and other elements.
Research and Component Systems of Unmanned Ground Vehicles : A Survey

One method of reducing the risk to United States service members during the current period of increased operational tempo worldwide is to automate battlefield tasks, reducing the presence of US service members in hostile areas. A number of US military research projects are working toward the goal of producing robotic ground vehicle systems capable of executing surveillance, reconnaissance, obstacle-clearing, and infantry tasks in the absence of, or with minimal, human interaction. This paper is a survey of various systems and areas of research in Unmanned Ground Vehicle development. The focus of this paper is on some of the subsystems found in these vehicles, such as input(sensory) systems, navigation, communications and networking, and coordination systems.
The Power of Product Architecture Innovation: Modularity, Integrality, and Competition

Modular product architectures have recently received a surge of attention due to their advantages for product variety, mass customization, and standardization. It has been suggested that many products and systems migrate over time to higher levels of modularity. To explore the linkages between product architecture and competition in an industry, we study an unusual case of decreasing product modularity that is linked to substantial changes in industry composition. We identify conditions favorable for the start of the product architecture change process, and specify detailed mechanisms through which the de-modularization resulted in a near-monopoly position of the attacking firm. We argue that the product architecture simultaneously represents a firm’s decision variable and shapes the firm’s competitive environment, and the relative weight between them is determined by contextual circumstances.
Role of Remittances from Albanian Emigrants and Their Influence in the Country’s Economy

Emigrants' remittances are an important source of income for Albanian households and a source of employment for many Albanians. This article uses surveys of emigrants and other data to analyze the role of emigration in the Albanian economy. Characteristics of emigrants and their motivation for emigrating and for sending remittances back to Albania are examined. The evidence suggests that the rapid growth of remittances will level off in the future.
Type – Inference in Java

With the introduction of Java 5.0 [1] the type system has been extended by parameterized types, type variables, type terms, and wildcards. As a result very complex types can arise. The term Vector<? extends Vector<AbstractList<Integer>>> is for example a correct type in Java 5.0. Considering all that, it is often rather difficult for a programmer to recognize whether such a complex type is the correct one for a given method or not. Furthermore there are methods whose principle types would be intersection types. But intersection types are not implemented in Java 5.0. This means that Java 5.0 methods often don’t have the principle type which is contradictive to the OOP-principle of writing re-usable code. This has caused us to develop a Java 5.0 type inference system, which assists the programmer by calculating types automatically. This type inference system allows us to declare method parameters and local variables without type annotations. The type inference algorithm calculates the appropriate and principle types. In this contribution we present the ideas including type inference for types with wildcards.
DETECTION OF FLOW PHENOMENA WITH WAVELETS

We developed a fast and accurate detection algorithm for ow phenomena based on a multi{scale wavelet analysis of a grid function. The algorithm can be used to eeciently determine the location and orientation of shocks, interfaces and large gradients, and can be easily adapted to locate vortices and vortex sheets. The detection algorithm is independent of the numerical method used to compute the ow. It requires O(n) operations , where n is the number of grid points, so that its costs are negligible compared to those of the computational kernel of the numerical method.
A state-space approach to QRD-LSL interpolation and QRD-LSL smoothing

Sayed and Kailath (1994) demonstrated the feasibility of directly deriving many known adaptive filtering algorithms in square-root forms by a proper reformulation of the original adaptive problem into a state-space form. This work employs this state-space form to develop adaptive interpolation and smoothing algorithms. In particular, a systematic and concise derivation of the QR-decomposition least-squares lattice (QRD-LSL) interpolation and smoothing algorithms using correspondences between Kalman filtering and LSL adaptive filtering is given.
Intraperitoneal Injection Is Not a Suitable Administration Route for Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications

Given the extensive application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in biomedical fields, there is increasing concern regarding unintentional health impacts. Research into safe usage is therefore increasingly necessary. This study investigated the responses of the mouse brain to single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) delivered via intraperitoneal (IP) injection and compared these results with the previous study where SWCNTs were delivered via intravenous (IV) injection so as to explore which administration route is potentially better for SWCNTs application. This study suggests SWCNTs delivered via IP injection can have negative effects on the mouse brain through oxidative stress and inflammation at high concentration exposure, but these responses were not consistent and showed no dose-dependent effect. In a previous study, the results showed that IV-delivered SWCNTs induced a more consistent and dose-dependent effect. The comparison of the 2 studies suggested that using SWCNTs at a safe dosage delivered via IV injection may be a better administration route for SWCNTs in biomedical applications.
A dynamic RNA loop in an IRES affects multiple steps of elongation factor-mediated translation initiation

Internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) are powerful model systems to understand how the translation machinery can be manipulated by structured RNAs and for exploring inherent features of ribosome function. The intergenic region (IGR) IRESs from the Dicistroviridae family of viruses are structured RNAs that bind directly to the ribosome and initiate translation by co-opting the translation elongation cycle. These IRESs require an RNA pseudoknot that mimics a codon-anticodon interaction and contains a conformationally dynamic loop. We explored the role of this loop and found that both the length and sequence are essential for translation in different types of IGR IRESs and from diverse viruses. We found that loop 3 affects two discrete elongation factor-dependent steps in the IRES initiation mechanism. Our results show how the IRES directs multiple steps after 80S ribosome placement and highlights the often underappreciated significance of discrete conformationally dynamic elements within the context of structured RNAs. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.08146. 001
Taxation and Economic Incentives on Health-Related Commodities: Alcohol, Tobacco and Food

This chapter provides a detailed analysis of the economic, legal and public policy rationales for the application of taxes and other fiscal measures on health-related commodities. The motivation for such taxes has been more often linked to the fiscal revenues generated than to their potential public health benefits. However, especially in more recent times, an increased emphasis has been placed on the latter by many governments, as evidence emerged of the adverse public health, social and economic consequences of the consumption of certain commodities. An increasing number of governments are seeking to expand their use of fiscal measures to promote healthier behaviours, not only by increasing tax rates on commodities such as tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, but also by exploring the scope for taxing selected foods and non-alcoholic beverages as a way to make people’s diets healthier. A number of countries apply different tax rates to certain food categories, and some have specific taxes on foods high in salt, sugar or fat, and on sugary drinks. Only in the past two years, countries such as Denmark, Hungary, Finland and France introduced taxes on various foods and non-alcoholic beverages, and many more have been debating the possible use of similar measures. The key public health rationale for the use of taxes on health-related commodities lies in their ability to change people’s consumption behaviours. Additional health benefits may derive from the role possibly played by taxes as incentives to product reformulation. For instance, in 2012, many beer producers in the United Kingdom decreased the alcohol content of their brands sold in the United Kingdom by 0.2% to avoid an increase in duties. As with other attempts to use taxes to prevent some adverse outcome (e.g. environmental taxes), a key issue becomes the proximity of the tax point to the behaviour being targeted. The closer is the tax point to the behaviour, then (other things being equal) the more likely is the tax to have a beneficial impact. Excises introduced for public health purposes illustrate the dilemma clearly. Although for administrative reasons the tax may be levied earlier in the supply chain, the tax point is generally the purchase of the product by a consumer. Tobacco is always harmful, in whatever way and quantity it is consumed (although the harm will be even greater in an environment which results in secondary smoking). The relationship is less strong with alcohol, because the quantity consumed and the manner in which it is consumed (e.g. regular vs. binge drinking) determines the harm which may be caused. This relationship is even looser with diet-related taxes. This does not mean that taxation is an inappropriate instrument, but rather that, in addition to the harms discouraged by the tax, the welfare of a broader group of consumers will be affected.
Modeling and Simulation of HIV-1 Intracellular Replication

Modeling HIV infection has a long history since 1980s when HIV was discovered and the AIDS symptomes were first observed. In recent decades, treating Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and AIDS has been the main research topic of many experiments in laboratories around the world. In spite of the broad effort in designing antiretroviral drugs for treating HIV patients, there is still no specific vaccine or drug available to completely block the virus replication. Many mathematical and computational models have been developed to investigate the complexity of HIV dynamics, immune response and drug therapy. The objective of this thesis is to model the intracellular replication cycle of HIV-1. The model is basically designed to study HIV replication inside a single cell before initiation of drug therapy. Two modeling approaches have been used to implement the virus replication model:Rate-limited approach and diffusion-limited approach. Results of the model are discussed based on the number of cDNA created and integrated into the host cell DNA, the number of viral mRNA transcribed, and the amount of translated viral proteins after a single round of virus replication. Model validation is demonstrated graphically and quantitatively based on comparison between simulation results and available experimental data. A sensitivity analysis is also performed on some of the parameters used in the model. This analysis helps us to determine which steps, in the viral replication process, are more sensitive and uncertain. These results also indicate which parameters are critical in the replication process and which parameters are less sensitive. Results obtained from the simulation give insights about the detail of HIV replication dynamics inside the cell at protein level. Therefore the model can be used for future studies of HIV intracellular replication in vivo and drug treatment.
RNA-Seq Alignment to Individualized Genomes Improves Transcript Abundance Estimates in Multiparent Populations

Massively parallel RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has yielded a wealth of new insights into transcriptional regulation. A first step in the analysis of RNA-seq data is the alignment of short sequence reads to a common reference genome or transcriptome. Genetic variants that distinguish individual genomes from the reference sequence can cause reads to be misaligned, resulting in biased estimates of transcript abundance. Fine-tuning of read alignment algorithms does not correct this problem. We have developed Seqnature software to construct individualized diploid genomes and transcriptomes for multiparent populations and have implemented a complete analysis pipeline that incorporates other existing software tools. We demonstrate in simulated and real data sets that alignment to individualized transcriptomes increases read mapping accuracy, improves estimation of transcript abundance, and enables the direct estimation of allele-specific expression. Moreover, when applied to expression QTL mapping we find that our individualized alignment strategy corrects false-positive linkage signals and unmasks hidden associations. We recommend the use of individualized diploid genomes over reference sequence alignment for all applications of high-throughput sequencing technology in genetically diverse populations.
Integrin signal transduction in myeloid leukocytes

Integrin‐mediated adhesion serves as a powerful costimulus for neutrophil activation. Clustering of integrins at the leukocyte membrane by interaction with surface‐bound ligands (extracellular matrix proteins or endothelial cell counter‐receptors) leads to a number of signaling events that culminate in actin cytoskeletal rearrangement and neutrophil functional responses such as migration, degranulation, and respiratory burst. Although the signaling reactions elicited by integrin ligation are complex and the relative contribution of each pathway to neutrophil function is unclear, a large body of evidence suggests that activation of tyrosine kinases is a very proximal event in these signaling cascades. This review summarizes the role of adhesion in activating neutrophil functional properties and the contribution of leukocyte tyrosine kinases to regulation of integrin signaling in myeloid cells. Significant advances in our understanding of leukocyte integrin signaling have been afforded by studies using knockout mice lacking members of the Src‐family of tyrosine kinases normally expressed in myeloid cells. These studies have demonstrated that these kinases (Hck, Fgr, and Lyn) are not required for myeloid cell development or for many of the functional properties of myeloid cells but are critical in controlling integrin‐mediated signaling events. Absence of these kinases results in impaired adhesion‐dependent neutrophil activation both in vivo and in vitro. These studies suggest that leukocyte‐specific tyrosine kinases may be good therapeutic targets for controlling myeloid cell‐dependent inflammatory disease. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 313–320; 1999.
Fresnel reflection based fiber optic refractive index sensor for liquid concentration dedection

Measurement of refractive index which is one of the distinctive properties of materials is commonly used in many fields such as quality control of food industry, biomedical applications, biochemical analysis and measurement of environmental pollution. From the refractive index measurement methods, the one based on fiber optic stands out with their provided advantages. In this study, firstly, a simple, reliable and highly sensitive Fresnel reflection based fiber optic refractometer was setup, then the refractive indexes of various liquids were measured using this setup at different times. When the measurement results are compared with material science data sheet (MSDS) values, the percent error was found to be less than %1. Moreover, the long term stability of ethanol's refractive index was examined and the refractive index variation of salt-water was obtained as a function of the salt concentration.
Asymmetric Reaction Functions for the Euro Area

This paper offers a preliminary evaluation of ECB conduct of monetary policy by estimating a fairly general reaction function for the euro area. The specification of the policy rule embodies a number of nonlinearities which are shown to stem from asymmetric preferences and a convex aggregate supply curve. Asymmetric preferences allow, but do not require, policy-makers to weight differently positive and negative deviations of inflation and output from the reference values, and translate into an asymmetric reaction function. The empirical analysis on monthly euro-area aggregated data over the last 5 years reveals that ECB monetary policy is effectively described by a nonlinear policy rule according to which output contractions have required a larger policy response than output expansions. Moreover, actual movements in the euro interest rate closely resemble the simulated path that a Bundesbank-type of behaviour would have implied. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Energy- and Spectral-Efficiency Tradeoff in Downlink OFDMA Networks

Conventional design of wireless networks mainly focuses on system capacity and spectral efficiency (SE). As green radio (GR) becomes an inevitable trend, energy-efficient design is becoming more and more important. In this paper, the fundamental tradeoff between energy efficiency (EE) and SE in downlink orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) networks is addressed. We first set up a general EE-SE tradeoff framework, where the overall EE, SE and per-user quality-of-service (QoS) are all considered, and prove that under this framework, EE is strictly quasiconcave in SE. We then discuss some basic properties, such as the impact of channel power gain and circuit power on the EE-SE relation. We also find a tight upper bound and a tight lower bound on the EE-SE curve for general scenarios, which reflect the actual EE-SE relation. We then focus on a special case that priority and fairness are considered and suggest an alternative upper bound, which is proved to be achievable for flat fading channels. We also develop a low-complexity but near-optimal resource allocation algorithm for practical application of the EE-SE tradeoff. Numerical results confirm the theoretical findings and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed resource allocation scheme for achieving a flexible and desirable tradeoff between EE and SE.
Administrative Competencies of Principals of Unity Secondary Schools in Nigeria

The study investigated and identified the competencies of principals of Unity Secondary Schools in Imo and Abia States of Nigeria. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. A research instrument titled “Assessing the Competencies of Principal of Unity Secondary Schools was developed and administered to 200 teaching and non-teaching staff of the Federal Girls Government Colleges, Owerri and Umuahia. The result of the study showed that principals should possess these competencies: high administrative skills in planning, policy-making ability and should be able to command respect and loyalty from both staff and students.
A Comparative Study of Word Co-occurrence for Term Clustering in Language Model-based Sentence Retrieval

Sentence retrieval is a very important part of question answering systems. Term clustering, in turn, is an effective approach for improving sentence retrieval performance: the more similar the terms in each cluster, the better the performance of the retrieval system. A key step in obtaining appropriate word clusters is accurate estimation of pairwise word similarities, based on their tendency to co-occur in similar contexts. In this paper, we compare four different methods for estimating word co-occurrence frequencies from two different corpora. The results show that different, commonly-used contexts for defining word co-occurrence differ significantly in retrieval performance. Using an appropriate co-occurrence criterion and corpus is shown to improve the mean average precision of sentence retrieval form 36.8% to 42.1%.
Sclerosing peritonitis: the experience in Australia.

BACKGROUND Sclerosing peritonitis (SP) is a rare but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Small-bowel obstruction (SBO) due to encapsulation, dense adhesions, or mural fibrous is characteristic, often associated with peritonitis. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence, clinical features, effect of duration of dialysis, and other possible aetiological factors in severe SP. METHODS All dialysis units in Australia were surveyed for possible cases up to 1994. Patients were included if there was either surgical or radiological evidence of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis or SBO with tanned or thickened peritoneum in the absence of other causes of SBO. RESULTS Fifty-four patients were analysed. The duration of continuous PD was mean 52 +/- 30 months, median 48 months and range 8-127 months. Nineteen cases were diagnosed between 1980 and 1989 and 35 between 1990 and 1994, giving mean annual incidences 1.9 and 4.2 per 1000 PD periods respectively. The overall prevalence was 0.7%, which increased progressively with the duration of PD being 1.9, 6.4, 10.8, and 19.4% for patients on dialysis for > 2, 5, 6 and 8 years respectively. Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis was diagnosed in 87% of cases, SBO in 92%, and haemoperitoneum in 8%. Peritoneal calcification was present in seven cases, all of which had been on PD > 7 years. Peritonitis was associated with 38% of cases with fungal infection in 7%. Treatment with immunosuppression in five patients appeared to result in a favourable outcome in three. The mortality rate was 56%. CONCLUSION Severe sclerosing peritonitis is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis and there is a time dependent increase on CAPD.