Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Data Warehouse Quality with the NFR Framework

In recent years, Data Warehouse has emerged as a powerful technology for integrating heterogeneous data into a multidimensional repository on behalf of decision-support analysis. The complex extraction, transformation and loading process involved, as well as the aggregational-intensive queries are governed by a multitude of quality factors such as integrity, accessibility, performance, and other domain-specific non-functional requirements (NFRs). This clearly advocates the use of an NFR approach to support high-quality data warehouse specifications. In this work we extend the NFR Framework [3] to define catalogues of major data warehouse NFR types, related operational methods and correlation rules, for latter reuse during the development stage. We illustrate the contributions of our approach with a case study on a large data warehouse project.
Process Flexibility Revisited: The Graph Expander and Its Applications

We examine how to design a flexible process structure for a production system to match supply with demand more effectively. We argue that good flexible process structures are essentially highly connected graphs, and we use the concept of graph expansion (a measure of graph connectivity) to achieve various insights into this design problem. Whereas existing literature on process flexibility has focused on the expected performance of process structure, we analyze in this paper the worst-case performance of the flexible structure design problem under a more general setting, which encompasses a large class of objective functions. Chou et al. [Chou, M. C. , G. Chua, C. P. Teo, H. Zheng. 2010. Design for process flexibility: Efficiency of the long chain and sparse structure. Oper. Res.58(1) 43--58] showed the existence of a sparse process structure that performs nearly as well as the fully flexible system on average, but the approach using random sampling yields few insights into the nature of the process structure. We show that the ψ-expander structure, a variant of the graph expander structure (a highly connected but sparse graph) often used in communication networks, is within e-optimality of the fully flexible system for all demand scenarios. Furthermore, the same expander structure works uniformly well for all objective functions in our class. Based on this insight, we derive design guidelines for general nonsymmetrical systems and develop a simple and easy-to-implement heuristic to design flexible process structures. Numerical results show that this simple heuristic performs well for a variety of numerical examples previously studied in the literature and compares favourably even with the best solutions obtained via extensive simulation and known demand distribution.
Export Market Participation, Investments in R&D and Worker Training, and the Evolution of Firm Productivity

This paper uses micro panel data for firms in the Taiwanese electronics industry in 1986, 1991 and 1996 to investigate a firm's decision to invest in two sources of knowledge - participation in the export market and investments in R&D and/or worker training - and assess their effect on the firm's future productivity. The firm's decisions to export and invest in R&D and/or worker training are modelled with a bivariate probit model that recognises the interdependence of the decisions. The effect of these investments on the firm's future productivity trajectory is then modelled while controlling for the selection bias introduced by endo-genous firm exit. The findings indicate a significant interaction effect between exporting and R&D investments and future productivity, after controlling for size, age and current productivity. Firms that undertake both investment activities have significantly higher future productivity than firms that do one or neither. In addition, these firms are more likely to continue investing in these activities leading to further productivity gains. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that export experience is an important source of productivity growth for Taiwanese firms and that firm investments in R&D and worker training facilitate their ability to benefit from their exposure to the export market. Copyright 2007 The Authors Journal compilation Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2007 .
Performance evaluation of UGV obstacle detection with CCD/FLIR stereo vision and LADAR

The next phase of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) development, the Demo III programme, aims to enable round-the-clock operation with autonomous, cross-country navigation at speeds up to 40 mph on roads, 20 mph by day off road, and 10 mph by night off road. This paper reviews the obstacle sizes that must be detected and lookahead distances that are required to support such driving speeds, and describes data collection and performance evaluation efforts with three different range imaging systems: 1) stereo vision with CCD cameras, 2) stereo vision with InSb FLIR cameras operating in the 3-5 /spl mu/m band, and 3) the Dornier EBK LADAR. The LADAR and the FLIR stereo are applicable to day and night operation; the CCD stereo to day operation only. This paper describes the data set and preliminary obstacle detection results obtained. Ongoing performance evaluation with this data set will guide obstacle detection sensor selection and development for the Demo III Programme.
Study on the grey social welfare function

Based on interval grey numbers, the grey social welfare function (GSWF) is proposed in a group decision-making environment in this article. We proved that the GSWF satisfies unrestricted domain, Pareto principle, independence of irrelevant alternatives and has no dictator of Arrow's Impossibility Theorem for binary social choice rule. So the GSWF is reasonable and fair. Application of the new preference representation to a singing competition demonstrates that the GSWF is fair and applicable.
Transient Hypertension Directly Impairs Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation of the Human Microvasculature

Hypertension is associated with decreased endothelium-dependent vasodilation. However, whether endothelial dysfunction is a cause or a consequence of elevated blood pressure is unknown. Therefore, to determine whether hypertension can directly induce endothelial dysfunction, we investigated the effect of increases in intra-arterial pressure on endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the human microvasculature. Small arteries (internal diameter 202±75 &mgr;m) were isolated from gluteal fat biopsies in 12 healthy normotensive subjects (8 men and 4 women; age, 46±10 years). Arteries were cannulated and perfused in chambers oxygenated at 37°C. Endothelium-dependent and -independent responses to acetylcholine (Ach; 10−9 to 10−4 mol/L) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10−9 to 10−4 mol/L), respectively, were obtained after incubating the vessel with incremental intravascular pressures of 50, 80, and 120 mm Hg for 60 minutes each. The response to Ach was also obtained in different arteries after 3 consecutive incubation periods at 50 mm Hg. Arterial internal diameter was measured directly from amplified digital images. A significant reduction in the vasodilator response to Ach was observed with increases in intravascular pressure (mean vasodilation, 62%, 49%, and 26% at 50, 80, and 120 mm Hg, respectively;P <0.001). In contrast, the response to SNP showed a nonsignificant trend toward greater vasodilation with increases in pressure (mean vasodilation, 40%, 52%, and 57% at 50, 80, and 120 mm Hg, respectively;P =0.10). There was no difference in the consecutive dose-response curves to Ach obtained at the same intravascular pressure (mean vasodilation: 48%, 46%, and 49%;P =0.61). Transient increases in intravascular pressure significantly depress endothelium-dependent vasodilation in human resistance arteries. These findings suggest that elevated blood pressure per se may cause endothelial dysfunction in humans and have implications for the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.
Gemin5 proteolysis reveals a novel motif to identify L protease targets

Translation of picornavirus RNA is governed by the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element, directing the synthesis of a single polyprotein. Processing of the polyprotein is performed by viral proteases that also recognize as substrates host factors. Among these substrates are translation initiation factors and RNA-binding proteins whose cleavage is responsible for inactivation of cellular gene expression. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) encodes two proteases, Lpro and 3Cpro. Widespread definition of Lpro targets suffers from the lack of a sufficient number of characterized substrates. Here, we report the proteolysis of the IRES-binding protein Gemin5 in FMDV-infected cells, but not in cells infected by other picornaviruses. Proteolysis was specifically associated with expression of Lpro, yielding two stable products, p85 and p57. In silico search of putative L targets within Gemin5 identified two sequences whose potential recognition was in agreement with proteolysis products observed in infected cells. Mutational analysis revealed a novel Lpro target sequence that included the RKAR motif. Confirming this result, the Fas-ligand Daxx, was proteolysed in FMDV-infected and Lpro-expressing cells. This protein carries a RRLR motif whose substitution to EELR abrogated Lpro recognition. Thus, the sequence (R)(R/K)(L/A)(R) defines a novel motif to identify putative targets of Lpro in host factors.
Subcellular targeting of oxidants during endothelial cell migration

Endogenous oxidants participate in endothelial cell migration, suggesting that the enzymatic source of oxidants, like other proteins controlling cell migration, requires precise subcellular localization for spatial confinement of signaling effects. We found that the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced (NADPH) oxidase adaptor p47phox and its binding partner TRAF4 were sequestered within nascent, focal complexlike structures in the lamellae of motile endothelial cells. TRAF4 directly associated with the focal contact scaffold Hic-5, and the knockdown of either protein, disruption of the complex, or oxidant scavenging blocked cell migration. An active mutant of TRAF4 activated the NADPH oxidase downstream of the Rho GTPases and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) and oxidatively modified the focal contact phosphatase PTP-PEST. The oxidase also functioned upstream of Rac1 activation, suggesting its participation in a positive feedback loop. Active TRAF4 initiated robust membrane ruffling through Rac1, PAK1, and the oxidase, whereas the knockdown of PTP-PEST increased ruffling independent of oxidase activation. Our data suggest that TRAF4 specifies a molecular address within focal complexes that is targeted for oxidative modification during cell migration.
Non-manifold implicit surfaces based on discontinuous implicitization and polygonization

Implicit surfaces in 3D geometric modeling are limited to two manifolds because the corresponding implicit fields are usually defined by real-valued functions which bisect space into interior and exterior. We present a novel method of modeling non-manifold surfaces by implicit representation. Our method allows discontinuity of the field function and assesses the special meaning of the locus where the function is not differentiable. The enhancement can yield a non-manifold surface with such features as holes and boundaries. The discontinuous field function also enables multiple classification of the field, which makes it possible to represent branches and intersections of the implicit surfaces. The implicit field is polygonized by the algorithm based on the marching cubes algorithm, which is extended to treat discontinuous fields correctly. We also describe an efficient implementation of converting a surface model into a set of discrete samples of field function, and finally present the result of the non-manifold surfaces reproduced by our method.
Hair data model: A new data model for Spatio-Temporal data mining

Spatio-Temporal data is related to many of the issues around us such as satellite images, weather maps, transportation systems and so on. Furthermore, this information is commonly not static and can change over the time. Therefore the nature of this kind of data are huge, analysing data is a complex task. This research aims to propose an intermediate data model that can represented suitable for Spatio-Temporal data and performing data mining task easily while facing problem in frequently changing the data. In order to propose suitable data model, this research also investigate the analytical parameters, the structure and its specifications for Spatio-Temporal data. The concept of proposed data model is inspired from the nature of hair which has specific properties and its growth over the time. In order to have better looking and quality, the data is needed to maintain over the time such as combing, cutting, colouring, covering, cleaning etc. The proposed data model is represented by using mathematical model and later developed the data model tools. The data model is developed based on the existing relational and object-oriented models. This paper deals with the problems of available Spatio-Temporal data models for utilizing data mining technology and defines a new model based on analytical attributes and functions.
Receptor binding studies disclose a novel class of high‐affinity inhibitors of the Escherichia coli FimH adhesin

Mannose‐binding type 1 pili are important virulence factors for the establishment of Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections are initiated by adhesion of uropathogenic E. coli to uroplakin receptors in the uroepithelium via the FimH adhesin located at the tips of type 1 pili. Blocking of bacterial adhesion is able to prevent infection. Here, we provide for the first time binding data of the molecular events underlying type 1 fimbrial adherence, by crystallographic analyses of the FimH receptor binding domains from a uropathogenic and a K‐12 strain, and affinity measurements with mannose, common mono‐ and disaccharides, and a series of alkyl and aryl mannosides. Our results illustrate that the lectin domain of the FimH adhesin is a stable and functional entity and that an exogenous butyl α‐ d‐mannoside, bound in the crystal structures, exhibits a significantly better affinity for FimH (Kd = 0.15 µM) than mannose (Kd = 2.3 µM). Exploration of the binding affinities of α‐ d‐mannosides with longer alkyl tails revealed affinities up to 5 nM. Aryl mannosides and fructose can also bind with high affinities to the FimH lectin domain, with a 100‐fold improvement and 15‐fold reduction in affinity, respectively, compared with mannose. Taken together, these relative FimH affinities correlate exceptionally well with the relative concentrations of the same glycans needed for the inhibition of adherence of type 1 piliated E. coli. We foresee that our findings will spark new ideas and initiatives for the development of UTI vaccines and anti‐adhesive drugs to prevent anticipated and recurrent UTIs.
Exploring antibiotic resistance genes and metal resistance genes in plasmid metagenomes from wastewater treatment plants

Plasmids operate as independent genetic elements in microorganism communities. Through horizontal gene transfer (HGT), they can provide their host microorganisms with important functions such as antibiotic resistance and heavy metal resistance. In this study, six metagenomic libraries were constructed with plasmid DNA extracted from influent, activated sludge (AS) and digested sludge (DS) of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Compared with the metagenomes of the total DNA extracted from the same sectors of the wastewater treatment plant, the plasmid metagenomes had significantly higher annotation rates, indicating that the functional genes on plasmids are commonly shared by those studied microorganisms. Meanwhile, the plasmid metagenomes also encoded many more genes related to defense mechanisms, including ARGs. Searching against an antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) database and a metal resistance genes (MRGs) database revealed a broad-spectrum of antibiotic (323 out of a total 618 subtypes) and MRGs (23 out of a total 23 types) on these plasmid metagenomes. The influent plasmid metagenomes contained many more resistance genes (both ARGs and MRGs) than the AS and the DS metagenomes. Sixteen novel plasmids with a complete circular structure that carried these resistance genes were assembled from the plasmid metagenomes. The results of this study demonstrated that the plasmids in WWTPs could be important reservoirs for resistance genes, and may play a significant role in the horizontal transfer of these genes.
Information Security Handbook: A Guide for Managers - Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology

This Information Security Handbook provides a broad overview of information security program elements to assist managers in understanding how to establish and implement an information security program. Typically, the organization looks to the program for overall responsibility to ensure the selection and implementation of appropriate security controls and to demonstrate the effectiveness of satisfying their stated security requirements. The topics within this document were selected based on the laws and regulations relevant to information security, including the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130. The material in this handbook can be referenced for general information on a particular topic or can be used in the decision-making process for developing an information security program. The purpose of this publication is to inform members of the information security management team about various aspects of information security that they will be expected to implement and oversee in their respective organizations. In addition, the handbook provides guidance for facilitating a more consistent approach to information security programs across the federal government. Even though the terminology in this document is geared toward the federal sector, the handbook can also be used to provide guidance on a variety of other governmental, organizational, or institutional security requirements. The intended audience includes agency heads, CIOs, SAISOs (also commonly referred to as CISOs), and security managers. The handbook provides information that the audience can use in building their information security program strategy. While there are differences between federal and private sector environments, especially in terms of priorities and legal requirements, the underlying principles of information security are the same. The handbook is therefore useful to any manager who requires a broad overview of information security practices.
THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF COST AND SERVICE IN FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION CHOICE BEFORE AND AFTER DEREGULATION: AN UPDATE

Since this article expands McGinnis's seminal 1980 study on freight transportation choice, a brief review of his study is necessary. McGinnis looked at twelve empirical studies of transport choice (six pre-deregulation, six post-deregulation), each of which dealt with either modal or carrier selection. These twelve studies were based on information from transportation users in the U.S. Although never explicitly defined, 1980 was used as the demarcation point between pre- and post-deregulation studies. This article will include those studies offering an evaluation of either modal or carrier selection, based on data from transportation users in the U.S. Unlike the McGinnis study, this article includes transport choice articles published during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
A correlation between the heavy element content of transiting extrasolar planets and the metallicity of their parent stars

Context. Nine extrasolar planets with masses between 110 and 430M⊕ are known to transit their star. The knowledge of their masses and radii allows an estimate of their composition, but uncertainties on equations of state, opacities and possible missing energy sources imply that only inaccurate constraints can be derived when considering each planet separately. Aims. We seek to better understand the composition of transiting extrasolar planets by considering them as an ensemble, and by comparing the obtained planetary properties to that of the parent stars. Methods. We use evolution models and constraints on the stellar ages to derive the mass of heavy elements present in the planets. Possible additional energy sources like tidal dissipation due to an i nclined orbit or to downward kinetic energy transport are considered. Results. We show that the nine transiting planets discovered so far belong to a quite homogeneous ensemble that is characterized by a mass of heavy elements that is a relatively steep function of the s tellar metallicity, from less than 20 earth masses of heavy elements around solar composition stars, to up to∼ 100 M⊕ for three times the solar metallicity (the precise values be ing model-dependant). The correlation is still to be ascertained however. Statistical tests imply a worst-ca se 1/3 probability of a false positive. Conclusions. Together with the observed lack of giant planets in close orbits around metal-poor stars, these results appear to imply t hat heavy elements play a key role in the formation of close-in giant planets. The large masses of heavy elements inferred for planets orbiting metal rich stars was not anticipated by planet formation models and shows the need for alternative theories including migration and subsequent collection of planetesimals.
Design and Implementation of Power Management System Utilizing Supercapacitors for Hybrid Vehicles

This paper presents the design and implementation of the power management system utilizing supercapacitors for the hybrid vehicle. The researchers develops a system that has monitoring and cell balancing using a microcontroller board which controls, monitors, and charges the battery efficiently to avoid overcharging. The system uses a generator to charge the supercapacitor utilizing it for the electric motor. The supply was in single phase form and it uses step-up transformer with 48V volts switch-mode power supply. Before storing the energy gathered from the generator, the battery will undergo for cell balancing to ensure that all battery pair are equal to each other. The power management system in the project balances the supercapacitors that are connected in series.