Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research on Applying the Theory of Wavelet Neural Network and Entropy-Grey Association to the Security Risk Assessment for E-Government Information System

The theories and methods of security risk assessment for e-government information systems have become one of the study focuses in the field. As the traditional security risk assessment method is more subjective in the aspect of assigning weights, the assessment results are often inconsistent with the reality. In order to overcome the problem, this paper presents a risk assessment method which combines wavelet neural network (WNN) and entropy-grey correlation, creates a WNN model and describes a simulation experiment by Matlab 7. In addition, comparisons are made in terms of convergent speed, training precision and forecasting effect between WNN and other traditional estimation methods such as BP-NN (Back Propagation Neural Network), FCM (Fuzzy Clustering Method) and SPR (Statistical Pattern Recognition). The experiment results indicate that, with the proposed method, subjectivity in the previous research is effectively avoided and the evaluation results are more scientific and valid. Case study proves that the method can be easily applied to the security risk assessment of the e-government information systems to produce objective results.
Citizenship Learning and Political Participation: The Experience of Latin American Immigrants in Canada

Abstract This research note presents a study in progress that explores the continuities, tensions, and ruptures in the lifelong citizenship learning and the political engagement experienced by Latin American immigrants to Canada. The authors are particularly interested in the extent and nature of “civic changes” that occur among members of this community through the process of becoming Canadian. By means of in-depth interviews with Latin American-Canadians in Toronto and Montreal, they aim at examining the barriers and enabling factors for citizenship learning and political participation, as well as the relationships between immigrants' political agency and institutional/social structures.
Some Candidate Replacement Materials for Dioctyl Phthalate in “Hot Smoke” Aerosol Penetrometer Machines

For many decades dioctyl phthalate (DOP), a common industrial material, has been used by the U.S. Army and other agencies to simulate aerosol behavior in nondestructive gas mask and filter serviceability testing, and for related test purposes. Techniques are completely standardized. But DOP is now considered to be a potentially hazardous material. The research reported here, which was performed using ATI Q-127 and TDA-100 “hot smoke” aerosol penetrometer test machines, identified relatively innocuous, inexpensive replacement materials for DOP. One of these, a synthetic hydrocarbon (poly-alpha olefin [PAO]), can be used to replace DOP directly with minimum impact upon existing hardware and procedures. Of more than two dozen candidate replacement materials that were tested, isostearic acid and oleic acid also performed well as DOP replacements. All three materials also show promise for cold smoke testing applications
Results of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth testing in irritable bowel syndrome patients: clinical profiles and effects of antibiotic trial.

PURPOSE Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may coexist with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and eradication therapy has been reported as effective in reducing IBS symptoms. Aims of this study were to: (1) Assess the clinical profiles of IBS patients, who underwent breath testing with a glucose substrate--glucose breath test (GBT); (2) Evaluate hydrogen and methane parameters in various IBS groups; (3) Assess the role of inhibition of gastric acid in contributing to SIBO; (4) Investigate efficacy and safety of non-absorbable antibiotic rifamixin for eradication and symptom relief. METHODS 204 IBS patients met the ROME II criteria for IBS (170F & 34M; mean age 46.4; range 18-88) and underwent GBT. 8 of these patients with positive GBT were treated with rifaximin 200 mg, 4 times a day for 1 month and symptom assessments and GBT were repeated. RESULTS 93 (46%) had a positive GBT. 68 (73%) of these 93 IBS-diarrhea dominant (IBS-D), 12 (13%) were constipation dominant (IBS-C) and 13 (14%) IBS with alternating bowel pattern. 48% of SIBO positive patients were receiving PPI therapy compared to 40% of IBS patients with negative GBT. 61 (66%) produced only hydrogen, 27 (29%) methane only, and 5 (5%) both-hydrogen and methane. There were more methane producers in IBS-C then IBS-D group (58% vs 28%) while IBS-D had more hydrogen formers (71% vs 42%). 8 patients with SIBO (7F & IM; mean age 55, range 31-85) received rifamixin 800 mg/day. Repeat GBT was normal in 6 (75%), 1 patient (12.5%) normalized according to hydrogen criteria but methane remained positive. Symptoms score improved in 7 (87.5%) patients and no adverse events were noted. CONCLUSIONS (1) SIBO was present in nearly half of this large cohort of IBS patients based on the results of GBT; (2) Chronic PPI use was not associated with SIBO; (3) Methane formers on the GBT are more likely to be constipated; (4) Rifaximin is effective in treatment of SIBO in IBS and controlled trials are warranted.
STARD3 mediates endoplasmic reticulum‐to‐endosome cholesterol transport at membrane contact sites

StAR‐related lipid transfer domain‐3 (STARD3) is a sterol‐binding protein that creates endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–endosome contact sites. How this protein, at the crossroad between sterol uptake and synthesis pathways, impacts the intracellular distribution of this lipid was ill‐defined. Here, by using in situ cholesterol labeling and quantification, we demonstrated that STARD3 induces cholesterol accumulation in endosomes at the expense of the plasma membrane. STARD3‐mediated cholesterol routing depends both on its lipid transfer activity and its ability to create ER–endosome contacts. Corroborating this, in vitro reconstitution assays indicated that STARD3 and its ER‐anchored partner, Vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐associated protein (VAP), assemble into a machine that allows a highly efficient transport of cholesterol within membrane contacts. Thus, STARD3 is a cholesterol transporter scaffolding ER–endosome contacts and modulating cellular cholesterol repartition by delivering cholesterol to endosomes.
Laboratory diagnosis, epizootiology, and efficacy of marker vaccines in classical swine fever: A review

Summary Detection of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) can be achieved by a range of assays of which the most commonly used are: immunohistochemical and virus culture techniques. New developments have enabled the detection of viral proteins by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and the detection of the viral genome by RT‐ PCR. So far, laboratory findings show that the latter assays may supplement or replace the conventional techniques in the near future. The detection of serum antibody against structural and non‐structural proteins of CSFV has been improved by developments in recombinant DNA techniques and has lead to a range of ELISAs. Although the characteristics of these ELISAs are excellent, positive results still need to be confirmed in the virus neutralization test. The available amount of sequence data enables diagnosticians to type strains of CSFV as different by comparing several parts of the genome. In some cases, this can provide conclusive evidence if a primary or secondary outbreak has been detected. Increased efforts focused on the retrieval of relevant data on the introduction of CSFV in a pig holding and the spread of CSFV in‐ and between pig holding(s) has generated more insight into the epizootiology of the disease. A successful control and eradication programme for classical swine fever (CSF) can consist of zoosanitary measures and/or vaccination. The latter can compromise the export of live pigs and pig products considerably unless marker vaccines have been used. Several studies were performed to determine the efficacy of an E2 subunit vaccine and live recombinant vaccine candidates. Firstly, we determined the 95% protective dose of an E2 subunit vaccine at 32 μg E2 per dosage after a single application. Further studies with a single administration of the subunit vaccine showed that: the vaccine was stable for a prolonged period after production, was able to reduce horizontal and vertical transmission of CSFV among vaccinated pigs, and provided protection for at least 6 months. An Erns antibody discriminatory assay was developed for use in combination with the subunit vaccine. Evaluation of the Erns ELISA showed that the sensitivity of the assay was lower than but that the specificity was equal to that of existing antibody assays. Two live recombinant marker vaccines were evaluated for the induction of clinical protection and reduction of transmission of CSFV shortly after vaccination. Results showed that these vaccines provided good clinical protection 1 week after a single vaccination. Research has shown that marker vaccines can be used in the future to support the control and eradication of CSFV.
moral heuristics and the means/end distinction

a mental heuristic is a shortcut (means) to a desired end. in the moral (as opposed to factual) realm, the means/end distinction is not self-evident: how do we decide whether a given moral intuition is a mere heuristic to achieve some freestanding moral principle, or instead a freestanding moral principle in its own right? i discuss sunstein's solution to that threshold difficulty in translating “heuristics” to the moral realm.
But and Negation

Many languages (e.g. Spanish, German, and Swedish) have more than one morpheme corresponding to the English “but”. It has been argued by Anscombre & Ducrot (1977) and by Horn (1989) that two of these morphemes covary with two different functions of natural language negation. Anscombre's and Ducrot's descriptions of these BUTs are examined, and it is shown that there is no such link. There is, however, an interesting connection between “but” and negation. One of the two morphemes imposes a restriction on the use of negation in the clause that follows it, which suggests that natural language negation does not correspond to a truth function.
Optimal Tax Rate and Its Effect on Copper Mine Resource Tax in China: A Computable General Equilibrium Model

Received: 16 September 2018 Accepted: 12 March 2019 In order to make the resource tax better play its role of adjusting differential income and protecting resources, the Chinese government has implemented new types of resource taxes including "ad valorem duty" and "free fee and regulate tax" reform for oil, natural gas and coal resources. In this context, we evaluate the optimal design for the reform of a tax on non-ferrous metal resources. Here, we construct and use a resource computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, to investigate the optimal tax rate of copper resource under ad valorem duty in China. The results showed that the best tax rate is 12 %. Based on this optimal rate, a dynamic CGE model was built to analyze and dynamically forecast the macroeconomic impact of different taxes, providing insight into the best strategy to enable cost control for enterprises and efficient and effective policymaking by the government.
Chronic cough: an otorhinolaryngology perspective

Purpose of reviewCough lasting more than 8 weeks is a common presenting complaint to the otolaryngologist. Historically, chronic cough has been attributed to post-nasal drip, laryngopharyngeal reflux and cough-variant asthma. This study reviews chronic cough from the viewpoint of an otolaryngologist. Recent findingsMore recent studies suggest the influence of laryngeal neuropathy and its interplay with laryngopharyngeal reflux. There is limited evidence for post-nasal drip or cough-variant asthma causing chronic cough. SummaryIn this study, we review the evidence for cause of chronic cough, as well as up to date techniques for the otolaryngologist, including transnasal esophagoscopy, to assess the patient in clinic allowing accurate diagnosis. Treatment options for the otolaryngologist are discussed and the role of multidisciplinary input emphasized.
Promotion of Cancer Cell Invasiveness and Metastasis Emergence Caused by Olfactory Receptor Stimulation

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are expressed in the olfactory epithelium, where they detect odorants, but also in other tissues with additional functions. Some ORs are even overexpressed in tumor cells. In this study, we identified ORs expressed in enterochromaffin tumor cells by RT-PCR, showing that single cells can co-express several ORs. Some of the receptors identified were already reported in other tumors, but they are orphan (without known ligand), as it is the case for most of the hundreds of human ORs. Thus, genes coding for human ORs with known ligands were transfected into these cells, expressing functional heterologous ORs. The in vitro stimulation of these cells by the corresponding OR odorant agonists promoted cell invasion of collagen gels. Using LNCaP prostate cancer cells, the stimulation of the PSGR (Prostate Specific G protein-coupled Receptor), an endogenously overexpressed OR, by β-ionone, its odorant agonist, resulted in the same phenotypic change. We also showed the involvement of a PI3 kinase γ dependent signaling pathway in this promotion of tumor cell invasiveness triggered by OR stimulation. Finally, after subcutaneous inoculation of LNCaP cells into NSG immunodeficient mice, the in vivo stimulation of these cells by the PSGR agonist β-ionone significantly enhanced metastasis emergence and spreading.
The impact of accents on automatic recognition of South African English speech: a preliminary investigation

The accent with which words are spoken can have a strong effect on the performance of a speech recognition system. In a multilingual country such as South Africa where English is not the first language of most citizens, the need to address this issue is critical when building speech-based systems. In this project we trained two sets of hidden Markov Models for isolated word English speech. The first set of models was trained with native English speakers and the second set was trained with non-native speakers from a representative sample of major South African accent groups. We compared the recognition accuracies of the two sets of models and found that the models trained with accented English performed better. This preliminary research indicates that there is merit to committing resources to the task of accented training.
STATS 375-Project Proposal

Belief propagation is a message-passing algorithm for performing inference in graphical models that has been implemented in a variety of domains including artificial intelligence, information theory and statistical physics. As we know, BP provides exact results only on a relatively restrictive subclass of problems, when the graphical model is a tree (or more generally if each connected component of the graph is a tree). In all other graphs that contain loops, we are left with what is called Loopy Belief Propagation. This algorithm can actually yield sufficiently accurate approximations in some specific cases [1]; the most prominent example is the near-Shannon limit performance of “Turbo Codes”. However, in the general case the approximate marginals calculated by LBP can have large errors. The motivation, then, for an algorithm that provides accurate results on a wider domain, is obvious. Several such solutions have been suggested. Among others are “Loop Calculus”, (or “Loop Series”) [2, 3] and “Loop Corrected Cavity Method” [4, 5].
Privacy-Preserving Personal Health Record System Using Attribute-Based Encryption

Personal health record (PHR) service is an emerging model for health information exchange. It allows patients to create, manage, control and share their health information with other users as well as healthcare providers. In reality, a PHR service is likely to be hosted by third-party cloud service providers in order to enhance its interoperability. However, there have been serious privacy concerns about outsourcing patients’ PHR data to cloud servers, not only because cloud providers are generally not covered entities under HIPAA, but also due to an increasing number of cloud data breach incidents happened in recent years. In this thesis, we propose a privacy-preserving PHR system using attribute-based encryption (ABE). In this system, patients can encrypt their PHRs and store them on semi-trusted cloud servers such that servers do not have access to sensitive PHR contexts. Meanwhile patients maintain full control over access to their PHR files, by assigning fine-grained, attribute-based access privileges to selected data users, while different users can have access to different parts of their PHR. Our system also provides extra features such as populating PHR from professional electronic health record (EHR) using ABE. In order to evaluate our proposal, we create a Linux library that implement primitive of key-policy attribute-based encryption (KP-ABE) algorithms. We also build a PHR application based on Indivo PCHR system that allow doctors to encrypt and submit their prescription and diagnostic note to PHR servers using KP-ABE. We evaluate the performance efficiency of different ABE schemes as well as the data query time of Indivo PCHR system when PHR data are encrypted under ABE scheme.
Efficient seamless rate compatible modulation

In order to avoid channel information feedback and improve the performance of the adaptive coded modulation (ACM) system in space communication, this paper proposes an improved rate compatible modulation (RCM) scheme to approach the channel capacity for the time-varying channel. RCM is a seamless rate adaptive technology, in which modulation signals are incrementally generated from information bits through weighted mapping. Rate adaptation is achieved through varying the number of modulated signals. The paper suggests an adaptive RCM based on construction of sub-block generation matrix of RCM in order to improve the performance of traditional RCM at different Signal-Noise Ratio (SNR), and simulations show that the improved scheme can provide a higher throughput than existing ones. Finally, a low complexity decoding algorithm is proposed.
Nursing home characteristics and the development of pressure sores and disruptive behaviour.

OBJECTIVE To determine how nursing home characteristics affect pressure sores and disruptive behaviour. METHOD Residents (n = 5518, aged > or =60 years) were selected from 70 nursing homes in the National Health Care chain. Homes were classified as high- or low-risk based on incidence tertiles of pressure sores or disruptive behaviour (1989-90). Point-prevalence and cumulative incidence of pressure sores and disruptive behaviour were examined along with other functional and service variables. RESULTS The overall incidence of pressure sores was 11.4% and the relative risk was 4.3 times greater in high- than low-risk homes; for disruptive behaviour, the incidence was 27% and the relative risk was 7.1 times greater in the high-risk group. At baseline, fewer subjects in homes with a high risk of pressure sores were white or in restraints, but more had received physician visits monthly and had had problems with transfers and eating. High-risk homes also had fewer beds and used less non-licensed nursing staff time. At follow-up (1987-90), 52% of homes in the low-risk group and 35% of those in the high-risk group had maintained their risk status; low-risk homes were more likely to have rehabilitation and maintenance activities. Having multiple clinical risk factors was associated with more pressure sores in high- (but not low-) risk homes, suggesting a care-burden threshold. By logistic regression, the best predictor of pressure sores was a home's prior (1987-88) incidence status. Interestingly, 67% of homes with a high risk of pressure sores were also high-risk for disruptive behaviour, while only 27% of homes with a low risk of pressure sores were high-risk for disruptive behaviour. A threshold effect was also observed between multiple risk factors and behaviour. More homes with a high risk of disruptive behaviour (68%) remained at risk over 4 years, and the best predictor of outcome was a home's previous morbidity level. CONCLUSION Nursing-home characteristics may have a greater impact than clinical factors on pressure sores and disruptive behaviour in long-stay, institutionalized elders.
PDE estimation techniques for advanced battery management systems — Part I: SOC estimation

A critical enabling technology for electrified vehicles and renewable energy resources is battery energy storage. Advanced battery systems represent a promising technology for these applications, however their dynamics are governed by relatively complex electrochemical phenomena whose parameters degrade over time and vary across manufacturer. Moreover, limited sensing and actuation exists to monitor and control the internal state of these systems. As such, battery management systems require advanced identification, estimation, and control algorithms. In this paper we examine a new battery state-of-charge (SOC) estimation algorithm based upon the backstepping method for partial differential equations (PDEs). The estimator is synthesized from the so-called single particle model (SPM). Our development enables us to rigorously analyze observability and stability properties of the estimator design. In a companion paper we examine state-of-health (SOH) estimation, framed as a parameter identification problem for parabolic PDEs and nonlinearly parameterized output functions.
Determinants of IT Outsourcing Relationships: A Conceptual Model

How can relationship quality in outsourcing partnerships be achieved, sustained, and improved? In this paper we present a conceptual model that focuses on the identification of the relevant determinants for a successful IT outsourcing relationship as well as on the operationalization IT outsourcing relationship quality. We contribute to existing relationship literature by thoroughly examining existing constructs and, if applicable, spliting and redistributing them. We also consider additional relationship quality dimensions and determinants. The derived eleven dimensions and fifteen determinants are empirically validated in a subsequent three step empirical approach providing a much more detailed and throroughly structured relationship quality model which will eventually help practitioners in improving their cross- organizational IT-business relationships.
Double Tree: An Advanced KWIC Visualization for Expert Users

In this paper we present Double Tree, a new visualization of Key Word In Context (KWIC) displays targeted to support linguistic analysis. Inspired by Wattenberg’s and Viégas’ [1] Word Tree visualization, Double Tree extends the idea of representing KWIC results as trees. We address several issues with Word Trees with respect to the specific demands of linguists and discuss the design decisions and implementation details that we chose for Double Tree. In particular we present our approach for displaying a two-sided tree. We describe details of the layout, including how frequency and linguistic information is incorporated, and what user interaction is supported. We conclude with some consideration on possible next steps for Double Tree.