Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salivary Immune Responses to the 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in the First 2 Years of Life

Background The CRM197-conjugated 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) is protective against vaccine serotype disease and nasopharyngeal carriage. Data on PCV7-induced mucosal antibodies in relation to systemic or natural anticapsular antibodies are scarce. Methods In a randomized controlled setting, children received PCV7 at age 2 and 4 months (2-dose group), at age 2, 4 and 11 months (2+1-dose group) or no PCV7 (control group). From 188 children paired saliva samples were collected at 12 and 24 months of age. From a subgroup of 15 immunized children also serum samples were collected. IgG and IgA antibody-levels were measured by multiplex immunoassay. Results At 12 months, both vaccine groups showed higher serum and saliva IgG-levels against vaccine serotypes compared with controls which sustained until 24 months for most serotypes. Salivary IgG-levels were 10–20-fold lower compared to serum IgG, however, serum and saliva IgG-levels were highly correlated. Serum and salivary IgA-levels were higher in both vaccine groups at 12 months compared with controls, except for serotype 19F. Higher salivary IgA levels remained present for most serotypes in the 2+1-dose group until 24 months, but not in the 2-dose group. Salivary IgA more than IgG, increased after documented carriage of serotypes 6B, 19F and 23F In contrast to IgG, salivary IgA-levels were comparable with serum, suggesting local IgA-production. Conclusions PCV7 vaccination results in significant increases in salivary IgG and IgA-levels, which are more pronounced for IgG when compared to controls. In contrast, salivary anticapsular IgA-levels seemed to respond more to natural boosting. Salivary IgG and IgA-levels correlate well with systemic antibodies, suggesting saliva might be useful as potential future surveillance tool.
Clubbing Seals: Exploring the Ecosystem of Third-party Security Seals

In the current web of distrust, malware, and server compromises, convincing an online consumer that a website is secure, can make the difference between a visitor and a buyer. Third-party security seals position themselves as a solution to this problem, where a trusted external company vouches for the security of a website, and communicates it to visitors through a security seal which the certified website can embed in its pages. In this paper, we explore the ecosystem of third-party security seals focusing on their security claims, in an attempt to quantify the difference between the advertised guarantees of security seals, and reality. Through a series of automated and manual experiments, we discover a real lack of thoroughness from the side of the seal providers, which results in obviously insecure websites being certified as secure. Next to the incomplete protection, we demonstrate how malware can trivially evade detection by seal providers and detail a series of attacks that are actually facilitated by seal providers. Among other things, we show how seals can give more credence to phishing attacks, and how the current architecture of third-party security seals can be used as a completely passive vulnerability oracle, allowing attackers to focus their energy on websites with known vulnerabilities.
TOA-Based Robust Wireless Geolocation and Cramér-Rao Lower Bound Analysis in Harsh LOS/NLOS Environments

We consider time-of-arrival based robust geolocation in harsh line-of-sight/non-line-of-sight environments. Herein, we assume the probability density function (PDF) of the measurement error to be completely unknown and develop an iterative algorithm for robust position estimation. The iterative algorithm alternates between a PDF estimation step, which approximates the exact measurement error PDF (albeit unknown) under the current parameter estimate via adaptive kernel density estimation, and a parameter estimation step, which resolves a position estimate from the approximate log-likelihood function via a quasi-Newton method. Unless the convergence condition is satisfied, the resolved position estimate is then used to refine the PDF estimation in the next iteration. We also present the best achievable geolocation accuracy in terms of the Cramér-Rao lower bound. Various simulations have been conducted in both real-world and simulated scenarios. When the number of received range measurements is large, the new proposed position estimator attains the performance of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). When the number of range measurements is small, it deviates from the MLE, but still outperforms several salient robust estimators in terms of geolocation accuracy, which comes at the cost of higher computational complexity.
Software and System Health Management for Autonomous Robotics Missions

Advanced autonomous robotics space missions rely heavily on the flawless interaction of complex hardware, multiple sensors, and a mission-critical software system. This software system consists of an operating system, device drivers, controllers, and executives; recently highly complex AI-based autonomy software have also been introduced. Prior to launch, this software has to undergo rigorous verification and validation (V&V). Nevertheless, dormant software bugs, failing sensors, unexpected hardware-software interactions, and unanticipated environmental conditions—likely on a space exploration mission—can cause major software faults that can endanger the entire mission. Our Integrated Software Health Management (ISWHM) system continuously monitors the hardware sensors and the software in real-time. The ISWHM uses Bayesian networks, compiled to arithmetic circuits, to model software and hardware interactions. Advanced reasoning algorithms using arithmetic circuits not only enable the ISWHM to handle large, hierarchical models that are necessary in the realm of complex autonomous systems, but also enable efficient execution on small embedded processors. The latter capability is of extreme importance for small (mobile) autonomous units with limited computational power and low telemetry bandwidth. In this paper, we discuss the requirements of ISWHM. As our initial demonstration platform, we use a primitive Lego rover. A Lego Mindstorms R © microcontroller is used to implement a highly simplified autonomous rover driving system, running on the OSEK real-time operating system. We demonstrate that our ISWHM, running on this small embedded microcontroller, can perform fault detection as well as on-board reasoning for advanced diagnosis and root-cause detection in real time.
On deriving stable backlog bounds by stochastic network calculus

Network calculus is a powerful methodology of characterizing queueing processes and has wide applications. In this work1, we focus on the fundamental problem of “under what condition can we derive stable backlog bounds using the current state of art of stochastic network calculus”. We model an network element (called a “node” here) as a single server with impairment service based on two best-known models in stochastic network calculus (one is first proposed by Cruz and the other is first proposed by Yaron and Sidi). We find that they actually derive equivalent stochastic service curves and backlog bounds. And we prove that stable backlog bounds can be derived by stochastic network calculus as long as the average rate of traffic arrival is less than that of service. This work suggests the effectiveness of stochastic network calculus in theory.
The HLH-6 Transcription Factor Regulates C. elegans Pharyngeal Gland Development and Function

The Caenorhabditis elegans pharynx (or foregut) functions as a pump that draws in food (bacteria) from the environment. While the “organ identity factor” PHA-4 is critical for formation of the C. elegans pharynx as a whole, little is known about the specification of distinct cell types within the pharynx. Here, we use a combination of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and genetics to identify a helix-loop-helix transcription factor (HLH-6) as a critical regulator of pharyngeal gland development. HLH-6 is required for expression of a number of gland-specific genes, acting through a discrete cis-regulatory element named PGM1 (Pharyngeal Gland Motif 1). hlh-6 mutants exhibit a frequent loss of a subset of glands, while the remaining glands have impaired activity, indicating a role for hlh-6 in both gland development and function. Interestingly, hlh-6 mutants are also feeding defective, ascribing a biological function for the glands. Pharyngeal pumping in hlh-6 mutants is normal, but hlh-6 mutants lack expression of a class of mucin-related proteins that are normally secreted by pharyngeal glands and line the pharyngeal cuticle. An interesting possibility is that one function of pharyngeal glands is to secrete a pharyngeal lining that ensures efficient transport of food along the pharyngeal lumen.
The SAGE Handbook of Social Media

The world is in the midst of a social media paradigm. Once viewed as trivial and peripheral, social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and WeChat have become an important part of the information and communication infrastructure of society. They are bound up with business and politics as well as everyday life, work, and personal relationships. This international Handbook addresses the most significant research themes, methodological approaches and debates in the study of social media. It contains substantial chapters written especially for this book by leading scholars from a range of disciplinary perspectives, covering everything from computational social science to sexual self-expression. - Part 1: Histories And Pre-Histories - Part 2: Approaches And Methods - Part 3: Platforms, Technologies And Business Models - Part 4: Cultures And Practices - Part 5: Social And Economic Domains
Application of Data Fusion in the Web Track

In this paper, we report on the experiments we conducted whilst participating in the TREC 2013 Web track. We use data fusion to test how to improve the results from different information retrieval systems. Linear combination is used for fusion and multiple linear regression is used to obtain suitable weights for all the component systems involved. In our experiments, the ClueWeb09 dataset is used as training data to obtain weights for the three component systems Indri, MG4J, and Terrier. After running the official evaluation program, we find that all four runs submitted are better than all component results with one exception.
An information theoretic rule for sample size adaptation in particle filtering

To become robust, a tracking algorithm must be able to support uncertainty and ambiguity often inherently present in the data in form of occlusion and clutter. This comes usually at the price of more demanding computations. Sampling methods, such as the popular particle filter, accommodate this capability and provide a means of controlling the computational trade-off by adapting their resolution. This paper presents a method for adapting resolution on-the-fly to current demands. The key idea is to select the number of samples necessary to populate the high probability regions with a predefined density. The scheme then allocates more particles when uncertainty is high while saving resources otherwise. The resulting tracker propagates compact while consistent representations and enables for reliable real time operation otherwise compromised.
Online Detection of High-Resistance Connections With Negative-Sequence Regulators in Three-Phase Induction Motor Drives

High-resistance connections in electric drives can cause localized overheating and motor supply voltage unbalance, which degrade the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the system. An enhanced field-oriented control scheme for induction machines that is capable of detecting resistive unbalance due to high-resistance connections, and regulating the negative-sequence current is proposed as the main contribution of this paper. Resistive unbalance is detected and located while maintaining the symmetric drive behavior both under transient and steady-state operating conditions. The negative-sequence regulator adopted in addition to the traditional current regulator for rotor field-oriented control is used to compensate for the voltage unbalance caused by the inherent asymmetries in the cable and stator winding and by the poor contacts. A model that shows the relationship between the resistive unbalance and negative-sequence current components is derived from the analysis of the proposed scheme. The theoretical analysis and the validity of the detection technique are confirmed with an experimental study on a 4-kW induction motor drive.
Solution-Focused Approaches in the Context of People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Critical Review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) has a growing evidence base and several authors have recognized the advantages of applying this approach with people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of this review is to summarize and critique the literature that has used solution-focused (SF) approaches in ID, and consider future directions. Methods: A literature review was carried out, identifying 12 studies; six with individuals, and six with staff and families. Results: There is preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of SFBT for individuals with mild ID and Solution-Focused Coaching or Consultation (SFC) for staff working with individuals with moderate and severe ID. However, the current evidence base consists primarily of case studies. Recommended adaptations include shortened scales and more concrete approaches to eliciting exception-seeking. Conclusions: Solution-focused techniques should be modified to accommodate the cognitive abilities of people with ID and carers should be involved in sessions where possible. There is a need for further controlled studies, with valid and reliable outcome measures, larger samples, and longitudinal data.
Analysis and emulation of the small-scale fading characteristics in the high-speed rail scenarios

Narrow band measurements at 930.2 MHz are carried out in two kinds of viaduct scenarios on the Zhengzhou-Xi'an high-speed railway at the speed of 300 km/h. The first-order and second-order statistics of the measured data, such as level crossing rate (LCR) and average fade duration (AFD), are compared with theoretical values of Rayleigh, Rice and Nakagami models. An emulation system is set up in the State Key Lab of Rail Traffic Control and Safety using a Propsim C8Radio Channel Emulator. Two new models based on WINNER II D2a channel model are proposed for viaduct scenarios according to the emulation results.
ASSESSING TERMS OF TRADE VOLATILITY IN ARGENTINA , 1810-2010 . A FOURIER APPROACH TO DECYCLING

We determine the volatility of Terms of Trade (TOT) and GDP. Volatility, contrary to mere variability, is put forward to reflect uncertainty. Our particular estimation approach relies on detrending followed by cycles removal using the Fourier approach. The standard deviation of the unexplained residuals is our measure of volatility and is estimated for Argentina for the period 1810 – 2010, using a five-year rolling sample. Next, adopting a VAR framework preliminary findings suggest that TOT and GDP volatilities have a positive, albeit weak, relationship.
Simulation and Modeling of 24-Pulse STATCOM in EMTDC/PSCAD Program in Order to Regulate Voltage and Dynamic Stability Improvement

This study starts from the proof of Low Frequency Oscillation (LFO) and then points out that there are many ways to study the LFO including its rejection measures. Also in this study one control system is planned in order to regulate voltage at common coupling point (PCC) in where STATCOM is installed. This research present a single-machine infinite-bus system with one static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) asymmetrically installed as a current source. Together with a classical generator model, the simplest power equation is obtained to give direct and clear physical concepts on synchronizing and damping torque factors. According to the primary equations, some basic issues, such as the relationship of voltage gain control and damping control, operating conditions, and the installation of STATCOM, are investigated in this research. Then, with assistance of proportional controller for voltage regulation and damp control, the digital simulation indicate the necessity of control of STATCOM in damping power system oscillations and supplying regulated voltage support.
PERFECT RECALL AND PRUNING IN GAMES WITH IMPERFECT INFORMATION 1

Games with imperfect information are an interesting and important class of games. They include most card games (e.g., bridge and poker) as well as many economic and political models. Here we investigate algorithms for findi ng the simplest form of a solution (a pure‐strategy equilibrium point) to imperfect information games expressed in their extensive (game tree) form. We introduce to the artificial intelligence community a classic algorithm, due to Wilson, that solves one‐player games with perfect recall. Wilson's algorithm, which we call iMP‐minimax, runs in time linear in the size of the game‐tree searched. In contrast to Wilson's result, Koller and Meggido have shown that finding a pure‐strategy equilibrium point in one‐player games without perfect recall is NP‐hard. Here, we provide another contrast to Wilson's result–we show that in games with perfect recall but more than one player, finding a pure‐strategy equilibrium point, given that such an equilibrium point exists, is NP‐hard.
University of Huddersfield Repository Semantics and complexity of recursive aggregates in answer set programming

The addition of aggregates has been one of the most relevant enhancements to the language of answer set programming (ASP). They strengthen the modelling power of ASP in terms of natural and concise problem representations. Previous semantic deﬁnitions typically agree in the case of nonrecursive aggregates, but the picture is less clear for aggregates involved in recursion. Some proposals explicitly avoid recursive aggregates, most others differ, and many of them do not satisfy desirable criteria, such as minimality or coincidence with answer sets in the aggregate-free case. In this paper we deﬁne a semantics for programs with arbitrary aggregates (including monotone, antimonotone, and nonmonotone aggregates) in the full ASP language allowing also for disjunction in the head (disjunctive logic programming – DLP). This semantics is a genuine generalization of the answer set semantics for DLP, it is deﬁned by a natural variant of the Gelfond-Lifschitz transformation, and treats aggregate and non-aggregate literals in a uniform way. This novel transformation is interesting per se also in the aggregate-free case, since it is simpler than the original transformation and does not need to differentiate between positive and negative literals. We prove that our semantics guarantees the minimality (and therefore the incomparability) of answer sets, and we demonstrate that it coincides with the standard answer set semantics on aggregate-free programs. Moreover, we carry out an in-depth study of the computational complexity of the language. The analysis pays particular attention to the impact of syntactical restrictions on programs in the form of limited use of aggregates, disjunction, and negation. While the addition of aggregates does not affect the complexity of the full DLP language, it turns out that their presence does increase the complexity of normal (i.e., non-disjunctive) ASP programs up to the second level of the polynomial hierarchy. However, we show that there are large classes of aggregates the addition of which does not cause any complexity gap even for normal programs, including the fragment allowing for arbitrary monotone, arbitrary antimonotone, and stratiﬁed (i.e., non-recursive) nonmonotone aggregates. The analysis provides some useful indications on the possibility to implement aggregates in existing reasoning engines.
Non-traded goods , the trade balance , and the balance of payments

A small-scale general equilibrium model is constructed to explain the joint behaviour of the trade balance, balance of payments, relative price of non-traded goods, and the real exchange rate. The model can be used to obtain a set of predictions about the response of these four variables to various exogenous disturbances, such as movements in the terms of trade or changes in government expenditure. The analysis emphasizes the interconnectedness between the traded and non-traded goods sectors of an economy. Since different exogenous shocks imply different patterns of co-movement between the trade balance, balance of payments, relative price of nontraded goods, and the real exchange rate, the general relationship between movements in these variables is theoretically ambiguous. Biens non-transiges internationalement, balance commerciale et balance des paiements. L'auteur construit un modele d'equilibre general de petite taille pour expliquer conjointement le comportement de la balance commerciale, de la balance des paiements, du prix relatif des biens non-transiges internationalement et du taux de change r6el. On peut utiliser le modele pour obtenir des predictions quant a la r6action de ces quatre variables a divers chocs exogenes comme des mouvements dans les termes d'6change ou des changements dans le niveau des depenses gouvernementales. L'analyse met I'accent sur l'interconnexion entre le secteur des biens transig6s internationalement et le secteur des biens non-transig6s d'une 6conomie. Puisque divers chocs exogenes vont engendrer des patterns differents de r6action conjointe de ces quatre variables, la nature de la relation entre les mouvements dans ces variables est theoriquement ambigue.
A search for high-redshift quasars among GB/FIRST flat-spectrum radio sources

We present the method and first results of a survey for high-redshift (z > 3) radio-loud quasars, which is based on optical identifications of 2902 flat-spectrum radio sources with S5GHz ≥ 25 mJy. The radio sample was defined over a 1600 deg2 region using the 5-GHz Green Bank survey and the 1.4-GHz VLA FIRST survey. 560 sources were identified to a limit of E= 19.5 on APM scans of POSS-I plates, and 337 of these optical counterparts are unresolved. From these a complete sample of 73 sources for spectroscopic follow-up was defined based on criteria of red (O − E ≥ 1.2) optical colour. We have obtained spectra for 36 of these, and an additional 14 have redshifts in the literature, thus 70 per cent of the spectroscopic sample is completed. Six objects in the sample were found to be radio-loud quasars with z > 3, of which two were previously known. The efficiency of the spectroscopic phase of the survey is therefore about 1 in 9, whereas without the colour selection criterion the efficiency would have been 1 in sim; 40. The six z > 3 quasars were found in an effective area of 1100 deg2, implying a surface density of one flat-spectrum z > 3 radio-loud quasar per 190 deg2 to limits of E= 19.5 and S5GHz ≥ 25 mJy. This survey has also produced the first known radio-loud BAL quasar, 1556+3517 with z = 1.48, which has been reported in an earlier paper. This object has a redder optical colour (O − E = 2.56) than all the z > 3 quasars found in this survey to date. In addition, we have obtained spectra of 22 GB/FIRST sources that are not part of the complete sample. We give positions, E (red) magnitudes, O − E colours, radio fluxes, radio spectral indices and redshifts where possible for objects for which we have obtained spectra. We give spectra and finding charts for the z > 3 quasars.