Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The EU and US as International Actors in Disaster Relief. Bruges Political Research Paper No. 22, January 2012

The European Union and the United States both claim international leadership in disaster relief, a high profile area of public concern and a part of each side‘s broadly defined foreign policy. The 2010 Haiti earthquake tested the capacities of each side to participate actively and deliberately in international disaster relief. Although both the EU and US mobilised a response effort and undertook a range of relief activities, both received criticism from internal critics and external observers. To offer a unique comparative perspective, this paper applies the concept of 'actorness' to the EU and US in order to enhance our understanding of their respective responses. Normally applied only to the EU, the actorness concept helps to capture behavioural dynamics within a complex, multi-level system which also characterises the US. We find substantial degrees of actorness in both polities, with the EU scoring highly in contextual determinants of actorness but lower in internal factors shaping actorness. The US, normally assumed to be a complete global actor, scored well in most categories but showed a degree of incoherence related to inter-agency and inter-department relations at the federal level. These results improve our understanding of EU and US disaster relief efforts and hold promise for comparative studies of actorness.
HASHI: An Application Specific Instruction Set Extension for Hashing

Hashing is one of the most relevant operations within query processing. Almost all core database operators like groupby, selections, or different join implementations rely on highly efficient hash implementations. In this paper, we present a way to significantly improve performance and energy efficiency of hash operations using specialized instruction set extensions for the Tensilica Xtensa LX5 core. To show the applicability of instruction set extensions, we implemented a bit extraction hashing scheme for 32-bit integer keys as well as the CityHash function for string values. We identify the individual parts of the algorithms required to be optimized, we describe our hashing-specific instruction set, and finally give a comprehensive experimental evaluation. We observed that the hash implementation using the hashing-specific instruction set (1) is up to two orders of magnitudes faster than the basic core without extensions, (2) exhibits always better performance compared to handtuned code running on modern high-end general purpose CPUs, and (3) has a significantly better footprint with respect to energy consumption as well as chip area. Especially the third observation has the potential for a higher packing density and therefore a significantly better overall system performance.
Attachment : Where do We Stand ?

Prepositional phrase (PP) attachment is a well known challenge to parsing. In this paper, we combine the insights of different works, namely: (1) treating PP attachment as a classification task with an arbitrary number of attachment candidates; (2) using auxiliary distributions to augment the data beyond the hand-annotated training set; (3) using topological fields to get information about the distribution of PP attachment throughout clauses and (4) using state-of-the-art techniques such as word embeddings and neural networks. We show that jointly using these techniques leads to substantial improvements. We also conduct a qualitative analysis to gauge where the ceiling of the task is in a realistic setup.
Decoding Effector-Dependent and Effector-Independent Movement Intentions from Human Parieto-Frontal Brain Activity

Our present understanding of the neural mechanisms and sensorimotor transformations that govern the planning of arm and eye movements predominantly come from invasive parieto-frontal neural recordings in nonhuman primates. While functional MRI (fMRI) has motivated investigations on much of these same issues in humans, the highly distributed and multiplexed organization of parieto-frontal neurons necessarily constrain the types of intention-related signals that can be detected with traditional fMRI analysis techniques. Here we employed multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA), a multivariate technique sensitive to spatially distributed fMRI patterns, to provide a more detailed understanding of how hand and eye movement plans are coded in human parieto-frontal cortex. Subjects performed an event-related delayed movement task requiring that a reach or saccade be planned and executed toward one of two spatial target positions. We show with MVPA that, even in the absence of signal amplitude differences, the fMRI spatial activity patterns preceding movement onset are predictive of upcoming reaches and saccades and their intended directions. Within certain parieto-frontal regions we show that these predictive activity patterns reflect a similar spatial target representation for the hand and eye. Within some of the same regions, we further demonstrate that these preparatory spatial signals can be discriminated from nonspatial, effector-specific signals. In contrast to the largely graded effector- and direction-related planning responses found with fMRI subtraction methods, these results reveal considerable consensus with the parieto-frontal network organization suggested from primate neurophysiology and specifically show how predictive spatial and nonspatial movement information coexists within single human parieto-frontal areas.
Object Tracking Based on Camshift with Multi-feature Fusion

It is very hard for traditional Camshift to survive of drastic interferences and occlusions of similar objects. This paper puts forward an innovative tracking method using Camshift with multi-feature fusion. Firstly, SIFT features and edge features of the Camshift in RGB space are counted to reduce the probability of disruption by occlusion and clutter. Then, the texture features are collected to resolve the problems of analogue interference, the texture similarity between current frame and previous frames are calculated to determine the object area. The paper also describes the GM(1,1) prediction model, which could solve the occlusion problems in a novel way. Finally, through the motion trajectory, it can anticipate the exact position of the object. The results of several tracking tasks prove that our method has solved problems of occlusions, interferences and shadows. And it performs well in both tracking robustness and computational efficiency.
Some Key Empirical Determinants of Short-Term Nominal Interest Rates

Inflation is the main determinant of the stochastic component of short-term nominal interest rates. The Federal Reserve can, therefore, permanently lower short rates only by reducing inflation. In the short run, the behavior of nominal rates is determined primarily by the outlook for inflation, by Fed policy, and by the state of the economy. Several customary fiscal policy measures do not affect the short rate in the short run.
Tr-OrBAC: A trust model for collaborative systems within critical infrastructures

In last decades, the notion of collaborative systems is presented as the new concept in Critical Infrastructures. It regroups different organizations collaborating in order to ensure the continuity of these infrastructures. However, some malicious behavior can arise causing perturbations on the information systems of the organizations. To avoid this behavior, building trust between collaborating organizations is necessary; it allows cooperating and sharing resources in a secure way. In this paper, we present Tr-OrBAC: a new trust model applicable in collaborative systems; it is based on the OrBAC (Organization Based Access Control) access control model and trust evaluation. In this paper, we will focus on explaining and detailing the proposed trust model.
The epithelial polarity regulator LGALS9/galectin-9 induces fatal frustrated autophagy in KRAS mutant colon carcinoma that depends on elevated basal autophagic flux

Oncogenic mutation of KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) in colorectal cancer (CRC) confers resistance to both chemotherapy and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-targeted therapy. We uncovered that KRAS mutant (KRASmut) CRC is uniquely sensitive to treatment with recombinant LGALS9/Galectin-9 (rLGALS9), a recently established regulator of epithelial polarity. Upon treatment of CRC cells, rLGALS9 rapidly internalizes via early- and late-endosomes and accumulates in the lysosomal compartment. Treatment with rLGALS9 is accompanied by induction of frustrated autophagy in KRASmut CRC, but not in CRC with BRAF (B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase) mutations (BRAFmut). In KRASmut CRC, rLGALS9 acts as a lysosomal inhibitor that inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion, leading to autophagosome accumulation, excessive lysosomal swelling and cell death. This antitumor activity of rLGALS9 directly correlates with elevated basal autophagic flux in KRASmut cancer cells. Thus, rLGALS9 has potent antitumor activity toward refractory KRASmut CRC cells that may be exploitable for therapeutic use.
Significance of MEG in Presurgical Epilepsy Evaluation

Summary Magnetoencephalography (MEG), as a non-invasive procedure, records magnetic fields generated by spontaneous or evoked brain activity. Presurgical evaluation of pharmacoresistent patients with focal epilepsy is currently the most frequent diagnostic application. The source of epileptic or averaged evoked activity is localised and then overlaid onto magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient’s brain. For source localisation advanced techniques use information extracted from the individual brain. The localisation results can guide invasive recordings and help in neurosurgical operation planning. Owing to the physical constraints of MEG and EEG, source localisation can be improved by simultaneous recording. Together with other diagnostic methods, MEG plays an important role for focus localisation in patients with intractable epilepsy.
A Novel Video Enhancement Based on Color Consistency and Piecewise Tone Mapping

In this paper we propose a new method intra and inter constraint based video enhancement scheme aiming to achieve high intra frame quality of the entire picture where multiple region of interest can be adaptively and randomly enhanced the all frames of video. To guarantee the inter frame quality of each frame consistencies among the video frames. Here first we analyze the features from different ROIs and create a piecewise tone mapping curve for the entire frame such as intra frame method improves the quality. The proposed a new inter frame constraints method is to improve the temporal quality consistency.
Prequery Discovery of Domain-Specific Query Forms: A Survey

The discovery of HTML query forms is one of the main challenges in Deep Web crawling. Automatic solutions for this problem perform two main tasks. The first is locating HTML forms on the Web, which is done through the use of traditional/focused crawlers. The second is identifying which of these forms are indeed meant for querying, which also typically involves determining a domain for the underlying data source (and thus for the form as well). This problem has attracted a great deal of interest, resulting in a long list of algorithms and techniques. Some methods submit requests through the forms and then analyze the data retrieved in response, typically requiring a great deal of knowledge about the domain as well as semantic processing. Others do not employ form submission, to avoid such difficulties, although some techniques rely to some extent on semantics and domain knowledge. This survey gives an up-to-date review of methods for the discovery of domain-specific query forms that do not involve form submission. We detail these methods and discuss how form discovery has become increasingly more automated over time. We conclude with a forecast of what we believe are the immediate next steps in this trend.
Constructing Transformations : < ground-c > A Learning Strategy for the Metaverse

This text will attempt to delineate the premises of an immersive learning approach relating to the creative fields. This proposed strategy is specifically designed for implementation in online, three dimensional synthetic builder’s worlds, also known as the Metaverse. Deviating from the prevalent practice of replicating physical art studio teaching strategies within a virtual environment, the author proposes instead to apply the fundamental principles of the “Groundcourse”, developed and taught by Roy Ascott during the 1960’s in England. While the educational philosophy of the Groundcourse does provide the backbone of the author’s proposition; further aggregations of Ascott’s cybernetic approach with educational strategies such as Jack Mezirow’s Transformative Learning is also deliberated upon. Online, socially interactive virtual worlds provide their users with novel creative affordances, operating in an environment with its own unique conditions. Beyond the novelty of the learning environment itself, these worlds seem to cater to special user groups, with well defined goals and interests. Thus an examination of what it is that a metaverse can contribute to learning in the creative fields would also appear to be called for. It has been the observation of the author that one of the major avenues of creative investigation in three dimensional, socially interactive virtual worlds is the acquisition and enactment of novel identities and indeed multiple identities for the purposes of Role Play. During the Groundcourse, with its emphasis on behavioral change as a founding principle for art education, Ascott also utilized the creation of new personalities as a major part of the learning process. It would thus appear that much insight can be attained from a critical examination and adaptation of the Groundcourse’s strategies as a pedagogical model for art education in a metaverse, specifically in relation to the deliberate construction of ‘identity’ as a means for creative enablement.
Improved NYVAC-Based Vaccine Vectors

While as yet there is no vaccine against HIV/AIDS, the results of the phase III Thai trial (RV144) have been encouraging and suggest that further improvements of the prime/boost vaccine combination of a poxvirus and protein are needed. With this aim, in this investigation we have generated derivatives of the candidate vaccinia virus vaccine vector NYVAC with potentially improved functions. This has been achieved by the re-incorporation into the virus genome of two host range genes, K1L and C7L, in conjunction with the removal of the immunomodulatory viral molecule B19, an antagonist of type I interferon action. These novel virus vectors, referred to as NYVAC-C-KC and NYVAC-C-KC-ΔB19R, have acquired relevant biological characteristics, giving higher levels of antigen expression in infected cells, replication-competency in human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, activation of selective host cell signal transduction pathways, and limited virus spread in tissues. Importantly, these replication-competent viruses have been demonstrated to maintain a highly attenuated phenotype.
Retinal Vascular Fractals and Cognitive Impairment

Background: Retinal microvascular network changes have been found in patients with age-related brain diseases such as stroke and dementia including Alzheimer's disease. We examine whether retinal microvascular network changes are also present in preclinical stages of dementia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 300 Chinese participants (age: ≥60 years) from the ongoing Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore study who underwent detailed clinical examinations including retinal photography, brain imaging and neuropsychological testing. Retinal vascular parameters were assessed from optic disc-centered photographs using a semiautomated program. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered, and cognitive function was summarized as composite and domain-specific Z-scores. Cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) and dementia were diagnosed according to standard diagnostic criteria. Results: Among 268 eligible nondemented participants, 78 subjects were categorized as CIND-mild and 69 as CIND-moderate. In multivariable adjusted models, reduced retinal arteriolar and venular fractal dimensions were associated with an increased risk of CIND-mild and CIND-moderate. Reduced fractal dimensions were associated with poorer cognitive performance globally and in the specific domains of verbal memory, visuoconstruction and visuomotor speed. Conclusion: A sparser retinal microvascular network, represented by reduced arteriolar and venular fractal dimensions, was associated with cognitive impairment, suggesting that early microvascular damage may be present in preclinical stages of dementia.
A Lightweight Inter-node Operation for UDDI Cloud

Coordinated UDDI public registries disappeared almost two years ago. In 2006 the UDDI cloud, a registries federation managed by IBM, HP, Microsoft and SAP, was shut down with the end of the UDDI business registry (UBR) project. UDDI is still widely adopted for private registries. Isolated public registries are quite rare and an UDDI coordination mechanism is still missing. In URB a pure entries replication mechanism was allowing access to all the entries published on each server. However, such pure replication does not scale and prevents the creation of dynamic federation of UDDI registries. This paper describes a work-in-progress solution based on a inter-node operation enabling the replication APIs to distribute the entries across a distributed hash table (DHT). Thus, it reduces the number of replicated entries to a sub-set of nodes participating in the UDDI cloud and opens a new possible scenario for the adoption of the UDDI standard.
“Your place or mine?” – Connecting communities and public places through networked public displays

Public spaces connect people in their everyday life and foster the growth of communities by providing a common space for people to bond and interact. However, while different communities or social groups may share the same public space, they may not interact between each other due to perceived differences or prejudices. At the other end of the spectrum, members of the same community or social group could be scattered across physically separated public spaces. We argue that networked public displays can represent an important tool for bridging social and physical distance, in order to connect people across social, temporal, and spatial barriers. The following article summarizes relevant current research in urban design, community informatics, and public displays, and presents four scenarios that illustrate the potential of networked public displays in such settings. We then outline a research agenda for realizing this vision.
Credit ratings & the auditor’s going-concern opinion : the interplay of information intermediaries’ signals

This study examines whether credit ratings are considered in auditors’ going-concern assessments. Given credit rating agencies’ private information access, experience and expertise, I predict that credit ratings and especially credit rating downgrades contain incremental information for going-concern opinion (GCO) decisions. Furthermore, I investigate if the association between credit ratings and GCOs, and credit rating downgrades and GCOs varies as a function of local auditor industry specialization. Based on a sample of financially distressed, U.S. public companies with Standard & Poor’s credit ratings between 2000 and 2011, I find evidence of a strong association between credit ratings and the probability of auditors issuing a GCO. In particular, companies experiencing rating downgrades are more likely to receive a GCO, and specifically more recent and more severe downgrades are associated with a higher probability of a GCO. Finally, I find modest evidence that the association between credit ratings and GCOs differs between local auditor industry specialists and nonspecialists. Overall, the results are consistent with the view that credit ratings provide incremental information to auditors.
Features of Big Data and sparsest solution in high confidence set

This chapter summarizes some of the unique features of Big Data analysis. These features are shared neither by low-dimensional data nor by small samples. Big Data pose new computational challenges and hold great promises for understanding population heterogeneity as in personalized medicine or services. High dimensionality introduces spurious correlations, incidental endogeneity, noise accumulation, and measurement error. These unique features are very distinguished and statistical procedures should be designed with these issues in mind. To illustrate, a method called a sparsest solution in highconfidence set is introduced which is generally applicable to high-dimensional statistical inference. This method, whose properties are briefly examined, is natural as the information about parameters contained in the data is summarized by high-confident sets and the sparsest solution is a way to deal with the noise accumulation issue.
A Novel Approach to Combine Misuse Detection and Anomaly Detection Using POMDP in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

—Security becomes out of the main concerns in mobile ad hoc networks. Intrusion detection systems are reactive systems that act as a second wall to protect the network. Misuse detection is a technique which is used commonly by intrusion detection systems to match the attack-signature pattern in mobile ad hoc networks. Anomaly detection is another technique that is able to detect novel attacks. Both of the misuse detection and the anomaly detection techniques monitor system activities. The weak point of misuse detection is the disability in detection of unknown attacks. Anomaly detection is able to detect unknown attacks but false positive rate in anomaly detection responses is so high. Therefore in this paper we take advantages of combination schemes to overcome the shortco-ming of each technique. We propose a novel approach to combine the misuse detection with the anomaly detection optimally to save cost associated with resource constraints and security requirements. We perform the whole system as a partially observed Markov decision process considering both system security and resource constraints. We then use dynamic programming Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to share information history and scheduling. Simulation shows the efficiency of proposed scheme.
Revocable Identity-based Signcryption Scheme Without Random Oracles

Revocation functionality is crucial for the practicality of the public key cryptosystems including signcryption. When a user’s private key is corrupted by hacking or the period of a contract expires, the cryptosystems must provide a revocation method to revoke the misbehaving/compromised user. However, little work has been published on key revocation in identity-based signcryption. We propose a revocable identity-based signcryption scheme. In the scheme, the master key is randomly divided into two parts: one is used to construct the initial key, the other is used to generate the updated key. Furthermore, they are used to periodically and re-randomly generate full private keys for non-revoked users. Thus, the proposed scheme can revoke users and resist key exposure. In the standard model, we prove the proposed scheme with IND-CCA2 security under the DBDH hardness assumption and EUF-CMA security under the CDH hardness assumption.