Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Building a Task Blacklist for Online Social Systems

Recently, the use of crowdsourcing platforms (e.g Amazon Mechanical Turk) has boomed because of their flexible and cost-effective nature, which benefits both the employers and workers. However, hiding inside this mutually-beneficial model are malicious tasks, which target manipulating search results, leaving fake reviews, etc. Crowdsourced manipulation reduces the quality and trustworthiness of online social media, threatening the social values and security of the cyberspace as a whole. To help mitigate this problem, we came up with a classification model which filters out malicious campaigns from a large number of campaigns crawled from several popular crowdsourcing platforms. We then present this blacklist on a website, where users can query for malicious campaigns based on the targeted site, task description or requesters’ information. Parties adversely affected by malicious campaigns, such as targeted websites owners, legitimate workers, owners of the crowdsourcing platforms themselves, can use this website as a tool to identify, moderate and eliminate potential malicious campaigns from the web.
Signal Peptide Cleavage and Internal Targeting Signals Direct the Hepatitis C Virus p7 Protein to Distinct Intracellular Membranes

ABSTRACT The hepatitis C virus (HCV) p7 protein forms an amantadine-sensitive ion channel required for viral replication in chimpanzees, though its precise role in the life cycle of HCV is unknown. In an attempt to gain some insights into p7 function, we examined the intracellular localization of p7 using epitope tags and an anti-p7 peptide antibody, antibody 1055. Immunofluorescence labeling of p7 at its C terminus revealed an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localization independent of the presence of its signal peptide, whereas labeling the N terminus gave a mitochondrial-type distribution in brightly labeled cells. Both of these patterns could be visualized within individual cells, suggestive of separate pools of p7 where the N and C termini differed in accessibility to antibody. These patterns were disrupted by preventing signal peptide cleavage. Subcellular fractionation revealed that p7 was enriched in a heavy membrane fraction associated with mitochondria as well as normal ER-derived microsomes. The complex regulation of the intracellular distribution of p7 suggests that p7 plays multiple roles in the HCV life cycle either intracellularly or as a virion component.
Probiotics and irritable bowel syndrome

Background : Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a major cause of abdominal discomfort and gut dysfunction worldwide. It is a poorly understood functional gastrointestinal disorder for which no effective medication is available. It is a benign condition, but its social and economic burden is significant. The symptoms consist of abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and irregular bowel movements. Alterations in the intestinal microbiota and mucosal inflammation may contribute to the development of IBS and probiotics could thus relieve the symptoms. This review gives an overview on the existing data on the effects of probiotics on the gastrointestinal symptoms of IBS. Methods : A PUBMED search was made to review the relevant literature, and additional studies were obtained from the references of the selected articles. Results : Clinical trials suggest that certain probiotics or combinations of bacteria have beneficial effects on the IBS symptoms. However the heterogeneity of studies, e.g. suboptimal study design, inadequate number of subjects, different doses and vehicles, inadequate length, make it difficult to compare the differences between probiotics and the effect may be strain-specific. Conclusions : Though evidence is very promising, no general recommendations on the use of probiotics in IBS can be given yet. Further clinical trials and data on the mechanisms of action are needed. Probiotics are considered safe and if future scientific data is able to substantiate their efficacy in IBS, they certainly could be a treatment option in relieving the symptoms in IBS.
Generic and Declarative Approaches to Data Cleaning : Some Recent Developments

Data assessment and data cleaning tasks have traditionally been addressed through procedural solutions. Most of the time, those solutions have been applicable to specific problems and domains. In the last few years we have seen the emergence of more generic solutions; and also of declarative and rule-based specifications of the intended solutions of data cleaning processes. In this chapter we review some of those recent developments.
CS 880 : Approximations Algorithms Scribe :

Last time we discussed how LP-duality can be applied to approximation. We introduced the primaldual method for approximating the optimal solution to an LP in a combinatorial way. We applied this technique to give another 2-approximation for the Vertex Cover problem. In this lecture, we present and analyze a primal-dual algorithm that gives a 2-approximation for the Steiner Forest problem. We also briefly talk about a primal-dual algorithm for Facility Location.
Modeling of Novel Diagnostic Strategies for Active Tuberculosis – A Systematic Review: Current Practices and Recommendations

Introduction The field of diagnostics for active tuberculosis (TB) is rapidly developing. TB diagnostic modeling can help to inform policy makers and support complicated decisions on diagnostic strategy, with important budgetary implications. Demand for TB diagnostic modeling is likely to increase, and an evaluation of current practice is important. We aimed to systematically review all studies employing mathematical modeling to evaluate cost-effectiveness or epidemiological impact of novel diagnostic strategies for active TB. Methods Pubmed, personal libraries and reference lists were searched to identify eligible papers. We extracted data on a wide variety of model structure, parameter choices, sensitivity analyses and study conclusions, which were discussed during a meeting of content experts. Results & Discussion From 5619 records a total of 36 papers were included in the analysis. Sixteen papers included population impact/transmission modeling, 5 were health systems models, and 24 included estimates of cost-effectiveness. Transmission and health systems models included specific structure to explore the importance of the diagnostic pathway (n = 4), key determinants of diagnostic delay (n = 5), operational context (n = 5), and the pre-diagnostic infectious period (n = 1). The majority of models implemented sensitivity analysis, although only 18 studies described multi-way sensitivity analysis of more than 2 parameters simultaneously. Among the models used to make cost-effectiveness estimates, most frequent diagnostic assays studied included Xpert MTB/RIF (n = 7), and alternative nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) (n = 4). Most (n = 16) of the cost-effectiveness models compared new assays to an existing baseline and generated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Conclusion Although models have addressed a small number of important issues, many decisions regarding implementation of TB diagnostics are being made without the full benefits of insight from mathematical models. Further models are needed that address a wider array of diagnostic and epidemiological settings, that explore the inherent uncertainty of models and that include additional epidemiological data on transmission implications of false-negative diagnosis and the pre-diagnostic period.
Nuclear Constraints on the Moments of Inertia of Neutron Stars

The properties and structure of neutron stars are determined by the equation of state (EOS) of neutron-rich stellar matter. While the collective flow and particle production in relativistic heavy-ion collisions have tightly constrained the EOS of symmetric nuclear matter up to about 5 times the normal nuclear matter density, more recent experimental data on isospin diffusion and isoscaling in heavy-ion collisions at intermediate energies have constrained considerably the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy at subsaturation densities. Although there are still many uncertainties and challenges to pin down completely the EOS of neutron-rich nuclear matter, heavy-ion reaction experiments in terrestrial laboratories have limited the EOS of neutron-rich nuclear matter to a range much narrower than that spanned by the various EOSs currently used in astrophysical studies in the literature. These nuclear physics constraints could thus provide more reliable information about the properties of neutron stars. Within well-established formalisms using the nuclear-constrained EOSs, we study the moments of inertia of neutron stars. We place special emphasis on component A of the extremely relativistic double neutron star system PSR J0737–3039. Its moment of inertia is found to be between 1.30 × 1045 and 1.63 × 1045 g cm2. Moreover, the transition density at the crust-core boundary is shown to lie in the narrow range ρt = 0.091-0.093 fm−3.
Numerical Solution of Singular Two Point BVPs

An algorithm is described for the efficient numerical solution of singular two-point boundary value problems. The algorithm is based on collocation at Gauss points, is applied directly to second order equations and uses a transformation of the independent variable to obtain extra smoothness if needed. Numerical comparisons between a code based on this approach and codes based on other options which have previously been thought of as possible alternatives such as collocation at Lobatto points or reduction to a first order system, are made and the efficiency of the new approach is clearly demonstrated by numerical results.
Path Tracking of a Fixed-Wing Autonomous Aerial Vehicle by High Order Sliding Mode Control

In this paper, a robust control algorithm, based on sliding modes techniques, designed for trajectory tracking is applied to a fixed-wing small Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV). Based on a mathematical modeling, parameters identification, and aerodynamics of both the AAV fuselage and its mobile surfaces a full dynamical model is obtained, where the control is proven. However, for control design, simplified versions of the motion models are studied resulting in simplified independent controller for the roll, pitch and yaw trajectories. Due to the nature of such controller, time derivative of control variables are needed but not available. Numerical differentiators also based on sliding modes are used in order to estimate those derivatives. Simulation results are given to illustrate the performance of the proposed tracking controller under parametric and unmodeled dynamics.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Elasticity in Service Level Agreements

Elasticity has been identified as one of the key features of delivering IT services over the internet. Major definitions of cloud computing consider elasticity as an essential property of cloud services, and as one of the main reasons to use cloud infrastructures. However, customers expect and hope for the elasticity promise without having any guarantee or contractual agreement. While elasticity has mostly been considered on qualitative terms, there have been recent efforts in quantifying elasticity and thus enabling the measurement of elasticity. Based on new approaches of defining elasticity, it becomes possible to specify precise and meaningful elasticity guarantees, which is advantageous for both consumers and providers of cloud services. This work contributes to the ongoing elasticity research by including elasticity terms into service level agreements (SLAs). This is achieved by restricting the validity of service level objectives with respect to the available elasticity. The approach is explained in detail and its advantages and consequences for service providers and consumers are discussed.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, and Biochemical Evaluation of Antidiabetic Properties of a New Zinc-Diosmin Complex Studied in High Fat Diet Fed-Low Dose Streptozotocin Induced Experimental Type 2 Diabetes in Rats

In view of the established antidiabetic properties of zinc, the present study was aimed at evaluating the hypoglycemic properties of a new zinc-diosmin complex in high fat diet fed-low dose streptozotocin induced experimental type 2 diabetes in rats. Zinc-diosmin complex was synthesized and characterized by various spectral studies. The complexation between zinc ions and diosmin was further evidenced by pH-potentiometric titrations and Job's plot. Diabetic rats were orally treated with zinc-diosmin complex at a concentration of 20 mg/kg b.w. /rat/day for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were subjected to oral glucose tolerance test. In addition, HOMA-IR and various biochemical parameters related to glucose homeostasis were analyzed. Treatment with zinc-diosmin complex significantly improved the glucose homeostasis in diabetic rats. Treatment with zinc-diosmin complex significantly improved insulin sensitivity, at least in part, through enhancing protein metabolism and alteration in the levels of muscle and liver glycogen. The assay of clinical marker enzymes revealed the nontoxic nature of the complex. Determination of renal tissue markers such as blood urea and serum creatinine indicates the renoprotective nature of the complex. These findings suggest that zinc-diosmin complex is nontoxic and has complimentary potential to develop as an antihyperglycemic agent for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Utilizing exhaled carbon monoxide measurement with self‐declared smoking cessation: enhancing abstinence effectiveness in Taiwanese outpatients

Presently, the Department of Health Taiwan has begun to fund a smoking cessation program, and the annual cessation rate was 8.9% in 2010. This study aims to see whether to enhance abstinence effectiveness by utilizing exhaled carbon monoxide (COExh) measurement with self‐declared smoking cessation.
What is the Role of Legal Systems in Financial Intermediation? Theory and Evidence

We develop a theory’ and empirical test of how the legal system affects the relationship between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The theory uses a double moral hazard framework to show how optimal contracts and investor actions depend on the quality of the legal system. The empirical evidence is based on a sample of European venture capital deals. The main results are that with better legal protection, investors give more non-contractible support and demand more downside protection. These predictions are supported by the empirical analysis. Using a new empirical approach of comparing two sets of fixed-effect regressions, we also find that the investor’s legal system is more important than that of the company in determining investor behavior.
Determinants of Micro and Small Business Enterprises Growth: The Case of Three Selected Woreda, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

This study aimed to identifying the major problems that are associated with the growth and success of MSEs specially focuses on trade, services, manufacturing, construction and urban agriculture sectors in Gurage zone three selected Woreda such as Cheha, Abeshge and Enmore ena Eaner. In the study, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in order to achieve the objective of the study. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires, unstructured interviews and personal observations. The information gathered through questionnaire from a sample of 140 operators and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the owner of selected MSEs operators and government bodies who are responsible for the case. Secondary data was also collected from books, journals and official document. The respondents of MSEs operators were selected by using of proportional Stratified random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social (SPSS version 20) for measure of central tendency and dispersion,Pearson’s Product moment correlation Coefficient and multiple regression analysis. The interview questions were analyzed using descriptive narrations and summation of different respondents’ point of views. On the basis of the findings, unfulfilment of infrastructural facilities, shortage of working premises and shortage of finances for start-up and expansion purposes are the top most factors that affect the growth of MSEs activities at the study area.The results of the findings further indicate that there exists positive strong significant relationship between independent variables and dependent variable. Finally, the selected independent variables may significantly test the variations from the dependent variable at 1% level of significance.
The Relationship between the Brexit Vote and Individual Predictors of Prejudice: Collective Narcissism, Right Wing Authoritarianism, Social Dominance Orientation

The Leave campaign in the U.K., which advocated exiting the European Union, emphasized anxiety over immigration and the need to take control of the U.K.'s borders. Citizens who expressed concerns about immigration to the U.K. were more likely to vote to leave. Two correlational studies examined the previously unexplored question of whether the Brexit vote and support for the outcome of the E.U. referendum were linked to individual predictors of prejudice toward foreigners: British collective narcissism (a belief in national greatness), right wing authoritarianism, and social dominance orientation. The results converged to indicate that all three variables were independently related to the perceived threat of immigrants and, via this variable, to the Brexit vote and a support for the outcome of the E.U. referendum. These variables explained the variance in the perceived threat of immigrants and support for the Brexit vote over and above other previously examined predictors such as age, education, or ethnicity, as well as, national identification and national attachment.
A Cognitive Framework for the Analysis of Game Play: Tasks, Schemas and Attention Theory 1

A fully developed nomology for the study of games requires the development of explanatory theoretical constructs associated with validating observational techniques. Drawing from cognition sciences, a framework is proposed based upon the integration of schema theory with attention theory. Cognitive task analysis provides a foundation for preliminary schema descriptions, which can then be elaborated according to more detailed models of cognitive and attentional processes. The resulting theory provides a rich explanatory framework for the cognitive processes underlying game play, as well as detailed hypotheses for the hierarchical structure of pleasures and rewards motivating players. Game engagement is accounted for as a process of schema selection or development, while immersion is explained in terms of schema execution. This framework is being developed not only to explain the substructures of game play, but also to provide schema models that may inform game design processes and provide detailed criteria for the design of patterns of game features for entertainment, pedagogical and therapeutic purposes.
Implications and prognostic value of K-ras mutation for early-stage lung cancer in women.

BACKGROUND Because there is no clear consensus as to the predictive value of K-ras gene mutation for survival in patients with lung cancer, we examined the occurrence of K-ras mutations in a large, prospective case series of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our goals were to define the patient characteristics associated with K-ras mutation and to determine whether mutation of this gene might be a biomarker of patient prognosis. METHODS Consecutive, newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer treated with potentially curative resection over a 4-year period were recruited for study. The mutation status of K-ras codon 12 in each patient's tumor DNA was determined by means of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of archived pathology specimens. Analyses were restricted to adenocarcinoma. RESULTS There was a statistically significant association between female sex and K-ras mutation after adjustment for carcinogen exposures (odds ratio = 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-7.9); mutations were found only in smokers. Comparison of Kaplan-Meier curves indicated a strong association between K-ras mutation and decreased patient survival (two-sided P =.009); analysis stratified by pathologic staging groups revealed that this association was statistically significant only for stage I tumors (two-sided P =.002). Cox proportional hazards modeling indicated that K-ras codon 12 mutation was a statistically significant predictor of patient survival, after adjustment for the effects of age, sex, and stage (risk ratio = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.1-3.1). CONCLUSIONS After adjustment for environmental exposures, non-small-cell lung tumors in women appear to be more likely than those in men to harbor K-ras mutations, suggesting a possible role of estrogen exposure in either the initiation or the selection of K-ras mutant clones in adenocarcinoma. In addition, our data suggest that K-ras codon 12 mutation is a marker of aggressive NSCLC, as evidenced by its association with decreased patient survival, particularly for early-stage disease.
Sleep of professional athletes: Underexploited potential to improve health and performance

ABSTRACT Sleep disorders have become increasingly prevalent affecting health and working ability. Restorative sleep may be considered important for athletes’ successful recovery and performance. However, some athletes seem to experience major problems in sleeping. Thus far, there is limited scientific information about their sleep. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of sleep and the prevalence of sleep disorders as well as the impact of a structured sleep counselling protocol in professional athletes. A total of 107 professional ice hockey players participated in the study. The exploratory observational 1-year follow-up study consisted of questionnaire-based sleep assessment followed by general sleep counselling and, when needed, polysomnography and an individual treatment plan. One in every four players was found to have a significant problem in sleeping. All athletes considered sleep essential for their health and three in every four players considered that counselling would improve their performance. Counselling and individual treatment were found to improve significantly the quality of sleep with the mean alteration of 0.6 (95% CI 0.2–1.0, P = 0.004) in a scale from 0 to 10. Our results support that sleep problems are common in professional athletes. However, systematic examination, counselling and individual treatment planning can improve the quality of their sleep.