Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the effectiveness of alternative paths in QoS routing

We propose a routing strategy in which connection requests with specific bandwidth demands can be assigned to one of several alternative paths connecting the source to the destination. The primary goal of this multiple‐path approach is to compensate for the inaccuracy of the knowledge available to routing nodes, caused by the limited frequency of link state (LS) information exchanges. We introduce a collection of K‐shortest path routing schemes and investigate their performance under a variety of traffic conditions and network configurations. We subsequently demonstrate that K‐shortest path routing offers a lower blocking probability in all scenarios and more balanced link utilization than other routing methods discussed in the literature. With our approach, it is possible to reduce the frequency of link state exchanges, and the incurred bandwidth overhead, without compromising the overall performance of the network. Based on the proposed routing scheme, we investigate different link state dissemination algorithms, which are aimed at reducing the communication overhead by prioritizing the scope and differentiating the qualitative content of LS update messages. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphing agency: deconstruction of an agent with transformative agential triggers

This paper presents our vision of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) called the "Morphing Agency. " The Morphing Agency redefines the notion of an agent in HCI, and proposes separated use of all agential triggers that evoke a user as an agent. This paper describes three key levels of agential triggers that are humanlike, behavioral, and internal. We illustrate these concepts with three prototype systems - the morphExplainer, transExplainer and parasiticBelt - to identify underlying research issues.
A Long Neglected World Malaria Map: Plasmodium vivax Endemicity in 2010

Background Current understanding of the spatial epidemiology and geographical distribution of Plasmodium vivax is far less developed than that for P. falciparum, representing a barrier to rational strategies for control and elimination. Here we present the first systematic effort to map the global endemicity of this hitherto neglected parasite. Methodology and Findings We first updated to the year 2010 our earlier estimate of the geographical limits of P. vivax transmission. Within areas of stable transmission, an assembly of 9,970 geopositioned P. vivax parasite rate (PvPR) surveys collected from 1985 to 2010 were used with a spatiotemporal Bayesian model-based geostatistical approach to estimate endemicity age-standardised to the 1–99 year age range (PvPR1–99) within every 5×5 km resolution grid square. The model incorporated data on Duffy negative phenotype frequency to suppress endemicity predictions, particularly in Africa. Endemicity was predicted within a relatively narrow range throughout the endemic world, with the point estimate rarely exceeding 7% PvPR1–99. The Americas contributed 22% of the global area at risk of P. vivax transmission, but high endemic areas were generally sparsely populated and the region contributed only 6% of the 2.5 billion people at risk (PAR) globally. In Africa, Duffy negativity meant stable transmission was constrained to Madagascar and parts of the Horn, contributing 3.5% of global PAR. Central Asia was home to 82% of global PAR with important high endemic areas coinciding with dense populations particularly in India and Myanmar. South East Asia contained areas of the highest endemicity in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and contributed 9% of global PAR. Conclusions and Significance This detailed depiction of spatially varying endemicity is intended to contribute to a much-needed paradigm shift towards geographically stratified and evidence-based planning for P. vivax control and elimination.
Enhancing Data Dynamics and Storage Security for Cloud Computing using Merkle Hash Tree and AES Algorithms

With increase in the number of cloud users and the amount of sensitive data on cloud, security of cloud has become more important. Massively scalable data centers are provided by the cloud which can be accessed from anywhere and at anytime. Cloud computing allows users to store data and access it on demand thereby utilizing fewer resources in client system. However many malicious activities in cloud have accompanied the growth of cloud users. One of the greatest security challenges is storage security in cloud. It must make possible for users to store data without worrying about the need to verify its integrity. Thus, enabling public auditing for cloud storage is of critical importance so that users can restore to a third-party auditor (TPA) to check the integrity of outsourced data and be worry free. In this paper we make use of Public-Auditing. We propose a way in which the Merkle Hash Tree (MHT) used in a method called RSASS, is made dynamic by using the concept of relative index to compute the index of leaf node quickly and a dynamic operation scheme based on this tree structure for cloud storage. Also, instead of using RSA algorithm, we have made use of AES algorithm because AES requires less encryption-decryption time as well as less buffer space as compared to RSA algorithm. We thus propose a simple data protection model where data is encrypted using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) before it is launched in the cloud, thus ensuring data-confidentiality and security.
A new ensemble method for multi-label data stream classification in non-stationary environment

Most existing approaches for the data stream classification focus on single-label data in non-stationary environment. In these methods, each instance can only be tagged with one label. However, in many realistic applications, each instance should be tagged with more than one label. To address the challenge of classifying multi-label stream in evolving environment, we propose a novel Multi-Label Dynamic Ensemble (MLDE) approach. The proposed MLDE integrates a number of Multi-Label Cluster-based Classifiers (MLCCs). MLDE includes an adaptive ensemble method and an ensemble voting method with two important weights, subset accuracy weight and similarity weight. Experimental results reveal that MLDE achieves better performance than state-of-the-art multi-label stream classification algorithms.
Pulmonary tuberculosis treatment regimen recommended by the Brazilian National Ministry of Health: predictors of treatment noncompliance in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To determine the predictors of noncompliance with the pulmonary tuberculosis treatment regimen recommended by the Brazilian National Ministry of Health, in previously treatment-naïve patients with active tuberculosis treated in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS This was a case-control study involving six referral primary health care clinics for tuberculosis in Porto Alegre. We reviewed the medical charts of all previously treatment-naïve patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis who were noncompliant with the treatment between 2004 and 2006. Those were paired with other patients having similar characteristics and having been cured. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Of the 2,098 patients included, 218 (10.4%) became noncompliant with the treatment. In the multivariate analysis, the factors most strongly associated with treatment noncompliance were being an alcoholic (with or without concomitant use of illicit drugs), being HIV-infected, not residing with family members, and having a low level of education. In the univariate analysis, treatment noncompliance was also significantly associated with being younger and with being non-White. Gender was not significantly associated with treatment noncompliance; nor was the occurrence of adverse effects of the drugs included in the regimen. CONCLUSIONS In the population studied, being an alcoholic, being HIV-infected, and not residing with family members were the major predictors of noncompliance with treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis among previously treatment-naïve patients.
First trimester combined screening – focus on early biochemistry

Abstract First trimester combined screening (cFTS) for foetal trisomy 21 has become an established method in many countries. The screening is based on a combination of maternal-age-related risk, ultrasound (nuchal translucency) and two maternal serum biochemical markers, free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (FbhCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). The concentrations of these biochemical markers are affected by several maternal and pregnancy factors, which are discussed herein. Improvements in the algorithm have extended the screening to include trisomy 21 in mono- and dichorionic twin pregnancies, trisomy 18, trisomy 13 and triploidy. The results from large databases have shown that the screening algorithms are efficient for a range of rare autosomal trisomies and marker chromosomes and for a broad range of other chromosomal aberrations. Recent data show that the strength of the individual markers is highly dependent on the gestational age of sampling and indicate a general increase in the performance of the screening for trisomy 21 when using blood samples from early in the first trimester at gestational age 8–10 weeks.
Relationship between hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy, neurohormonal factors and ventricular arrhythmias in very old patients

Objective. — To study the relationship between hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in very old patients (≥ 80 years) with neuro-hormonal factors and ventricular arrhythmias. Methods — Heart rate variation, plasma renin(Ren), angiotensin-II (AT-II), aldosterone (Ald), insulin (Ins), Holter and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were measured in 60 cases (≥ 80 years) which were divided into 2 groups: 30 with primary hypertension accompanied LVH in very old patients (group A); 30 with simple primary hypertension (group B). Results — There was no significant difference of AT-II and Ren between group A and B (P = 0.05); Ins and Ald values in group A was much higher than in group B (P all < 0.01); the data of heart rate variability, including very low frequency (VLF) and low frequency (LF) and LF/HF (high frequency) in group A were significantly higher than in group B (P < 0.01, < 0.05, < 0.05, respectively); incidence of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and myocardial ischaemia in group A were higher than in group B patients. Conclusions — Sympathetic nerve excitability in group A was greatly increased; hypertensive LVH was closely associated with Ald and Ins level, but not with AT-II and Ren. Group A is characterized by a significantly greater frequency of premature ventricular contractions and ischaemia.
Advanced planning criteria for cellular systems

This article provides a review of the most up-to-date frequency planning techniques suitable for current digital cellular systems. Frequency planning is becoming a key issue in the current scenario, with exceedingly high growth rates in many countries which compel operators to re-configure networks virtually on a monthly basis. Therefore, the search for smart techniques, which may considerably alleviate planning efforts (and associated costs) becomes extremely important for operators in a competitive market. Although reference is made particularly to a market leader (GSM and its offspring), the considerations reported are quite general, and can be applied to any TDMA/FDMA system. The article examines such well-known concepts as fractional loading, frequency hopping, and intelligent antennas in order to elaborate on them and show how they may impact conventional planning methodology and deprive complex dynamic channel allocation methods of any practical interest. The evaluation of this impact is extended to mixed cellular architectures, starting from a real case for the city of Munich and finally identifying some basic guidelines for cell planning.
The resonant acousto-optic effect

This dissertation is theoretical investigation of the resonant acousto-optic effect in ionic crystals and thin metal foils. The optical properties of these types of materials, in the presence of coherent acoustic pump excitation, are numerically modelled and compared with analytical results. The resonant acousto-optic effect in bulk ionic materials is shown to be dependent on the coupling of a bulk acoustic wave to the TO-phonon component of a TO-phonon polariton. This requires that the material used is not only an ionic crystal but also has a strongly anharmonic interatomic potential. It is also demonstrated that the process “TO phonon ± one (two) transverse acoustic phonon(s)→ TO phonon” is responsible for the cubic (quartic) resonant acousto-optic effect. The role of acoustic intensity and frequency in the optical properties of CuCl and TlCl is considered. Higher order transitions are also investigated. It is shown that, in the ferroelectric material LiNbO3, both cubic and quartic scattering channels are sufficiently strong enough to consider the resonant acousto-optic effect associated with them on an equal footing. The coupling strength of both scattering channels is estimated to the nearest order of magnitude. The cubic coupling is found be σ3 = 5 meV and the quartic coupling strength is found to be σ4 = 0.3 meV both for the acoustic intensity Iac = 25 kWcm−2. The effect the phase difference between the two anharmonic terms has on the optical properties of LiNbO3 is then investigated. A tunable THz filter is proposed, based on the resonant acousto-optic effect in LiNbO3. A numerical method is developed to calculated the partial wave amplitudes and optical properties of metal foils with acoustically excited, propagating sinusoidally corrugated surfaces. It is then used on a system of a thin acoustically perturbed Au foil on a glass substrate. The effects of varying the angle of incidence, acoustic wavevector, corrugation amplitude and foil thickness are investigated. The numerical method is shown to remain stable even for strong coupling between the acoustic wave and surface plasmon polariton.
Look before you leap: Some insights into learner evaluation with cross-validation

Machine learning is largely an experimental science, of which the evaluation of predictive models is an important aspect. These days, cross-validation is the most widely used method for this task. There are, however, a number of important points that should be taken into account when using this methodology. First, one should clearly state what they are trying to estimate. Namely, a distinction should be made between the evaluation of a model learned on a single dataset, and that of a learner trained on a random sample from a given data population. Each of these two questions requires a dierent statistical approach and should not be confused with each other. While this has been noted before, the literature on this topic is generally not very accessible. This paper tries to give an understandable overview of the statistical aspects of these two evaluation tasks. We also pose that because of the often limited availability of data, and the diculty of selecting an appropriate statistical test, it is in some cases perhaps better to abstain from statistical testing, and instead focus on an interpretation of the immediate results.
A Comparative Study of the effects of Vitamins C and E in the Development of Sarcoma 180 in Mice

In this work we have investigated the effects of vitamins C and E on tumors via the mice xenotransplant model of sarcoma 180 (S180) in vivo. The experimental results suggest that dosages of 100 mg/kg vitamin C and 400 mg/kg vitamin E yields a great inhibitory behavior on tumors.
Position and Vector Detection of Blind Spot motion with the Horn-Schunck Optical Flow

The proposed method uses live image footage which, based on calculations of pixel motion, decides whether or not an object is in the blind-spot. If found, the driver is notified by a sensory light or noise built into the vehicle's CPU. The new technology incorporates optical vectors and flow fields rather than expensive radar-waves, creating cheaper detection systems that retain the needed accuracy while adapting to the current processor speeds.
Strategies for the Fabrication of Cellularized Micro-Fiber/Hydrogel Composites for Ligament Tissue Engineering

Partial or complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can greatly afflict quality of life and often require surgical reconstruction with autograft or allograft tissue to restore native knee biomechanical function. However, limitations exist with these treatments that include donor site pain and weakness found with autografts, and longer ‘ligamentization’ and integration times due to the devitalization of allograft tissue. Alternatively, a tissue engineering approach has been proposed for the fabrication of patient-specific grafts that can more rapidly and completely heal after ACL reconstruction. Electrospun micro-fiber networks have been widely utilized as biomaterial scaffolds to support the growth and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells toward many tissue lineages including ligament. However, these microfiber networks do not possess suitable sizes and shapes for a ligament application and cannot support cell infiltration. The objective of this work was to develop techniques to 1) rapidly cellularize micro-fiber networks, 2) assemble micro-fiber networks into cylindrical composites, 3) provide cues to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to guide their differentiation toward a ligament phenotype. The cellularization of micro-fiber networks was performed utilizing a coelectrospinning/electrospraying technique. Cells deposited within a cell culture medium solution remained where they were deposited and did not proliferate. The inclusion of space-filling hydrogel network such as collagen was necessary to reduce the density of the micro-fiber network to facilitate spreading. However, it became apparent that the incorporation of significant
Elongated thrombin binding aptamer: a G-quadruplex cation-sensitive conformational switch.

Aptamer-based biosensors offer promising perspectives for high performance, specific detection of proteins. The thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) is a G-quadruplex-forming DNA sequence, which is frequently elongated at one end to increase its analytical performances in a biosensor configuration. Herein, we investigate how the elongation of TBA at its 5' end affects its structure and stability. Circular dichroism spectroscopy shows that TBA folds in an antiparallel G-quadruplex conformation with all studied cations (Ba(2+), Ca(2+), K(+), Mg(2+), Na(+), NH(4)(+), Sr(2+) and the [Ru(NH(3))(6)](2+/3+) redox marker) whereas other structures are adopted by the elongated aptamers in the presence of some of these cations. The stability of each structure is evaluated on the basis of UV spectroscopy melting curves. Thermal difference spectra confirm the quadruplex character of all conformations. The elongated sequences can adopt a parallel or an antiparallel structure, depending on the nature of the cation; this can potentially confer an ion-sensitive switch behavior. This switch property is demonstrated with the frequently employed redox complex [Ru(NH(3))(6)](3+), which induces the parallel conformation at very low concentrations (10 equiv per strand). The addition of large amounts of K(+) reverts the conformation to the antiparallel form, and opens interesting perspectives for electrochemical biosensing or redox-active responsive devices.
Introduction to Alcohol Withdrawal

Heavy drinkers who suddenly decrease their alcohol consumption or abstain completely may experience alcohol withdrawal (AW). Signs and symptoms of AW can include, among others, mild to moderate tremors, irritability, anxiety, or agitation. The most severe manifestations of withdrawal include delirium tremens, hallucinations, and seizures. These manifestations result from alcohol-induced imbalances in the brain chemistry that cause excessive neuronal activity if the alcohol is withheld. Management of AW includes thorough assessment of the severity of the patient’s symptoms and of any complicating conditions as well as treatment of the withdrawal symptoms with pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. Treatment can occur in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Recognition and treatment of withdrawal can represent a first step in the patient’s recovery process.
Fracture Strength of Photovoltaic Silicon Wafers Evaluated Using a Controlled Flaw Method

Propagation of pre‐existing micro cracks and their associated residual contact stresses, generated from the wafer sawing process, is the leading cause for photovoltaic (PV) silicon wafer/cell breakage during handling and processing. In the current work, the impact of a single micro crack on the fracture strength of PV silicon wafer is investigated based on a controlled flaw method. Radial/median cracks with controllable scales are introduced through microindentation at the center of a PV silicon sample to simulate micro cracks resulting from wafer sawing, handling, or thermal processing. Results indicate that the fracture strength of PV silicon wafer decreases linearly with the increasing of the microindentation load (radial crack scale). In addition, it is found that the impurity carbon plays an important role in the contact cracking‐fracture process. The fracture strength increased ≈21% when the substitutional carbon concentration is increased from 1.2 × 1018 to 6.4 × 1018 cm−3.
Rho-Kinase, but not Protein Kinase C, is Involved in Generation of the Spontaneous Tone in the Resting Phase of the Isolated Pig Iris Sphincter Muscle

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to clarify the role of Rho-kinase and/or protein kinase C in the resting tension of the isolated pig iris sphincter muscle. Materials and Methods: The motor activity of the isolated pig iris sphincter muscle was measured isometrically. Results: EGTA, a chelator of extracellular Ca2+, significantly reduced the resting tension. Y27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, significantly reduced the resting tension in a concentration-dependent manner. The resting tension diminished by Y27632 was significantly recovered by the addition of calyculin A, a myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) inhibitor, in a concentration-dependent manner. GF109203X, a protein kinase C inhibitor, had no effect on the resting tension. Conclusion: These results suggest that, in the isolated pig iris sphincter muscle, Rho-kinase plays an important role in the generation of spontaneous tone in the resting phase via the inhibition of MLCP activity.
Supplemental fat in high-energy rations for lactating cows: effects on intake, digestion, milk yield, and composition.

Supplemental fats (SF) have special value in the diets of dairy cows with superior productive ability, because the high energy density of SF allows greater energy consumption and direct transfer of the fatty acids (FA) of the SF to milk fat; this increases metabolic efficiency. Some SF, especially oils with a high degree of unsaturation, disturb ruminal fermentation, decrease fiber digestibility, and lower milk fat test; however, oilseeds (e.g., whole cottonseed) can be fed without observable ruminal inhibition, probably because of a slow release of the oil into ruminal contents. A number of commercial fat supplements are available that have little effect on ruminal fermentation and are highly digestible postruminally. A product of the calcium salts of palm oil fatty acids was shown to have a NE for lactation of more than three times that of corn. As the emphasis in milk pricing formula changes from milk fat to milk protein, there is greater concern regarding the propensity of fat supplements to decrease milk protein (casein) percentage. In two studies, a supplement of ruminally protected lysine and methionine largely prevented the reduction in casein percentage that occurred with feeding SF, indicating that the amino acid profile of undegraded dietary protein is important with regard to preventing the lower casein percentage. Combining fat supplements that are slowly released in the rumen with those that are inert in the rumen will allow maximal use of SF.