Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving an Hybrid Literary Book Recommendation System through Author Ranking

Literary reading is an important activity for individuals and choosing to read a book can be a long time commitment, making book choice an important task for book lovers and public library users. In this paper we present an hybrid recommendation system to help readers decide which book to read next. We study book and author recommendation in an hybrid recommendation setting and test our approach in the LitRec data set. Our hybrid book recommendation approach purposed combines two item-based collaborative filtering algorithms to predict books and authors that the user will like. Author predictions are expanded in to a book list that is subsequently aggregated with the former list generated through the initial collaborative recommender. Finally, the resulting book list is used to yield the top-n book recommendations. By means of various experiments, we demonstrate that author recommendation can improve overall book recommendation.
AglB, catalyzing the oligosaccharyl transferase step of the archaeal N-glycosylation process, is essential in the thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, a thermo‐acidophilic crenarchaeon which grows optimally at 76°C and pH 3, exhibits an astonishing high number of N‐glycans linked to the surface (S‐) layer proteins. The S‐layer proteins as well as other surface‐exposed proteins are modified via N‐glycosylation, in which the oligosaccharyl transferase AglB catalyzes the final step of the transfer of the glycan tree to the nascent protein. In this study, we demonstrated that AglB is essential for the viability of S. acidocaldarius. Different deletion approaches, that is, markerless in‐frame deletion as well as a marker insertion were unsuccessful to create an aglB deletion mutant. Only the integration of a second aglB gene copy allowed the successful deletion of the original aglB.
Angiotensin II and baroreflex control of heart rate in 1 embryonic chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus )

3 Casey A. Mueller 4 Warren W. Burggren 5 Dane A. Crossley II 6 7 Developmental Integrative Biology 8 Department of Biological Sciences 9 University of North Texas 10 Denton, Texas, USA 11 12 *Corresponding Author current address: Corresponding Author address for final article: 13 Department of Biological Sciences Department of Biology 14 University of North Texas McMaster University 15 1155 Union Circle # 30522
Non-Geographical Shortest Path Data Dissemination for Mobile Sinks in Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), the studies that support sink mobility without location information of sensor nodes traditionally establish a cluster-based virtual infrastructure. The cluster-based infrastructure consists of clusters involving sensor nodes and a shared tree organized by the cluster heads. In the studies, data dissemination from a source node to a mobile sink is performed via the shared tree. The mobile sink makes connection from the current standing cluster into the root of the shared tree; the source transmits data to the root; and the root delivers the data to the mobile sink. Namely, the data from a source may always be detoured to a mobile sink via the shared tree. According to a change of the current standing cluster, the mobile sink could frequently remake connection into the root; thus, excessive energy consumption by the detour problem might seriously happen. In this paper, we propose a communication protocol that provides the shortest path from a source to a sink by exchanging a routing table between neighboring cluster heads. The routing table contains the cluster ID of a neighbor cluster and hop-count from the neighbor cluster to the other clusters. A sink registers the cluster ID of the current standing cluster into the root of the shared tree, and a source then obtains the cluster ID. Thus, the source can deliver data directly to the current standing cluster of the mobile sink. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol is superior to the existing protocol.
CHANNEL ESTIMATION USING LMS ALGORITHM FOR DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM BASED OFDM

In wireless communication systems, to obtain channel state information (CSI) channel estimation is required. By doing estimation of channel bit error rate (BER) reduces. LMS algorithm gives best performance comparative to previous estimation technique LS and MMSE, the former is too sensitive to noise and later is too complex. LMS algorithm adopts the principle of steepest descent method and belongs to a group of methods known as stochastic gradient methods. This algorithm can adjust to modify the signals statistics; thus it is an adaptive filter.
A Phenomenological Study on Time Experiences of Mothers Participating in Child Counseling

This study aims to understand time experiences of mothers in child counseling and to investigate the meanings of their experience of time. Phenomenological perspectives and attitudes were adopted as the basic methodology. Participants were five mothers who were interviewed in depth on their time experiences in child counseling. The data were organized by the following contents : (1) Time for compensation, (2) conscious immersion, (3) stagnation, (4) infiniteness and finiteness of time, and (5) facing the past. Based on the results, the researcher interpreted three meanings discovered in the mothers' time experiences; (1) Reconstructed time : Healing, (2) The child becomes a mirror reflecting the mother, and (3) A new beginning.
Nontariff Barriers and Trade Liberalization

This article shows that governments have no incentive to introduce nontariff barriers (NTBs) when they are free to set tariffs but they do when tariffs are determined cooperatively. Quotas are preferred to antidumping restrictions so that the model is consistent with a progression from using tariffs only to quotas and then to antidumping constraints (when quotas are eliminated). There is a corresponding narrowing of the range of industries affected by trade restrictions. Simulating the model, the degree of tariff liberalization and of replacement of tariffs by NTBs are shown to depend on industry characteristics in line with stylized facts. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Linear Motif-Mediated Interactions Have Contributed to the Evolution of Modularity in Complex Protein Interaction Networks

The modular architecture of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks is evident in diverse species with a wide range of complexity. However, the molecular components that lead to the evolution of modularity in PPI networks have not been clearly identified. Here, we show that weak domain-linear motif interactions (DLIs) are more likely to connect different biological modules than strong domain-domain interactions (DDIs). This molecular division of labor is essential for the evolution of modularity in the complex PPI networks of diverse eukaryotic species. In particular, DLIs may compensate for the reduction in module boundaries that originate from increased connections between different modules in complex PPI networks. In addition, we show that the identification of biological modules can be greatly improved by including molecular characteristics of protein interactions. Our findings suggest that transient interactions have played a unique role in shaping the architecture and modularity of biological networks over the course of evolution.
Safety of Ablation of the Sigmoid and Transverse Sinuses: An Experimental Study

If the sigmoid and transverse sinuses could be divided safely, surgeons could broaden their access during skull base surgery without retracting the brain extensively. We undertook this study in monkeys to assess the risk of sacrificing these sinuses. We learned that when bilateral transverse sinuses were occluded, the sinus pressure measured in the superior sagittal sinus increased significantly as blood was purged from sinus venules. Unilateral sacrifice of sigmoid and transverse sinuses, however, did not change proximal sinus pressure in any ipsilateral or contralateral sinus. Furthermore, no change in regional cerebral blood flow or motor evoked potentials was seen in the parietal lobe nor did auditory brainstem response change significantly with sinus ablation. We conclude that, unilaterally, sigmoid and transverse sinuses may be ablated safely because collateral circulation via the vein of Labbé, superior petrosal sinus, petrosal vein, and backflow from the transverse sinus to the contralateral sinus may be established.
Continuation calculus

Programs with control are usually modeled using lambda calculus extended with control operators. Instead of modifying lambda calculus, we consider a different model of computation. We introduce continuation calculus, or CC, a deterministic model of computation that is evaluated using only head reduction, and argue that it is suitable for modeling programs with control. It is demonstrated how to define programs, specify them, and prove them correct. This is shown in detail by presenting in CC a list multiplication program that prematurely returns when it encounters a zero. The correctness proof includes termination of the program. In continuation calculus we can model both call-by-name and call-by-value. In addition, call-by-name functions can be applied to call-by-value results, and conversely.
Convexity Shape Constraints for Image Segmentation

Segmenting an image into multiple components is a central task in computer vision. In many practical scenarios, prior knowledge about plausible components is available. Incorporating such prior knowledge into models and algorithms for image segmentation is highly desirable, yet can be non-trivial. In this work, we introduce a new approach that allows, for the first time, to constrain some or all components of a segmentation to have convex shapes. Specifically, we extend the Minimum Cost Multicut Problem by a class of constraints that enforce convexity. To solve instances of this NP-hard integer linear program to optimality, we separate the proposed constraints in the branch-and-cut loop of a state-of-the-art ILP solver. Results on photographs and micrographs demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach as well as its advantages over the state-of-the-art heuristic.
Reversing Nuclear Opposition: Evolving Public Acceptance of a Permanent Nuclear Waste Disposal Facility

Nuclear facilities have long been seen as the top of the list of locally unwanted land uses (LULUs), with nuclear waste repositories generating the greatest opposition. Focusing on the case of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in southern New Mexico, we test competing hypotheses concerning the sources of opposition and support for siting the facility, including demographics, proximity, political ideology, and partisanship, and the unfolding policy process over time. This study tracks the changes of risk perception and acceptance of WIPP over a decade, using measures taken from 35 statewide surveys of New Mexico citizens spanning an 11‐year period from fall 1990 to summer 2001. This time span includes periods before and after WIPP became operational. We find that acceptance of WIPP is greater among those whose residences are closest to the WIPP facility. Surprisingly, and contrary to expectations drawn from the broader literature, acceptance is also greater among those who live closest to the nuclear waste transportation route. We also find that ideology, partisanship, government approval, and broader environmental concerns influence support for WIPP acceptance. Finally, the sequence of procedural steps taken toward formal approval of WIPP by government agencies proved to be important to gaining public acceptance, the most significant being the opening of the WIPP facility itself.
Outlier detection based fault tolerant data aggregation for wireless sensor networks

Data aggregation protocols are essential for wireless sensor networks to prolong network lifetime by reducing energy consumption of sensor nodes. For mission critical wireless sensor networks, however, not only the energy consumption of sensor nodes but also the correctness of the data aggregation results is critical. This paper presents a fault tolerant data aggregation scheme that eliminates the false data sent by malfunctioning and/or compromised sensor nodes. To conserve energy while eliminating false data, an in-network outlier detection technique that is based on Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH) scheme is used. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme is able to reduce the number of false data transmissions thereby increasing the data aggregation accuracy.
Successful kidney transplantation across a positive complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch by using C1q assay-directed, bortezomib-assisted desensitization

Rationale: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is the major immunologic barrier in kidney transplantation (KT). Various desensitization protocols to overcome the HLA barrier have increased the opportunity for transplantation in sensitized patients. In addition, technological advances in solid-phase assays have permitted more comprehensive assessment of donor-specific antibodies. Although various desensitization therapies and immunologic techniques have been developed, the final transplantation decision is still based on the classic complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) crossmatch (XM) technique. Some patients who fail to achieve negative XM have lost their transplant opportunities, even after receiving sufficient desensitization therapies. Patient concerns: A 57-year-old male with end-stage renal disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis was scheduled to have a second transplant from his son, but CDC XM was positive. Diagnoses: Initial CDC XM (Initial T-AHG 1:32) and flow-cytometry XM were positive. Anti-HLA-B59 donor specific antibody was detected by Luminex single antigen assay. Interventions: Herein, we report a successful case of KT across a positive CDC XM (T-AHG 1:8 at the time of transplantation) by using C1q assay-directed, bortezomib-assisted desensitization. After confirming a negative conversion in the C1q donor-specific antibody, we decided to perform KT accepting a positive AHG-CDC XM of 1:8 at the time of transplantation. Outcomes: The posttransplant course was uneventful and a protocol biopsy at 3 months showed no evidence of rejection. The patient had excellent graft function at 12 months posttransplant. Lessons: The results of XM test and solid-phase assay should be interpreted in the context of the individual patient.
Optimal network planning in robust two site's communication

Networking is now an important technology for companies to gain competitiveness. However, the cost is still the key factor to face. This paper proposes a novel approach to create an optimal network plan in two site's communication with failures such that the required total cost is minimum while the reliability retains the highest. Since the Internet environment changes very fast, the communication dynamics for each firm is also versatile. Our approach can provide companies a helpful toolkit to manage such situation while keeping the ability to predict the performance of the network. A numerical example is presented for illustration of the proposed method.
Comparer ménages et familles au niveau européen

Résumé Wall (Richard). - Comparer ménages et familles au niveau européen : Problèmes et perspectives Les classifications des ménages ou de leurs membres n'ont d'intérêt que si elles permettent d'identifier les caractéristiques-clefs des modèles familiaux et de résidence. Celles que nous présentons dans cet article répondent à cet objectif en ce qu'elles présentent, par âge, sexe et état matrimonial, le nombre d'individus vivant en couple, comme parent unique, comme enfant, le nombre d'individus vivant avec d'autres personnes apparentées, avec d'autres personnes non apparentées ou bien en solitaire. Ces grilles indiquent combien de personnes d'un âge donné font partie d'un noyau familial nucléaire (couple ou parent-enfant), co-résident avec des personnes apparentées, en l'absence d'un tel noyau, ou font partie d'un ménage qui comprend un noyau de ce type. Les tableaux joints à cette étude mettent en évidence les rapports de co-résidence - familiale ou non - qui ont été calculés à partir d'échantillons statistiques nationaux, le premier pratiqué sur le recensement de l'Angleterre et du Pays de Galles pour 1981 (1 %) et le second pratiqué sur le recensement de la Grande-Bretagne pour 1991. Nous nous sommes attaché, dans un premier temps, à la position de l'individu dans le ménage, en pensant que l'approche détaillée des relations interpersonnelles permettrait une meilleure compréhension des modèles de résidence, familiaux ou non. Enfin, certaines grilles de classification des ménages ont été tracées qui éclairent mieux les caractéristiques des ménages comportant une personne non apparentée, qui précisent la composition des familles de type conjugal (couple marié ou non) ou monoparentales (père ou mère résidant sans partenaire) et qui, enfin, font ressortir la rareté des ménages de type « non classique », c'est-à-dire autres qu'individu solitaire, couple avec enfant(s) (sans co-résident présent) et couple sans enfant (sans co-résident présent).
Plasmonic Fiber Optic Refractometric Sensors: From Conventional Architectures to Recent Design Trends

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) fiber sensor research has grown since the first demonstration over 20 year ago into a rich and diverse field with a wide range of optical fiber architectures, plasmonic coatings, and excitation and interrogation methods. Yet, the large diversity of SPR fiber sensor designs has made it difficult to understand the advantages of each approach. Here, we review SPR fiber sensor architectures, covering the latest developments from optical fiber geometries to plasmonic coatings. By developing a systematic approach to fiber-based SPR designs, we identify and discuss future research opportunities based on a performance comparison of the different approaches for sensing applications.
Collaborative clustering between different topological partitions

The aim of collaborative clustering is to reveal the common underlying structure of data spread across multiple sites by applying different clustering algorithms and therefore improve the final clustering result. The purpose of this article is to introduce a new collaborative topological clustering approach based on Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) with more flexible structure. The main drawback of the previously proposed collaborative methods is they require a strong condition to carry out the collaboration, i.e. all the map related to each site must be learned with the same number of neurones. An alternative approach to overcome the problem of this dimensionality has been proposed in the case of k-means. The idea consists in modifying databases by adding virtual points which convey clustering information, to change the position of centers of the clustering solution. This approach seems promising because it is very flexible. In this paper we propose a method called VP2SOM (Virtual Points to SOM) which uses virtual points to realize the collaboration between SOM maps with different sizes. We have tested the proposed approach on several datasets and the early results seem promising.
Characterization of the Replication Region of Plasmid pLS32 from the Natto Strain of Bacillus subtilis

ABSTRACT Plasmid pL32 from the Natto strain of Bacillus subtilis belongs to a group of low-copy-number plasmids in gram-positive bacteria that replicate via a theta mechanism of replication. We studied the DNA region encoding the replication protein, RepN, of pLS32, and obtained the following results. Transcription of the repN gene starts 167 nucleotides upstream from the translational start site of repN. The copy number of repN-coding plasmid pHDCS2, in which the repN gene was placed downstream of the IPTG (isopropyl-1-thio-β-d-galactopyranoside)-inducible Pspac promoter, was increased 100 fold by the addition of IPTG. Histidine-tagged RepN bound to a specific region in the repN gene containing five 22-bp tandem repeats (iterons) with partial mismatches, as shown by gel retardation and foot printing analyses. Sequence alterations in the first three iterons resulted in an increase in plasmid copy number, whereas those in either the forth or fifth iteron resulted in the failure of plasmid replication. The iterons expressed various degrees of incompatibility with an incoming repN-driven replicon pSEQ243, with the first three showing the strongest incompatibility. Finally, by using a plasmid, pHDMAEC21, carrying the sequence alterations in all the five iterons in repN and thus unable to replicate but encoding intact RepN, the region necessary for replication was confined to a 96-bp sequence spanning the 3′-terminal half of the fourth iteron to an A+T-rich region located downstream of the fifth iteron. From these results, we conclude that the iterons in repN are involved in both the control of plasmid copy number and incompatibility, and we suggest that the binding of RepN to the last two iterons triggers replication by melting the A+T-rich DNA sequence.
Dupuytren disease: Anatomy, pathology, presentation, and treatment.

The disorder called Dupuytren disease has been recognized for approximately 400 years. Its presentation, although seemingly rather constant, is actually extremely variable, depending on which structures are involved. A thorough knowledge of palmar fascial anatomy is essential to the understanding of Dupuytren disease. There have been recent advances in the pathophysiology of Dupuytren disease, and these have added to our knowledge of this disorder but have not yet changed its treatment. There are two distinct clinical entities, classic Dupuytren disease and atypical, so-called non-Dupuytren palmar fascial disease1,2. These two types differ in presentation, etiology, treatment, and prognosis. Authors of future epidemio-logical and outcome studies should not confuse these two clinical entities. Surgical treatment is the conventional and most widely used method of managing Dupuytren disease. The earliest published reference to the disorder that was later to be called Dupuytren disease was by Felix Platter, who in 1614 described a case, attributing the deformity to a flexor tendon contracture3. In 1777 Henry Cline recognized that the disorder involved the palmar fascia, in 1822 Sir Astley Cooper advocated closed fasciotomy as a treatment for the condition, and in 1831 Guillaume Dupuytren gave a detailed anatomic and pathologic description of the disease and demonstrated a surgical case in Paris that earned him the disease eponym4. By 1900 there were at least 256 publications related to Dupuytren disease and at least eight books on the subject2,5-11. Age, gender, geography, and ethnicity influence the disease prevalence, which has been reported to be as low as 2% and as high as 42%12-14. Men are more likely to have it than women (a ratio of nine to one), and the overall incidence increases with age, with the frequency in …
Research on the dielectric properties and breakdown voltage of transformer oil-paper insulation after accelerating thermal ageing

In this paper, a set of accelerate thermal ageing experiments on oil immersed insulation paper were performed under 110❐ and lasted for more than 100 days. The degree of polymerization (DP), the frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS) and water concentration in insulating oil and paper, as well as the AC breakdown voltage of insulation paper were tested and analyzed. The results indicate that the dielectric properties can be used as indicators for the degradation evaluation of insulation paper. And the breakdown voltage of paper showed very little difference after accelerating thermal ageing, the electrical strength of oil-paper insulation system depends mainly on the performance of insulating oil.