Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospects and Trends in Data-Driven Machine Translation

In the past decade we have seen an amazing revival of machine translation (MT) as the major field of research in computational linguistics. Many reasons can be mentioned to explain this phenomenon: Globalization and the success of the Internet may be one of them forcing companies and individuals to adapt to a multilingual world. Political initiatives may also spur the fast development of MT systems, especially for previously unsupported language pairs. The increased capability of computers to handle large amounts of data might be another factor contributing to the accelerated development especially of data-driven MT approaches. But we should not forget to mention that working with translation is also a lot of fun attracting people all over the globe. And, finally, MT is an appealing research area because it faces many unsolved problems integrating various tasks in natural language processing. In this paper we look at some general issues in data-driven machine translation and discuss possible strategies to improve translation quality. We review some of the recent trends in the research community without looking into the details of possible implementations and system development.
Reliable Multimedia Broadcasting over Dense Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks (Invited Paper)

Broadcasting is an essential operation for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks to perform routing path discovery, and it has become the predominant technology for message dissemination in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). In the reactive routing schemes of wireless ad hoc network, Routing Request (RREQ) packets are broadcast from the source, and once received the destination traces back the broadcasting path to build an on-demand route. In VANETs, different broadcasting schemes have been proposed for safety, comfort, and commercial applications. However, broadcasting usually generates a lot of redundant messages which would cause excessive channel contention and packet collisions, especially when the density of the network becomes higher. In this survey article, we first introduce the most common data dissemination techniques used in wireless ad hoc networks. After that, we discuss techniques that have been proposed to mitigate the broadcast storm problem. Finally, we introduce an effective model for analyzing the broadcasting schemes, and based on the model we propose an adaptively adjusted probabilistic scheme that highly improves the reliability of broadcasting in dense ad hoc networks.
Effects of compost amendment on solubility and transformation of copper in soils

Copper (Cu) pollution in soils has increased due to mining, smelting, application of Cu-containing chemicals, solid and liquid wastes. The phytoremediation of Cu contaminated soils largely depends on both plant ability to absorb and accumulate Cu and availability and transformation of Cu in the soils. In this study, effects of compost amendment on solubility and transformation of Cu were examined in different soil types. The results showed that Cu concentrations in soil solution decreased at compost rates lower than 0.5%, and dramatically increased at compost rates higher than 0.5%, especially in the acid sandy soil. Copper concentrations in soil solution of the acid sand soil was 10 and 20 times higher than those of the calcareous fine sandy and clayey soils, respectively, at the same Cu addition level (200 mg kg). Significant and positive correlations were observed between compost rates and concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al), respectively, in soil solution for both the acid sand and calcareous fine sand soils. However, no similar correlations except for Mn and K were noted in the calcareous clayey soil. After 10 weeks of incubation, about 10-85% of added Cu was extractable, depending on soil types, compost rates, and extraction methods. The extractability decreased in the order: Mehlich 3-Cu > DTPA-Cu >1 M NH4Ac-Cu or DTPA-Cu >Mehlich 3-Cu >1M NH4Ac-Cu when compost rates was lower or higher than 0.5%. The Mehlich 3-Cu was dramatically decreased by compost amendment at rates >0.5%. The 1.0 M NH4Acextractable Cu was best correlated with Cu in soil solution, and may be superior to the DTPA or Mehlich 3 method as an indicator of soil Cu availability or toxicity. The results indicate that compost amendment could increase Cu solubility, especially in acid sand soils.
Gender Quotas for Corporate Boards in Norway

The gender quota reform for corporate boards, first adopted in Norway in 2003 and fully implemented from 2008, has had great repercussions. A wave of diffusion of corporate board quota legislation has swept across Europe, and some other parts of the world. This paper departs from the ongoing European processes of gender quotas for corporate boards being in the making, and examines how the Norwegian expansion of gender quota regulation from the public sector to the corporate world was made possible. The strong tradition in Norway to introduce gender quota arrangements to promote gender balance is emphasized in particular. The paper addresses national preconditions and processes. Central questions are: How does this reform fit with the Norwegian gender equality policy tradition? And what external factors – and institutional tensions – facilitated the policy process? What kind of problem(s) did the gender quota legislation aim to solve? What were the main positions in public and political debates surrounding the policy process? What was the role of policy agency for the result of the policy process?
The Role of History in Bilateral Trade Flows

This paper investigates the theory and evidence that history plays a role in shaping the direction of international trade. Because there are reasons to anticipate a positive correlation between the predominant direction of trade flows in the past and membership in preferential arrangements in the present, there may be a tendency to spuriously attribute to preferential arrangements the effects of historical factors and to exaggerate the influence of the former. Thus, the standard gravity-model formulation, which neglects the role of historical factors, suffers from omitted-variables bias. We illustrate these points by analyzing the evolution of trade between 1949 and 1964. We find that historical factors exercise an important influence on trade even after controlling for the arguments of the standard gravity model.
On the Development of Realistic Cross Layer Communication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

Traditional protocols in wireless sensor networks follow the strict layering techniques which lead to the degradation in performance of the QoS (Quality of Service) parameters. Battery powered tiny sensor nodes with constraints of energy and guaranteed time require the efficient communication protocols with innovative and optimized approach to attain the objectives of WSN. Especially, these requirements become more stringent with the emergence of novel applications based on WSN. In order to find an optimized solution to this, cross layer-based approach which allows the cooperation, synchronization and communication among the layers, seems to be appropriate. In this paper, a realistic cross-layer protocol has been developed taking into considerations of MAC and Physical layer to further optimize the QoS parameters of already developed Energy Efficient Inter Cluster Coordination Protocol (EEICCP) at the Network layer level. In this paper we endeavor to concentrate on the enhancement of reliability parameter of QoS and results are validated through simulations done in MATLAB.
Opus: University of Bath Online Publication Store Assessment of Dermal Exposure to Pesticide Residues during Re-entry

Assessment of dermal exposure to pesticide residues during re-entry. This version is made available in accordance with publisher policies. Please cite only the published version using the reference above. ABSTRACT: Currently, the determination of health risks to pesticide applicators from dermal exposure to these chemicals is assessed using either a concentrate of the compound, or a relevant aqueous dilution. Neither of these conditions reflects a normal exposure of an individual when re-entering an area after pesticide application, i.e., contact with dried residue of the diluted product on foliage. Methodology has therefore been developed to determine a relevant estimate of this potential dermal re-entry exposure from pesticide residues. Potential delivery platforms have been characterized for the transfer of pesticide residue to skin. Spin coating has been used to deposit uniform pesticide layers on to each platform. Five pesticides have been chosen to encompass a wide range of physicochemical properties: atrazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), chlorpyrifos, monocrotophos and acetochlor. In vitro (Franz diffusion cell) experiments have been performed to monitor the transfer of these pesticides from the delivery platforms onto and through excised porcine skin. Parallel experiments were also conducted with aqueous pesticide dilutions for comparison, and a final in vivo measurement using ibuprofen (as a model compound) complemented the in vitro data. The results demonstrate that transfer of chemical residue onto and subsequently through the skin is dependent on the physical attributes of the residue formed. Thus, assessing dermal exposure to pesticides based on skin contact with either the chemical concentrate or a relevant aqueous dilution may incorrectly estimate the risk for re-entry scenarios. BRIEFS: Methodology is proposed to determine a relevant estimate of the potential dermal re-entry exposure from pesticide residues.
NB-LDPC: Absorbing set and importance sampling

The identification of error sources when sub-optimal decoding algorithms are used is an open point both in binary and non-binary LDPC. Here a mathematical definition for absorbing sets in the case of non-binary LDPC is given and several examples are proposed to illustrate it. The definition is consistent with the error patterns resulting from Montecarlo (MC) simulations at high SNR. The absorbing sets patterns, as defined here, are used to predict the error floor of NB-LDPC with the Importance Sampling (IS). The IS and the MC simulation results match up very well when both are available.
MeshDV: A Distance Vector mobility-tolerant routing protocol for Wireless Mesh Networks

In this paper we propose an overview of MeshDV, a routing protocol for wireless mesh networks. MeshDV combines proactive route computation for routers and on-demand path setup for clients. This design choice eases the management of client mobility and reduces routing table size. Proactive route computation is performed using a Distance Vector approach. On-demand path setup is obtained through new mechanisms that take advantage of particular characteristics of mesh networks. Here we focus on these new mechanisms, giving details about algorithms, packet format, and packet exchange procedures. We also present the main components of the MeshDV prototype currently under development at the LIP6 laboratory of the University of Paris VI.
Guanxi, the Supervisor-Subordinate Relationship and Job Status:A Primarily Empirical Investigation of Taiwanese Companies

It is the first study which tries to explore the influence of interpersonal competition on subordinate job status in the workplace. Interpersonal competition is defined as rent-seeking behavior (RSB) in this research. We also examine the influence of interpersonal relationships, known as Guanxi in Chinese society, on subordinate job status in the workplace. Finally, this study combines RSB with supervisor-subordinate Guanxi (SSG) to identify the interaction effect on the subordinate’s job status. The conclusions from these findings provide several practical implications for Chinese management issues.
Information-based Biclustering for the Analysis of Multivariate Time Series Data

A wide variety of strategies have been proposed for the analy sis of gene expression data, many of these approaches, especially those that focus on identifying set s of coexpressed (or potentially coregulated) genes, have been based on some variety of data clustering. Wh ile useful, many of these techniques have limitations that are related to the fact that gene expre ssion data sets generally show correlations in both genes and conditions. Specifically, with respect to t ime series microarray data, often there are intervals of time in which gene expression is more more or les s correlated for various sets of genes followed by intervals for which the correlation changes or d isappears. This structure suggests that a clustering approach that partitions both genes and time poi nts s multaneously might be profitable. Using techniques from information theory, one may characterize s uch a biclustering of the data in terms of how much various regions of the data set can be compressed. Motiv ated by these considerations, we have developed a biclustering algorithm, based on techniques fr om information theory and graph algorithms, that finds a partition of time course data such that sets of clu stered genes are found for an optimally disjoint windowing of the dataset in time. This windowing pl aces the boundaries between temporal regions at points in time for which gene expression activity undergoes substantial reorganization and thus sheds light on the process level dynamics in the biologi cal data. We validate the method against more traditional techniques on both simple synthetic data a s well as actual time course microarray data from the literature and show that while computationally exp nsive, our method outperforms others in terms of accuracy. Further, the method outlined here serves as a first step in the construction of automata based models of gene interaction as discussed in the paper [8 ].
Monoterpenol Oxidative Metabolism: Role in Plant Adaptation and Potential Applications

Plants use monoterpenols as precursors for the production of functionally and structurally diverse molecules, which are key players in interactions with other organisms such as pollinators, flower visitors, herbivores, fungal, or microbial pathogens. For humans, many of these monoterpenol derivatives are economically important because of their pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, flavor, or fragrance applications. The biosynthesis of these derivatives is to a large extent catalyzed by enzymes from the cytochrome P450 superfamily. Here we review the knowledge on monoterpenol oxidative metabolism in plants with special focus on recent elucidations of oxidation steps leading to diverse linalool and geraniol derivatives. We evaluate the common features between oxidation pathways of these two monoterpenols, such as involvement of the CYP76 family, and highlight the differences. Finally, we discuss the missing steps and other open questions in the biosynthesis of oxygenated monoterpenol derivatives.
Doing Research in Cyberspace

Although laws and policies developed in the context of off-line research apply to online investigations, questions about the identifiability of human subjects, the conceptualization of privacy, the need for and means of obtaining informed consent, and the applicability of copyright law to computer-mediated communication (CMC) pose special problems for doing research in cyberspace.
Inward Flux of Lactate- through Monocarboxylate Transporters Contributes to Regulatory Volume Increase in Mouse Muscle Fibres

Mouse and rat skeletal muscles are capable of a regulatory volume increase (RVI) after they shrink (volume loss resultant from exposure to solutions of increased osmolarity) and that this RVI occurs mainly by a Na-K-Cl-Cotransporter (NKCC) - dependent mechanism. With high-intensity exercise, increased extracellular osmolarity is accompanied by large increases in extracellular [lactate-]. We hypothesized that large increases in [lactate-] and osmolarity augment the NKCC-dependent RVI response observed with a NaCl (or sucrose) - induced increase in osmolarity alone; a response that is dependent on lactate- influx through monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). Single mouse muscle fibres were isolated and visualized under light microscopy under varying osmolar conditions. When solution osmolarity was increased by adding NaLac by 30 or 60 mM, fibres lost significantly less volume and regained volume sooner compared to when NaCl was used. Phloretin (MCT1 inhibitor) accentuated the volume loss compared to both NaLac controls, supporting a role for MCT1 in the RVI response in the presence of elevated [lactate-]. Inhibition of MCT4 (with pCMBS) resulted in a volume loss, intermediate to that seen with phloretin and NaLac controls. Bumetanide (NKCC inhibitor), in combination with pCMBS, reduced the magnitude of volume loss, but volume recovery was complete. While combined phloretin-bumetanide also reduced the magnitude of the volume loss, it also largely abolished the cell volume recovery. In conclusion, RVI in skeletal muscle exposed to raised tonicity and [lactate-] is facilitated by inward flux of solute by NKCC- and MCT1-dependent mechanisms. This work demonstrates evidence of a RVI response in skeletal muscle that is facilitated by inward flux of solute by MCT-dependent mechanisms. These findings further expand our understanding of the capacities for skeletal muscle to volume regulate, particularly in instances of raised tonicity and lactate- concentrations, as occurs with high intensity exercise.
Aldosterone Promotes Cardiac Endothelial Cell Proliferation In Vivo

Background Experimentally, aldosterone in association with NaCl induces cardiac fibrosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation through mineralocorticoid receptor activation; however, the biological processes regulated by aldosterone alone in the heart remain to be identified. Methods and Results Mice were treated for 7 days with aldosterone, and then cardiac transcriptome was analyzed. Aldosterone regulated 60 transcripts (51 upregulated and 9 downregulated) in the heart (fold change ≥1.5, false discovery rate <0.01). To identify the biological processes modulated by aldosterone, a gene ontology analysis was performed. The majority of aldosterone‐regulated genes were involved in cell division. The cardiac Ki‐67 index (an index of proliferation) of aldosterone‐treated mice was higher than that of nontreated mice, confirming microarray predictions. Costaining of Ki‐67 with vinculin, CD68, α‐smooth muscle actin, CD31, or caveolin 1 revealed that the cycling cells were essentially endothelial cells. Aldosterone‐induced mineralocorticoid receptor–dependent proliferation was confirmed ex vivo in human endothelial cells. Moreover, pharmacological‐specific blockade of mineralocorticoid receptor by eplerenone inhibited endothelial cell proliferation in a preclinical model of heart failure (transverse aortic constriction). Conclusions Aldosterone modulates cardiac gene expression and induces the proliferation of cardiac endothelial cells in vivo.
Gene expression changes in spinal motoneurons of the SOD1G93A transgenic model for ALS after treatment with G-CSF

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable fatal motoneuron disease with a lifetime risk of approximately 1:400. It is characterized by progressive weakness, muscle wasting, and death ensuing 3–5 years after diagnosis. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a drug candidate for ALS, with evidence for efficacy from animal studies and interesting data from pilot clinical trials. To gain insight into the disease mechanisms and mode of action of G-CSF, we performed gene expression profiling on isolated lumbar motoneurons from SOD1G93A mice, the most frequently studied animal model for ALS, with and without G-CSF treatment. Results: Motoneurons from SOD1G93A mice present a distinct gene expression profile in comparison to controls already at an early disease stage (11 weeks of age), when treatment was initiated. The degree of deregulation increases at a time where motor symptoms are obvious (15 weeks of age). Upon G-CSF treatment, transcriptomic deregulations of SOD1G93A motoneurons were notably restored. Discriminant analysis revealed that SOD1 mice treated with G-CSF has a transcriptom close to presymptomatic SOD1 mice or wild type mice. Some interesting genes modulated by G-CSF treatment relate to neuromuscular function such as CCR4-NOT or Prss12. Conclusions: Our data suggest that G-CSF is able to re-adjust gene expression in symptomatic SOD1G93A motoneurons. This provides further arguments for G-CSF as a promising drug candidate for ALS.
Older Workers in Europe

Governments across the EU are recognising that older people need more opportunities to work later in life if they choose to, for their health, wealth and wellbeing. They also recognise that older workers are becoming more important to the European economy. Their participation in the labour market helps to maintain the size of the labour force, productivity, and sustainable social welfare and pension systems. This book will bring together emerging understandings and research findings on the views of older workers, retired people, employers and governments. It will provide key insights and suggest potential ways for the needs of different groups to be met. Problems and dilemmas will be identified and considered. The book will include examples of innovative practice in working with individuals, employers and intermediaries and will feature contributions from researchers in the UK, France, Poland, Spain and Norway. The book is aimed at upper level undergraduate and MA students of gerontology, social policy, sociology and HRM. It will also be of interest to policy makers and professionals working in the fields of employment and guidance, policy, economics, labour force development and research.
Natural way effluent treatment using fractal dimension

Tannery effluent (sludge, wastewater) is treated by natural way. The waste sludge has been taken for the following two experiments, namely Neutralization process and Ferric alum treatment process. The alkali chemicals neutralized by pyroligneous acid which is obtained by pyrolysis process of wood. This sludge is sent out for drying. The dried sludge contains some biological waste and other organic compounds. So it is very good manure to plants. We studied changes of pore space of a sludge by image analysis, and also assessed the applicability of fractal scaling of pore surfaces. Lacunarity shows the size distribution of the holes. If the Lacunarity increases, the dimension also increases. The calculated pore surface dimension showing that the surface exhibit fractal structure. This study demonstrates that applicability of fractal scaling for evaluating pore space of the two sludge image.
A Copy-Move Forgery Detection Scheme with Improved Clone Region Estimation

To estimate a clone region in a digital image is an important task of copy-move forgery (CMF) detection, which is one of the key techniques of digital image forensics. Most existing keypoint-based CMF detection schemes are weak in distinguishing the clone regions and the similar regions. However, some misjudgments may be resulted in some similar regions, which are not the clone regions. To solve this problem, a novel copy-move forgery detection scheme is proposed. To avoid misjudgments, rough clone regions are estimated first, which can obviously reduce the false positive rate. And then the customized threshold is created in accordance with characteristics of each image, which can reduce the false negative rate as far as possible. Experimental results show that our proposed scheme obviously restrains the interference by the similar regions and has an outstanding performance on estimating clone regions.