Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An efficient communication protocol for PC clusters

When clusters are used in parallel computing, the communication speed between processes is the bottleneck due to low network communication bandwidth. In this paper, we overview some methods used to improve communication performance, and introduce a new transport protocol that we have designed and implemented based on Ethernet. In addition, the TCP/IP protocol is replaced by the new protocol in cluster computing. This work will used in CSCW applications. The results show that parallel computing using the new protocol on an Ethernet compared to using the TCP/IP protocol on an Ethernet can provide larger communication bandwidth and improve the performance of a cluster system.
Multi-link mechanical locomotors in natural gaits - controller design and experiments

Recently, a so-called natural oscillation gait was studied for multi-link systems and a class of biologically inspired controllers was designed for the achievement of the gait. In this paper, the theoretical design is applied on a mechanical multi-link testbed of two posture configurations in rayfish-like flapping-wing motion and snake-like serpentine motion. The effectiveness of the design is cross examined by theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experiments.
Real Time Goal Orientated Behaviour for Computer Game Agents

To increase the depth and appeal of computer games, the intelligence of the characters they contain needs to be increased. These characters should be played by intelligent agents that are aware of how goals can be achieved and reasoned about. Existing AI methods struggle in the computer game domain because of the real-time response required from the algorithms and restrictive processor availability. This paper discusses the CogAff architecture as the basis for an agent that can display goal orientated behaviour under real-time constraints. To aid performance in real-time domains (e.g. computer games) it is proposed that both the processes encapsulated by the architecture, and the information it must operate on should be structured in a way that encourages a fast yet fle xible response from the agent. In addition, anytime algorithms are discussed as a method for planning in real-time.
On minimum cost coverage in wireless sensor networks

A solution to the coverage problem in wireless sensor networks provides the total number of sensors that are required to cover a given area of deployment. While prior studies have proposed different formulations and solutions to this problem, these studies have not addressed the problem of minimum cost coverage in which full coverage is achieved by using the minimum number of sensor nodes for an arbitrary geometric shape region. In this paper, we present a geometric solution to the minimum cost coverage problem under a deterministic deployment. Furthermore, we present a probabilistic coverage solution which provides a relationship between the probability of coverage and the number of randomly deployed sensors in an arbitrarily-shaped region. We demonstrate that for virtually 100% probability of coverage, random deployment needs approximately seven times more sensors as compared to a deterministic setup.
Viewer Preference Segmentation and Viewing Choice Models for Network Television

Individual viewing decisions have a direct impact on the media planning of television advertisers and, consequently, on the revenues of the major television networks. This paper represents an attempt to better understand these decisions. We use Nielsen people meter data to build a perceptual space for programs. That space is then used to develop models explaining viewers' decision to watch television and their choice of programming. The program-choice model is a cluster-wise logit model which searches for segments with similar viewing preferences. A segment-level logit model is then used to model the on-off decision. These models can be used by advertisers and advertising agencies to understand the viewing audience better, and thus to help guide their advertising media placement decisions. The models can also help television networksdesign programs and program schedules that are more attractive to viewers (and thus advertisers).
A Tool for Analysis and Visualization of Criminal Networks

Analyzing complexities in criminal networks is a complex issue. They become even worse when there is involvement of external collaborative networks. Criminal nodes in different criminal sub-groups combine together to form a big network. It is difficult to explore criminal activity that is building up among the sub-groups. Data from the initial investigations reveal only partial information. Hence, there is a need to find links between the data for getting adequate information. We have introduced novel visualization features that can help trace the collaborations of the individual criminal nodes with other nodes and detect the patterns of hidden criminal activities in the sub-clusters. The current study demonstrates our proposed visualization tool by using a case study of the Chicago narcotics datasets. The PEVNET tool can support crime analysts in analyzing the intra-network criminal activities. Our novel features will not only help the crime analysts in building a rationale but also in strengthening their viewpoints using PEVNET.
WHICH HEALTH-RELATED PROBLEMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH PROBLEMATIC VIDEO-GAMING OR SOCIAL MEDIA USE IN ADOLESCENTS? A LARGE-SCALE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

markdownabstract_Objective:_ Problematic video-gaming or social media use may seriously affect adolescents’ health status. However, it is not very well known which health-related problems are most strongly related to these issues. To inform the development of prevention and intervention strategies, this study aims to gain a better understanding of the healthrelated problems and demographical factors associated with problematic video-gaming or social media use in early adolescence. _Method:_ A cross-sectional analysis was performed on data collected by two Municipal Health Services in the Netherlands in 2013-2014. In this survey among youth, 21,053 students from secondary schools (mean age 14.4 years) completed a web-based questionnaire. Multivariate analyses were carried out to assess the strength of the associations between mental health problems, life-events, lifestyle and substance use as independent variables, and problematic video-gaming and problematic social media use as dependent variables. _Results:_ Of the participating students, 5.7% reported problematic video-gaming and 9.1% problematic social media use. Problematic video-gaming was most strongly associated with conduct problems, suicidal thoughts (all medium effect sizes, OR ≥2, p<0.01), sedentary behavior (large effect size, OR ≥3, p<0.01), and male gender (large effect size). Problematic social media use was highly associated with conduct problems, hyperactivity and sedentary behavior (all medium effect sizes). Additionally, female gender and non-Western ethnicity were relevant demographics (large and medium effect size). _Conclusions:_ Most mental health problems were consistently associated with both problematic video-gaming and problematic social media use, though associations were only practically relevant for conduct problems (both groups), suicidal thoughts (problematic video-gaming) and hyperactivity (problematic social media use). This study also highlights sedentary behavior as health risk as it was associated with both problematic video-gaming and problematic social media use. Interventions for young problematic video-gamers or social media users should take into account mental health and physical activity.
High mass x-ray binaries as a star formation rate indicator in distant galaxies

Based on Chandra and ASCA observations of nearby starburst galaxies and RXTE/ASM, ASCA and MIR-KVANT/TTM studies of high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) populations in the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds, we propose that the number and/or the collective X-ray luminosity of HMXBs can be used to measure the star formation rate (SFR) of a galaxy. We show that, within the accuracy of the presently available data, a linear relation between HMXB number and star formation rate exists. The relation between SFR and collective luminosity of HMXBs is non-linear in the low-SFR regime, L X ∝ SFR ∼1.7 , and becomes linear only for a sufficiently
A graded task approach to the functional mapping of brain areas implicated in auditory—verbal memory

Positron emission tomography measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were performed in normal volunteers during a graded auditory-verbal memory task. Subjects were required to remember and then immediately, and freely, recall a series of auditorily presented word lists varying from two to 13 words in length. Significant regional correlations between rCBF and memory load (word list length) were identified using statistical parametric mapping. Increasing memory load correlated with increasing rCBF in the cerebellar vermis and hemispheres, thalamus bilaterally, the superior and middle frontal gyri bilaterally, anterior insular regions bilaterally, anterior cingulate, precuneus and left and right lateral premotor areas. Increasing memory load also correlated with decreasing rCBF in the left and right superior temporal/insular regions, medial frontal gyrus, Brodmann's area 37 bilaterally, cuneus, inferior parietal lobule bilaterally and the mid-portion of the cingulate cortex. The pattern of rCBF change closely resembled that identified in a previously reported study using a cognitive subtraction paradigm and provides further evidence for a widespread neural system subserving auditory-verbal memory. The patterns of rCBF response suggest that the areas identified are associated with limited capacity processes for encoding and retrieval.
Efficient relative camera orientation detection for mobile applications

Nowadays, an intelligent mobile phone is required to have at least a camera and be able to process images with multiple sensors. However, when people take a photo at a random place, it is hard to build a whole pipeline to calculate everything accurately and efficiently. Therefore, basic and efficient algorithms are needed for both program developers and terminal users. In this paper, we will focus on a basic but important problem - relative camera orientation calculation, which is part of camera calibration. We introduce an efficient algorithm to tell the relative angle between the main object in the image and the camera. While no training data is used other than the test image itself, line segments are extracted by a Hough Transformation, based on Canny's edge detection algorithm. By extracting the focal length from the EXIF information and calculating the pixel lengths of some critical segment lines, the algorithm will give an accurate orientation for the main object (building) in the image. With the advantage of real time processing, our work can be further used for image location detection and other cute applications on intelligent mobile phones. Experiments show its effectiveness and efficiency on both experimental data of the campus and web data of some famous buildings.
Online social networks and using them to improve social skills in young people with disabilities

En los ultimos anos, las redes sociales online han introducido profundos cambios en nuestro entorno y en los modos de relacionarnos con los demas. Esto, que es frecuente en multitud de jovenes, puede potenciarse mas en los jovenes con movilidad reducida derivada de una discapacidad. En este trabajo se examina la opinion que tienen los jovenes con discapacidad motora sobre las relaciones de amistad que mantienen a traves de las redes online asi como la percepcion sobre estas para mejorar sus habilidades sociales. Esto se analiza en funcion del genero, edad y ocupacion. Han participado 68 jovenes con discapacidad motora que contestaron un cuestionario online, creado para tal fin. Los resultados se analizaron a traves de una metodologia cuantitativa. Aunque se encontraron diferencias significativas en funcion del genero, edad y ocupacion, en la mayoria de jovenes se percibe una alta motivacion en el uso de estos espacios para sus relaciones personales. Asimismo, valoran las redes para mejorar sus habilidades sociales. Ello sugiere la importancia que tienen para los jovenes con discapacidad fisica las redes sociales online en sus relaciones sociales, a la vez que podrian servir como ayuda en los programas dirigidos a fomentar la integracion social.
Secreted factors as synaptic organizers

A critical step in synaptic development is the differentiation of presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. This complex process is regulated by a variety of secreted factors that serve as synaptic organizers. Specifically, fibroblast growth factors, Wnts, neurotrophic factors and various other intercellular signaling molecules are proposed to regulate presynaptic and/or postsynaptic differentiation. Many of these factors appear to function at both the neuromuscular junction and in the central nervous system, although the specific function of the molecules differs between the two. Here we review secreted molecules that organize the synaptic compartments and discuss how these molecules shape synaptic development, focusing on mammalian in vivo systems. Their critical role in shaping a functional neural circuit is underscored by their possible link to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders both in animal models and by mutations identified in human patients.
Immune Dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X-Linked Syndrome: A Paradigm of Immunodeficiency with Autoimmunity

Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare monogenic primary immunodeficiency (PID) due to mutations of FOXP3, a key transcription factor for naturally occurring (n) regulatory T (Treg) cells. The dysfunction of Treg cells is the main pathogenic event leading to the multi-organ autoimmunity that characterizes IPEX syndrome, a paradigm of genetically determined PID with autoimmunity. IPEX has a severe early onset and can become rapidly fatal within the first year of life regardless of the type and site of the mutation. The initial presenting symptoms are severe enteritis and/or type-1 diabetes mellitus, alone or in combination with eczema and elevated serum IgE. Other autoimmune symptoms, such as hypothyroidism, cytopenia, hepatitis, nephropathy, arthritis, and alopecia can develop in patients who survive the initial acute phase. The current therapeutic options for IPEX patients are limited. Supportive and replacement therapies combined with pharmacological immunosuppression are required to control symptoms at onset. However, these procedures can allow only a reduction of the clinical manifestations without a permanent control of the disease. The only known effective cure for IPEX syndrome is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but it is always limited by the availability of a suitable donor and the lack of specific guidelines for bone marrow transplant in the context of this disease. This review aims to summarize the clinical histories and genomic mutations of the IPEX patients described in the literature to date. We will focus on the clinical and immunological features that allow differential diagnosis of IPEX syndrome and distinguish it from other PID with autoimmunity. The efficacy of the current therapies will be reviewed, and possible innovative approaches, based on the latest highlights of the pathogenesis to treat this severe primary autoimmune disease of childhood, will be discussed.
Prognostic significance of K-Ras mutation rate in metastatic colorectal cancer patients

Introduction: Activating mutations of K-Ras gene have a well-established role as predictors of resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Their prognostic value is controversial, and no data regarding the prognostic value of mutation rate, defined as the percentage of mutated alleles/tumor sample, are available. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of K-Rasmutation rate in a homogenous cohort of mCRC patients receiving first-line doublet plus bevacizumab. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 397 K-Ras mutant mCRC patients from 6 Italian centers, and 263 patients were fully evaluable for our analysis. K-Ras mutation rate was assessed by pyrosequencing. Patients with less than 60% of cancer cells in tumor tissue were excluded. No patients received anti-EGFR containing anticancer therapy, at any time. Median mutation rate was 40% and was adopted as cut-off. The primary and secondary endpoints were PFS and OS respectively. Results: At univariate analysis, K-Ras mutation rate higher than 40% was significantly associated with lower PFS (7.3 vs 9.1 months; P < 0.0001) and OS (21 vs 31 months; P = 0.004). A multivariate model adjusted for age at diagnosis, site of origin of tumor tissue (primary vs metastases), referral center, number of metastatic sites, and first-line chemotherapy backbone, showed that K-Ras mutation rate remained a significant predictor of PFS and OS in the whole population. Discussion: Our data demonstrate an association between K-Ras mutation rate and prognosis in mCRC patients treated with bevacizumab-containing first-line therapy. These data deserve to be verified in an independent validation set.
Layered filtering technique for content based video retrieval

Content-based video searching and retrieval is an upcoming and challenging issue. Efficient techniques for the analysis and retrieval of videos have become very important with the proliferation of digital video content. This paper outlines a technique to retrieve the matching videos from the video database, given a query clip. The key frames which are extracted at fixed time intervals from the videos are hashed as feature vectors. Layered filtering technique has been implemented on the features - corners, Adjacent Pixel Intensity Difference, color distribution and edges in the aforementioned order. Histogram based comparison is employed for each feature in order to retrieve the similar videos. The performance analysis on the obtained experimental results demonstrates that the proposed method is effective and efficient.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADE , FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT , AND DEVELOPMENT : NEW EVIDENCE , STRATEGY , AND TACTICS UNDER THE DOHA DEVELOPMENT AGENDA NEGOTIATIONS

New evidence accumulated over the past decade and a half shows clearly the conditions under which foreign direct investment in manufacturing, agribusiness, and other assembly activities is most beneficial to host country development, and, conversely, under what conditions it is most detrimental. This evidence also sheds light on how host countries – even poorer host countries – can increase the flow of foreign direct investment to their economies, and in the process stimulate backward linkages and spillovers to local firms and workers. These findings have important implications for the self-review of the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures negotiated in the Uruguay Round, and for the substantive and procedural questions for the possible trade and investment negotiations after the 2003 Ministerial Conference, such as modalities of the negotiations, transparency, nondiscrimination, development provisions, and most importantly dispute settlement and expropriation. The arena in which there has been most experience in dealing with these controversial problems can be found in the experience of the Chapter 11 implementation under the North American Free Trade Agreement. The record suggests that the process of working through these important issues, even to accomplish “minimal packages” of successful outcomes, is fraught with difficulty. —————————— * Theodore H. Moran holds the Marcus Wallenberg Chair at the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. This paper was prepared for ADB’s Study on Regional Integration and Trade: Emerging Policy Issues for Selected Developing Member Countries. The views expressed in this paper are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), or its Board of Directors or the governments they represent. ADB makes no representation concerning and does not guarantee the source originality, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or views presented.
A Step-indexed Semantic Model of Types for the Call-by-Name Lambda Calculus

Step-indexed semantic models of types were proposed as an alternative to purely syntactic safety proofs using subject-reduction. Building upon the work by Appel and others, we introduce a generalized step-indexed model for the call-by-name lambda calculus. We also show how to prove type safety of general recursion in our call-by-name model.
Surface Ghosts: Promoting Awareness of Transferred Objects during Pick-and-Drop Transfer in Multi-Surface Environments

Rekimoto's Pick-and-Drop (P&D) transfer technique is commonly used to support multi-surface object transfer (e.g., between a shared tabletop and tablet) due to its easily understood metaphor of emulating object movement in the physical world. Current multi-surface implementations of P&D provide little to no feedback during transfer, causing confusion for the person performing the action as well as others in the environment. To address this issue, we investigated the use of virtual embodiments to improve awareness of transferred objects, in the context of a real-world group task that relied heavily on cross-device transfer. An iterative design process led to the design of Surface Ghosts virtual embodiments, which take the form of semi-transparent 'ghosts' of the transferred objects displayed under the "owner's" hand on the tabletop during transfer. A user study that compared two Surface Ghosts designs-varied by how explicitly the "owner" was indicated-showed that both designs improved awareness of transferred objects when compared to a no-feedback control condition, especially for tabletop-to-tablet transfers.
Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies: historical and future perspectives

Antibodies to CD20 have confirmed the hypothesis that monoclonal reagents can be given in vivo to alleviate human diseases. The targeting of CD20 on normal, malignant and auto-immune B-lymphocytes by rituximab has demonstrated substantial benefits for patients with a variety of B-cell lymphomas, as well as some with autoimmune disorders. There has been a notable increase in the survival rates from B-cell lymphoma in the decade since anti-CD20 therapy was introduced.