Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developing a Contextually Personalized Hybrid Recommender System

It is hard to choose places to go from an endless number of options for some specific circumstances. Recommender systems are supposed to help us deal with these issues and make decisions that are more appropriate. The aim of this study is to recommend new venues to users according to their preferences. For this purpose, a hybrid recommendation model is proposed to integrate user-based and item-based collaborative filtering, content-based filtering together with contextual information in order to get rid of the disadvantages of each approach. Besides that, in which specific circumstances the user will like a specific venue is predicted for each user-venue pair. Moreover, threshold values determining the user’s liking toward a venue are determined separately for each user. Results are evaluated with both offline experiments (precision, recall, F-1 score) and a user study. Both the experimental evaluation with a real-world dataset and a user study of the proposed system showed improvement upon the baseline approaches.
Identifying Evasive Code in Malicious Websites by Analyzing Redirection Differences

SUMMARY Security researchers / vendors detect malicious websites based on several website features extracted by honeyclient analysis. However, web-based attacks continue to be more sophisticated along with the development of countermeasure techniques. Attackers detect the honey-client and evade analysis using sophisticated JavaScript code. The evasive code indirectly identiﬁes vulnerable clients by abusing the di ﬀ erences among JavaScript implementations. Attackers deliver malware only to targeted clients on the basis of the evasion results while avoiding honeyclient analysis. Therefore, we are faced with a problem in that honeyclients cannot analyze malicious websites. Nevertheless, we can observe the evasion nature, i.e., the results in accessing malicious websites by using targeted clients are di ﬀ erent from those by using honeyclients. In this paper, we propose a method of extracting evasive code by leveraging the above differences to investigate current evasion techniques. Our method analyzes HTTP transactions of the same website obtained using two types of clients, a real browser as a targeted client and a browser emulator as a honeyclient. As a result of evaluating our method with 8,467 JavaScript samples executed in 20,272 malicious websites, we discovered previously unknown evasion techniques that abuse the di ﬀ erences among JavaScript implementations. These ﬁndings will contribute to improving the analysis capabilities of conventional honeyclients.
An Enhanced User Authentication Protocol Based on Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem in Cloud Computing Environment

With the popularity of cloud computing, information security issues in the cloud environment are becoming more and more prominent. As the first line of defense to ensure cloud computing security, user authentication has attracted extensive attention. Though considerable efforts have been paid for a secure and practical authentication scheme in cloud computing environment, most attempts ended in failure. The design of a secure and efficient user authentication scheme for cloud computing remains a challenge on the one hand and user’s smart card or mobile devices are of limited resource; on the other hand, with the combination of cloud computing and the Internet of Things, applications in cloud environments often need to meet various security requirements and are vulnerable to more attacks. In 2018, Amin et al. proposed an enhanced user authentication scheme in cloud computing, hoping to overcome the identified security flaws of two previous schemes. However, after a scrutinization of their scheme, we revealed that it still suffers from the same attacks (such as no user anonymity, no forward secrecy, and being vulnerable to offline dictionary attack) as the two schemes they compromised. Consequently, we take the scheme of Amin et al. (2018) as a study case, we discussed the inherent reason and the corresponding solutions to authentication schemes for cloud computing environment in detail. Next, we not only proposed an enhanced secure and efficient scheme, but also explained the design rationales for a secure cloud environment protocol. Finally, we applied BAN logic and heuristic analysis to show the security of the protocol and compared our scheme with related schemes. The results manifest the superiority of our scheme.
Comparative transcriptome analysis and RNA interference reveal CYP6A8 and SNPs related to pyrethroid resistance in Aedes albopictus

Wide and improper application of pyrethroid insecticides for mosquito control has resulted in widespread resistance in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, an important dengue vector. Therefore, understanding the molecular regulation of insecticide resistance is urgently needed to provide a basis for developing novel resistance diagnostic methods and vector control approaches. We investigated the transcriptional profiles of deltamethrin-resistant and -susceptible Ae. albopictus by performing paired-end sequencing for RNA expression analysis. The analysis used 24 independent libraries constructed from 12 wild-caught resistant and 12 susceptible Ae. albopictus female adults. A total of 674,503,592 and 612,512,034 reads were obtained, mapped to the Ae. albopictus genome and assembled into 20,091 Ae. albopictus transcripts. A total of 1,130 significantly differentially expressed genes included 874 up-regulated genes and 256 down-regulated genes in the deltamethrin-resistant individuals. These differentially expressed genes code for cytochrome P450s, cuticle proteins, glutathione S-transferase, serine proteases, heat shock proteins, esterase, and others. We selected three highly differentially expressed candidate genes, CYP6A8 and two genes of unknown function (CCG013931 and CCG000656), to test the association between these 3 genes and deltamethrin resistance using RNAi through microinjection in adult mosquitoes and oral feeding in larval mosquitoes. We found that expression knockdown of these three genes caused significant changes in resistance. Further, we detected 1,162 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a frequency difference of more than 50%. Among them, 5 SNPs in 4 cytochrome P450 gene families were found to be significantly associated with resistance in a genotype-phenotype association study using independent field-collected mosquitoes of known resistance phenotypes. Altogether, a combination of novel individually based transcriptome profiling, RNAi, and genetic association study identified both differentially expressed genes and SNPs associated with pyrethroid resistance in Ae. albopictus mosquitoes, and laid a useful foundation for further studies on insecticide resistance mechanisms.
First-generation versus second-generation drug-eluting stents in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are associated with very high rate of adverse cardiovascular outcomes after drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation. The clinical outcomes of second-generation DES versus first-generation DES in CKD patients remain controversial. Objective: The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of second-generation DES versus first-generation DES in CKD patients. Methods: A systematical search of databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted for eligible studies comparing the clinical outcomes of first-generation DES versus second-generation DES. Sirolimus-eluting and paclitaxel-eluting stents were classified as first-generation DES, and everolimus-eluting, zotarolimus-eluting, and biolimus-eluting stent (BES) were classified as second-generation DES. A pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to summary the estimates. Heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also performed. Results: We identified 14 trials involving 9,542 patients with CKD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. First-generation DES implantation was associated with higher risk of long-term all-cause mortality (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02–1.69; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%), in stent restenosis (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.14–2.49; P = 0.008; I2 = 49%) and stent thrombosis (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.00–2.69; P = 0.05; I2 = 49%) compared with second-generation DES implantation. First-generation DES and second-generation DES showed similar efficacy in decreasing risk of repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction (MI), or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) between first-generation and second-generation DES implantation. Conclusions: In CKD patients, the use of second-generation DES was associated with lower risk of long-term all-cause mortality, in stent restenosis and stent thrombosis as compared with first-generation DES. No differences were found regarding repeat revascularization, MI, and MACE.
Is COPD associated with periodontal disease? A population-based study in Spain

Background Periodontal disease is more prevalent and more severe among men and women suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with healthy adults. The objectives of this paper were to assess the association between periodontal disease and COPD, controlling the effect of sociodemographic characteristics, oral health status, lifestyle variables, and comorbidities. Second, we identified which of the variables analyzed were independently associated with periodontal disease among COPD sufferers. Methods This descriptive study was done with data from the National/European Health Interview Surveys, conducted in years 2006, 2011/12, and 2014 in Spain. We included subjects ≥40 years of age. COPD status was self-reported. One non-COPD patient was matched by age, gender, and the year of survey for each COPD case. The presence of periodontal disease was defined using the answers “my teeth bleed spontaneously or while brushing” or/and “my teeth move” to the question: “Do you suffer of any of these dental and oral disorders or diseases? ” Independent variables included demographic, socioeconomic, and health care-related variables, oral health status, and presence of comorbidities. Results The prevalence of periodontal disease was higher among COPD patients than their matched non-COPD controls (26.5% vs 22.2%; P<0.001). Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of periodontal disease for subjects with COPD was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.12–1.30). Suffering mental disorders (AOR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.32–1.97) was positively associated with higher risk of periodontal disease. Older age, having a private dental health insurance, and university education were variables associated with lower rates of periodontal disease. Conclusion Prevalence of periodontal disease was higher among those with COPD compared to non-COPD controls. Dentists and physicians should increase their awareness with their COPD patients, especially those who are younger, with lower education, and suffer depression and/or anxiety.
Integrating Knowledge Representation, Reasoning, and Learning for Human-Robot Interaction

Robots interacting with humans often have to represent and reason with different descriptions of incomplete domain knowledge and uncertainty, and revise this knowledge over time. Towards achieving these capabilities, the architecture described in this paper combines the complementary strengths of declarative programming, probabilistic graphical models, and reinforcement learning. For any given goal, non-monotonic logical reasoning with a coarse-resolution representation of the domain is used to compute a tentative plan of abstract actions. Each abstract action is implemented as a sequence of concrete actions by reasoning probabilistically over the relevant part of a ﬁne-resolution representation tightly-coupled to the coarse-resolution representation. The outcomes of executing the concrete actions are used for subsequent reasoning at the coarse-resolution. Furthermore, the task of interactively learning axioms governing action capabilities, preconditions and effects, is posed as a relational re-inforcement learning problem, using decision tree regression and sampling to construct and generalize over candidate axioms. These capabilities are illustrated in simulation and on a physical robot moving objects to speciﬁc people or locations in an indoor domain.
Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity Combined with Liraglutide 3.0 mg: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) covers intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) for obesity. The efficacy, however, of the specific approach has never been evaluated in a randomized trial, as described here. The 1‐year trial also assessed whether the addition to IBT of liraglutide 3.0 mg would significantly increase weight loss and whether the provision of meal replacements would add further benefit.
Proactive Conversation between Multiple Robots to Improve the Sense of Human-Robot Conversation

In this position paper, we address potential merits of a novel conversational system using the group form of multiple robots that provides users with a stronger sense of conversation, with which a person can feel as if he or she is participating in a conversation. The merits can be performed by implementing the group behavior of multiple robots so that appropriate turn-taking is inserted to enhance the sense of conversation against potential conversational break-down. Through introducing the preliminary analysis of three experiments, how the sense of conversation can be enhanced and evaluated is exemplified and its limitations and potentials are argued.
Reading More than Histones: The Prevalence of Nucleic Acid Binding among Reader Domains

The eukaryotic genome is packaged into the cell nucleus in the form of chromatin, a complex of genomic DNA and histone proteins. Chromatin structure regulation is critical for all DNA templated processes and involves, among many things, extensive post-translational modification of the histone proteins. These modifications can be “read out” by histone binding subdomains known as histone reader domains. A large number of reader domains have been identified and found to selectively recognize an array of histone post-translational modifications in order to target, retain, or regulate chromatin-modifying and remodeling complexes at their substrates. Interestingly, an increasing number of these histone reader domains are being identified as also harboring nucleic acid binding activity. In this review, we present a summary of the histone reader domains currently known to bind nucleic acids, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of binding and the interplay between DNA and histone recognition. Additionally, we highlight the functional implications of nucleic acid binding in chromatin association and regulation. We propose that nucleic acid binding is as functionally important as histone binding, and that a significant portion of the as yet untested reader domains will emerge to have nucleic acid binding capabilities.
Back Pain in Rowers: A Cross-sectional Study on Prevalence, Pain Characteristics and Risk Factors

Abstract Objectives To establish the prevalence of back pain in rowers at different competition levels and rowing typologies compared with a non-rowing control group; to determine different time periods, the location on the spine, and different pain characteristics. Additionally to evaluated different risk factors that might be responsible for back pain. Methods A standardized and validated online back pain questionnaire was sent to elite and non-elite rowers of different rowing typologies, and a physically active non-rowing control group. Results Responses from 156 rowers (104 elite and 52 non-elite/ 49 scull and 76 sweep rowers) and 166 controls were received. Back pain prevalence and severity was significantly higher among rowers compared with controls, and among scull compared with sweep rowers. The lower back was the main location of back pain in rowers of all competition levels and typologies, and in controls. Age, sex, and training volume influenced the prevalence of back pain. Rowing kinematics, strength, and ergometer training were the main associated risk factors for back pain in rowers. Conclusions Back pain in different spinal locations is a common complaint in rowers of different typologies and competition levels. Rowing kinematics, strength, and ergometer training are the main associated risk factors for developing back pain in rowers. Thus, the spinal load due to rowing kinematics and different types of training should be investigated in future studies. Additionally, training should be monitored by experienced coaches to prevent back pain due to technical mistakes or too-heavy loads.
Effect of Age on NK Cell Compartment in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Natural killer (NK) cells are a very important component of the innate immune response involved in the lysis of virus infected and tumor cells. Aging has a profound impact in the frequency, phenotype and function of NK cells. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is caused by the BCR-ABL gene formation encoding aberrant oncoprotein tyrosine kinase. Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) induces durable deep molecular response. The response to treatment and life expectancy is lower in older patients with chronic phase of CML than in younger patients. In this work we analyse NK cells from TKI-treated CML patients and healthy controls stratified according to age. We have analyzed the expression of NK receptors, activation markers, NK cell differentiation in CD56bright and CD56dim NK cell subsets and the expression of CD107a and IFN-γ in NK cells stimulated with K562. Whereas significant differences on the phenotype and function of NK cells were found between middle-aged (35–65 years old) and elderly (older than 65) healthy individuals, NK cells from TKI-treated CML patients do not show significant differences related with age in most parameters studied, indicating that age is not a limitation of the NK cell recovery after treatment with TKI. Our results also revealed differences in the expression of NK receptors, activation markers and functional assays in NK cells from TKI-treated CML patients compared with age-matched healthy controls. These results highlight the relevance of NK cells in TKI-treated patients and the need of an extensive analysis of the effect of aging on NK cell phenotype and function in these patients in order to define new NK-cell based strategies directed to control CML progression and achieve long-term disease remission after TKI cessation.
Platelet inhibition to target reperfusion injury trial: Rationale and study design

In ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), current oral P2Y12 platelet inhibitors do not provide maximal platelet inhibition at the time of reperfusion. Furthermore, administration of cangrelor prior to reperfusion has been shown in pre‐clinical studies to reduce myocardial infarct (MI) size. Therefore, we hypothesize that cangrelor administered prior to reperfusion in STEMI patients will reduce the incidence of microvascular obstruction (MVO) and limit MI size in STEMI patients treated with PPCI.
A Phase Variable Approach for Improved Volitional and Rhythmic Control of a Powered Knee-Ankle Prosthesis

Although there has been recent progress in control of multi-joint prosthetic legs for periodic tasks such as walking, volitional control of these systems for non-periodic maneuvers is still an open problem. In this paper, we develop a new controller that is capable of both periodic walking and common volitional leg motions based on a piecewise holonomic phase variable through a finite state machine. The phase variable is constructed by measuring the thigh angle, and the transitions in the finite state machine are formulated through sensing foot contact along with attributes of a nominal reference gait trajectory. The controller was implemented on a powered knee-ankle prosthesis and tested with a transfemoral amputee subject, who successfully performed a wide range of periodic and non-periodic tasks, including low- and high-speed walking, quick start and stop, backward walking, walking over obstacles, and kicking a soccer ball. Use of the powered leg resulted in significant reductions in amputee compensations including vaulting and hip circumduction when compared to use of the take-home passive leg. The proposed approach is expected to provide better understanding of volitional motions and lead to more reliable control of multi-joint prostheses for a wider range of tasks.
High myopia induced by form deprivation is associated with altered corneal biomechanical properties in chicks

The cornea is a soft, transparent, composite organic tissue, which forms the anterior outer coat of the eyeball. Although high myopia is increasing in prevalence worldwide and is known to alter the structure and biomechanical properties of the sclera, remarkably little is known about its impact on the biomechanics of the cornea. We developed and validated a novel optical-coherence-tomography-indentation probe–to measure corneal biomechanical properties in situ, in chicks having experimentally-induced high myopia, while maintaining intraocular pressure at levels covering the physiological range. We found that the cornea of highly myopic chicks was more steeply curved and softer, at all tested intraocular pressures, than that in contralateral, non-myopic eyes, or in age-matched normal, untreated eyes. These results indicate that the biomechanical properties of the cornea are altered in chicks developing experimentally-induced myopia.
Dual QM and MM Approach for Computing Equilibrium Isotope Fractionation Factor of Organic Species in Solution

A dual QM and MM approach for computing equilibrium isotope effects has been described. In the first partition, the potential energy surface is represented by a combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) method, in which a solute molecule is treated quantum mechanically, and the remaining solvent molecules are approximated classically by molecular mechanics. In the second QM/MM partition, differential nuclear quantum effects responsible for the isotope effect are determined by a statistical mechanical double-averaging formalism, in which the nuclear centroid distribution is sampled classically by Newtonian molecular dynamics and the quantum mechanical spread of quantized particles about the centroid positions is treated using the path integral (PI) method. These partitions allow the potential energy surface to be properly represented such that the solute part is free of nuclear quantum effects for nuclear quantum mechanical simulations, and the double-averaging approach has the advantage of sampling efficiency for solvent configuration and for path integral convergence. Importantly, computational precision is achieved through free energy perturbation (FEP) theory to alchemically mutate one isotope into another. The PI-FEP approach is applied to model systems for the 18O enrichment found in cellulose of trees to determine the isotope enrichment factor of carbonyl compounds in water. The present method may be useful as a general tool for studying isotope fractionation in biological and geochemical systems.