Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A management system for service level agreements in grid based systems

Grid based systems have increased the opportunity for users to deploy and execute their applications using Grid resources. These resources have varying reliability and performability, particularly when demand is high. If a Grid application is executed at such times, performance may suffer and results may be delayed. In order to overcome this problem, application management is needed to support Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. The Distributed Aircraft Maintenance Environment (DAME) is an example of a Grid based system in which users wish to attach application QoS requirements. In light of this, an adaptive SLA (Service Level Agreement) management system is presented which has the ability to interpret application requirements and deliver management using application adaptation. An SLA specification is presented which improves contract non-repudiation by way of elements which allow requirements, guarantees to be specified and provenance to be recorded. To predict the execution time of an application, a technique using historical observations is proposed. An approach which is highly appropriate for Grid based systems which perform countless runs of the same application. This prediction is used in combination with application monitoring to determine the progress made by the application during run-time. Progress is determined by comparing an estimate of the applications remaining execution time and an execution schedule. If application progress is insufficient, a rule-based control algorithm monitors progress and infers control actions which adapt the behaviour of the application. Experimental analysis is conducted on a local Grid test-bed and a large scale Grid infrastructure, the White Rose Grid. This shows the solution supports application executions with attached time or performance constraints; where use of the system prevents application failure or delay. Migration is useful in reducing the execution time of applications when performance degradation occurs. Mechanisms for automated monitoring and provenance capture are presented, both of which support the operation of the SLA management system. Adaptive SLA management benefits the users of Grid based systems such as DAME, by providing Grid application management. This is in contrast to current best-effort provision which offers no such guarantee. The ability to provide these guarantees and an SLA specification makes commercial exploitation of these Grid based systems more realistic
Cloning and Molecular Characterization ofLECASAILectin Gene from Garlic (Allium SativumL.)

Lectins have always demonstrated their role in bearing insecticidal activity. They are although considered to be toxic for mammals but some studies have reported that the presence of mannose binding region is believed to impart non-toxic nature to lectins against mammals including humans. In the present investigation, the research was conducted to elucidate the relationship of lectin gene LECASAI with other previously cloned lectins having insecticidal activity and to ensure the presence of the conserved mannose binding region/site in LECASAI. In this study, we report isolation of LECASAI via PCR, Cloning, Characterization & Bioinformatics analysis of LECASAI isolated from Garlic (Allium sativum L.). The full length gene sequence of LECASAI obtained from sequencing consisted of 1029bp which was subjected to In-silico analysis in order to determine its ancestral relationship and the presence of the conserved mannose binding region within the sequence. Results from In-vitro analysis indicated a higher homology of LECASAI with those of insecticidal lectins and the presence of mannose binding region in LECASAI. This unique approach has not only helped us in understanding the relationship between these genes but may also enable us to obtain an insecticidal lectin carrying insecticidal activity to several insects pests (for which even Bt proteins have been reported to be ineffective), apart from being non-toxic for man, mammals and birds in the future.
COX‐2 inhibits Fas‐mediated apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells

Fas expression has been shown to negatively regulate the progression of cholangiocarcinoma cells in xenografts. However, many human cholangiocarcinomas express Fas, suggesting these cancers have developed mechanisms to inhibit Fas‐mediated apoptosis. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), which generates prostanoids, is expressed by many cholangiocarcinomas. Therefore, our aim was to determine whether COX‐2 expression inhibits death receptor–mediated apoptosis in KMBC cells, a cholangiocarcinoma cell line. These cells express messenger RNA for the death receptors Fas, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF‐R1), death receptor 4 (DR4), and DR5. Agonists for these death receptors, CH‐11, TNF‐α, and TRAIL all induced apoptosis. However, COX‐2, whether induced by proinflammatory cytokines or transient transfection, only significantly inhibited Fas‐mediated apoptosis. The COX‐2 inhibitor NS‐398 restored Fas‐mediated apoptosis in COX‐2 transfected cells. Prostaglandin E2 reduced apoptosis and mitochondrial depolarization after treatment with the Fas agonist CH‐11. Of a variety of antiapoptotic proteins examined, COX‐2/prostaglandin E2 only increased expression of Mcl‐1, an antiapoptotic member of the Bcl‐2 family. In conclusion, these data suggest that prostanoid generation by COX‐2 specifically inhibits Fas‐mediated apoptosis, likely by up‐regulating Mcl‐1 expression. Pharmacologic inhibition of COX‐2 may be useful in augmenting Fas‐mediated apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells.
Behavior recognition based on head pose and gaze direction measurement

To build smart human interfaces, it is necessary for a system to know a user's intention and point of attention. Since the motion of a person's head pose and gaze direction are closely related to his/her intention and attention, detection of such information can be utilized to build natural and intuitive interfaces. In this paper, we describe a behavior recognition system based on the real-time stereo face tracking and gaze detection system to measure head pose and gaze direction simultaneously. The key aspect of our system is the use of real-time stereo vision together with a simple algorithm which is suitable for real-time processing. Our system we can significantly simplify the algorithm for 3D model fitting to obtain the full 3D pose of the head compared with conventional systems that use monocular camera. The recognition of attentions and gestures of a person is demonstrated in the experiments.
Review of ECG signal de-noising techniques

The aim of this study is to compare different algorithms destined to de-noise an ECG signal, starting with a normal FIR filter to eliminate the noise. Three other filtering methods are used: a Kalman filter and an LMS filter alongside with the undecimated wavelet transform. These three are considered as adaptive filters that essentially minimize the mean-squared error between the noisy ECG and a reference input, which is either noise that is correlated with the noise in the primary input or a signal that is correlated only with ECG in the primary input. To have a better view of the results, two random ECG signals from the Physiobank database are used.
A survey of evaluation techniques used in augmented reality studies

ABSTRACT In this paper we report on an initial survey of user evaluation techniques used in Augmented Reality (AR) research. To identify all papers which include AR evaluations we reviewed research publications between the years 1993 and 2007 from online databases of selected scientific publishers. Starting with a total of 6071 publications we filtered the articles in several steps which resulted in 165 AR related publications with user evaluations. These publications were classified in two different ways: according to the evaluation type used following an earlier literature survey classification scheme; and according to the evaluation methods or approach used. We present the results of out literature survey, provide a comprehensive list of references of the selected publications, and discuss some possible research opportunities for future work. Keywords: Augmented Reality, user evaluation, evaluation methods. This work may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part for any commercial purpose. Permission to copy in whole or in part without payment of fee is granted for non-profit educational and research purposes provided that all such whole or partial copies include the following: a notice that such copying is by permission of
Nonreciprocal reflection of infrared radiation from structures with antiferromagnets and dielectrics.

We calculate the reflectivity from structures involving both dielectric and antiferromagnetic films. In contrast to earlier results involving only antiferromagnetic films, we find that nonreciprocal reflection occurs even in the absence of any absorption. The calculations are done with a transfer matrix method and examples of nonreciprocal reflectivity are shown both with and without damping. In addition a general thermodynamic argument is presented which shows why nonreciprocity is allowed for the structure involving both dielectrics and antiferromagnets while it is forbidden for a simple antiferromagnetic film. The thermodynamic argument also gives some symmetry relations shown in our explicit calculations. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Multiplicative consistency-based decision support system for incomplete linguistic preference relations

The experts may have difficulty in expressing all their preferences over alternatives or criteria, and produce the incomplete linguistic preference relation. Consistency plays an important role in estimating unknown values from an incomplete linguistic preference relation. Many methods have been developed to obtain a complete linguistic preference relation based on additive consistency, but some unreasonable values may be produced in the estimation process. To overcome this issue, we propose a new characterisation about multiplicative consistency of the linguistic preference relation, present an algorithm to estimate missing values from an incomplete linguistic preference relation, and establish a decision support system for aiding the experts to complete their linguistic preference relations in a more consistent way. Some examples are also given to illustrate the proposed methods.
Self-Aware Agent-Supported Contract Management on Blockchains for Legal Accountability

This whitepaper addresses existing problems with conventional non-machine readable contracts. Such conventional contracts (CC) are complicated to set up, disconnected from ICT-systems and when conflicts occur, tracking their execution is restrictively slow and in addition, CCs are challenging to enforce. On the other hand, so called self-aware contracts (SAC) that are similar to CCs with respect to legal enforceability, are machine readable and supportable by blockchain-technology. SACs do not require qualitative trust between contracting parties because blockchains establish instead a quantitative notion of trust as SAC-related events are immutably stored. However, currently existing machine-readable contract solutions, i.e., smart contracts, lack suitable obligation constructs for execution and enforcement. Additionally, current systems do not comprehend the dynamics of legal relationships. It is important to mask legal obligations with daily human conduct. This whitepaper address the gap by specifying a so-called Agrello-framework that enables blockchain-driven self-aware agents-assisted contracts for a decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) economy.
Translation and Adaptation of Smoking Relapse–Prevention Materials for Pregnant and Postpartum Hispanic Women

Quitting smoking is one of the most important behavior changes a pregnant woman can make, with health benefits extending beyond pregnancy for the woman and her child. Increasing numbers of pregnant women are quitting smoking; however, the majority resume smoking later in their pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of self-help smoking relapse–prevention booklets; however, there is a dearth of materials available in Spanish for Hispanic smokers. The goal of the present study was to translate and adapt existing, theoretically based, smoking relapse–prevention materials for pregnant and postpartum Hispanic women. This article describes the transcreation approach used to ensure the Forever Free for Baby and Me booklets were linguistically and culturally relevant for the heterogeneous populations of Hispanic women. The authors conducted multistage formative research to adapt the booklets and modify vignettes and graphics. Compared with previous research conducted with pregnant non-Hispanic women, results revealed the following: (a) a lack of association or concern about smoking and weight gain, (b) the importance of family approval of behavior, and (c) stress related to difficulties surrounding the immigration experience. The authors' qualitative findings confirm and extend past research that has suggested ways to enhance the cultural relevance and acceptability of a health intervention.
Motor slowing precedes cognitive impairment in the oldest old

Eighty-five healthy elderly subjects were prospectively evaluated for 3 years to determine motor differences between those who remain cognitively intact and those who developed cognitive impairment during prospective follow-up. The 18 subjects who developed cognitive impairment had slower finger tapping and took longer to walk 30 feet before or at the time of cognitive impairment. Coordination was more impaired and steps, but not balance, deteriorated more rapidly, independent of other variables.
Attitudes of contemporary parents toward behavior management techniques used in pediatric dentistry.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to examine parental attitudes toward behavior management techniques currently used in pediatric dentistry. METHODS Fifty-five parents viewed videotaped scenes of 8 behavior management techniques being used during actual pediatric dental treatment. The 8 techniques shown were: (1) tell-show-do; (2) nitrous oxide sedation; (3) passive restraint; (4) voice control; (5) hand-over-mouth; (6) oral premedication (sedation); (7) active restraint; and (8) general anesthesia. Parents rated their acceptance of each technique using a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS Forty-six parents completed survey forms for analysis. Tell-show-do was rated as the most acceptable technique, followed (in order of decreasing acceptance) by: (1) nitrous oxide sedation; (2) general anesthesia; (3) active restraint; (4) oral premedication; (5) voice control; (6) passive restraint; and (7) hand-over-mouth. The following groups emerged with statistically similar means: (1) tell-show-do and nitrous oxide sedation; (2) nitrous oxide sedation, general anesthesia, and active restraint; and (3) general anesthesia, active restraint, oral premedication, and voice control. Hand-over-mouth and passive restraint were rated as the least acceptable techniques, and the ratings for both techniques were significantly different from all other techniques and from each other. Overall, hand-over-mouth was the least acceptable technique. Acceptance of each behavior management technique was not related to parental age, gender, education level, or social status. CONCLUSIONS The mean parental acceptance rating was in the acceptable range for all behavior management techniques examined in this study except for hand-over-mouth. General anesthesia was ranked as the third most acceptable technique. This high level of acceptance of general anesthesia compared to earlier studies may suggest that parental acceptance of this technique is increasing.
Content Analysis of Wiki Discussions for Knowledge Construction: Opportunities and Challenges

Research on several aspects of asynchronous online discussions in online and hybrid courses has been successfully conducted using content analysis in the past. With the increase in Web 2.0 and social media use in education, research on knowledge construction within newer virtual environments like blogs or wikis is just emerging. This study applies a well-known model of content analysis for knowledge construction to an educational wiki environment. Twelve graduate students' contributions to a wiki in a 14-week on-campus course on Web 2.0 technologies in education are analyzed. Results indicate that the wiki platform fosters collaborative knowledge construction and that is necessary to develop new frameworks to analyze content in new learning environments. Wiki environments provide opportunities for researchers to capture the process of collaboration, knowledge construction, and meta-cognition.
Compact Tri-Band Bandpass Filter Using Open Stub Loaded Tri-Section $\lambda /4$ Stepped Impedance Resonator

A modified tri-mode λ/4 stepped impedance resonator (SIR) is proposed, in which a shunt open stub is loaded in the conventional λ/4 tri-section SIR. The resonant frequencies and frequency ratios can be properly controlled by adjusting the loaded open stub. A compact second-order tri-band bandpass filter (BPF) based on two coupled proposed open stub loaded λ/4 tri-section SIR is presented. A pair of transmission zeros (TZs) are generated at the lower and upper stopband of each passband for high selectivity and excellent band-to-band isolation. A tri-band BPF with the central frequencies of 1.92, 3.50, 5.75 GHz, and respective fractional bandwidths of 5.4%, 4.0%, and 2.4% is designed and fabricated. Measured results show good agreement with simulations. Moreover, the circuit only occupies 0.09 λg ×0.10 λg.
Fertility attitudes and behavior of Saudi Arabian students enrolled in U.S. universities.

Although fertility declines have taken place in several Arab countries, the Arab nations are growing rapidly. In Saudi Arabia, the total fertility rate (TFR) is 7.1, and the growth rate is 3.5 per cent per year, among the highest in the world. This research examines the structural determinants (indirect indicators) of fertility attitudes and behavior among Saudi Arabian students studying in American universities. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between fertility attitudes and behavior, and background characteristics which included age, religiosity, education, income, length of stay in the U.S., and wife's age and wife's education. Results indicate a highly significant effect of religiosity as a major positive determinant of fertility attitudes. However, the major determinant of fertility behavior, the number of children respondents had, was wife's education which was negatively related with family size.
Pilot Eye Fixations While Flying Selected Maneuvers Using Two Instrument Panels

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the eye fixations as they occurred while flying instruments in two panel configurations. The first panel was equipped with vertical moving tape instruments; the second was equipped with round dial instruments. The study was conducted in a MBS Simulator with the flight-characteristics of a high performance jet aircraft. A standardized flight profile was used allowing comparison of both instrument panels across identical representative maneuvers. System performance measurements were taken during scoring periods for which a film record of the pilots' eyes were also taken. Thus the data collected in this study allows an analysis of system performance, eye movements, and the correlation of performance and eye movements for each combination of maneuvers and instrument panels.
ToIC and DsbA are needed for the secretion of STB, a heat‐stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli

STB secretion‐deficient mutants were isolated using the synthetic transposon TnβIaM. Cultures were plated using a double‐membrane system of cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose placed on Luria agar plates containing carbenicillin. The STB bound to the underlying nitrocellulose membrane was detected with anti‐STB antibodies. The altered genes of two STB secretion‐deficient mutants were identified by conjugation and complementation as toIC and dsbA. In cultures of well‐characterized dsbA and toIC mutants, STB was absent from the culture supernatant. The role of ToIC and DsbA in the secretion of peptides is discussed.
Andirol A and B, Two Unique 6-Hydroxymethylpterocarpenes from Andira inermis§

From a methanolic extract of the leaves of Andira inermis (Fabaceae), andirol A and B, two compounds with a novel type of a rotenoid-related skeleton and andinermol, a new 2-aryl-3-hydroxymethyl-benzofuran could be isolated. Characterisation and structure elucidation of these compounds was achieved on the basis of their spectral data. In addition, the in vitro activities of the isolated compounds against both the chloroquine-sensitive strain PoW and the chloroquine-resistant clone Dd2 of Plasmodium falciparum have been evaluated.
A glimpse of the future in animal nutrition science. 1. Past and future challenges

ABSTRACT If the world population continues to increase exponentially, wealth and education inequalities might become more pronounced in the developing world. Thus, offering affordable, high-quality protein food to people will become more important and daunting than ever. Past and future challenges will increasingly demand quicker and more innovative and efficient solutions. Animal scientists around the globe currently face many challenging issues: from ensuring food security to prevent excess of nutrient intake by humans, from animal welfare to working with genetic-engineered [. ]
Association between Rsa I polymorphism in estrogen receptor β gene and male infertility

The estrogen receptor β (ERβ) gene plays an important role in the regulation of fertility in both males and females. The RsaI polymorphism in ERβ is associated with male infertility in Caucasian patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of this polymorphism in the etiology of idiopathic male infertility and its correlation with smoking habits. We analyzed 287 Brazilian men, including 161 infertile and 126 fertile men, to evaluate the association between the RsaI polymorphism and male infertility. The RsaI variant alleles of all patients were determined by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Compared with a control group (normozoospermic men), the frequency of the RsaI AG-genotype was four times higher in infertile men (P = 0.01), five times higher in azoospermic men (P = 0.02), and seven times higher in teratozoospermic men (P = 0.001). The frequency of the RsaI AG-genotype was three times higher in infertile smokers (P = 0.038) compared with infertile nonsmokers, and nine times higher in azoospermic smokers (P = 0.035) compared with azoospermic nonsmokers. The RsaI polymorphism in ERβ may have modulating effects on human spermatogenesis. There seems to be a 10955 Estrogen receptor β genepolymorphism and male infertility ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp. com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 14 (3): 10954-10960 (2015) consistent association between RsaI polymorphism and smoking habits in infertile men.
Primary Sarcomas of the Central Nervous System

The medical files of 14 patients with primary brain and spine sarcomas were retrospectively reviewed. Ten patients had primary brain sarcomas and 4 primary spinal sarcomas. The tumors probably originated in the brain substance or blood vessels, in the meninges or in the inner aspect of the skull. The spinal tumors originated in the nerve roots of the cauda equina and in the spinal substance or blood vessels. The most common type was angiosarcoma. Removal of the brain tumors was performed in 95% of the patients. Radiotherapy was delivered to 6 patients with brain sarcomas and to all patients with primary spinal sarcomas. Metastatic disease to the lung or pleural effusion was evident in 2 patients who underwent total removal of their tumors followed by radiation therapy.