Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementing an Agent-based Multi-Natural Language Anti-Spam Model

The spam is a negative practice of illegitimate use to the email services through unsolicited email such as phishing for scam practices which affects the email reliability. Spam problems and its influence on the society have been investigated and discussed from different perspectives. Several studies have looked into the influence of the spam on the economy, financial, marketing, business and management, while others deliberate the impact of the spam on the security and privacy. Subsequently, there are different anti-spam techniques that have spam filtering or blocking mechanisms. This work attempts to investigate an available anti-spam technology and highlight the possible improvements. Consequently, it constructs a new agent-based anti-spam model that can overcome some existing limitations. The Multi-Natural Language Anti-Spam (MNLAS) model comprises visual information, and texts of an email in the spam filtering process. The MNLAS is implemented in a Java environment using Jade agent platform. The application detects and filters spam emails of different types using a dataset of 200 emails.
Reconstructing the Evolution of Giant Extinct Kangaroos: Comparing the Utility of DNA, Morphology, and Total Evidence

Abstract Combined “total evidence” analysis of molecular and morphological data offers the opportunity to objectively merge fossils into the tree of life, and challenges the primacy of solely DNA based phylogenetic and dating inference, even among modern taxa. To investigate the relative utility of DNA, morphology, and total evidence for evolutionary inference, we sequenced the first near‐complete mitochondrial genomes from extinct Australian megafauna: a 40‐50 thousand year old giant short‐faced kangaroo (Simosthenurus occidentalis) and giant wallaby (Protemnodon anak). We analyzed the ancient DNA and fossil data alongside comparable data from extant species to infer phylogeny, divergence times, and ancestral body mass among macropods (kangaroos and wallabies). Our results confirm a close relationship between Protemnodon and the iconic kangaroo genus complex “Macropus”, and unite the giant Simothenurus with the hare‐sized Lagostrophus fasciatus (banded hare‐wallaby), suggesting that the latter is the closest living link to the once diverse sthenurine kangaroo radiation. We find that large body size evolved multiple times among kangaroos, coincident with expansion of open woodland habitats beginning in the Late Miocene. In addition, our results suggest that morphological data mislead macropod phylogeny reconstruction and in turn can distort total evidence estimation of divergence dates. However, a novel result with potentially broad application is that the accuracy and precision of reconstructing ancestral body mass was improved by tracing body mass on morphological branch lengths. This is likely due to positive allometric correlation between morphological and body size variation—a relationship that may be masked or even misleadingly inverted with the temporal or molecular branch lengths that typically underpin ancestral body size reconstruction. Our study supports complementary roles for DNA and morphology in evolutionary inference, and opens a new window into the evolution of Australia's unique marsupial fauna.
Learning Quadratic Games on Networks

Individuals, or organizations, cooperate with or compete against one another in a wide range of practical situations. Such strategic interactions are often modeled as games played on networks, where an individual's payoff depends not only on her action but also on that of her neighbors. The current literature has largely focused on analyzing the characteristics of network games in the scenario where the structure of the network, which is represented by a graph, is known beforehand. It is often the case, however, that the actions of the players are readily observable while the underlying interaction network remains hidden. In this paper, we propose two novel frameworks for learning, from the observations on individual actions, network games with linear-quadratic payoffs, and in particular, the structure of the interaction network. Our frameworks are based on the Nash equilibrium of such games and involve solving a joint optimization problem for the graph structure and the individual marginal benefits. Both synthetic and real-world experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed frameworks, which have theoretical as well as practical implications for understanding strategic interactions in a network environment.
The Power of Orthogonal Filtering

Orthogonal filtering is a method to extract essential information from digital data using orthogonal transformations. It belongs to the category of Wave Digital Filters (WDF? s) as originally defined and considered by the late Alfred Fettweis, one of the principal founders of modern digital filter theory. In the original WDF theory, filtering is done using adders and an algebraically minimal number of multipliers exclusively. When, instead, the arithmetic is based (also exclusively) on purely orthogonal transformations (Jacobi/Givens rotations), a much larger category of lossless digital filters is obtained. In this paper, it is shown how central classical problems with many engineering applications, namely quadratically optimal tracking (Bellman), linear least squares estimation (Kalman) and spectral factorization (Wiener), among many other types of filters, produce natural orthogonal filters and can be obtained and designed using nothing more than orthogonal transformations. Simple proofs based on these insights are provided, together with a streamlined realization theory for the resulting data processors and filters. The paper uses nothing more than elementary matrix theory, and should be accessible to students with no other background, although it does at some point make the connection with the Beurling-Lax theory on inner-outer factorization and the Wiener theory on spectral factorization, putting these theories in a purely matrix algebra context.
Causes and Treatments of Entropion and Ectropion in Adults

Purpose: To evaluate the causes and treatments of entropion and ectropion in adults. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 397 patients (490 eyes) with entropion and 109 patients (138 eyes) with ectropion who underwent corrective surgery at Kim's Eye Hospital from January 2009 to December 2012. Results: The surgical correction of entropion was 3.5 times greater than that of ectropion. The causes of entropion were classified as senile (98.4%), cicatricial (1.4%) and spastic (0.2%). The causes of ectropion were classified as cicatricial (60.1%), paralytic (23.2%) and senile (16.7%). Conclusions: The main causes of entropion and ectropion were senile and cicatricial, respectively. Specifically, senile entropion was more common than senile ectropion, which is considered to be related to the lid anatomy of Asian patients. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2014;55(7):953-957
Conditional Differential Coefficients Method for the Realization of Powers-of-Two FIR Filter

This paper proposes a new technique, called conditional differential coefficients method (CDCM), for hardware-efficient realization of finite impulse response filters using differential coefficients. In connection to this, a group of differential coefficients are extracted from the entire set which aims to reduce the total number of ones in the coefficient representation. Selection of the differential coefficients has been done in accordance with its difference with the original coefficient. It has the consequent effect of minimizing the total number of full adders with respect to direct method, minimum index floating point representation scheme, minimal difference DCM, and so on.
Online Quizzes for Operations Research – A Case Study

A student's success in mathematically-based disciplines is directly related to the quantity and quality of the tasks provided, and to the feedback given on their efforts. With a class of several hundred students it is often impossible to provide enough assessable work, and to give detailed and timely feedback. In response, the Department of Statistics at Macquarie University has implemented online randomised quizzes. Students must pass each quiz with at most two errors, but the number of attempts is unlimited. Consequently, an assessment task becomes a learning tool, requiring students to practice techniques until mastered. Feedback is immediate. At the end of Semester 2 in 2007, students completed a survey about their response to the quizzes. The results indicated that over 81% of participants liked the quick feedback and, furthermore, over 70% of survey participants believed the quizzes helped them to understand the concepts being taught.
Estimation of radiation dose-reduction factor for cerium oxide nanoparticles in MRC-5 human lung fibroblastic cells and MCF-7 breast-cancer cells

Abstract In the current study, radiation dose-reduction factor (DRF) of nanoceria or cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) in MRC-5 Human Lung Fibroblastic Cells and MCF-7 Breast-Cancer Cells was estimated. Characterization of CONPs was determined using scanner electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectrophotometer. Then, six plans were designed with different radiation dose values on planning target value. The obtained MRC-5 and MCF-7 cells were treated with non-toxic concentrations of CONPs and then exposed. Finally, cell viability (%) of the cell lines was determined using MTT assay. The findings showed that CONPs have no significant radioprotective effect against 10 cGy radiation dose value. Nevertheless, 70 μM CONPs resulted in a significant radioprotection against 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 cGy radiation dose values compared with the control group in MRC-5 cells. For all radiation dose values, mean cell viability (%) of MCF-7 had not increased significantly at the presence of nanoceria compared with control group. According to the findings, it was revealed that the use of CONPs have a significant radioprotective effect on normal lung cells, while they do not provide any protection for MCF-7 cancer cells. These properties can help to increase therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy.
Constructing Self-Adaptive Software in Ubiquitous Computing Space

Self-adaptation endows software with the ability to adjust its behavior according to the changes in its environment. It is an effective approach to deal with dynamic environments, such as ubiquitous computing spaces. However, adaptability will significantly complicate software implementation and bring great challenges to software engineering practices. This paper presents an engineering approach for self-adaptive software, which systematically enables the reuse of software adaptation on both software architecture and development process. We propose a novel conceptual model as the foundation of our work at first, in which each software entity can imitate the reacting/joining behavior pattern of the individuals in natural adaptive systems. And then, mainly based on the enhancement of component technology, we map this conceptual model into a practical and reusable software architecture. A software factory with a model-driven process is presented as well. Several applications have been developed to validate the effectiveness and generality of our approach.
Being ‘evidence-based’ in the absence of evidence: The management of non-evidence in guideline development

Since the emergence of the Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) movement, the nature and role of evidence in medicine has been much debated. The formal classification of evidence that is unique to Evidence-Based Medicine, referred to as the Evidence hierarchy, has been fiercely criticized. Yet studies that examine how Evidence is classified in EBM practice are rare. This article presents an observational study of the nature of Evidence and Evidence-Based Medicine as understood and performed in practice. It does this by examining how an absence of Evidence is defined and managed in Evidence-Based Guideline development. The EBM label does not denote the quantity or quality of evidence found, but the specific management of the absence of evidence, requiring a transparently reported process of evidence searching, selection and presentation. I propose the term ‘Evidence Searched Guidelines’ to better capture this specific way of ‘being’ EBM. Moreover, what counts as Evidence depends not just on the Evidence hierarchy, but requires agreement between the members of each guideline development group who mobilize a range of ‘other’ knowledges, such as biological principles and knowledge of the clinic. In addition, I distinguish four non-Evidentiary justifications that are relied upon in the formulation of recommendations (literature, qualified opinions, ethical principles, and practice standards). These are not always secondary to Evidence but may be positioned outside the hierarchy, allowing them to trump Evidence. The legitimacy of Evidence-Based Medicine relies neither on experts nor numbers, but on distinct procedures for handling (non-)Evidence, reflecting its ‘regulatory objectivity’. Finally, the notion of transparency is central for understanding how Evidence-Based Medicine regulates, and is regulated within, contemporary biomedicine.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository Youth employment in a globalising world

Young people in the global South are seeking employment opportunities in challenging economic and social environments. This paper provides an overview of current debates regarding youth employment highlighting conceptualizations of youth and (un)employment, emerging youth employment trends, and the nature of policies introduced to tackle youth (un)employment. It provides an overview of the six papers that make up this special issue and shows how highlighting the complexities and diversities of youth employment strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, provides valuable lessons both for enhancing current conceptualisations and theorization of youth employment and in terms of related policy instruments. Introduction Young people in the global South are growing up in challenging social and economic environments. Economic restructuring and the transformation of labour markets have resulted in limited employment opportunities with the youth being especially affected. Although some young people are able to gain employment in the formal economy, especially in growing sectors such as IT and tourism, many have to create jobs for themselves. Rates of unemployment and underemployment are especially high for young people, which present challenges not only for the youth themselves but also for their families and society in general. There are increasing concerns that large sections of young people are being marginalized and excluded from employment and subsequently the status of adulthood. It is widely believed, though not entirely substantiated, that lack of employment can cause idleness and frustration among young people, which in turn can result in risky behaviour and involvement in crime, organised violence and protests (Garcia and Fares, 2008; World Bank, 2007; World Bank, 2013). Despite this rather bleak picture, many young people do manage to gain employment, either working for others or more commonly setting up their own enterprises. This often requires a degree of entrepreneurship as the competition is fierce and the economic climate challenging (Langevang and Gough, 2012; Langevang et al., 2012). Against the odds, many young people in the global South hang onto the possibility of improving their lives through working and achieving social mobility (Gough, 2008). They engage in various strategies including: extending their formal education and gaining new skills, setting up their own businesses, forming networks and alliances, and migrating in search of new opportunities. Some of these strategies result in success whereas others fail causing increased disillusionment. The issue of youth employment remains one of the major challenges for governments and is a key issue of concern for many development partners. Policy initiatives, however, tend to focus on formal employment and education, ignoring less formal means of meeting youth
Pathophysiology of Subjective Tinnitus: Triggers and Maintenance

Tinnitus is the conscious perception of a sound without a corresponding external acoustic stimulus, usually described as a phantom perception. One of the major challenges for tinnitus research is to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms triggering and maintaining the symptoms, especially for subjective chronic tinnitus. Our objective was to synthesize the published literature in order to provide a comprehensive update on theoretical and experimental advances and to identify further research and clinical directions. We performed literature searches in three electronic databases, complemented by scanning reference lists from relevant reviews in our included records, citation searching of the included articles using Web of Science, and manual searching of the last 6 months of principal otology journals. One-hundred and thirty-two records were included in the review and the information related to peripheral and central mechanisms of tinnitus pathophysiology was collected in order to update on theories and models. A narrative synthesis examined the main themes arising from this information. Tinnitus pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, involving the auditory and non-auditory systems. Recent theories assume the necessary involvement of extra-auditory brain regions for tinnitus to reach consciousness. Tinnitus engages multiple active dynamic and overlapping networks. We conclude that advancing knowledge concerning the origin and maintenance of specific tinnitus subtypes origin and maintenance mechanisms is of paramount importance for identifying adequate treatment.
Differentiating factors in treatment-free remission trials: impact of study design on results and clinical applications

Abstract For patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase with sustained deep molecular responses on long-term tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, treatment-free remission (TFR) feasibility has been established. TFR is now a treatment goal for patients meeting specific criteria; NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for CML have developed criteria for attempting TFR outside clinical trials, and TFR was added to the US Food and Drug Administration–approved nilotinib label. Importantly, TFR studies vary in design and characteristics of participating patients. We discuss key study design elements to consider when assessing results from TFR trials, including criteria for attempting TFR, characteristics of enrolled patients, use of a consolidation phase (whereby patients continue TKI treatment on study before attempting TFR), and criteria for restarting TKI therapy. Finally, we review the criteria outlined in the NCCN Guidelines® for TFR outside clinical trials and compare to criteria used in TFR studies.
An Embedded System Device to Monitor Farrowing

Crucial for successful farrowing in swine production is the monitoring of health and welfare of pigs from insemination to farrowing and lactation. Although most are naturally farrowed, a significant number of piglets are lost due to fetal hypoxia. Common causes are ruptured umbilical cords, getting stuck in the birth canal, and exhaustion of sow. Prompt assistance offered by farmers can save lives of many piglets. Time is critical. Minutes of delay could mean another loss. Around-the-clock monitoring, at the same time, is not only labor-intensive but also a financial burden for farm management. One of the keys toward better assessment of the right timing for farmworkers to attend to a farrow with minimal wait-around time - first and foremost - is to collect and analyze the detailed timing of the farrowing process. Bringing digital technology of embedded systems to farming, we developed a monitoring device capable of continuously recording a video of a sow. Farrowing videos were collected for seven weeks. Graphical visualization and statistical analysis of the data were evaluated. Employing computer vision and machine intelligence, we proposed a methodology for extracting features and training a classifier to automatically detect the firstborn piglet. Preliminary image processing results are presented.
Chemical Biology Strategies to Study Autophagy

Growing amount of evidence in the last two decades highlight that macroautophagy (generally referred to as autophagy) is not only indispensable for survival in yeast but also equally important to maintain cellular quality control in higher eukaryotes as well. Importantly, dysfunctional autophagy has been explicitly shown to be involved in various physiological and pathological conditions such as cell death, cancer, neurodegenerative, and other diseases. Therefore, modulation and regulation of the autophagy pathway has emerged as an alternative strategy for the treatment of various disease conditions in the recent years. Several studies have shown genetic or pharmacological modulation of autophagy to be effective in treating cancer, clearing intracellular aggregates and pathogens. Understanding and controlling the autophagic flux, either through a genetic or pharmacological approach is therefore a highly promising approach and of great scientific interest as spatiotemporal and cell-tissue-organ level autophagy regulation is not clearly understood. Indeed, chemical biology approaches that identify small molecule effectors of autophagy have thus a dual benefit: the modulators act as tools to study and understand the process of autophagy, and may also have therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss different strategies that have appeared to screen and identify potent small molecule modulators of autophagy.
Simulation of Fuzzy Logic Based Energy Management for the Home with Grid Connected PV-Battery System

This paper presents the energy management for the home with the grid connected PV-battery system. The fuzzy logic controller is employed to control the power flow delivered to the loads. The objective is to minimize the electricity cost by managing the energy penetration from the PV-battery system to the grid. The fuzzy logic controller is developed in distributed scheme where each load has its own controller. The fuzzy rule is designed by considering the availability of PV power, the state of charge of the battery and the total loads power consumption. The simulation results show that the proposed system achieves a cost reduction of 13.9% compared to the system without the fuzzy logic controller.
In-building propagation at 900 MHz and 1650 MHz for digital cordless telephones

Future mobile communication systems are likely to operate at frequencies above 1000 MHz because of a shortage of spectrum at lower frequencies. An area of spectrum around 1700 MHz has been suggested for pan-European cordless telephones. Commercial systems have had little experience at these frequencies and the paper gives the results of in-building narrow-band propagation measurements. The results show that some properties of this region of the spectrum make it ideal for micro-cellular techniques such as those proposed for the future digital European cordless telephone (DECT).