Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RegMiner: mining replicable regression dataset from code repositories

In this work, we introduce a tool, RegMiner, to automate the process of collecting replicable regression bugs from a set of Git repositories. In the code commit history, RegMiner searches for regressions where a test can pass a regression-fixing commit, fail a regressioninducing commit, and pass a previous working commit again. Technically, RegMiner (1) identifies potential regression-fixing commits from the code evolution history, (2) migrates the test and its code dependencies in the commit over the history, and (3) minimizes the compilation overhead during the regression search. Our experients show that RegMiner can successfully collect 1035 regressions over 147 projects in 8 weeks, creating the largest replicable regression dataset within the shortest period, to the best of our knowledge. In addition, our experiments further show that (1) RegMiner can construct the regression dataset with very high precision and acceptable recall, and (2) the constructed regression dataset is of high authenticity and diversity. The source code of RegMiner is available at https://github.com/SongXueZhi/RegMiner, the mined regression dataset is available at https://regminer.github. io/, and the demonstration video is available at https://youtu.be/yzcM9Y4unok.
An empirical study of blockchain system vulnerabilities: modules, types, and patterns

Blockchain, as a distributed ledger technology, becomes increasingly popular, especially for enabling valuable cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. However, the blockchain software systems inevitably have many bugs. Although bugs in smart contracts have been extensively investigated, security bugs of the underlying blockchain systems are much less explored. In this paper, we conduct an empirical study on blockchain’s system vulnerabilities from four representative blockchains, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, and Stellar. Specifically, we first design a systematic filtering process to effectively identify 1,037 vulnerabilities and their 2,317 patches from 34,245 issues/PRs (pull requests) and 85,164 commits on GitHub. We thus build the first blockchain vulnerability dataset, which is available at https://github.com/VPRLab/BlkVulnDataset. We then perform unique analyses of this dataset at three levels, including (i) file-level vulnerable module categorization by identifying and correlating module paths across projects, (ii) text-level vulnerability type clustering by natural language processing and similarity-based sentence clustering, and (iii) code-level vulnerability pattern analysis by generating and clustering code change signatures that capture both syntactic and semantic information of patch code fragments. Our analyses reveal three key findings: (i) some blockchain modules are more susceptible than the others; notably, each of the modules related to consensus, wallet, and networking has over 200 issues; (ii) about 70% of blockchain vulnerabilities are of traditional types, but we also identify four new types specific to blockchains; and (iii) we obtain 21 blockchain-specific vulnerability patterns that capture unique blockchain attributes and statuses, and demonstrate that they can be used to detect similar vulnerabilities in other popular blockchains, such as Dogecoin, Bitcoin SV, and Zcash.
Application of relativistic coupled-cluster theory to the effective electric field in YbF

An accurate determination of the effective electric field (Eeff) in YbF is important, as it can be combined with the results of future experiments to give an improved new limit for the electric dipole moment of the electron. We report a relativistic coupled-cluster calculation of this quantity in which all the core electrons were excited. It surpasses the approximations made in the previous reported calculations. We obtain a value of 23.1 GV/cm for Eeff in YbF with an estimated error of less than 10%. The crucial roles of the basis sets and the core excitations in our work are discussed.
Towards a configurable crossover operator for model-driven optimization

In evolutionary algorithms, mutation and crossover are used to explore a search space for solutions. For the model-based approach to model-driven optimization, where models are used to represent solutions, no crossover operator has been introduced yet. However, theoretical and experimental evidence shows that evolutionary search can benefit from the use of crossover. We present a configurable crossover operator for models defined in the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF), discuss several variants of incorporating domain knowledge into this operator, and argue that it produces EMF models again. We also present a prototype implementation of our crossover operator and conduct an initial evaluation to investigate the effectiveness of evolutionary computations that use both mutation and crossover.
This is your cue! assisting search behaviour with resource style properties

When learning a software technology, programmers face a large variety of resources in different styles and catering to different requirements. Although search engines are helpful to filter relevant resources, programmers are still required to manually go through a number of resources before they find one pertinent to their needs. Prior work has largely concentrated on helping programmers find the precise location of relevant information within a resource. Our work focuses on helping programmers assess the pertinence of resources to differentiate between resources. We investigated how programmers find learning resources online via a diary and interview study, and observed that programmers use certain cues to determine whether to access a resource. Based on our findings, we investigate the extent to which we can support the cue-following process via a prototype tool. Our research supports programmers’ search behaviour for software technology learning resources to inform resource creators on important factors that programmers look for during their search.
Implementing microlearning and gamification techniques in teaching software project management concepts

The primary objective of this research is to examine the advantages of combining microlearning with specific gamification elements in an academic setting and to gain a better understanding of how microlearning and gamification aid computer science students in comprehending and expanding their knowledge of project management-related topics. Implementing microlearning methods and gamification-specific aspects in two of our faculty's courses increased students' engagement, performance, and retention of knowledge, according to our research. In addition, students felt more driven to participate in online course discussions.
CONSTRAINTS ON THE RADIAL VARIATION OF GRAIN GROWTH IN THE AS 209 CIRCUMSTELLAR DISK

We present dust continuum observations of the protoplanetary disk surrounding the pre-main-sequence star AS 209, spanning more than an order of magnitude in wavelength from 0.88 to 9.8 mm. The disk was observed with subarcsecond angular resolution (0.″2–0.″5) to investigate radial variations in its dust properties. At longer wavelengths, the disk emission structure is notably more compact, providing model-independent evidence for changes in the grain properties across the disk. We find that physical models which reproduce the disk emission require a radial dependence of the dust opacity κν. Assuming that the observed wavelength-dependent structure can be attributed to radial variations in the dust opacity spectral index (β), we find that β(R) increases from β < 0.5 at ∼20 AU to β > 1.5 for R ≳ 80 AU, inconsistent with a constant value of β across the disk (at the 10σ level). Furthermore, if radial variations of κν are caused by particle growth, we find that the maximum size of the particle-size distribution (amax) increases from submillimeter-sized grains in the outer disk (R ≳ 70 AU) to millimeter- and centimeter-sized grains in the inner disk regions (R ≲ 70 AU). We compare our observational constraint on amax(R) with predictions from physical models of dust evolution in protoplanetary disks. For the dust composition and particle-size distribution investigated here, our observational constraints on amax(R) are consistent with models where the maximum grain size is limited by radial drift.
Exploring Digital Innovation Hub ecosystems in robotics for inspection and maintenance

There is currently a lot of unused potential in using robots for inspection and maintenance tasks, as the capabilities and benefits robots can provide for the businesses are significant and versatile. This study explores how Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) act as enablers in the uptake of robotics for inspection and maintenance. DIHs are regional networks that help companies become more competitive with regard to their business or production processes, and products or services. We explore the role and activities of DIHs both from the perspectives of a single regional DIH and an ecosystem of multiple DIHs. The study builds on the experiences and qualitative ecosystem data collected at the RIMA (Robotics for Inspection and Maintenance) project, consisting of 13 DIHs in various European countries. The results of the study show that DIHs can play a significant role in accelerating the uptake of robotics in inspection and maintenance, as they connect and support actors across the value chain in the robotics for inspection and maintenance field.
A test for asymptotic giant branch evolution theories: Planetary Nebulae in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We used a new generation of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stellar models that include dust formation in the stellar winds to find the links between evolutionary models and the observed properties of a homogeneous sample of Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) planetary nebulae (PNe). Comparison between the evolutionary yields of elements such as CNO and the corresponding observed chemical abundances is a powerful tool to shed light on evolutionary processes such as hot bottom burning (HBB) and third dredge-up (TDU). We found that the occurrence of HBB is needed to interpret the nitrogen-enriched (log(N/H)+12>8) PNe. In particular, N-rich PNe with the lowest carbon content are nicely reproduced by AGB models of mass M >=6 Mo, whose surface chemistry reflects the pure effects of HBB. PNe with log(N/H)+12<7.5 correspond to ejecta of stars that have not experienced HBB, with initial mass below about 3 Mo. Some of these stars show very large carbon abundances, owing to the many TDU episodes experienced. We found from our LMC PN sample that there is a threshold to the amount of carbon accumulated at AGB surfaces, log(C/H)+12<9. Confirmation of this constraint would indicate that, after the C-star stage is reached,AGBs experience only a few thermal pulses, which suggests a rapid loss of the external mantle, probably owing to the effects of radiation pressure on carbonaceous dust particles present in the circumstellar envelope. The implications of these findings for AGB evolution theories and the need to extend the PN sample currently available are discussed.
Node-read: a visually accessible low-code software development extension

Low-code software development environments are reliant on spatial and graphical user interfaces. As a result, many of these tools are in some way inaccessible to the visually impaired, and very few of these tools are built with visual accessibility in mind. In this paper, we evaluate the accessibility of existing low-code Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), for persons with partial or distorted vision. The aim of this study is to motivate making citizen/end-user software development accessible for users who are reliant on screen readers. We conducted a preliminary review of several low-code development environments which were open source and had a large existing user base, and identified that browser-based low-code IDEs did not integrate well with screen reader software. An extension of an open-source software, Node-RED, was created, as it was found to be suitable to our selection criteria. The extension, referred to as "Node-Read", focuses on improving compatibility with JAWS and NVDA screen readers. Node-Read's keyboard shortcuts, along with their inclusion in critical user documentation, were reported by study participants to be helpful in the basic operation of the software.
Inscrutable Games: How Players Respond to Illegible or Opaque Game Design

In game design literature, it is generally suggested that players should be provided with useful feedback on their actions, and given a sense of control over their impact on the game. However, some games with complicated and opaque dynamics are still valued by many. These games are "procedurally hostile," as it is difficult to understand the connection between player action and effect on the game state. In this paper, we explore the experience of playing an intentionally inscrutable game, with no winning strategy. Using a mixed methods approach, we find that while players initially follow a logical and systematic approach, there are a range of responses to the players’ failure to understand how their actions affect the game state. Apart from frustration, we find some players embrace the narrative, shifting to enjoying the game as a primarily role-playing experience. This finding is useful to game designers, as it gives insight into the initial response players have to complex game systems and how players make meaning over time.
Multi-scale model-based explanations for cyber-physical systems: the urban traffic case

Automated control in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) generates behaviours that may surprise non-expert users. Relevant explanations are required to maintain user trust. Large CPS (e.g., autonomous car networks and smart grids) raise additional scaleability issues for the explanatory processes and complexity issues for generated explanations. We propose a multi-scale system modelling and explanation technique to address these concerns. The idea is to increase the scale, or abstraction level, of the modelled CPS, whenever possible without loss of salient information, so as to produce smaller system representations and hence to reduce the complexity of the explanatory process and of the generated explanations. We illustrate our proposal via an urban traffic case study, modelling traffic at two different scales (i.e., modelling individual cars at a lower-scale; and traffic jams at a higher-scale). We show how a multi-scale explanatory process can use the lower- and higher-scale models to generate either longer (more detailed) explanations, or shorter (more abstract) explanations, respectively. This proof-of-concept illustration offers a basis for further research towards a comprehensive multi-scale explanatory solution for CPS.
Density Fluctuations in a Polar Coronal Hole

We have measured the root-mean-square (rms) amplitude of intensity fluctuations, ΔI, in plume and interplume regions of a polar coronal hole. These intensity fluctuations correspond to density fluctuations. Using data from the Sun Watcher using the Active Pixel System detector and Image Processing on the Project for Onboard Autonomy (Proba2), our results extend up to a height of about 1.35 R⊙. One advantage of the rms analysis is that it does not rely on a detailed evaluation of the power spectrum, which is limited by noise levels to low heights in the corona. The rms approach can be performed up to larger heights where the noise level is greater, provided that the noise itself can be quantified. At low heights, both the absolute ΔI, and the amplitude relative to the mean intensity, ΔI/I, decrease with height. However, starting at about 1.2 R⊙, ΔI/I increases, reaching 20%–40% by 1.35 R⊙. This corresponds to density fluctuations of Δne/ne ≈ 10%–20%. The increasing relative amplitude implies that the density fluctuations are generated in the corona itself. One possibility is that the density fluctuations are generated by an instability of Alfvén waves. This generation mechanism is consistent with some theoretical models and with observations of Alfvén wave amplitudes in coronal holes. Although we find that the energy of the observed density fluctuations is small, these fluctuations are likely to play an important indirect role in coronal heating by promoting the reflection of Alfvén waves and driving turbulence.
Calibration of Nonthermal Pressure in Global Dark Matter Simulations of Clusters of Galaxies

We present a new method for incorporating nonthermal pressure from bulk motions of gas into an analytic model of the intracluster medium in clusters of galaxies, which is based on a polytropic equation of state and hydrostatic equilibrium inside gravitational potential wells drawn from cosmological dark matter simulations. The pressure is allowed to have thermal and nonthermal components with different radial distributions; the overall level of nonthermal support is based on the dynamical state of the halo, such that it is lower in more relaxed clusters. This level is normalized by comparison to pressure profiles derived from X-ray observations, and to a high resolution hydrodynamical simulation. The nonthermal pressure fraction measured at r_500 is typically in the range 10-20%, increasing with cluster mass and with redshift. The resulting model cluster properties are in accord with Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect observations of clusters. Inclusion of nonthermal pressure reduces the expected angular power spectrum of SZ fluctuations in the microwave sky by 24%.
Engineering circuits of human iPSC-derived neurons and rat primary glia

Novel in vitro platforms based on human neurons are needed to improve early drug testing and address the stalling drug discovery in neurological disorders. Topologically controlled circuits of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons have the potential to become such a testing system. In this work, we build in vitro co-cultured circuits of human iPSC-derived neurons and rat primary glial cells using microfabricated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Such circuits are created by seeding either dissociated cells or pre-aggregated spheroids at different neuron-to-glia ratios. Furthermore, an antifouling coating is developed to prevent axonal overgrowth in undesired locations of the microstructure. We assess the electrophysiological properties of different types of circuits over more than 50 days, including their stimulation-induced neural activity. Finally, we demonstrate the effect of magnesium chloride on the electrical activity of our iPSC circuits as a proof-of-concept for screening of neuroactive compounds.
Activation-inducible CAR expression enables precise control over engineered CAR T cell function

T cells are modified to express the CAR gene dependent on activation status under the control of an engineered feedback loop and are shown to function in vitro and in vivo to kill tumour cells. CAR T cell therapy is a rapidly growing area of oncological treatments having a potential of becoming standard care for multiple indications. Coincidently, CRISPR/Cas gene-editing technology is entering next-generation CAR T cell product manufacturing with the promise of more precise and more controllable cell modification methodology. The intersection of these medical and molecular advancements creates an opportunity for completely new ways of designing engineered cells to help overcome current limitations of cell therapy. In this manuscript we present proof-of-concept data for an engineered feedback loop. We manufactured activation-inducible CAR T cells with the help of CRISPR-mediated targeted integration. This new type of engineered T cells expresses the CAR gene dependent on their activation status. This artifice opens new possibilities to regulate CAR T cell function both in vitro and in vivo. We believe that such a physiological control system can be a powerful addition to the currently available toolbox of next-generation CAR constructs.
PSKR1 balances the plant growth-defense trade-off in the rhizosphere microbiome

Microbiota provide benefits to their hosts including nutrient uptake and protection against pathogens. How hosts balance an appropriate immune response to avoid microbiota overgrowth while avoiding autoimmunity is not well understood. Here we show that Arabidopsis pskr1 (phytosulfokine receptor 1) loss-of-function mutants display autoimmunity and reduced rhizosphere bacterial growth when inoculated with normally growth-promoting Pseudomonas fluorescens. Transcriptional profiling demonstrated that PSKR1 regulates the plant growth-defense trade-off during plant-microbiome interactions: PSKR1 upregulates plant photosynthesis and root growth but suppresses salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense responses. Genetic epistasis experiments showed that PSRK1 inhibition of microbiota-induced autoimmunity is fully dependent on SA signaling. Finally, using a transgenic reporter, we showed that P. fluorescens induces PSKR1 expression in roots, suggesting P. fluorescens might manipulate plant signaling to promote its colonization. Our data demonstrate a genetic mechanism to coordinate beneficial functions of the microbiome while preventing autoimmunity.
A F420-dependent single domain chemogenetic tool for protein de-dimerization

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) mediate many fundamental cellular processes and their control through optically or chemically responsive protein domains has a profound impact on basic research and some clinical applications. Most available chemogenetic methods induce the association, i.e., dimerization or oligomerization, of target proteins, and the few available dissociation approaches either break large oligomeric protein clusters or heteromeric complexes. Here, we have exploited the controlled dissociation of a dimeric oxidoreductase from mycobacteria (MSMEG_2027) by its native cofactor, F420, which is not present in mammals, as a bioorthogonal monomerization switch. We found that in the absence of F420, MSMEG_2027 forms a unique domain-swapped dimer that occludes the cofactor binding site. Substantial remodelling of the intertwined N-terminal helix upon F420 binding results in the dissolution of the dimer. We then show that MSMEG_2027 can be expressed as fusion proteins in human cells and apply it as a tool to induce and release MAPK/ERK signalling downstream of a chimeric fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) tyrosine kinase. This F420-dependent chemogenetic de-dimerization tool is stoichiometric, based on a single domain and presents a novel mechanism to investigate protein complexes in situ.
Mimicking dark matter in clusters through a non-minimal gravitational coupling with matter: the case of the Abell cluster A586

In this work, one shows that a specific non-minimal coupling between the scalar curvature and matter can mimic the dark matter component of relaxed galaxy clusters. For this purpose, one assesses the Abell Cluster A586, a massive strong-lensing nearby relaxed cluster of galaxies in virial equilibrium, where direct mass estimates are possible. The total density, which generally follows a cusped profile and reveals a very small baryonic component, can be effectively described within this framework.