The RDF data model allows publishing interlinked RDF datasets, where each dataset is independently maintained and is queryable via a SPARQL endpoint. Many applications would benefit from querying the resulting large, decentralized, geo-distributed graph through a federated SPARQL query processor. A crucial factor for good performance in federated query processing is pushing as much computation ...

outcomes in high-risk hypertensive patients randomized to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or calcium channel blocker vs diuretics. JAMA 2002; 288: 2981–2997 3. Morganti A. Should a diuretic always be the first choice in patients with essential hypertension? The case for no. J Am Soc Nephrol 2005; 16: S70–S73 4. Ashraf N, Locksley R, Arieff AI. Thiazide-induced hyponatremia associated wi...

Theorists and policy analysts have convincingly argued that greater trust makes a more e¢cient society by reducing the need for costly contracts. At the same time, some experiments have suggested that reciprocity is a potent substitute for law when compliance with contracts is imperfectly enforced. This paper examines these issues within the context of a common trust-building contract device: s...

We present two algorithms within the framework of the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) metaheuristic. The first algorithm seeks to increase the exploration bias of Gambardella et al.’s (2012) Enhanced Ant Colony System (EACS) model, a model which heavily increases the exploitation bias of the already highly exploitative ACS model in order to gain the benefit of increased speed. Our algorithm aims ...

Waqar Ashraf Department of Natural Sciences, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahad University, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ([email protected]) & Atiq Mian Center for Environment & Water, King Fahad University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abstract: The levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and lipid contents have been reported for eight commercially im...

Chaib H, Hoskins BE, Ashraf S, Goyal M, Wiggins RC, Hildebrandt F. Identification of BRAF as a new interactor of PLCε1, the protein mutated in nephrotic syndrome type 3. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 294: F93–F99, 2008. First published October 17, 2007; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00345.2007.—Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome is a malfunction of the kidney glomerular filter that leads to proteinuria, ...

1 Ashraf Saad, PhD, Associate Professor, GTREP and School of ECE, College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Savannah, GA 31405, [email protected]. 2 A.-R.M Zaghloul, PhD, Professor, GTREP and School of ECE, College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Savannah, GA 31405, [email protected]. Abstract  Current educational environments rely primaril...

This paper evaluates a program in Kenya that encourages the production of exportoriented crops by providing smallholder farmers with credit linked to agricultural extension and marketing services. We use an experimental design in which farmer selfhelp groups are randomly assigned to either a control group, a group receiving all DrumNet services, or a group receiving all services except credit. ...

2010 Acknowledgments I would first like to thank my supervisors, Dr. Cheong Loong Fah and Dr. Ashraf Kassim, for all the support and guidance they provided over the five years of my PhD. I would also like to thank Dr. Stefan Winkler for his support as my supervisor for the period of 2006-2007. I have had tremendous opportunity to learn from all of my supervisors. I feel truly enriched both acad...