Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An efficient grid-based framework for answering tolerance-based skyline queries

Skyline queries are commonly used for database systems and mostly based on the notion of pareto-dominance. In reality, however, a user may have her/his tolerance value for each individual attribute when comparing the records, rather than a strict comparison of the respective values. This work proposes the idea of tolerance-based dominance and the associated tolerance-based skyline query (TSQ), which allows the incorporation of user-specified tolerance tuple to relax the rigidness of the classic skyline. To this end, we present the definition of tolerance-based dominance relation and the TSQ accordingly. We then exploit the relationship between pareto-based dominance and tolerance-based dominance along with grid properties to present an efficient grid-based scheme for processing a TSQ with arbitrary tolerance tuple. Our proposed technique essentially converts the TSQ processing operation into simple pareto-based dominance checking over grid space. Extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method.
The Grid Bootstrap and the Autoregressive Model

A grid bootstrap method is proposed for confidence-interval construction, which has improved performance over conventional bootstrap methods when the sampling distribution depends upon the parameter of interest. The basic idea is to calculate the bootstrap distribution over a grid of values of the parameter of interest and form the confidence interval by the no-rejection principle. Our primary motivation is given by autoregressive models, where it is known that conventional bootstrap methods fail to provide correct first-order asymptotic coverage when an autoregressive root is close to unity. In contrast, the grid bootstrap is first-order correct globally in the parameter space. Simulation results verify these insights, suggesting that the grid bootstrap provides an important improvement over conventional methods. Gauss code that calculates the grid bootstrap intervals-and replicates the empirical work reported in this paper'is available from the author's Web page at www.ssc. wisc.edubhansen
Nonlinear dynamics of the viscoelastic Kolmogorov flow

The weakly nonlinear dynamics of large-scale perturbations in a viscoelastic flow is investigated both analytically, via asymptotic methods, and numerically. For sufficiently small elasticities, dynamics is ruled by a Cahn–Hilliard equation with a quartic potential. Physically, this amounts to saying that, for small elasticities, polymers do not alter the purely hydrodynamical mechanisms responsible for the nonlinear dynamics in the Newtonian case (i.e. without polymers). The approach to the steady state is quantitatively similar to the Newtonian case as well, the dynamics being ruled by the same kink–antikink interactions as in the Newtonian limit. The above scenario does not extend to large elasticities. We found a critical value above which polymers drastically affect the dynamics of large-scale perturbations. In this latter case, a new dynamics not observed in the Newtonian case emerges. The most evident fingerprint of the new dynamics is the slowing down of the annihilation processes which lead to the steady states via weaker kink–antikink interactions. In conclusion, polymers strongly affect the large-scale dynamics. This takes place via a reduction of drag forces we were able to quantify from the asymptotic analysis. This suggests a possible relation of this phenomenon with the dramatic drag-reduction effect taking place in the far turbulent regime.
Attributional Biases in the Service of Stereotype Maintenance: A Schema-Maintenance Through Compensation Analysis

Six experiments were conducted to test assumptions of a schema-maintenance through compensation analysis. The results of these experiments indicated that perceivers can compensate for the inconsistent action of one individual (the target) by altering their attribution concerning the action of a fellow group member. When the target performed an inconsistent behavior, perceivers compensated by making especially extreme stereotypically consistent attributions concerning a fellow group member’s subsequent action. In addition, in Experiment 5, perceivers compensated via a fellow group member for a target’s inconsistent action while maintaining their general view of group members. Experiments also provided tests of the capability and motivation assumptions of the schema-maintenance through compensation analyses.
The effect of dexmedetomidine sedation on patient and surgeon satisfaction during retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine sedation on patient's and surgeon's satisfaction during retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia. Methods Forty-four patients scheduled for elective retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into Dexmedetomidine (n = 22) and Control (n = 22) groups. Intravenous dexmedetomidine or 0.9% saline via infusion pump were administered continuously to the dexmedetomidine or control group, respectively. Ramsay sedation scale with a target level of 3-4 was used to assess adequacy of sedation. Perioperative pain, hemodynamic and respiratory data were collected, while satisfaction from patients and surgeon were assessed post-surgery using a 5-point satisfaction scale. Results Patient and surgeon satisfaction was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). The pain associated with sub-tenon's anesthesia and peripheral vitrectomy was lesser in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group (P = 0.020). There was significant reduction of heart rate in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.001), but only one patient needed treatment with atropine. There was no respiratory effect on both groups. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine sedation during retinal surgery improved satisfaction from both patient and surgeon without respiratory complication. It is a safe and preferable choice of sedation for retinal surgery.
Face Perception During Early Infancy

Previous studies of face perception during early infancy are difficult to interpret because of discrepant results and procedural differences. We used a standardized method based on the Teller acuity card procedure to test newborns, 6-week-olds, and 12-week-olds with three pairs of face and nonface stimuli modified from previous studies. Newborns' preferences were influenced both by the visibility of the stimuli and by their resemblance to a human face. There appears to be a mechanism, likely subcortical, predisposing newborns to look toward faces. Changes in preferences at 6 and 12 weeks of age suggest increasing cortical influence over infants' preferences for faces.
Appearance-mimicking surfaces

We consider the problem of reproducing the look and the details of a 3D object on a surface that is confined to a given volume. Classic examples of such "appearance-mimicking" surfaces are bas-reliefs: decorations and artwork depicting recognizable 3D scenes using only a thin volumetric space. The design of bas-reliefs has fascinated humankind for millennia and it is extensively used on coins, medals, pottery and other art forms. We propose a unified framework to create surfaces that depict certain shapes from prescribed viewpoints, as a generalization of bas-reliefs. Given target shapes, viewpoints and space restrictions, our method finds a globally optimal surface that delivers the desired appearance when observed from the designated viewpoints, while guaranteeing exact, per-vertex depth bounds. We use 3D printing to validate our approach and demonstrate our results in a variety of applications, ranging from standard bas-reliefs to optical illusions and carving of complex geometries.
Estrogen Permits Vasopressin Signaling in Preoptic Kisspeptin Neurons in the Female Mouse

The cellular mechanisms governing the impact of the central circadian clock on neuronal networks are incompletely understood. We examine here the influence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus output neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) on the activity of preoptic area kisspeptin neurons. These cells integrate circadian and hormonal signals within the neuronal network that regulates fertility in females. Electrophysiological recordings in brain slices from kisspeptin-GFP mice showed that AVP dose-dependently increased the firing rate of most kisspeptin neurons. These actions were mediated directly at the kisspeptin neuron. Experiments in mice expressing the calcium indicator GCaMP3 in kisspeptin neurons enabled simultaneous monitoring of intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in multiple cells and revealed that AVP increased [Ca2+]i in >80% of diestrous kisspeptin neurons via a mechanism involving voltage-gated calcium channels. We next examined whether AVP signaling in kisspeptin neurons was time and ovarian cycle dependent. AVP exerted the same effects on diestrous and proestrous days of the ovarian cycle, whether hours before [zeitgeber time 4 (ZT4)–ZT6] or just before (ZT10) the expected time of the proestrous preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge. Remarkably, however, AVP signaling was critically dependent on circulating ovarian steroids as AVP no longer excited preoptic kisspeptin neurons in ovariectomized mice, an effect that was fully restored by estradiol treatment. Together, these studies show that AVP exerts a potent and direct stimulatory influence upon the electrical activity and [Ca2+]i of most preoptic kisspeptin neurons. Unexpectedly, estrogen is found to permit circadian AVP signaling at preoptic kisspeptin neurons rather than dynamically modulate its activity throughout the estrous cycle.
A spectropolarimetric atlas of Seyfert 1 galaxies

We present optical spectropolarimetry of the nuclei of 36 Seyfert 1 galaxies, obtained with the William Herschel and the Anglo-Australian Telescopes from 1996 to 1999. In 20 of these, the optical emission from the active nucleus is intrinsically polarized. We have measured a significant level of polarization in a further seven objects but these may be heavily contaminated by Galactic interstellar polarization. The intrinsically polarized Seyfert 1 galaxies exhibit a variety of characteristics, with the average polarization ranging from <0.5 to 5 per cent and with many showing variations in both the degree and position angle of polarization across the broad Hα emission line. We identify a small group of Seyfert 1 galaxies that exhibit polarization properties similar to those of Seyfert 2 galaxies in which polarized broad lines have been discovered. These objects represent direct observational evidence that a Seyfert 2-like far-field polar scattering region is also present in Seyfert 1 galaxies. Several other objects have features that can be explained in terms of equatorial scattering of line emission from a rotating disc. We propose that much of the diversity in the polarization properties of Seyfert galaxies can be understood in terms of a model involving both equatorial and polar scattering, the relative importance of the two geometries as sources of polarized light being determined principally by the inclination of the system axis to the line of sight.
What Does a Hidden Variable Look Like ?

The hidden-variable question is whether or not correlations that are observed in the outcomes of an experiment can be explained via introduction of additional (“hidden”) variables which are unobserved by the experimenter. The question arises most famously in quantum mechanics (QM), but can also be asked in the classical realm. The nature of the experiment will tell us how to model the observable variables–i.e., the possible measurements and outcomes. But, by definition, we cannot know what structure to put on unobservable variables. Nevertheless, we show that, under one condition, the hidden-variable question can always be put into a canonical form. The condition is that the spaces of possible measurements and the spaces of possible outcomes, viewed as measurable spaces, are separable (i.e., the σ-algebras are countably generated). An argument based on Maharam’s Theorem ([10, 1942]) then shows that the hiddenvariable space can always be taken to be the unit interval equipped with Lebesgue measure. As an application of our result, we give a hidden-variable characterization of the no-signaling property of QM.
Scalable Agreement: Toward Ordering as a Service

Replicated state machines use agreement protocols such as Paxos to order client requests. These protocols are not scalable and can quickly become a performance bottleneck as the degree of fault-tolerance and the demand for throughput performance increase. We propose a scalable agreement protocol that can utilize additional resources to provide higher throughput, while guaranteeing linearizability for client requests. Our protocol can build on existing optimizations, as it can use protocols like Paxos as a building block. A preliminary performance evaluation shows a throughput increase of 50%-179% over a baseline strategy, even without adding any hardware; and with additional hardware we are able to achieve even higher performance gains.
Integrated spectroscopy of bulge globular clusters and fields - I. The data base and comparison of individual Lick indices in clusters and bulge

We present a comprehensive spectroscopic study of the integrated light of metal-rich Galactic globular clusters and the stellar population in the Galactic bulge. We measure line indices which are defined by the Lick standard system and compare index strengths of the clusters and Galactic bulge. Both metal-rich globular clusters and the bulge are similar in most of the indices, except for the CN index. We find a significant enhancement in the CN/� Feindex ratio in metal-rich globular clusters compared with the Galactic bulge. The mean iron indexFeof the two metal-rich globular clusters NGC 6528 and NGC 6553 is comparable with the mean iron index of the bulge. Index ratios such as Mgb/� Fe� ,M g2/� Fe� , Ca 4227/� Fe� ,a nd TiO/� Fe� ,a re comparable in both stellar population indicating similar enhancements in individual elements which are traced by the indices. From the globular cluster data we fully empirically calibrate several metallicity-sensitive indices as a function of (Fe/H) and find tightest correlations for the Mg2 index and the composite (MgFe) index. We find that all indices show a similar behavior with galactocentric radius, except for the Balmer series, which show a large scatter at all radii. However, the scatter is entirely consistent with the cluster-to-cluster variations in the horizontal branch morphology.
Toward a Satellite-Based System of Sugarcane Yield Estimation and Forecasting in Smallholder Farming Conditions: A Case Study on Reunion Island

Estimating sugarcane biomass is difficult to achieve when working with highly variable spatial distributions of growing conditions, like on Reunion Island. We used a dataset of in-farm fields with contrasted climatic conditions and farming practices to compare three methods of yield estimation based on remote sensing: (1) an empirical relationship method with a growing season-integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, (2) the Kumar-Monteith efficiency model, and (3) a forced-coupling method with a sugarcane crop model (MOSICAS) and satellite-derived fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. These models were compared with the crop model alone and discussed to provide recommendations for a satellite-based system for the estimation of yield at the field scale. Results showed that the linear empirical model
A comparative study of event-related potential P300 between normal individuals and individuals with prediabetes

Background: Prediabetes is the early stage of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Altered glucose metabolism, atherosclerosis, and inflammation of blood vessels are seen in prediabetes. This may lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Event-related potential P300 can easily detect cognitive decline before the appearance of any neurological manifestations. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study is to assess and compare the P300 latencies in normal subjects and individuals with prediabetes. Materials and Methods: The study included 25 individuals with prediabetes and 25 healthy controls between the age group of 20 and 50 years. After obtaining informed consent, the study subjects were evaluated by history, general physical, and systemic examination. Serum HbA1c level was estimated. P300 was recorded using the standard auditory oddball paradigm from the vertex (Fz, Cz, and Pz) in response to stimuli presented monaurally through head phones. The peak latencies of P300 of target stimuli were calculated. Results: Mean P300 latency in normal individuals was 305.15 ms ± 27.80 and in individuals with prediabetes 383.98 ms ± 22.02 which is statistically significant (P ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Increase in P300 latencies indicates the existence of a cognitive decline in individuals with prediabetes compared to healthy individuals.
Intradermally Administered Yellow Fever Vaccine at Reduced Dose Induces a Protective Immune Response: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial

Background Implementation of yellow fever vaccination is currently hampered by limited supply of vaccine. An alternative route of administration with reduced amounts of vaccine but without loss of vaccine efficacy would boost vaccination programmes. Methods and Findings A randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial was conducted in a Dutch university center between August 2005 and February 2007. A total of 155 primary vaccinated and 20 previously vaccinated volunteers participated. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to receive intradermal (i.d.) vaccination with live attenuated yellow fever 17D vaccine at a reduced dose (1/5th; 0·1 mL) or the conventional subcutaneous (s.c.) vaccination (0·5 mL). Antibody neutralization titers were determined at 2, 4 and 8 weeks and 1 year after vaccination by counting the reduction in virus-induced plaques in the presence of serial serum dilutions. Adverse events were documented in a 3-week dairy. Viraemia was measured 5 days after vaccination. From 2 weeks up to one year after vaccination, the maximum serum-dilution at which 80% of the virus plaques were neutralized, which indicates protection against yellow fever, did not differ between those given a reduced i.d. dose or standard s.c. dose of vaccine. In all cases the WHO standard of seroprotection (i.e. 80% virus neutralization) was reached (in 77/77 and 78/78, respectively). Similar results were found in the previously vaccinated individuals. Viraemia was detected in half of the primary vaccinated participants, which was not predictive of serological response. In revaccinees no viraemia was detected. Conclusions Intradermal administration of one fifth of the amount of yellow fever vaccine administered subcutaneously results in protective seroimmunity in all volunteers. Albeit this vaccination route should enable vaccination of five-times as many individuals at risk for disease, these results should now be confirmed in field studies in areas with potential yellow fever virus transmission to change vaccination policy. Trial Registration Nederlands Trial Register ISRCTN46326316
Carotid intima media thickness and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in South Asian immigrants: could dysfunctional HDL be the missing link?

Introduction South Asian immigrants (SAIs) in the US exhibit higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors compared with other ethnic populations. Conventional CAD risk factors do not explain the excess CAD risk; therefore there is a need to identify other markers that can predict future risk of CAD in high-risk SAIs. The objective of the current study is to assess the presence of sub-clinical CAD using common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), and its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) and pro-inflammatory/dysfunctional HDL (Dys-HDL). Material and methods A community-based study was conducted on 130 first generation SAIs aged 35–65 years. Dys-HDL was determined using the HDL inflammatory index. Analysis was completed using logistic regression and Fisher's exact test. Results Sub-clinical CAD using CCA-IMT ≥ 0.8 mm (as a surrogate marker) was seen in 31.46%. Age and gender adjusted CCA-IMT was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.008), hypertension (p = 0.012), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.001) and homocysteine (p = 0.051). Both the presence of MS and Dys-HDL was significantly correlated with CCA-IMT, even after age and gender adjustment. The odds of having Dys-HDL with CCA-IMT were 5 times (95% CI: 1.68, 10.78). Conclusions There is a need to explore and understand non-traditional CAD risk factors with a special focus on Dys-HDL, knowing that SAIs have low HDL levels. This information will not only help to stratify high-risk asymptomatic SAI groups, but will also be useful from a disease management point of view.
The Role of Why Questions in Effective Human Tutoring

It is undoubtedly true that one prominent component of effective human tutoring is collaborative dialogue between student and tutor [7, 12]. Nevertheless, many important questions remain to be answered about which features of human tutorial dialogue make it effective and how the most effective human tutoring strategies can be implemented in a tutorial dialogue system. In this paper we present an analysis of a corpus of human tutoring dialogues where we examine which features correlate significantly with learning gains. In particular we explore the role of Why questions and other open ended questions in creating opportunities for student learning as well as the role of explicit negative feedback for wrong answers.
Measuring the perception of the teachers’ autonomy-supportive behavior in physical education: Development and initial validation of a multi-dimensional instrument

ABSTRACT This research aimed to develop and validate an instrument to assess the students’ perceptions of the teachers’ autonomy-supportive behavior by the multi-dimensional scale (Multi-Dimensional Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Physical Education). The participants were 1,476 students aged 12- to 15-years-old. In Study 1, a pool of 37 items was generated based on past literature and feedback from students and academic experts. In Study 2, the factorial structure of the questionnaire was tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The confirmatory factor analysis yielded a final 15-item three-factor solution of the Multi-Dimensional Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Physical Education, covering organizational, procedural, and cognitive dimensions of perceived autonomy support. In Study 3, the incremental validity of the Multi-Dimensional Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Physical Education was supported. The results provided initial evidence for the reliability and validity of the Multi-Dimensional Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Physical Education, as well as its invariance across gender and age. Suggestions for the use of the scale and further research are discussed.
Accelerating radiosity calculations using reconfigurable platforms

We describe a feasibility study into accelerating computer graphics radiosity calculations using reconfigurable hardware. A modular hardware/software codesign framework has been developed for experimenting with hardware acceleration of a time consuming step: formfactor determination. We describe a parameterised hardware design pattern, captured in the Handel-C language, which enables rapid exploration of the area/throughput design space for simple pipelines. Using this pattern we determine speedup and resource usage on a range of Xilinx Virtex FPGA devices, and examine future trends in performance. As a sample of these results we demonstrate a 7.6 times speed-up over a 1.4GHz Athlon PC using a Xilinx XCV2000E and, based on place and route reports, estimate 31 times speed-up using a Xilinx XC2V8000.