Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Absence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Protect against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide and its progressive form, steatohepatitis, will be the leading indication for liver transplant by 2020. While risk factors for steatohepatitis have been identified, little work has been performed to identify factors protective against NAFLD development. Aim This study sought to identify factors predictive of normal liver histology in a bariatric cohort. Methods Patients undergoing weight loss surgery with liver biopsies at the time of surgery were included. Patients with other causes of chronic liver disease were excluded. Results One hundred fifty-nine patients were included. Forty-nine patients had normal liver histology and 110 patients had NAFLD. Several previously identified factors associated with normal liver histology were found. Black race was the strongest predictor of the absence of NAFLD with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4–18.9. Low HOMA-IR was also associated with normal histology (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.03–1.9). In contrast, low HDL was associated with a decreased chance of normal histology (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.05–0.83). Interestingly, a novel protective factor, the absence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was strongly associated with normal histology (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.0–16.1). In multivariate regression controlling for BMI, black race, absence of OSA, low HOMA-IR and low ALT independently predicted normal liver histology with an area under the ROC curve of 0.85. Conclusions Our study confirmed several factors associated with normal liver histology, including black race and identified a novel factor, absence of OSA. Further evaluation of these factors will allow for improved understanding of the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Ethyl 6′-amino-5′-cyano-2′-methyl-2-oxospiro[indoline-3,4′-pyran]-3′-carboxylate

In the title compound, C17H15N3O4, the atoms of the spiro pyran ring are nearly planar with a maximum deviation of 0.0188 (14) Å. The benzene and pyrrole rings make a dihedral angle of 5.71 (6)°. The indole system and the pyran ring are oriented at a dihedral angle of 82.94 (3)°. The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular classical and non-classical N—H⋯O, N—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Homophyly and Randomness Resist Cascading Failure in Networks

The universal properties of power law and small world phenomenon of networks seem unavoidably obstacles for security of networking systems. Existing models never give secure networks. We found that the essence of security is the security against cascading failures of attacks and that nature solves the security by mechanisms. We proposed a model of networks by the natural mechanisms of homophyly, randomness and preferential attachment. It was shown that homophyly creates a community structure, that homophyly and randomness introduce ordering in the networks, and that homophyly creates inclusiveness and introduces rules of infections. These principles allow us to provably guarantee the security of the networks against any attacks. Our results show that security can be achieved provably by structures, that there is a tradeoff between the roles of structures and of thresholds in security engineering, and that power law and small world property are never obstacles for security of networks.
Dynamic traffic grooming in WDM mesh networks using a novel graph model

We employ a new, generic graph model for dynamic traffic grooming in WDM mesh networks. The novelty of this model is that, by only manipulating the edges of an auxiliary graph created by the model and the weights of these edges, the model can achieve various objectives using different grooming policies, while taking into account various constraints. Based on the auxiliary graph, we develop a dynamic traffic-grooming algorithm. Different grooming policies can be implemented by different weight functions assigned to the edges in the auxiliary graph. We propose four fixed grooming policies and an adaptive grooming policy (AGP), and our results show that AGP outperforms the fixed grooming policies.
Impacts of Synoptic and Local Factors on Heat Wave Events Over Southeastern Region of Korea in 2015

Because of global warming and abnormal climate change, record‐breaking heat wave events have been increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and predict the mechanisms for generating and developing heat waves. In this study, the impacts of synoptic and local factors on heat waves over the southeastern region of South Korea in 2015 are investigated. First, Heat wave events for 1980–2016 defined by spatiotemporal criteria are classified into three clusters using the K‐means clustering analysis. Heat wave events in 2015 are compared to clusters of different synoptic conditions, which are strongly related to the western North Pacific subtropical high around South Korea. Second, numerical experiments using Weather Research and Forecasting model are performed to examine the effect of local conditions on 2015 heat waves. Four types of sensitivity experiments were conducted: a CTL experiment with no change in topography and soil moisture, TOPO experiment with lowered terrain, and WET and DRY experiments with wet and dry anomalies in initial soil moisture. The CTL experiment simulates higher temperature on the lee side compared to the TOPO experiment because of the Foehn effect. In particular, the effect is prominent when dry westerlies passing through mountains and the lower level atmosphere over the windward region are in a statically stable condition (i.e., nighttime). Due to the less (more) evaporation, the DRY (WET) experiment with less (more) soil moisture simulates higher (lower) maximum temperature than the CTL experiment during the daytime when solar radiation is relatively intense.
A Perfect Evaluation and Measurement of Software Process Development: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND—Software Process Improvement (SPI) is a systematic approach to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a software development organization and to enhance software products. OBJECTIVE—This paper aims to identify and characterize evaluation strategies and measurements used to assess the impact of different SPI initiatives. METHOD—The systematic literature review includes 148 papers published between 1991 and 2008. The selected papers were classified according to SPI initiative, applied evaluation strategies and measurement perspectives. Potential confounding factors interfering with the evaluation of the improvement effort were assessed. RESULTS— Seven distinct evaluation strategies were identified, whereas the most common one, "Pre-Post Comparison", was applied in 49% of the inspected papers. Quality was the most measured attribute (62%), followed by Cost (41%) and Schedule (18%). Looking at measurement perspectives, "Project" represents the majority with 66%. CONCLUSION— The evaluation validity of SPI initiatives is challenged by the scarce consideration of potential confounding factors, particularly given that "Pre-Post Comparison" was identified as the most common evaluation strategy, and the inaccurate descriptions of the evaluation context. Measurements to assess the short and mid-term impact of SPI initiatives prevail, whereas long-term measurements in terms of customer satisfaction and return on investment tend to be less used.
In-house programming : an option for small and medium sized niche companies

In an inter-galactic battle in a science fiction novel by Isaac Asimov (1958), computers are an important weapon. As long as anyone can remember, computers have been used for virtually everything. Then, a simple technician presents his hobby: the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using pen and paper. It was hard to believe: “Computing without a computer is a contradiction in terms. ” The military sees the possibilities at once. The new method offers flexibility and the ability to put humans into the loop, as opposed to the rigidity of the automatic systems. With this new, top-secret tool, they can think out of the box – in the end defeating the enemy. Today, we don’t have a war between galaxies, but we do have strong competition between businesses. Computers are an important tool in this struggle, but do not offer any strategic advantage since the technology is available to all. Businesses use similar machines and similar software, sometimes even identical ERP systems implemented by the same experts. This raises the question of whether programming could be a way for small and medium-sized enterprises to get “out of the box. ”
Nonlinear harmonic analysis of multistage amplifiers

We show the application of an analytical method for predicting the nonlinear distortion in weakly nonlinear feedback circuits and, in particular, in multistage amplifiers. Omitting the mathematical derivations, we show how to formulate the problem and how to obtain general formulas for the harmonics and the nonlinear distortion figures. The accuracy of the formulas is proved by comparing the results from formulas with those obtained by harmonic balance method.
Self-pop-up cylindrical structure by global heating

In this study, we demonstrate a new approach to autonomous folding for the body of a 3D robot from a 2D sheet using heat. We approach this challenge by folding a 0.27 mm sheet-like material into a structure. We utilize the thermal deformation of a contractive sheet sandwiched by rigid structural layers. During this “baking” process, the heat applied on the entire sheet induces contraction of the contracting layer and, thus, forms an instructed bend in the sheet. To attain the targeted folding angles, the V-fold Spans method is used. The targeted angle θout can be kinematically encoded into crease geometry. The realization of this angle in the folded structure can be approximately controlled by a contraction angle θin. The process is non-reversible, is reliable, and it is relatively fast. Our method can be applied simultaneously to all the folds in multi-creased origami structures. We demonstrate the use of this method to create a light-weight mobile robot.
Credibility Enhanced Reputation Mechanism for Distributed E-communities

P2P communities are online communities of entities which offer services to each other without a central administration. Community members that need a specific service have to choose the transaction partner which they believe that will provide them with a required service of the expected quality, thus, they need mechanisms to support trust decisions regarding who they will transact with. P2P reputation systems provide trust mechanisms for P2P communities. Due to their decentralized and social nature, they are vulnerable to various types of attacks which distort their credibility and effectiveness. In our paper we first identify the credibility factors of a P2P reputation system. Then we describe a dynamic reputation mechanism for P2P communities, which integrates some of these credibility factors and which can be used as part of a comprehensive reputation system enhancing its robustness against some types of attacks. Simulation results show the effectiveness of our mechanism in relation to other reputation mechanisms which do not integrate such factors.
Estimating gravimetric corn water content using L-band passive microwave airborne data during HiWATER

In this study, we developed a new algorithm to retrieve the gravimetric vegetation water content (GVWC, %) of corn using L-band bi-angular dual-polarized passive microwave TB, corn LAI, height of the corn stalks and areal density of the corn stalks. Based on in-situ measured corn-related three-dimensional structure parameters during various growth stages, simulation databases of corn LAI and optical depth in L-band were established. A quantitative relationship between corn GVWC, corn optical depth in L-band, corn LAI, height and areal density of the corn stalks was constructed based on the simulation databases. The corn optical depth in this quantitative relationship was calculated by the retrieval method of low-vegetation optical depth proposed by Wang et al. We used Polarimetric L-band Microwave Radiometer (PLMR) airborne data obtained in the 2012 Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (HiWATER) project, and the leaf area index (LAI) product of LAINet wireless network to retrieve the GVWC of corn in study area. In-situ measured corn GVWC were used to validate the accuracy of the retrieved corn GVWC. The results show that the GVWC retrieval method proposed in this study is feasible for monitoring corn GVWC in real time. Moreover, the method is promising to apply to the satellite observations.
Legitimization of the Inclusion of Cultural Practices in the Planning of Water and Sanitation Services for Displaced Persons

During large and rapid influxes of displaced persons, hosting communities may face challenges in accommodating incoming populations. This study seeks to assess the institutional response to international displacement in developed urban contexts through exploring how stakeholders (de)legitimized (i.e., either withheld or attributed legitimacy to) the inclusion of cultural practices in the planning of water and sanitation for displaced persons. This study is enabled by 28 semi-structured interviews of individuals involved in the accommodation of displaced persons in Germany conducted in 2016. The interview content was qualitatively analyzed to identify the types of decisions made, legitimacy types used to (de)legitimize those decisions, and information used to assess cultural practices. Results indicate that the institutional response to international displacement was most commonly reactive rather than proactive. However, the interviewees demonstrated a willingness to adapt, primarily using their experiences (comprehensibility legitimacy) and moral considerations (procedural legitimacy). Recommendations to stakeholders arising from this study include: (1) improve access to information about displaced persons’ practices and needs in water and sanitation, (2) collect more information by communicating with displaced persons, (3) promote collaborations between involved organizations, (4) monitor organizational changes during the response, and (5) enhance discussions about integration through the built environment.
Mobile Robot Localization Using Optical Flow Sensors

Open-loop position estimation methods are commonly used in mobile robot applications. Their strength lies in the speed and simplicity with which an estimated position is determined. However, these methods can lead to inaccurate or unreliable estimates. Two position estimation methods are developed in this paper, one using a single optical flow sensor and a second using two optical sensors. The first method can accurately estimate position under ideal conditions and also when wheel slip perpendicular to the axis of the wheel occurs. The second method can accurately estimate position even when wheel slip parallel to the axis of the wheel occurs. Location of the sensors is investigated in order to minimize errors caused by inaccurate sensor readings. Finally, a method is implemented and tested using a potential field based navigation scheme. Estimates of position were found to be as accurate as dead-reckoning in ideal conditions and much more accurate in cases where wheel slip occurs.
Novel Promises of Nanotechnology for Tissue Regeneration

The term ‘nanotechnology’ refers to technology that deals with structures and devices of nanometer (10 – 9 meter) size. It involves the design, fabrication and utilization of materials of nanoscale dimensions (Gao & Xu, 2009). The resulting nanomaterials exhibit chemical, physical and biological properties that can differ significantly from those of bulk material. These products can be categorized into metals, ceramics, polymers or composite materials that have nanoscale features. The limited size of their particles leads to a high surface area to volume ratio, improved solubility, multifunctionality, high electrical and heat conductivity and improved surface catalytic activity. (El-Sadik et al., 2010). All these phenomena allow give nanoparticles to interact with biological systems at cellular and molecular levels. These interactions enhance the biomedical applications of nanotechnology giving great promise for improving disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and in particular tissue regeneration (Murthy, 2007).
Statistical Modeling of On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Life Cycle Performance and Risk

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vi CONTENTS ix LIST OF TABLES xii LIST OF FIGURES xiii LIST OF ACRONYMNS xvi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 Motivation 1 Objective 3 Contribution 3 Dissertation summary 4 Research context 7 Dissertation format 9 CHAPTER 2: FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 10 Life Cycle Performance 10 Current Approaches to Evaluate OWTS Life-cycle Performance 13 OWTS Ownership and Management Challenges 16 Points of Departure 18 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODS 21 Data Collection & Organization 21 Data 24 Dependent Variable 24 Independent Variables 24 Data Analysis 25
A Case Study of Transitions in Farming and Farm Labor in Southwestern Idaho

Farm labor in the U.S. is undergoing significant transitions. First, fewer farmworkers are migrating in the traditional sense, and more are settling in to rural American communities. Second, more women are working in agriculture-a process referred to as the feminization of agriculture. Third, there has been an increase in so-called “recreational” crops” like marijuana and hops grown for craft microbrew beers. This paper discusses these three transitions in Southwestern Idaho. These transitions were observed during pilot research conducted in Idaho during 2017–2018. We present this paper as a case study of current transitions in American agriculture.
Re-Designing Dynamic Content Delivery in the Light of a Virtualized Infrastructure

We explore the opportunities and design options enabled by novel SDN and NFV technologies, by re-designing a dynamic content delivery network (CDN) service. Our system, named MOSTO, provides performance levels comparable to that of a regular CDN, but does not require the deployment of a large distributed infrastructure. In the process of designing the system, we identify relevant functions that could be integrated in the future Internet infrastructure. Such functions greatly simplify the design and effectiveness of services, such as MOSTO. We demonstrate our system using a mixture of simulation, emulation, testbed experiments, and by realizing a proof-of-concept deployment in a planet-wide commercial cloud system.
Effects of Interpolation on Segmentation in Cell Imaging

In digital image processing and computer vision applications for microscopy imaging, calculating image features is a frequent task. Features related to intensity, color and morphology are used to classify cells and other objects. The precision of segmentation influences the calculated feature values and can affect the results of classification. Therefore, achieving a high precision in segmentation is very important. In this work, the effects of interpolation on the precision of image segmentation were studied using instances of cell microscopy images and different interpolation and segmentation methods. The goal was to determine quantitatively to what extent improvements in segmentation precision can be obtained through previous interpolation of the images. This effect can be particularly important for small objects, whose images might be deteriorated due to limitations in the camera's resolution. The results show that an improvement in the precision of segmentation can be obtained by previously interpolating the images.
How the Framework of Expectation Propagation Yields an Iterative IC-LMMSE MIMO Receiver

Based on the Expectation Propagation framework, we derive a MIMO detector that consists of an interference cancellation (IC) step, followed by linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) filtering. The distinguishing feature of our algorithm, compared to conventional IC-LMMSE detectors for iterative MIMO receivers, is the way how we compute the symbol statistics that are used in the IC and LMMSE steps. In an earlier publication, it has been shown empirically that full posterior feedback from the decoder to the IC-LMMSE detector can outperform the usual choice of extrinsic feedback, which seems to contradict the Turbo principle. The systematic derivation in the present paper provides an explanation of this phenomenon, and results in a further improved algorithm that outperforms the conventional IC-LMMSE detector with either extrinsic or posterior feedback. While we consider only multi-antenna systems, we note that the same principle can be applied to similar problems in signal processing, such as Turbo equalization for frequency-selective channels, or multi-user detection in CDMA systems.
An approach for modeling components with customization for distributed software

Component-based software development has many potential advantages, including shorter time to market and lower prices, making it an attractive approach to both customers and producers. However, component-based development is a new technology with many open issues to be resolved. One particular issue is the specification of components as reusable entities, especially for distributed object-oriented applications. Specification of such components by formal methods can pave the way for a more systematic approach for component-based software engineering, including design analysis and simulation. This paper discusses an approach for blending Petri net concepts and object-oriented features to develop a specification approach for distributed component software systems. In particular, a scheme for modeling behavior restriction in the design of object systems is presented. A key result of this work is the definition of a “plug-in” structure that can be used to create “subclass” object models, which correspond to customized components. Algorithms that support the automatic synthesis of these models are provided, discussed, and illustrated by examples.
Validating streaming XML documents

This paper investigates the on-line validation of streaming XML documents with respect to a DTD, under memory constraints. We first consider validation using constant memory, formalized by a finite-state automaton (FSA). We examine two flavors of the problem, depending on whether or not the XML document is assumed to be well-formed. The main results of the paper provide conditions on the DTDs under which validation of either flavor can be done using an FSA. For DTDs that cannot be validated by an FSA, we investigate two alternatives. The first relaxes the constant memory requirement by allowing a stack bounded in the depth of the XML document, while maintaining the deterministic, one-pass requirement. The second approach consists in refining the DTD to provide additional information that allows validation by an FSA.
Using Profiling Metrics to Categorise Peer Review Types in the Android Project

Profiling of open source software (OSS) peer reviewers have many potential benefits related to quality assurance at both software and project levels. In this paper, we investigate its benefits such as identifying hidden experts, identify inactive or disinterested members to gauge the health of the OSS project and assisting aspiring members to monitor performance, identifying opportunities for career improvement. Preliminary results are promising, proving that our categories are practical and opening many avenues for future work. Recent improvements of data repositories mining tools and techniques make this research timely in able to provide quantitative insights for OSS peer review projects.