Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Mixed-Signal Chip-Based Configurable Coherent Photoacoustic-Radar Sensing Platform for In Vivo Temperature Monitoring and Vital Signs Detection

For precise health status monitoring and accurate disease diagnostics in the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to detect various kinds of target signals robustly under high noise and strong interferences. Moreover, the health monitoring system is preferred to be realized in a small form factor for convenient mass deployments. A CMOS-integrated coherent sensing platform is proposed to achieve the goal, which synergetically leverages quadrature coherent photoacoustic (PA) detection and coherent radar sensing for achieving universal healthcare. By utilizing configurable mixed-signal quadrature coherent PA detection, high sensitivity and enhanced specificity can be achieved. In-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) templates are specifically designed to accurately sense and precisely reconstruct the target PA signals in a coherent mode. By mixed-signal implementation leveraging an FPGA to generate template waveforms adaptively, accurate tracking and precise reconstruction on the target PA signal can be attained based on the early-late tracking principle. The multiplication between the received PA signal and the templates is implemented efficiently in analog-domain by the Gilbert cell on-chip. In vivo blood temperature monitoring was realized based on the integrated PA sensing platform fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS process. With an integrated radar sensor deployed in the indoor scenario, noncontact monitoring on respiration and heartbeat rates can be attained based on electromagnetic (EM) sensing. By complementary usage of PA-EM sensing mechanisms, comprehensive health status monitoring and precise remote disease diagnostics can be achieved for the currentglobal COVID-19 pandemic and the future pervasive healthcare in the Internet of Everything (IoE) era.
Mitochondrial Sirt3 contributes to the bone loss caused by aging or estrogen deficiency

Altered mitochondria activity in osteoblasts and osteoclasts has been implicated in the loss of bone mass associated with aging and estrogen deficiency — the 2 most common causes of osteoporosis. However, the mechanisms that control mitochondrial metabolism in bone cells during health or disease remain unknown. The mitochondrial deacetylase sirtuin-3 (Sirt3) has been earlier implicated in age-related diseases. Here, we show that deletion of Sirt3 had no effect on the skeleton of young mice but attenuated the age-related loss of bone mass in both sexes. This effect was associated with impaired bone resorption. Osteoclast progenitors from aged Sirt3-null mice were able to differentiate into osteoclasts, though the differentiated cells exhibited impaired polykaryon formation and resorptive activity, as well as decreased oxidative phosphorylation and mitophagy. The Sirt3 inhibitor LC-0296 recapitulated the effects of Sirt3 deletion in osteoclast formation and mitochondrial function, and its administration to aging mice increased bone mass. Deletion of Sirt3 also attenuated the increase in bone resorption and loss of bone mass caused by estrogen deficiency. These findings suggest that Sirt3 inhibition and the resulting impairment of osteoclast mitochondrial function could be a novel therapeutic intervention for the 2 most important causes of osteoporosis.
Enhancement of animal waste biomethanation using fruit waste as co-substrate and chicken rumen as inoculums

ABSTRACT This work investigated the effects of co-substrates (orange, mango, and pineapple wastes) and inoculums (chicken rumen), pH, and total solid (TS) content on animal waste (cow dung, pig dung, poultry droppings) for efficient and high biomethane production. The biomethanation experiments were carried out in five different 1.5 L anaerobic digesters and incubated for 10 weeks. The results showed that co-digestion of animal wastes with fruit wastes and inoculums (additives) increased biomethane yield and reduced the startup time for biomethane generation as compared to animal wastes alone. In addition, cumulative biomethane yield increased with increase in pH while it decreased with increase in TS content.
Inducing Amusement in the Laboratory and Its Moderation by Experiential Approach

The relative ability of four comedic sketches to induce amusement in the laboratory and its moderation by dispositional differences in experiential approach as a form of positive emotion regulation were investigated. College student participants reported significant and equivalent diminished levels of negative affect relative to baseline following each sketch, while the level of positive affect induced by The Office exceeded that elicited by two of the three other sketches as well as by a top-ranked French comedic film clip. Regression models indicated that the two subscales of the Experiential Approach Scale and their interaction accounted for significant variability in negative mood reductions following the sketches. Unexpectedly, college student participants who enjoyed the greatest decrement in negative affect reported a regulation style in which anxiously clinging to positive emotions dominates over sustaining and savoring them. The limitations of this project and implications of its findings for laboratory inductions of amusement, as well as further investigations of its possible moderation by experiential approach as form of positive emotion regulation are discussed.
H∞ Codesign for Uncertain Nonlinear Control Systems Based on Policy Iteration Method

In this article, the problem of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> codesign for nonlinear control systems with unmatched uncertainties and adjustable parameters is investigated. The main purpose is to solve the adjustable parameters and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> controller simultaneously so that better robust control performance can be achieved. By introducing a bounded function and defining a special cost function, the problem of solving the Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs equation is transformed into an optimization problem with nonlinear inequality constraints. Based on the sum of squares technique, a novel policy iteration algorithm is proposed to solve the problem of the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> codesign. Moreover, one modified algorithm for optimizing the robust performance index is given. The convergence and the performance improvement of new iteration policy algorithms are proved. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Association between cardiovascular risk factors and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine in the general population: results from the KORA MRI Study

Background Little is known about the associations between cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) and disc degeneration (DD). Purpose To evaluate the potential association between CRFs and intervertebral DD in a population-based sample. Methods A total of 400 participants from the community-based KORA-study were assessed in terms of CRFs, specifically obesity, hypertension, diabetes, elevated LDL-c, low HDL-c, elevated triglycerides, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. The patients additionally underwent whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using T2-weighted single-shot fast-spin-echo and T1 dual-echo gradient-echo Dixon pulse sequences. Thoracic and lumbar DD were assessed using the Pfirrmann score and for the presence of disc bulging/protrusion. Cross-sectional associations between CRFs and MR-based Pfirrmann score were then analyzed. Results A total of 385 individuals (58.2% men; mean age 56.3 ± 9.2 years) were included. Prevalence of DD was 76.4%. Older age (β = 0.18; 95% CI 0.12–0.25; P < 0.001) and higher body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.19; 95% CI 0.06–0.30; P = 0.003) were significantly associated with DD of the thoracolumbar spine. Diabetes was significantly associated with DD at T7/8 (P = 0.029) and L3/4 (P = 0.017). Hypertension correlated significantly with DD in univariate analysis, but the association did not persist using multivariate analysis (β = 0.53; 95% CI –0.74 to 1.81; P = 0.41). None of the other CRFs (P ≥ 0.11) were associated with advanced DD. Disc bulging was independently associated with hypertension (β = 0.47; 95% CI 0.27–0.81; P = 0.01). Conclusion A significant independent association exists between age, BMI, and intervertebral DD. In contrast, there is no significant association between cardiovascular risk factors and DD. Providing strong evidence that the pathologic process undergirding DD is mechanical, rather than microvascular, in nature.
Design and Retrospective Application of a Spine Trauma DVT Prophylaxis Protocol on Level 1 Trauma Center Patient Database

Study Design: Systematic literature review. Objectives: The impact of thromboembolic disease on the morbidity and mortality of patients with acute spinal cord injury is well documented, with rates as high as 67%-100% among untreated patients. The efficacy of mechanical prophylaxis as a stand-alone measure has been questioned, so we sought to determine a safe perioperative window for chemical anticoagulation use after spine surgery. Many surgeons have concerns anticoagulants may cause post-operative hematoma. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed, ultimately yielding 13 articles. Based on the existing literature and input from our multidisciplinary institutional trauma committee, a Spine Trauma DVT Prophylaxis Protocol was developed. Results: Effort was placed to identify cases within our institution in which patients suffered vertebral column fractures and/or spinal cord injuries. Of these 466 vertebral column fractures and/or spinal cord injuries, 4 patients were identified and diagnosed with DVTs while admitted. Conclusions: Of these patients, there is a clear dilemma with regard to safety of chemoprophylaxis use versus risk of developing a DVT. Though none of the patients developed a PE, utilizing the protocol would have led to earlier IVC filter placement or initiation of a VTE surveillance protocol in 2 of the patients. Initiation of enoxaparin before surgery in one patient (despite delay of surgical timing) may have avoided his subsequent LUE DVT. Though not appropriate for all clinical scenarios, we are confident that our treatment algorithm will prove beneficial for patient care in avoiding DVTs and helping trauma surgeons with evidence-based clinical decision making.
Chemical Composition of Aerosols of an Electronic Cigarette

ABSTRACT A needle trap sampler (NTS) packed with 60–80 mesh divinylbenzene (DVB) adsorbent inside a 22-gauge stainless steel needle, was used as a micro sampling device to extract chemical compounds in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol. The air samples were analyzed using a gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectroscopy (MS) system to determine its constituents. Based on the experimental results, e-cigarette smokers are exposed to high concentrations of nicotine (146±51 mg m-3) in a long session. If the e-cigarette liquid leaks through the filter of the cartridge of an e-cigarette, the user is exposed to nicotine of very high concentration of 914 mg m-3. Other main compounds in the smoke of e-cigarettes are vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and triacetin. The concentration of nicotine in the secondhand aerosol is lower than 1 mg/m3 (around 0.43–1.74 mg m-3).
‘Anti-extortion’ mechanism of indigenous innovation by technologically backward firms: evidence from China

ABSTRACT Aiming at the strategic behaviour in ‘technology make-or-buy decisions’ in the real economy, this study develops a Cournot competition model with endogenous technological level, by comparing the technology acquisition cost of technologically backward firms under different technology acquisition strategies, we theoretically analysed the ‘anti-extortion’ mechanism of indigenous innovation by technologically backward firms, and the relationship between indigenous innovation and technology imports is empirically tested by using the data of Chinese industrial enterprises above designated size. We show that indigenous innovation can significantly enhance a firm's bargaining power, and the technology acquisition strategy of simultaneous technology imports and indigenous innovation can not only reduce the technology imports cost but also reduce the indigenous innovation cost. Therefore, only by indigenous innovation based on technology imports, can firms enhance their market competitiveness.
Creating a 3D semantic profile of causative shi and rang: A constructional approach

ABSTRACT This article models the semantic structure and lectal variation of shi ‘cause’ and rang ‘let’ in the context of an analytic causative construction in Mandarin Chinese. The investigation is framed within a 3D model (the formal, conceptual and social dimensions) and integrates semasiological and onomasiological perspectives of semantic variation. Adopting a corpus-based method and regarding constructional exemplars of the verbs as a prototypical category, it explores semantic salience and variability of the verbs on the one hand and their semantic division of labour on the other. Important dimensions that are relevant for the semantic structure of shi and rang are illuminated, along with their lectal variation. Reasons for the semantic differences are explained from a diachronic perspective, as shi and rang are shown to be at different points along the same grammaticalization pathway.
Culture and perceptions on cancer risk and prevention, information access, and source credibility: a qualitative interview study in Chinese adults

We aimed to explore cancer risk and prevention perceptions, information access, and source credibility evaluation about cancer risk and prevention in adults in an Eastern cultural context (China). We conducted 32 in-depth interviews in two Chinese cities: Shanghai and Wuhan, from September 2016 to January 2017. Though not fully supported by scientific evidence, our findings showed that stress was among the top five concerns in the participants’ perceptions of cancer risk and prevention. Obesity and infectious agents, significant cancer risks for Chinese populations, did not receive so much attention among the participants. Principles of Eastern culture, such as change, contradiction, and holism, were reflected in the participants’ interpretations and understandings of cancer risk and prevention. Beliefs in fate or destiny, as associated with Eastern culture, were also apparent in the strongly fatalistic views towards cancer prevention of some participants. Individual responsibility for cancer risk, rather than collective responsibility (such as government or society), was emphasised by participants. Except for personal social networks, the information channels where the participants frequently accessed cancer risk and prevention information (the media) were completely different from the information channels they trusted (healthcare system). Our findings provide useful references for cancer risk and prevention communication and education in China.
Over-education and immigrant earnings: a penalized quantile panel regression analysis

ABSTRACT Despite evidence that immigrants experience a higher incidence of over-education, relatively few studies have considered the labour market outcomes of over-education for immigrants. Using longitudinal data and penalized quantile panel regression, we inspect the earnings effects of job mismatches for immigrants in Australia. This first application of the method to this question addresses both individual and distributional heterogeneity. Results confirm divergent effects across the earnings distribution. Immigrants from non-English speaking countries experience lower earnings returns and a substantial earnings penalty of up to 25% from educational mismatched employment. However, in contrast to conventional findings of a penalty based on regression at the mean, at the highest earnings quantile, both Australian-born and immigrants from non-English speaking countries with a host country qualification receive earnings premiums of 2.7 and 11%, respectively, from years of over-education. We discuss the policy implications of this new result.
Mitigating vulnerability windows with hypervisor transplant

The vulnerability window of a hypervisor regarding a given security flaw is the time between the identification of the flaw and the integration of a correction/patch in the running hypervisor. Most vulnerability windows, regardless of severity, are long enough (several days) that attackers have time to perform exploits. Nevertheless, the number of critical vulnerabilities per year is low enough to allow an exceptional solution. This paper introduces hypervisor transplant, a solution for addressing vulnerability window of critical flaws. It involves temporarily replacing the current datacenter hypervisor (e.g., Xen) which is subject to a critical security flaw, by a different hypervisor (e.g., KVM) which is not subject to the same vulnerability. We build HyperTP, a generic framework which combines in a unified way two approaches: in-place server micro-reboot-based hypervisor transplant (noted InPlaceTP) and live VM migration-based hypervisor transplant (noted MigrationTP). We describe the implementation of HyperTP and its extension for transplanting Xen with KVM and vice versa. We also show that HyperTP is easy to integrate with the OpenStack cloud computing platform. Our evaluation results show that HyperTP delivers satisfactory performance: (1) MigrationTP takes the same time and impacts virtual machines (VMs) with the same performance degradation as normal live migration. (2) the downtime imposed by InPlaceTP on VMs is in the same order of magnitude (1.7 seconds for a VM with 1 vCPU and 1 GB of RAM) as in-place upgrade of homogeneous hypervisors based on server micro-reboot.
Bridging the performance gap for copy-based garbage collectors atop non-volatile memory

Non-volatile memory (NVM) is expected to revolutionize the memory hierarchy with not only non-volatility but also large capacity and power efficiency. Memory-intensive applications, which are often written in managed languages like Java, would run atop NVM for better cost-efficiency. Unfortunately, such applications may suffer from performance slowdown due to the unmanaged performance gap between DRAM and NVM. This paper studies the performance of a series of Java applications atop NVM and uncovers that the copy-based garbage collection (GC), the mainstream GC algorithm, is an NVM-unfriendly component in JVM. GC becomes a severe performance bottleneck especially when memory resource is scarce. To this end, this paper analyzes the memory behavior of copy-based GC and uncovers that its inappropriate usage on NVM bandwidth is the main reason for its performance slowdown. This paper thus proposes two NVM-aware optimizations: write cache and header map, to effectively manage the limited NVM bandwidth. It further improves the GC performance with hardware instructions like non-temporal memory accesses and prefetching. We have implemented the optimizations on two mainstream copy-based garbage collectors in OpenJDK. Evaluation with various memory-intensive applications shows that our optimizations can improve the GC time, application execution time, application tail latency by up to 2.69×, 11.0%, and 5.09×, respectively.
SmartHarvest: harvesting idle CPUs safely and efficiently in the cloud

We can increase the efficiency of public cloud datacenters by harvesting allocated but temporarily idling CPU cores from customer virtual machines (VMs) to run batch or analytics workloads. Even small efficiency gains translate into substantial savings, since provisioning and operating a datacenter costs hundreds of millions of dollars per year. The main challenge is to harvest idle cores with little or no impact on customer VMs, which could be running latency-sensitive services and are essentially black-boxes to the cloud provider. We introduce ElasticVM, a new VM type that can run batch workloads cheaply using mainly harvested cores. We also propose SmartHarvest, a system that dynamically manages the number of cores available to ElasticVMs in each fine-grained time window. SmartHarvest uses online learning to predict the core demand of primary, customer VMs and compute the number of cores that can be safely harvested. Our results show that SmartHarvest can harvest a significant amount of CPU resources without increasing the 99th-percentile tail latency of latency-critical primary workloads by more than 10%. Unlike static harvesting techniques that rely on offline profiling, SmartHarvest is robust to different primary workloads, batch workloads, and load changes. Finally, we show that the online learning in SmartHarvest is complementary to systems optimizations for VM management.
rkt-io: a direct I/O stack for shielded execution

The shielding of applications using trusted execution environments (TEEs) can provide strong security guarantees in untrusted cloud environments. When executing I/O operations, today's shielded execution frameworks, however, exhibit performance and security limitations: they assign resources to the I/O path inefficiently, perform redundant data copies, use untrusted host I/O stacks with security risks and performance overheads. This prevents TEEs from running modern I/O-intensive applications that require high-performance networking and storage. We describe rkt-io (pronounced "rocket I/O"), a direct user-space network and storage I/O stack specifically designed for TEEs that combines high-performance, POSIX compatibility and security. rkt-io achieves high I/O performance by employing direct userspace I/O libraries (DPDK and SPDK) inside the TEE for kernel-bypass I/O. For efficiency, rkt-io polls for I/O events directly, by interacting with the hardware instead of relying on interrupts, and it avoids data copies by mapping DMA regions in the untrusted host memory. To maintain full Linux ABI compatibility, the userspace I/O libraries are integrated with userspace versions of the Linux VFS and network stacks inside the TEE. Since it omits the host OS from the I/O path, does not suffer from host interface/Iago attacks. Our evaluation with Intel SGX TEEs shows that rkt-io is 9×faster for networking and 7× faster for storage compared to host- (Scone) and LibOS-based (SGX-LKL) I/O approaches.
Efficient replication via timestamp stability

Modern web applications replicate their data across the globe and require strong consistency guarantees for their most critical data. These guarantees are usually provided via state-machine replication (SMR). Recent advances in SMR have focused on leaderless protocols, which improve the availability and performance of traditional Paxos-based solutions. We propose Tempo - a leaderless SMR protocol that, in comparison to prior solutions, achieves superior throughput and offers predictable performance even in contended workloads. To achieve these benefits, Tempo timestamps each application command and executes it only after the timestamp becomes stable, i.e., all commands with a lower timestamp are known. Both the timestamping and stability detection mechanisms are fully decentralized, thus obviating the need for a leader replica. Our protocol furthermore generalizes to partial replication settings, enabling scalability in highly parallel workloads. We evaluate the protocol in both real and simulated geo-distributed environments and demonstrate that it outperforms state-of-the-art alternatives.