Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metamorphic Model-Based Testing Applied on NASA DAT -- An Experience Report

Testing is necessary for all types of systems, but becomes difficult when the tester cannot easily determine whether the system delivers the correct result or not. NASA's Data Access Toolkit allows NASA analysts to query a large database of telemetry data. Since the user is unfamiliar with the data and several data transformations can occur, it is impossible to determine whether the system behaves correctly or not in full scale production situations. Small scale testing was already conducted manually by other teams and unit testing was conducted on individual functions. However, there was still a need for full scale acceptance testing on a broad scale. We describe how we addressed this testing problem by applying the idea of metamorphic testing [1]. Specifically, we base it on equivalence of queries and by using the system itself for testing. The approach is implemented using a model-based testing approach in combination with a test data generation and test case outcome analysis strategy. We also discuss some of the issues that were detected using this approach.
A Parsing Scheme for Finding the Design Pattern and Reducing the Development Cost of Reusable Object Oriented Software

Because of the importance of object oriented methodologies, the research in developing new measure for object oriented system development is getting increased focus. The most of the metrics need to find the interactions between the objects and modules for developing necessary metric and an influential software measure that is attracting the software developers, designers and researchers. In this paper a new interactions are defined for object oriented system. Using these interactions, a parser is developed to analyze the existing architecture of the software. Within the design model, it is necessary for design classes to collaborate with one another. However, collaboration should be kept to an acceptable minimum i.e. better designing practice will introduce low coupling. If a design model is highly coupled, the system is difficult to implement, to test and to maintain overtime. In case of enhancing software, we need to introduce or remove module and in that case coupling is the most important factor to be considered because unnecessary coupling may make the system unstable and may cause reduction in the system's performance. So coupling is thought to be a desirable goal in software construction, leading to better values for external software qualities such as maintainability, reusability and so on. To test this hypothesis, a good measure of class coupling is needed. In this paper, based on the developed tool called Design Analyzer we propose a methodology to reuse an existing system with the objective of enhancing an existing Object oriented system keeping the coupling as low as possible.
Liver test abnormalities in patients with HIV mono-infection: assessment with simple noninvasive fibrosis markers

Background Patients with HIV mono-infection may develop chronic liver disease due to a number of factors including hepatic steatosis. We estimated the prevalence and predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a cohort of HIV-mono-infected patients with persistently deranged liver function tests. Methods Of 2398 consecutive patients at one UK clinical center, 156 (6.5%) had persistently abnormal transaminases in at least two measurements six months apart. We used APRI and FIB4 scores to determine the presence of significant and/or advanced fibrosis in this group as well as its potential associations. Results Mean age was 47.5±8.5 years and 91% (142/156) were males. Diabetes mellitus was present in 11% of patients; hypertension in 18%; and dyslipidemia in 52%. Almost all were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (97%) and most were virologically suppressed (94%). Steatosis was detected by ultrasound in 71% of patients. The prevalence of FIB4≤1.45, 1.46-3.24 and >3.25 was 67%, 29% and 4%, respectively, and that of APRI≤0.5, 0.51-1.49 and >1.5 was 52%, 45% and 3% respectively. In multivariate analysis, only cumulative ART exposure was associated with FIB4>1.45 (odds ratio [OR] 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000-1.016), while APRI>0.5 was associated with higher alanine aminotransferase levels (OR 1.033, 95%CI 1.015-1.510). Twenty patients had a liver biopsy, of whom 13 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Conclusions Elevated transaminases are often present in HIV-mono-infected patients and this may be associated with NAFLD and/or ART. Non-invasive screening for the presence of NAFLD and fibrosis in all HIV-mono-infected patients as part of their routine clinical management should be further explored.
On Cognitive Constraints and Learning Progressions: The case of “structure of matter”

Based on the analysis of available research on students’ alternative conceptions about the particulate nature of matter, we identified basic implicit assumptions that seem to constrain students’ ideas and reasoning on this topic at various learning stages. Although many of these assumptions are interrelated, some of them seem to change or lose/gain strength independently from one another. Overlapping or competing presuppositions about the structure, properties, and dynamics of matter may be able to coexist at any given level, particularly at intermediate stages of expertise. Our results allowed us to suggest common paths in the transition from naïve through novice to expert along relevant dimensions related to the structure and properties of chemical substances. The identification of these cognitive constraints provides a useful framework that educators can use to better understand and even predict many of their students’ learning difficulties. It can also assist in the design and organisation of learning experiences and assessment tools that recognise and take advantage of the most likely trajectories towards expertise (learning progressions) followed by many students.
Initiating nucleotide identity determines efficiency of RNA synthesis from 6S RNA templates in Bacillus subtilis but not Escherichia coli

The 6S RNA is a non-coding small RNA that binds within the active site of housekeeping forms of RNA polymerases (e.g. Eσ70 in Escherichia coli, EσA in Bacillus subtilis) and regulates transcription. Efficient release of RNA polymerase from 6S RNA regulation during outgrowth from stationary phase is dependent on use of 6S RNA as a template to generate a product RNA (pRNA). Interestingly, B. subtilis has two 6S RNAs, 6S-1 and 6S-2, but only 6S-1 RNA appears to be used efficiently as a template for pRNA synthesis during outgrowth. Here, we demonstrate that the identity of the initiating nucleotide is particularly important for the B. subtilis RNA polymerase to use RNA templates. Specifically, initiation with guanosine triphosphate (GTP) is required for efficient pRNA synthesis, providing mechanistic insight into why 6S-2 RNA does not support robust pRNA synthesis as it initiates with adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Intriguingly, E. coli RNA polymerase does not have a strong preference for initiating nucleotide identity. These observations highlight an important difference in biochemical properties of B. subtilis and E. coli RNA polymerases, specifically in their ability to use RNA templates efficiently, which also may reflect the differences in GTP and ATP metabolism in these two organisms.
Crowdsourcing and Its Applications in Computer Vision

Crowdsourcing has emerged in the past decade as a popular model for online distributed problem solving and production. The creation of Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) as a “micro-task” marketplace has facilitated this growth by connecting willing workers with available tasks. Within computer vision, MTurk has proven especially useful in large-scale image label collection, as many computer vision algorithms require substantial amounts of training data. In this survey, we discuss different types of worker incentives, various considerations for MTurk task design, methods for annotation quality analysis, and cost-effective ways of obtaining labels in a selective manner. We present several examples of how MTurk is being utilized in the computer vision community. Finally, we discuss the implications that MTurk usage will have on future computer vision research.
Condensation heat transfer regarding hysteretic annular flow in a rotating stepped wall heat pipe

Hysteresis effects of annular flow in rotating stepped wall heat pipes are addressed based on visualization and systematic experiments. The region of hysteretic annular flow is defined. Experimental data for the annular flow condensation heat transfer in a rotating stepped wall heat pipe are presented. A model for predicting the condensation heat transfer coefficient is proposed. The theoretical results are compared with experimental data. The effect of vapor shear drag on the condensation heat transfer is discussed.
ZD6474, a Novel Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Inhibits Tumor Growth of Multiple Nervous System Tumors

Purpose: Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors represent a diverse group of tumor types with heterogeneous molecular mechanisms that underlie their formation and maintenance. CNS tumors depend on angiogenesis and often display increased activity of ErbB-associated pathways. Current nonspecific therapies frequently have poor efficacy in many of these tumor types, so there is a pressing need for the development of novel targeted therapies. Experimental Design: ZD6474 is a novel, orally available low molecular weight inhibitor of the kinase activities associated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor. We hypothesized that ZD6474 may provide benefit in the treatment of several CNS tumor types. Results: In mice bearing established s.c. tumor xenografts of CNS tumors (malignant glioma and ependymoma) or rhabdomyosarcoma, a limited course of ZD6474 treatment produced significant tumor growth delays and a high rate of partial tumor regression in most models examined. Mice with i.c. malignant glioma xenografts treated with ZD6474 experienced a significant prolongation of survival. Tumors from mice treated with ZD6474 displayed a lower proliferative index and disrupted tumor vascularity. Notably, some of these models are insensitive to low molecular weight kinase inhibitors targeting only vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 or epidermal growth factor receptor functions, suggesting that the combined disruption of both epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 activities may significantly increase tumor control. Conclusions: In conclusion, ZD6474 shows significant activity against xenograft models of several primary human CNS tumor types. Consideration for clinical development in this disease setting seems warranted.
Fast, wait-free (2k-1)-renaming

Yehuda Afek* ,We describe a fast, wait-free (2k 1)-renaming algorithm which takes O(k2) time. (Where k is the contention, the number of processes actually taking steps in a given run.) The algorithm makes extensive use of tools and techniques developed by Attiya and Fouren [AF98]. Other extensions, including a fast (long-lived) atomic snapshot algorithm, are briefly discussed.
The Phase Vocoder: A Tutorial

For composers interested in the modification of natural sounds, the phase vocoder is a digital signal processing technique of potentially great significance. By itself, the phase vocoder can perform very high fidelity time-scale modification or pitch transposition of a wide variety of sounds. In conjunction with a standard software synthesis program, the phase vocoder can provide the composer with arbitrary control of individual harmonics. But use of the phase vocoder to date has been limited primarily to experts in digital signal processing. Consequently, its musical potential has remained largely untapped. In this article, I attempt to explain the operation of the phase vocoder in terms accessible to musicians. I rely heavily on the familiar concepts of sine waves, filters, and additive synthesis, and I employ a minimum of mathematics. My hope is that this tutorial will lay the groundwork for widespread use of the phase vocoder, both as a tool for sound analysis and modification, and as a catalyst for continued musical exploration.
Atherosclerosis - A finite element study of plaque distribution and stability

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of arteries. Cardiovascular diseases, of which atherosclerosis is an underlying mechanism, are the most common causes of death globally. The disease is characterised by lipids having penetrated the intima of the artery wall, accompanied by inflammation, fibrosis and endothelial hyperplasia. Accumulated cells, lipids, connective-tissue elements and debris from the blood gives rise to atherosclerotic plaques. These lesions may cause stenosis or rupture, exposing thrombotic materials to the circulatory system. Two-dimensional finite element simulations of coronary arteries afflicted by atherosclerosis were carried out, with the aim of studying how structural parameters of a lesion affect plaque stability. The Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden material model was used to model the arterial layers and the plaque excluding the necrotic core, while the hyperelastic neo-Hookean material model covered the necrotic core. Four parameters were studied; plaque circumference, lumen coverage, necrotic core thickness and necrotic core angle. The load was applied as static intraluminal pressure in two steps, first at 80 mmHg and second at 120 mmHg, and the differences in stress distributions between these steps were used as output results. A Tresca stress map over the artery and lesion was created and peak circumferential and Tresca stresses along the plaque-lumen boundary was saved in each simulation. Results indicate that all parameters considered had an effect on plaque stability, by the increase and/or change in distribution of stresses induced into the lesion. Differences in stress levels due to structural changes in the plaque were in general small when comparing with values available in the literature, but within reason. The most influential parameter on plaque stability was the necrotic core thickness, which directly affects the thickness of the fibrous cap. Changing this parameter gave the largest increase in peak cap stresses of all four parameters, which may be considered significant in terms of plaque stability. (Less)
Functional assessment and quality of life before and after pulmonary endoarterectomy.

PURPOSE The study investigates Quality of Life (QOL) and correlation with functional status of patients affected by Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension who undergo Pulmonary Endoarterectomy. METHODS We investigated with an observational design (before surgery, three and twelve months afterwards) the hemodynamic data (NYHA class, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, cardiac output and pulmonary vascular resistance), the functional status (using the 6-Minute Walk Test) and the QOL, using three questionnaires: Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). We report the results of forty-nine patients. RESULTS After surgery there was an improvement on functional and hemodynamic parameters and on QOL. The physical domain (PCS) of SF-36 was weakly but significantly associated with all functional parameters. There was no association between functional parameters and mental domain (MCS) of SF-36 or SGRQ. The improvement in 6-Minute Walk Distance was associated with an increase in MLHFQ. CONCLUSIONS Both QOL and submaximal exercise tolerance improve after surgery. However only the physical domains of SF-36 appear to be significantly associated to the functional data.
Over-the-Counter Interest Rate Options

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee uses market expectations of future interest rates to inform its policy decisions. Interest rate expectations can be inferred from a range of financial instruments, including interest rate options. This article surveys the structure and use of the over-the-counter (OTC) interest rate option market. It discusses what information OTC interest rate options may contain about market interest rate expectations, additional to that available from products traded on exchanges. It also considers the linkages between OTC interest rate option markets and the markets in the underlying assets.
Automatic Corpus-Based Extraction of Chinese Legal Terms

This paper reports on a study involving the automatic extraction of Chinese legal terms. We used a word segmented corpus of Chinese court judgments to extract salient legal expressions with standard collocation learning techniques. Our method takes the characteristics of Chinese legal terms into account. The extracted terms were evaluated by human markers and compared against a legal term glossary manually compiled from the same set of data. Results show that at least 50% of the extracted terms are legally salient. Hence they may supplement the outcome and lighten the inconsistency of human efforts. Moreover, various types of significant knowledge in the legal context are mined from the data as a by-product.
Electrical Vehicle Batteries Testing in a Distribution Network Using Sustainable Energy

EV technologies are still relatively new and under strong development. Many different designs and choices of technologies have been pursued by the automotive OEMs, battery industry and EV research centers. Although some standardized solutions are being promoted and becoming a new trend, there is an outstanding need for common platforms and sharing of knowledge and core technologies. This paper presents the development of a test platform, including three Li-ion batteries designed for EV applications and three associated bi-directional power converters, for testing impacts on different advanced loadings of EV batteries. The aim of the tests has been to study the impact of smart charging and fast charging on the power system, on the battery state of health and degradation, and to find out the limitations of the batteries for a Smart Grid. The paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages of both tests in terms of regulation of the aggregated local power, power capacity and the power exchange with the grid.
Topological Characterization of Signal in Brain Images University of Wisconsin , Madison Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Technical Report

We present a novel framework for characterizing signals in images using techniques from computational algebraic topology. This technique is general enough for dealing with noisy multivariate data including geometric noise. The main tool is persistent homology which can be encoded in persistence diagrams. These are scatter plots of paired local critical values of the signal. One of these diagrams visually shows how the number of connected components of the sublevel sets of the signal changes. The use of local critical values of a function differs from the usual statistical parametric mapping framework, which mainly uses the mean signal in quantifying imaging data. Our proposed method uses all the local critical values in characterizing the signal and by doing so offers a completely new data reduction and analysis framework for quantifying the signal. As an illustration, we apply this method to a 1D simulated signal and 2D cortical thickness data.
Fault-tolerant scheduling policy for grid computing systems

Summary form only given. With the momentum gaining for the grid computing systems, the issue of deploying support for integrated scheduling and fault-tolerant approaches becomes paramount importance. Unfortunately, fault-tolerance has not been factored into the design of most existing grid scheduling strategies. To this end, we propose a fault-tolerant scheduling policy that loosely couples job scheduling with job replication scheme such that jobs are efficiently and reliably executed. Performance evaluation of the proposed fault-tolerant scheduler against a nonfault-tolerant scheduling policy is presented and shown that the proposed policy performs reasonably in the presence of various types of failures.
Design of Fractional Order Digital Differentiator Using Radial Basis Function

In this paper, the design of fractional order digital differentiator is investigated. First, the radial basis function interpolation method is described. Then, the non-integer delay sample estimation of discrete-time sequence is derived by using the radial basis function interpolation approach. Next, the Grünwald-Letnikov derivative and non-integer delay sample estimation are applied to obtain the transfer function of fractional order digital differentiator. Finally, the applications in digital image sharpening and parameter estimation of fractional noise process are studied to demonstrate the usefulness of this new design approach.
High Prevalence of Skin Diseases and Need for Treatment in a Middle-Aged Population. A Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

To determine the overall prevalence of skin diseases a whole-body skin examination was performed for 1,932 members (46-years of age) of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC 1966), which is a comprehensive longitudinal research program (N = 12,058). A high prevalence of all skin diseases needing treatment was found (N = 1,158). Half of the cases of skin findings were evaluated to be serious enough to require diagnostic evaluation, treatment or follow-up either in a general health care, occupational health care or a secondary care setting. The remaining half were thought to be slight and self-treatment was advised. Males (70%) had more skin diseases needing treatment than females (52%) (P<0.001). The most common skin finding was a benign skin tumor, which was found in every cohort member. Skin infections (44%), eczemas (27%) and sebaceous gland diseases (27%) were the most common skin diseases in the cohort. Moreover, skin infections and eczemas were more commonly seen in the group with low education compared to those with high education (P<0.005). The results strengthen the postulate that skin diseases are common in an adult population.
Deep neural network-guided unit selection synthesis

Vocoding of speech is a standard part of statistical parametric speech synthesis systems. It imposes an upper bound of the naturalness that can possibly be achieved. Hybrid systems using parametric models to guide the selection of natural speech units can combine the benefits of robust statistical models with the high level of naturalness of waveform concatenation. Existing hybrid systems use Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) as the statistical model. This paper demonstrates that the superiority of Deep Neural Network (DNN) acoustic models over HMMs in conventional statistical parametric speech synthesis also carries over to hybrid synthesis. We compare various DNN and HMM hybrid configurations, guiding the selection of waveform units in either the vocoder parameter domain, or in the domain of embeddings (bottleneck features).