Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PathSim: A Tool for Finding Minimal Energy Device Operation Sequence for Reaching a Target Context in a Smart-Home

In this paper, aiming to achieve minimal energy consumption in context-aware device control in a smart-home, we propose a tool called PathSim which derives a minimal cost sequence of device operations for moving between two arbitrary contexts. PathSim properly divides the domain of each constituent smart-space context variable into a finite number of ranges, so that a finite discrete context space (finite number of contexts) is obtained. PathSim simulates the context move (range movement of a context variable) by every available event (device operation) at current context, and derives a minimal cost path (event sequence) using the proposed cost functions for events and derived contexts, from the current context into the intended one. To find a minimal cost path, PathSim adopts A* algorithm. PathSim prototype that we implemented can simulate the context moves for the events such as device attributes, temperature, humidity and user location, taking into account the size and structure of the smart-space, performance and power consumption of each device, and so on. Through a case study supposing a typical requirements specification in a smart-home, we confirmed that PathSim's device operations consume about 72% less energy than the conventional method based on intuitive device operations.
Incrementally Identifying Objects from Referring Expressions using Spatial Object Models

An important problem in human-robot interaction is that of referring expressions: phrases used to identify a particular object among others. Existing parsing models all operate on entire sentences. Incrementally parsing referring expressions is important for human-robot interaction and conversational feedback. We present a model for parsing real-word referring expressions, trained and tested on human-provided data. In our test corpus, when presented with the entire sentence, our model ranks the correct object as the most likely 60.3% of the time, and ranks the correct object in the top three 79.0% of the time. Given the entire sentence humans identify the correct object 79.0% of the time. With 50%, 80% and 90% of the sentence, the model ranks the correct object as the most likely 17.4%, 27.8%, and 36.2% of the time. Our parser is capable of keeping up with human speech, with 80% of all words processed on commodity hardware within 10ms, and 95% of all words in about 300ms.
Supporting Sound Decisions: A Professional Perspective on Recreational Avalanche Accident Prevention in Canada

Relative to recreationists, avalanche professionals in Canada have a high success rate for managing avalanche hazard and making sound decisions in avalanche terrain. This success invites the question: What can be learned from these successes relative to avalanche education, decision support and accident prevention for backcountry recreationists? I surveyed Canadian avalanche professionals using a mail-in questionnaire on core knowledge and skills for sound avalanche decision making, key areas of education that can improve avalanche decision making, effective methods to communicate avalanche hazard, and the potential of a recreational decision support framework to improve decisionmaking and result in fewer recreational avalanche accidents and fatalities. Respondents identified human factors and choice of terrain as the primary causes of recreational avalanche accidents and recommended that recreational education targeted in these two areas would effectively reduce avalanche accidents. Three meta-themes emerged to support sound decisions by recreationists; training and education, hazard communication and decision support. In this paper, I examine the results of this survey within the context of theories of adult learning and decision science. I offer an analysis of why it is important to look at avalanche accident prevention from a human sciences research perspective and propose a systemic approach to supporting sound recreational decision-making. Based upon these survey results, I advocate strong support for the implementation of a recreational decision support framework in Canada, although there were several complexities identified by survey respondents. It is clear that the integration of expertise from a wide range of disciplines will be required to design and implement an effective and integrated framework that will support sound decisions and reduce the number of avalanche accidents and fatalities in Canada.
Fine-Grained Synchronizations and Dataflow Programming on GPUs

The last decade has witnessed the blooming emergence of many-core platforms, especially the graphic processing units (GPUs). With the exponential growth of cores in GPUs, utilizing them efficiently becomes a challenge. The data-parallel programming model assumes a single instruction stream for multiple concurrent threads (SIMT); therefore little support is offered to enforce thread ordering and fine-grained synchronizations. This becomes an obstacle when migrating algorithms which exploit fine-grained parallelism, to GPUs, such as the dataflow algorithms. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for fine-grained inter-thread synchronizations on the shared memory of modern GPUs. We demonstrate its performance and compare it with other fine-grained and medium-grained synchronization approaches. Our method achieves 1.5x speedup over the warp-barrier based approach and 4.0x speedup over the atomic spin-lock based approach on average. To further explore the possibility of realizing fine-grained dataflow algorithms on GPUs, we apply the proposed synchronization scheme to Needleman-Wunsch - a 2D wavefront application involving massive cross-loop data dependencies. Our implementation achieves 3.56x speedup over the atomic spin-lock implementation and 1.15x speedup over the conventional data-parallel implementation for a basic sub-grid, which implies that the fine-grained, lock-based programming pattern could be an alternative choice for designing general-purpose GPU applications (GPGPU).
Oxidative stress in ecology and evolution: lessons from avian studies.

Although oxidative stress is a central topic in biochemical and medical research, the number of reports on its relevance in life-history studies of non-human animals is still low. Information about oxidative stress in wild birds may help describe functional interactions among the components of life-history traits. Currently available evidence suggests that oxidative stress may impart an important physiological cost on longevity, reproduction, immune response or intense physical activity. Given the gaps in our present knowledge, it is still premature to attempt to draw definitive conclusions and basic questions (e.g. how is oxidative stress generated and how do organisms cope with it? ) have yet to be fully explored under natural conditions. Therefore, caution is needed in developing hypotheses or drawing general conclusions until additional data become available to perform more rigorous comparative analyses.
The Association of Antarctic Krill Euphausia superba with the Under-Ice Habitat

The association of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba with the under-ice habitat was investigated in the Lazarev Sea (Southern Ocean) during austral summer, autumn and winter. Data were obtained using novel Surface and Under Ice Trawls (SUIT), which sampled the 0–2 m surface layer both under sea ice and in open water. Average surface layer densities ranged between 0.8 individuals m−2 in summer and autumn, and 2.7 individuals m−2 in winter. In summer, under-ice densities of Antarctic krill were significantly higher than in open waters. In autumn, the opposite pattern was observed. Under winter sea ice, densities were often low, but repeatedly far exceeded summer and autumn maxima. Statistical models showed that during summer high densities of Antarctic krill in the 0–2 m layer were associated with high ice coverage and shallow mixed layer depths, among other factors. In autumn and winter, density was related to hydrographical parameters. Average under-ice densities from the 0–2 m layer were higher than corresponding values from the 0–200 m layer collected with Rectangular Midwater Trawls (RMT) in summer. In winter, under-ice densities far surpassed maximum 0–200 m densities on several occasions. This indicates that the importance of the ice-water interface layer may be under-estimated by the pelagic nets and sonars commonly used to estimate the population size of Antarctic krill for management purposes, due to their limited ability to sample this habitat. Our results provide evidence for an almost year-round association of Antarctic krill with the under-ice habitat, hundreds of kilometres into the ice-covered area of the Lazarev Sea. Local concentrations of postlarval Antarctic krill under winter sea ice suggest that sea ice biota are important for their winter survival. These findings emphasise the susceptibility of an ecological key species to changing sea ice habitats, suggesting potential ramifications on Antarctic ecosystems induced by climate change.
The Evolution and Changing Geographical Structure of World Agri-food Trade, 1950-2000

This paper examines the performance, evolution and changing geographical structure of agri-food trade in the second half of the twentieth century. We have constructed a set of both aggregate series and breakdowns by region. Furthermore, we have performed econometric analyses of these new series to throw light on their behaviour and allow a clearer explanation of the evolution of world agricultural trade and the participation of different geographical regions. Finally, we have compared the evolution of agri-food trade with total trade, and we propose a demand-side model to highlight the key role of the different income elasticities of both to explain their unequal evolution.
Impact of cardiac hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging on choice of treatment strategy in coronary artery disease

Aims Cardiac hybrid imaging by fusing single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) provides important complementary diagnostic information for coronary artery disease (CAD) assessment. We aimed at assessing the impact of cardiac hybrid imaging on the choice of treatment strategy selection for CAD. Methods and results Three hundred and eighteen consecutive patients underwent a 1 day stress/rest 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT and a CCTA on a separate scanner for evaluation of CAD. Patients were divided into one of the following three groups according to findings in the hybrid images obtained by fusing SPECT and CCTA: (i) matched finding of stenosis by CCTA and corresponding reversible SPECT defect; (ii) unmatched CCTA and SPECT finding; (iii) normal finding by both CCTA and SPECT. Follow-up was confined to the first 60 days after hybrid imaging as this allows best to assess treatment strategy decisions including the revascularization procedure triggered by its findings. Hybrid images revealed matched, unmatched, and normal findings in 51, 74, and 193 patients. The revascularization rate within 60 days was 41, 11, and 0% for matched, unmatched, and normal findings, respectively (P< 0.001 for all inter-group comparisons). Conclusion Cardiac hybrid imaging with SPECT and CCTA provides an added clinical value for decision making with regard to treatment strategy for CAD.
Dependency Rates and Savings Rates: Further Comment

yi = ln S/Y = ln domestic savings ratio yi = In S/N = In per capita savings xi = ln Y/N = In per capita income a:2 = | = growth rate of per capita income X3 = ln Di = ln percentage of population aged 14 or less Xi = ln Di = ln percentage of population aged 65 or more, and a and b are least-squares regression coefl&cients, and e\ and e^ are least-squares residuals. As noted by Leff, S/N^iS/Y)iY/N). Consequently, yi = yi-\-Xi. Least-squares regression being what it is, a proper computation of (2) should produce
Performance and RLC crosstalk driven global routing

This work presents a global routing algorithm that minimizes total wire length and satisfies RLC crosstalk constraints specified at sinks. Our algorithm is based on critical network concept and search space traversing technology (SSTT) for global routing synthesis and tabu search for shield insertion and net ordering (SINO) to eliminate noise. The algorithm achieves about 20/spl times/ speedup compared with a recent work using iterative deletion based global routing and simulated annealing based SINO. Furthermore, our algorithm increases the wire length by 4% compared with global routing without crosstalk constraints, achieving a 2.5/spl times/ reduction compared with the aforementioned recent work.
Comparative RNA-Seq Analysis of Early-Infected Peach Leaves by the Invasive Phytopathogen Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni is a quarantine bacterial pathogen that threatens peach production by causing necrotic spots on leaves and fruits, thus with the potential of severely reducing yields. The current understanding of the host plant defense responses to the pathogen is very limited. Using whole transcriptome sequencing, differential gene expression was analyzed at two time points, 2 h and 12 h post inoculation (hpi), by comparing the inoculated samples to their respective controls. On the total of 19,781 known peach genes that were expressed in all time points and conditions, 34 and 263 were differentially expressed at 2 and 12 hpi, respectively. Of those, 82% and 40% were up-regulated, respectively; and 18% and 60% were down-regulated, respectively. The functional annotation based on gene ontology (GO) analysis highlighted that genes involved in metabolic process and response to stress were particularly represented at 2 hpi whereas at 12 hpi cellular and metabolic processes were the categories with the highest number of genes differentially expressed. Of particular interest among the differentially expressed genes identified were several pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) receptors, disease resistance genes including several RPM1-like and pathogenesis related thaumatin encoding genes. Other genes involved in photosynthesis, in cell wall reorganization, in hormone signaling pathways or encoding cytochrome were also differentially expressed. In addition, novel transcripts were identified, providing another basis for further characterization of plant defense-related genes. Overall, this study gives a first insight of the peach defense mechanisms during the very early stages of infection with a bacterial disease in the case of a compatible interaction.
Single loop-and-clips technique (KING closure) for gastrotomy closure after transgastric ovariectomy: a survival experiment

Introduction A safe closure technique of transluminal access is essential for the widespread application of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Aim To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel single loop-and-clips closure technique (KING closure). Material and methods An experimental survival study using female laboratory pigs was performed. A gastrotomy was performed using a standard percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy technique. A peritoneoscopy with an ovariectomy was then performed with a double-channel endoscope, on a total of 14 pigs. Two different techniques of gastrotomy closure were analysed: a loop-and-clips closure technique (n = 7) and a standard closure using endoclips (n = 7). After a follow-up period of 30 days, the animals were euthanized for post-mortem examination. Results In the “loop-and-clip” closure group, the correct placement of an endoloop and clips was achieved in all animals. At necropsy, no animal showed signs of an abscess or peritonitis. Histological examination demonstrated a patent full-thickness gastric wall closure without evidence of local complications in all instances. In the “clips” group, the gastrotomy closure was assessed as probably unsafe in three animals. At necropsy 3 (42.9%) abscesses and 1 (14.3%) case of peritonitis were found. Conclusions A single loop-and-clips closure technique (KING closure) represents a feasible, simple and effective method of gastric incision closure. It appears to be superior to the standard endoscopic closure technique using clips.
Learning ℓ0-Graph for Data Clustering

ℓ 1-graph [19, 4], a sparse graph built by reconstructing each datum with all the other data using sparse representation , has been demonstrated to be effective in clustering high dimensional data and recovering independent subspaces from which the data are drawn. It is well known that ℓ 1-norm used in ℓ 1-graph is a convex relaxation of ℓ 0-norm for enforcing the sparsity. In order to handle general cases when the subspaces are not independent and follow the original principle of sparse representation, we propose a novel ℓ 0-graph that employs ℓ 0-norm to encourage the sparsity of the constructed graph, and develop a proximal method to solve the associated optimization problem with the proved guarantee of convergence. Extensive experimental results on various data sets demonstrate the superiority of ℓ 0-graph compared to other competing clustering methods including ℓ 1-graph.
Mutual Information Analysis Reveals Coevolving Residues in Tat That Compensate for Two Distinct Functions in HIV-1 Gene Expression*

Background: It is not well understood how HIV-1 Tat performs complex functions despite its considerable sequence diversity. Results: Individually nonconserved but functionally coevolving sites in Tat were identified. Conclusion: In contrast to most coevolving sites, these sites are critical for two distinct functions regulating viral gene expression. Significance: Balancing the two mechanisms is a strategy to maintain Tat function and may impact viral latency. Viral genomes are continually subjected to mutations, and functionally deleterious ones can be rescued by reversion or additional mutations that restore fitness. The error prone nature of HIV-1 replication has resulted in highly diverse viral sequences, and it is not clear how viral proteins such as Tat, which plays a critical role in viral gene expression and replication, retain their complex functions. Although several important amino acid positions in Tat are conserved, we hypothesized that it may also harbor functionally important residues that may not be individually conserved yet appear as correlated pairs, whose analysis could yield new mechanistic insights into Tat function and evolution. To identify such sites, we combined mutual information analysis and experimentation to identify coevolving positions and found that residues 35 and 39 are strongly correlated. Mutation of either residue of this pair into amino acids that appear in numerous viral isolates yields a defective virus; however, simultaneous introduction of both mutations into the heterologous Tat sequence restores gene expression close to wild-type Tat. Furthermore, in contrast to most coevolving protein residues that contribute to the same function, structural modeling and biochemical studies showed that these two residues contribute to two mechanistically distinct steps in gene expression: binding P-TEFb and promoting P-TEFb phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain in RNAPII. Moreover, Tat variants that mimic HIV-1 subtypes B or C at sites 35 and 39 have evolved orthogonal strengths of P-TEFb binding versus RNAPII phosphorylation, suggesting that subtypes have evolved alternate transcriptional strategies to achieve similar gene expression levels.
Association screening of common and rare genetic variants by penalized regression

MOTIVATION This article extends our recent research on penalized estimation methods in genome-wide association studies to the realm of rare variants. RESULTS The new strategy is tested on both simulated and real data. Our findings on breast cancer data replicate previous results and shed light on variant effects within genes. AVAILABILITY Rare variant discovery by group penalized regression is now implemented in the free program Mendel at http://www.genetics. ucla.edu/software/.
Pade approximation of large-scale dynamic systems with Lanczos methods

The utility of Lanczos methods (1950) for the approximation of large-scale dynamical systems is considered. In particular, it is shown that the Lanczos method is a technique for yielding Pade approximants which has several advantages over more traditional explicit moment matching approaches. An extension of the Lanczos algorithm is developed for computing multipoint Pade approximations of descriptor systems. <<ETX>>
Database as a Service: Towards a Unified Solution for Security Requirements

Security of database outsourcing, due to the untrustworthiness of service provider, is a basic challenge to have Database As a Service in a cloud computing environment. Having disparate assumptions to solve different aspects of security such as confidentiality and integrity is an obstacle for an integrated secure solution through the combination of existing approaches. Concentrating on confidentiality and integrity aspects of database outsourcing, this paper proposes an approach in which each attribute value is split up between several data servers using a customized threshold secret sharing scheme. Our approach preserves data confidentiality and at the same time provides the correctness verifiability of query results for clients. The distribution algorithm and redundant shares in the secret sharing scheme are the basis of correctness verification for query results.
A Systematic Method for Discovering Effective Patterns of Virtual Project Management

The effective management of virtual projects within global organizations is an inherently collaborative activity as well as an increasingly critical issue. Being able to apply effective patterns of project management in such contexts has the potential to make a real difference in both theory and practice. The concept of patterns provides a useful theoretical framework by which we can study the design of effective practices for the management of virtual projects. However, a number of significant gaps exist in our knowledge of this area and one of the most important is the need for a systematic method for discovering effective patterns. We propose such a systematic method, based on well-established principles from the context of information systems development methods. We also provide a detailed example of the use of our proposed pattern discovery method from an initial case study of several virtual projects.
Measuring Factors Influencing Progression across the Stages of Readiness to Lose Weight among Overweight and Obese Adolescents

Epidemic incidence of obesity has become one of the public health priorities in disease control prevention. The study aims to determine the prevalence of readiness stages to lose weight among the overweight and obese adolescents and its influencing factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 631 adolescents of body mass index for age with z-score > 1 SD based on World Health Organization growth reference chart. The stages of readiness to lose weight were assessed using Trans-Theoretical Model. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Majority of the respondents were in the action stage (40.3%) followed by contemplation (26.5%), preparation (15.5%), maintenance (11.4%) and pre-contemplation (6.3%). Ordinal regression analysis identified significant factors influencing progression across the stages of readiness to lose weight: no junk foods sold in school canteens (p = 0.005), TV viewing time ≤2 hours (p = 0.001), high physical activity means score (p < 0.001) and family encouragement on healthy eating (p = 0.010). Majority of adolescents who were overweight and obese were at the action stage of weight reduction. Focusing on extrinsic factors help to improve the effectiveness of weight management intervention.