Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SONDe, Self-Organizing Replica Placement in Large-Scale Dynamic Systems

Initially introduced in the context of file sharing systems, the peer to peer communication paradigm goes far beyond and may be applied to a wide spectrum of distributed applications. The scalability of peer to peer applications relies both on an even distribution of the load between peers and the ability to react to system dynamics. In this paper, we present the design, analysis, and evaluation of SONDe, a simple fully decentralized replica placement algorithm. Given an object (service or data), SONDe provides a peer with a constant upper bound on the number of logical hops to access a replica holder (provider), thus making tunable and predictable the communication latency between a peer and any replica (if used with logical-physical layer mapping algorithms). In addition, SONDe is able to adapt the number of replicas dynamically to reflect load variations in localized portions of the system. Each peer decides individually whether it holds a replica, based on the observation of its local neighborhood. We show theoretically that SONDe converges and provides an independent-dominating set of providers. Finally simulation results, conducted over different network topologies, demonstrate the efficiency of the approach.
Capturing Non-Periodic Omnistereo Motion

An omnistereo pair of images enables depth perception all around the observer. Because omnistereo lenses or mirrors do not yet exist, capturing an omnistereo video would require using several stereo cameras at different baseline orientations. This paper presents a multi-take capture method for creating high-resolution omnistereo videos at an affordable cost: only two standard cameras and a tripod are required. The method combines multiple stereo takes, where each take follows some action within the field of view, an actor for instance. Internal camera parameters are first calibrated by capturing a static omnistereo background. Each frame of each take is then pasted on the background at a position estimated by feature tracking. The paper provides a detailed description of the steps of the method. It also provides an analysis of parallax which results from the off-axis camera rotation. Parameters for the method are chosen to minimize artifacts that arise from this parallax. The method is intended to be applied in a relatively controlled space like a movie set, where the action in each take is within the field of view of the cameras.
Interactive volume rendering using multi-dimensional transfer functions and direct manipulation widgets

Most direct volume renderings produced today employ one-dimensional transfer functions, which assign color and opacity to the volume based solely on the single scalar quantity which comprises the dataset. Though they have not received widespread attention, multi-dimensional transfer functions are a very effective way to extract specific material boundaries and convey subtle surface properties. However, identifying good transfer functions is difficult enough in one dimension, let alone two or three dimensions. This paper demonstrates an important class of three-dimensional transfer functions for scalar data (based on data value, gradient magnitude, and a second directional derivative), and describes a set of direct manipulation widgets which make specifying such transfer functions intuitive and convenient. We also describe how to use modem graphics hardware to interactively render with multi-dimensional transfer functions. The transfer functions, widgets, and hardware combine to form a powerful system for interactive volume exploration.
HPMRSVP-TE: A Hierarchical Proxy Mobile Resource reSerVation Protocol for Traffic Engineering

This paper proposes a resource reservation protocol to provide real-time services to mobile users. It is designed to support an integrated services network that maps the MPLS fields into IPv6's in order to simplify the protocol stack. The IPv6 Flow Label field is used to carry the MPLS label but its original value is restored at the egress node in order to keep this mechanism transparent from the user's point of view. Preliminary results show that the delays incurred to perform basic operations are low compared to an end-to-end reservation protocol. At last, limiting resource reservations to the access networks improves the scalability of the solution by reducing the number of managed states in the core routers.
Coronavirus Spike Protein Inhibits Host Cell Translation by Interaction with eIF3f

In response to viral infection, the expression of numerous host genes, including predominantly a number of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, is usually up-regulated at both transcriptional and translational levels. It was noted that in cells infected with coronavirus, transcription and translation of some of these genes were differentially induced. Drastic induction of their expression at the transcriptional level was observed in cells infected with coronavirus. However, induction of the same genes at the translational level was usually found to be minimal to moderate. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, yeast two-hybrid screen was carried out using SARS-CoV proteins as baits, revealing that a subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3), eIF3f, may interact with the N-terminal region of the SARS-CoV spike (S) protein. This interaction was subsequently confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent staining. Meanwhile, parallel experiments confirmed that eIF3f could also interact with the S protein of another coronavirus, the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). These interactions led to the inhibition of translation of a reporter gene in both in vitro expression system and intact cells. Interestingly, IBV-infected cells stably expressing a Flag-tagged eIF3f showed much higher translation of IL-6 and IL-8, suggesting that the interaction between coronavirus S protein and eIF3f plays a functional role in controlling the expression of host genes, especially genes that are induced during coronavirus infection cycles. This study reveals a novel mechanism exploited by coronavirus to regulate viral pathogenesis.
Rotation, scale and translation invariant digital image watermarking

A digital watermark is an invisible mark embedded in a digital image which may be used for copyright protection. This paper proposes that Fourier-Mellin transform-based invariants can be used for digital image watermarking. The embedded marks may be designed to be unaffected by any combination of rotation, scale and translation transformations. The original image is not required for extracting the embedded mark.
Modeling Lexical Acquisition Through Networks

We examine the nature of phonological and semantic similarity in early language learning. We consider how the use of this information might change over the course of development. To this end, we represent the lexicon as either a phonological or semantic network and model the growth of this network. Constructing normative vocabularies from the Communicative Development Inventory norms, we utilize a preferential attachment growth algorithm. We predict and quantify the words which will be learned next, comparing the two network representations. We consider the effect of age, total vocabulary size and language ability as measured through CDI percentile. Our findings suggest that the semantic representation does not outperform the baseline bag-of-words model, whereas the phonological representation conditionally does. More generally, we show that the network representation influences the ability of a model to capture vocabulary growth. We further offer a method of analysis for testing representational assumptions in network models.
Defocus blur radius classification using random forest classifier

Image blurring is an issue leading to degradation of image and thereby loss of information. An image is blurred due to motion between the camera or sensor and the object, defocusing of the lens, atmospheric turbulence, etc. Images can be restored if information about the original image or the blur is known. Degradation due defocus blur is considered in this paper. The estimation of defocus blur radius is treated as a classification problem here. A technique to classify the blur radius using random forest classifier is proposed in this paper. Third and fourth statistical moments, calculated on the spectrum of the blurred image are used as features for classification in the proposed method. The proposed technique is applied on images from the USC-SIPI Image database. The experiment results display defocus radius classification accuracy of 94.37%. The selection of skewness and kurtosis as handcrafted features for the defocused blur image and usage of random forest classifier for defocus radius classification has been approached for the first time in such problem. The choice of features adds to the novelty and efficiency of this approach.
A non-invasive isotope dilution technique for quantifying hepatic blood flow using radiolabelled red blood cells

Clinically significant changes in hepatic haemodynamics accompany the development of portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastases and liver cirrhoses, and after major liver resection. Hepatic blood flow parameters, such as hepatic arterial flow (HAF), hepatic portal flow (HPF), total hepatic blood flow (THBF) and hepatic perfusion index (HPI), are useful adjuncts to the diagnosis of liver pathology, the evaluation of disease progress and prognostication. Here, we describe a non-invasive method that combines the measurement of these parameters in a single study in real time. Red blood cells from eight pigs were labelled with 99Tcm using an in-vitro method and re-injected into the pigs. Data acquisition over the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys was started immediately and a blood sample was obtained 15 min post-injection. Hepatic arterial flow was determined from the ratio of the maximum gradients between the integrated time-activity curve of the left ventricle and the first-pass time-activity curve of the liver before the peak of the kidneys time-activity curve. The hepatic perfusion index was determined by comparing the slope of the liver time-activity curve before and after the kidney peak. Hepatic portal flow was determined from the hepatic arterial flow and the hepatic perfusion index, and total hepatic blood flow was determined as the sum of arterial and portal flow. The results were compared against those obtained from a clearance method using 99Tcm-DISIDA. The average hepatic perfusion index was 0.38, and the average hepatic arterial flow and hepatic portal flow were 168.3±52.9 and 274.6±60.1 ml·min−1 respectively. The average total hepatic blood flow was 442.8±53.5 ml·min−1, while the total hepatic flow determined by 99Tcm-DISIDA clearance was 419.7±62.6 ml·min−1. No significant difference in total hepatic blood flow was found between the two methods. The results of this study show that it is possible to obtain all hepatic haemodynamics data in a single study using a non-invasive method.
Psychological evaluation for appearance of swinging robot - via SD and biosignal method approach

This paper investigates how the human feels the moving behavior of the omnidirectional mobile robot that follows the human while the robot swingingly moves around the human. To realize the swinging motion, the modified virtual impedance method is implemented on the controller for moving behavior of the robot. The psychological evaluations are examined for the impression of the moving behavior. In the evaluation, the SD (semantic differential) method and the RRV (R-R wave variance) method using the electrocardiogram (ECG) as biosignal are employed. It is revealed that the moving behavior makes a certain impression on human. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the RRV method is available in the real time evaluation.
Preparation of Ultrafine Polyethylene-Silica Composite Particle with Core-Shell Structure

A novel ultrafine polyethylene/silica composite particle with core-shell structure was prepared by the sol-gel method in the presence of the melt polyethylene emulsion. A series of samples with different polyethylene content were prepared to investigate the unique characteristics of this original composite particle. The core-shell structure and composition of the composite particle was proved by the transmission electron microscopy observation and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The composite particles possess a spherical morphology and the mean size is about 160nm, presented by the scanning electronic microscope observation and nanoparticle tracking analysis, respectively.
Optimization of the stress distribution in ceramic femoral heads by means of finite element methods

Abstract Ceramic ball heads for total hip replacement are highly loaded in vivo and must meet the sternest requirements concerning strength and safety. High stresses inside the ball head originate from the press fit between the conical stem (made of titanium alloy or steel) and the borehole of the ball. The aim of this study was the development of an optimized contour at the fillet inside the ball head by means of numerical methods, in order to reduce local stress concentrations. The computer-aided optimization method was applied on the customary engineering fillet radius to reduce local stress peaks. The local notch stress of the examined ball head design was reduced by up to 27 per cent for the relevant load cases. Verification by rupture testing of prototypes turned out to be difficult for axisymmetric load cases, since the static fracture load is governed by the hoop stresses in the contact area of the taper (global maximum), thus making it difficult to prove a local improvement. The sensitivity of the design to asymmetric loading was clearly shown (varying the load angle and bearing type). Stress relocation in the ball—stem interface at higher burst loads indicated the necessity of optimizing each ceramic femoral head design individually (i.e. for different borehole depths).
Aspergillus fumigatus Antigen Detection in Sera from Patients at Risk for Invasive Aspergillosis

ABSTRACT We have developed an inhibition enzyme immunoassay (inhibition-EIA) to monitor for the occurrence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in sera from 45 immunocompromised (IC) patients. The test uses rabbit polyclonal antibodies and a mixture of components fromAspergillus fumigatus, containing three predominant antigens with molecular weights of 18,000, 33,000, and 56,000. Circulating antigens were found in five of seven proven cases of IA due to A. fumigatus. In two of the five positive cases, antigenemia was detected with inhibition-EIA earlier than with X ray or other biological methods. No antigens were detected in the sera from two patients with proven IA due to Aspergillus flavus andAspergillus terreus nor in the sera from four patients with probable IA. Circulating antigens were not detected in the control group, composed of 30 healthy adult blood donors. Four of the 32 at-risk patients examined, though they displayed no definite evidence of IA, gave a positive result in this test. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of inhibition-EIA were 71.4, 94.4, and 71.2%, respectively. The data were compared with those obtained by a latex agglutination assay of galactomannan (GM) that was positive in only one patient with probable IA. The higher sensitivity obtained by inhibition-EIA may well be due to its ability to detect circulating antigens other than GM in the sera of IC patients with IA. Detecting these antigens may improve the diagnosis of IA, as they may serve as markers of this infection.
Asian women in Australian soap operas: Questioning idealized hybrid representation

Representations of Asian women in Australian soap operas and television dramas contribute to debate about the incorporation of ‘ethnic’ identities within multicultural Australia. As an alternative concept for analyzing representation, notions of hybridity as the mixing of cultural and racial identity have come into prominence. Hybridity is a complex concept and is not simply a progressive means of representing Asian women. Key criticisms of the hybridity theory are that it promotes a happy, safe and simplified vision of multicultural harmony, or that it leads to violence and alienation. In this paper, hybridity is further divided into bounded culture and translocal culture categories which together cover the range of meanings invoked in discussions on representation. The complex nature of hybridity then illustrated by an analysis of two television dramas with Asian women characters, Heartbreak High and Bondi Banquet. The analyses of these characters show that the contradictory elements of melodrama and realism are limiting and can still have the effect of representing Asian women as controversial figures within a multicultural Australian identity.
New results of study on generating multiple-scroll chaotic attractors

We present a new method for generating multiple-scroll attractors. By constructing a piece-wise-linear odd function as the driving-point characteristic of Chua’s diode with multiple breakpoints, and finding a recurrence formula for determining equilibrium point voltages and breakpoint voltages, we can calculate the voltages of all the equilibrium points and breakpoints, and the multiple-scroll chaotic attractors can be obtained. This method is based on Shil’nikov theorem and the cell model of chaotic attractors. The theoretical calculations are in good agreement with computer simulations and hardware experimental results. Compared with the results reported by Suykens, our method has some advantages that much more scrolls can be obtained, the scrolls are uniform in size, and a general recurrence formula for generating attractors with any number of scrolls is given. Furthermore, the observation of attractors with a maximum of 11–21 uniform scrolls obtained by hardware experiment and computer simulation, respectively, is reported for the first time.
Temperature sensing inside Thermal Barrier Coatings using phosphor thermometry

By introducing a few percent of rare earth oxides into existing Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) materials, their functionality can be enhanced. The low fraction of the rare earth means the primary function of the coating as a thermal barrier can be maintained. However, it provides additional sensing capabilities. Embedded in the crystal, the rare earth ions act as optical centres making the material phosphorescent. The properties of the phosphorescence depend on temperature, among other parameters, such that the functional coating can be used to conduct phosphor thermometry. Accordingly, the temperature of the coating can be measured by exciting and detecting the phosphorescence from the coating. This technique has been under investigation for many years, although was only recently demonstrated on an operating gas turbine engine. Implementation of a phosphorescent measurement system was carried out in a Rolls-Royce jet engine using dysprosium doped yttrium stabilised zirconia as a sensor. During this implementation, a thermal gradient across the ceramic coating of some components of the engine existed due to cooling effects. This paper complements the previous work by investigating the effect on the temperature measurements accuracy of this thermal gradient.
Physiological analyses indicate superoxide dismutase, catalase, and phytochelatins play important roles in Pb tolerance in Eremochloa ophiuroides

ABSTRACT Phytoremediation is considered to be a promising approach to restore or stabilize soil contaminated by lead (Pb). Turfgrasses, due to their high biomass yields, are considered to be suitable for use in phytoextraction of soil contaminated with heavy metal. It has been demonstrated that centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack. , Poaceae) is a good turfgrass for restore of soil contaminated by Pb. However, the enhanced tolerant mechanisms in metallicolous (M) centipedegrass accessions remain unknown. In this study, we made a comparative study of growth performance, Pb accumulation, antioxidant levels, and phytochelatin concentrations in roots and shoots from M and nonmetallicolous (NM) centipedegrass accessions. Results showed that turf quality and growth rate were less repressed in M accessions than in NM accession. Pb stress caused generation of reactive oxygen species in centipedegrass with relatively lower levels in M accessions. Antioxidant activity analysis indicated that superoxide dismutase and catalase played important roles in Pb tolerance in M accessions. M accessions accumulated more Pb in roots and shoots. Greatly increased phytochelatins and less repressed sulfur contents in roots and shoots of M accessions indicated that they correlated with Pb accumulation and tolerance in centipedegrass.
Biologically Plausible, Human-scale Knowledge Representation

Several approaches to implementing symbol-like representations in neurally plausible models have been proposed. These approaches include binding through synchrony (Shastri & Ajjanagadde, ), "mesh" binding (van der Velde & de Kamps, ), and conjunctive binding (Smolensky, ). Recent theoretical work has suggested that most of these methods will not scale well, that is, that they cannot encode structured representations using any of the tens of thousands of terms in the adult lexicon without making implausible resource assumptions. Here, we empirically demonstrate that the biologically plausible structured representations employed in the Semantic Pointer Architecture (SPA) approach to modeling cognition (Eliasmith, ) do scale appropriately. Specifically, we construct a spiking neural network of about 2.5 million neurons that employs semantic pointers to successfully encode and decode the main lexical relations in WordNet, which has over 100,000 terms. In addition, we show that the same representations can be employed to construct recursively structured sentences consisting of arbitrary WordNet concepts, while preserving the original lexical structure. We argue that these results suggest that semantic pointers are uniquely well-suited to providing a biologically plausible account of the structured representations that underwrite human cognition.
Flow equations for non-BPS extremal black holes

We exploit some common features of black hole and domain wall solutions of (super)gravity theories coupled to scalar fields and construct a class of stable extremal black holes that are non-BPS, but still can be described by first-order differential equations. These are driven by a ``superpotential'', which replaces the central charge in the usual black hole potential. We provide a general procedure for finding this class and deriving the associated ``superpotential''. We also identify some other cases which do not belong to this class, but show a similar behaviour.
Computing parallel-jaw grips

We propose a new model for gripping parts with an industrial parallel-jaw gripper. In contrast to many previous models, we use two grip points and define candidate grips that are resistant to slipping and torque about the part's center of mass. These grips must also be accessible and robust to perturbations in part position. We give an O(n/sup 3/) algorithm for computing and ranking O(n/sup 2/) such grips on an n-sided polygonal slice through the part. The algorithm will be part of a design and simulation system that can rapidly provide feedback to designers; thus it must run quickly and reliably. We have also implemented the algorithm in a Java applet with a graphical user interface that allows Internet users to define a part; the applet computes, ranks, and displays the set of computed grips.