Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Volume Rendering and Deformation Algorithms

Volume rendering is a technique for simultaneous visualization of surfaces and inner structures of objects. However, the huge number of volume primitives (voxels) in a volume, leads to high computational cost. In this dissertation I developed two algorithms for the acceleration of volume rendering and volume deformation. The first algorithm accelerates the ray casting of volume. Previous ray casting acceleration techniques like space-leaping and early-ray-termination are only efficient when most voxels in a volume are either opaque or transparent. When many voxels are semi-transparent, the rendering time will increase considerably. Our new algorithm improves the performance of ray casting of semi-transparently mapped volumes by exploiting the opacity coherency in object space, leading to a speedup factor between 1.90 and 3.49 in rendering semi-transparent volumes. The acceleration is realized with the help of pre-computed coherency distances. We developed an efficient algorithm to encode the coherency information, which requires less than 12 seconds for data sets with about 8 million voxels. The second algorithm is for volume deformation. Unlike the traditional methods, our method incorporates the two stages of volume deformation, i.e. deformation and rendering, into a unified process. Instead to deform each voxel to generate an intermediate deformed volume, the algorithm follows inversely deformed rays to generate the desired deformation. The calculations and memory for generating the intermediate volume are thus saved. The deformation continuity is achieved by adaptive ray division which matches the amplitude of local deformation. We proposed approaches for shading and opacit adjustment which guarantee the visual plausibility of deformation results. We achieve an additional deformation speedup factor of 2.34~6.58 by incorporating early-ray-termination, space-leaping and the coherency acceleration technique in the new deformation algorithm.
Force sensorless power assist controller design of transferring assist robot

This paper proposed a force sensorless power assist control methodology for transferring assist robot, where operation force of the nurse applying to the nursing lift is estimated using a disturbance observer. In order to improve estimation performance, a position information based disturbance observer is applied, in which no differentiators are needed to calculate acceleration for the system. As for the power assist algorithm, a position control-based power assist system is applied, where position reference for the nursing lift is generated based on an impedance control method using assist force calculated by the estimated force of the nurse. The effectiveness of the proposed power assist system has been verified by experiments using a prototype of a nursing lift.
HTRA1 variants in exudative age-related macular degeneration and interactions with smoking and CFH.

PURPOSE Mapping the genes for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) had not been successful until recent genome-wide association studies revealed Tyr402His in CFH and rs11200638 in HTRA1 as AMD-related genetic variants. This study was conducted to identify other critical factors in HTRA1 that are associated with exudative AMD. METHODS The promoter, splice regions, and coding exons of HTRA1 were sequenced in 163 patients with exudative AMD and 183 sex- and age-matched control subjects. Also documented were the CFH genotype and smoking status. RESULTS Four significant SNPs were found in the promoter and the first exon of HTRA1: rs11200638 (-625G>A), rs2672598 (-487T>C), rs1049331 (102C>T, Ala34Ala), and rs2293870 (108G>T, Gly36Gly) with respective P = 1.7 x 10(-14), 3.0 x 10(-10), 3.7 x 10(-12), and 3.7 x 10(-12). Among them, rs11200638 is the most significant associated SNP with a high odds ratio (OR) of 7.6 (95% CI: 3.94-14.51). One risk haplotype block across the promoter and exon 1, ACCTT, significantly predisposes to AMD (P = 6.68 x 10(-14)). In both models, significant independent additive effects were identified with smoking and rs800292 (184G>A, Val62Ile) of CFH. Smoking and rs11200638 (HTRA1) combined caused a 15.7-fold increased risk, whereas combined rs800292 and rs11200638 caused a 23.3-fold increased risk. An extremely high population attributable risk (PAR) of 78% was also found. CONCLUSIONS A high impact of the additive effect of CFH and HTRA1 in the development of exudative AMD was shown. The HTRA1-smoking additive effect found in this study further suggests the importance of this environmental risk factor in AMD.
Delay-Tolerant Online Convex Optimization: Unified Analysis and Adaptive-Gradient Algorithms

We present a unified, black-box-style method for developing and analyzing online convex optimization (OCO) algorithms for full-information online learning in delayed-feedback environments. Our new, simplified analysis enables us to substantially improve upon previous work and to solve a number of open problems from the literature. Specifically, we develop and analyze asynchronous AdaGrad-style algorithms from the Follow-the-Regularized-Leader (FTRL) and Mirror-Descent family that, unlike previous works, can handle projections and adapt both to the gradients and the delays, without relying on either strong convexity or smoothness of the objective function, or data sparsity. Our unified framework builds on a natural reduction from delayed-feedback to standard (non-delayed) online learning. This reduction, together with recent unification results for OCO algorithms, allows us to analyze the regret of generic FTRL and Mirror-Descent algorithms in the delayed-feedback setting in a unified manner using standard proof techniques. In addition, the reduction is exact and can be used to obtain both upper and lower bounds on the regret in the delayed-feedback setting.
Object-oriented programming for robotic manipulator simulation

Using an object-oriented programming approach, ROBOOP, a robotic manipulator simulation package which is both platform and vendor independent, compares favourably against a package requiring similar coding effort. Performance tests show that with ROBOOP the class inverse dynamics of a 6-DOF robot can be computed in less than 5 ms with a Pentium 100 MHz computer.
The science of sharing and the sharing of science

Why do members of the public share some scientific findings and not others? What can scientists do to increase the chances that their findings will be shared widely among nonscientists? To address these questions, we integrate past research on the psychological drivers of interpersonal communication with a study examining the sharing of hundreds of recent scientific discoveries. Our findings offer insights into (i) how attributes of a discovery and the way it is described impact sharing, (ii) who generates discoveries that are likely to be shared, and (iii) which types of people are most likely to share scientific discoveries. The results described here, combined with a review of recent research on interpersonal communication, suggest how scientists can frame their work to increase its dissemination. They also provide insights about which audiences may be the best targets for the diffusion of scientific content.
Chiropractic curriculum mapping and congruence of the evidence for workplace interventions in work-related neck pain.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to provide a best-synthesis summary of the literature for effective workplace health promotion interventions (WHPI) for work-related mechanical neck pain (MNP) and to determine the congruence between knowledge of WHPI for work-related MNP and coverage of MNP in the chiropractic postgraduate program at Macquarie University. METHODS A literature review was undertaken to determine effective WHPI for work-related MNP. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro (from 1991 to 2016) for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The PRISMA (2009) 27-item checklist was used to critically appraise included articles. Lectures, tutorials, and assessment tasks within the chiropractic postgraduate program were mapped to the literature review findings and analyzed. RESULTS There was moderate-quality evidence for multidimensional WHPI, including aspects of mental and physical functioning, activity performance and modifications, and environmental modifications, to reduce MNP and disability in workers, particularly in the long term. Education on coverage of MNP and effective WHPI for MNP was inadequately covered although congruent with synthesis of current literature. Education on body functions and structures and personal factors were the most commonly covered components. CONCLUSION Multidimensional WHPI, focusing on physical, mental, and environmental modifications, appear to reduce self-reported MNP primarily in office workers. There is adequate congruence between the chiropractic postgraduate program at Macquarie University and the published literature on some WHPI. However, there is inadequate coverage on aspects of MNP and effective WHPI for MNP, particularly those focusing on activity and participation and environmental factors.
Martian soil component in impact glasses in a Martian meteorite

Chemical compositions of impact melt glass veins, called Lithology C (Lith C) in Martian meteorite EET79001 were determined by electron microprobe analysis. A large enrichment of S, and significant enrichments of Al, Ca, and Na were observed in Lith C glass compared to Lithology A (Lith A). The S enrichment is due to mixing of plagioclase‐enriched Lith A material with Martian soil, either prior to or during impact on Mars. A mixture of 87% Lath A, 7% plagioclase, and 6% Martian soil reproduces the average elemental abundances observed in Lith C. Shock melting of such a mixture of plagioclase‐enriched, fine‐grained Lith A host rock and Martian soil could yield large excesses of S (observed in this study) and Martian atmospheric noble gases (found by Bogard et al., 1983) in Lith C. These mixing proportions can be used to constrain the elemental abundance of phosphorus in Martian soil.
Submitted to Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN A REMOTE HIGH MOUNTAIN LAKE FOOD WEB IN THE CENTRAL PYRENEES

Brown trouts (Salmo trutta) from four European high mountain lakes (Norway, the Pyrenees, the Alps and the Tatras) were analyzed for metal and organic pollution, histopathological abnormalities and biochemical parameters. Fish from all lakes appeared well nourished with conditioning factors close to unity. Their mean age ranged from 4 to 14 years old in Gossenköllesee and Vel’ké Hincovo, respectively. Lead and cadmium concentrations were higher in fish from Vel’ké Hincovo in comparison with the other studied lakes. All fish presented similar and lower mercury levels in muscle. While organochlorine compounds concentrations are consistent with the pattern observed in the sediments and water of the lakes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liver do not correlate with what is found in the sediments. All fish presented similar PAH concentration in liver. Higher numbers of melanomacrophages and increased amounts of lipid degradation and degeneration in liver were found in trouts from Vel’ké Hincovo and Øvre Neådalsvatn. Signs of oxidative stress, such as elevated concentrations of glutathione disulphide (GSSG) and G6PDH, were also detected in specimens of these two lakes. This metabolic activation probably due to higher detoxifying activity was corroborated with previous findings of elevated number of PAH metabolites in bile of fish from these two locations.
Clinicopathologic variables predictive of residual dysplasia after cervical conization.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinicopathologic variables that are important for predicting residual dysplasia after cervical conization or the loop electroexcisional procedure. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of 80 cases was performed on patients with squamous dysplasia in the conization specimen, endocervical curettage (ECC) performed immediately after resection, margin status reported by the pathologist and adequate postprocedure follow-up. RESULTS Twelve patients had residual dysplasia. No case progressed to invasive carcinoma. A multivariate analysis was performed with presence or absence of residual dysplasia as the dependent variable and patient age, type of procedure (cold knife conization or loop excision), grade of dysplasia, margin status and ECC status as independent variables. Margin status was the strongest predictor of residual disease, followed by ECC status. Patient age had a minimal association with persistence. Of the 12 patients with residual dysplasia, 11 had a positive margin, and 8 had a positive ECC. Only 38% of patients with a positive margin had residual disease, but 67% with a positive margin and ECC had residual dysplasia. CONCLUSION Margin status and ECC are useful in predicting residual dysplasia after conization.
Alterations in submandibular and retrolingual glands following parasympathetic denervation in rats

Alterations in size and structure of submandibular and retrolingual glands of the rat produced by unilateral sectioning of the chorda tympani, or the lingual nerve, or the glandular branch which leaves the lingual and innervates both glands, are described. The glands were studied 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 days after nerve section.
Compromise or complement? Exploring the interactions between sustainable and resilient supply chain management

Supply chain management (SCM) increasingly needs to address both climate change mitigation and adaptation issues. While mitigation aims at sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of supply chains (SCs), adaptation entails improving resilience by increasing the ability to cope with climate-induced disruptions. Although sustainable SCM (SSCM) and resilient SCM (RSCM) are of increasing importance, there has been little effort to conceptually connect SSCM and RSCM. Our study explores the interconnections between both concepts by outlining theoretical elements and conducting a case study of four companies in the automotive SC based on company documents and interviews. Results show that SSCM is prioritised over RSCM. We furthermore highlight trade-offs and overlaps between the elements of SSCM and RSCM, which can be valuable for decision-makers, and introduce two enabling factors: transparency and diversity. We present a novel theoretical SCM framework that integrates both resilience and sustainability perspectives and make propositions for future research.
Common-mode resonance suppression for parallel CSC-fed high power medium voltage drives with multilevel modulation

In high power application, the parallel connected current source converters (CSC) are applied to increase the power region. This parallel connected CSC topology can lead to multilevel output current and improve the harmonic performance. However, the common-mode voltage (CMV), common-mode current (CMC) and circulating current in the parallel CSC-fed motor drive system can cause serious problems which should be taken into consideration. Moreover, the common-mode resonance is a potential problem due to the series connection of inductor and capacitor in the common-mode loop under adjustable motor speed. This paper investigates the causes of common-mode resonance in parallel CSC system compared with single CSC system thoroughly and a multilevel space-vector-modulation (SVM) based method applied in parallel CSC system is proposed to suppress the CMV and common-mode resonance. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified on a transformerless parallel connected CSC-fed motor drive system by both simulation and experiment.
Exploring the implementation of employment preparation programmes for special needs learners in five integrated secondary schools in Malaysia

Employment Preparation Programmes (EPP) are not part of the Special Education Integrated Programme (SEIP) curriculum in Malaysia, and there is no specific operational guidance provided to schools. As a result, EPPs are currently performed in a non-uniform way. This study aims to explore the implementation of EPPs, delineate the challenges faced by educators; teachers and head of department, and identify the areas of improvement needed. Semistructured of teachers and department heads interviews were carried out to elicit data from a purposive sample of fifteen EPP participants. Data was also collected about special needs learners’ activities using an observational method, in a real-life setting, over twenty observations: four observations in each of the five schools. Relevant documents; module and annual report were then be collected from the respective schools. This paper is concerned with one example of data analysis from a broader piece of ongoing research
Performance Investigation of Indoor Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater for Canadian Winter Conditions

Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater (ASHPWH) is a relatively new addition for delivering hot water at reasonable high efficiency. However, ASHPWH undergoes a considerable drop in its coefficient of performance (COP) under cold conditions and may face challenges to maintain the water temperature in the storage tank at over 55 0C. In this paper, an investigation is reported on the performance of an air source heat pump water heater (ASHPWH), recently installed for this study at the Archetype Sustainable House, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada. The experiments were performed for an extended period under controlled conditions to establish the impact of house's indoor parameters (temperature and humidity) on the performance (e.g., COP and energy savings) of these water heaters in a typical Canadian house. It was noticed that the COP varies between 1.5 and 5 for the range of indoor conditions, and the operational energy saving potential of this system is evaluated about three times than the conventional electric water heater. © 2017 Stichting HPC 2017. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the organizers of the 12th IEA Heat Pump Conference 2017.
Statistical factors involved in neuromuscular facilitation and depression

When a series of impulses arrive at the nerve-muscle junction, the end-plate potentials (e.p.p.) which they produce are not constant but vary in size, depending on the number and frequency of the stimuli. Two main types of phenomena have been observed: (a) a progressive increase of the e.p.p. (facilitation, post-tetanic potentiation) and (b) a phase of depression (Wedenski-inlilbition, junctional fatigue). The present paper is concerned with the stage of neuromuscular transmission at which facilitation and depression occur and with the question whether 'quantal' changes of e.p.p. amplitude are involved. It has been suggested that the progressive synaptic changes during repetitive stimulation are due to a variation in the output of acetylcholine (ACh) from the motor nerve endings rather than to post-synaptic events (e.g. Feng, 1941 b; Hutter, 1952; Eccles, 1953, p. 89 seq.). In view of the recent evidence indicating that ACh release occurs in discrete quanta, it is of interest to inquire whether a functional change of ACh output takes place at quantal or molecular level, involving either the number or the size of the miniature units of which the end-plate response is composed.
An Analysis of The Influence of Discipline, Motivation and Work Environment on the Employees’ Performance of Workers’ Social Security Agency, Medan Branch

This research was carried out to solve problems and to produce or to determine relevant and reliable human resources strategies to increase work enthusiasm in improving the performance of the employees of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (the Workers’ Social Security Agency), Medan Branch. The population was 51 employees, including superiors and subordinates, in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Medan Branch. The whole population was taken as the samples called census. The research used quantitative approach with survey research type. The data were collected through interviews, field observation and questionnaires obtained from the primary data source; namely, all employees in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Medan Branch. Simultaneous and partial tests were used as the data analysis method to find out whether discipline, motivation and work environment had any influence on the performances of the employees in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Medan Branch. The results of the research showed that simultaneously, discipline, motivation and work environment had positive and significant influence on the employees’ performance; partially, motivation and discipline had significant influence on their performance whereas work environment did not. Keywords: Employee’s Performance, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (Workers’ Social Security Agency)
Determinants Identification of Poverty and Human Capital of Fisherman Household

This research was conducted to see the determinants of poverty and human capital in fishermen households in Bangka and Pangkalpinang (Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia). The research was conducted in Fisherman I and Temberan Village, Air Itam and Sinarbulan. The samples were 118 fishermen, 59 households in Fisherman I and Temberan Village, Air Itam and Sinarbulan by distributing questionnaires. The research method used qualitative and quantitative with SPSS tool. The results show that poverty and human capital are defined as 15% in Fisherman Environment I and 1.4%, meaning that other variables such as human resources, fishermen lending, fishermen institutions and other variables have an enormous effect on poverty and human capital. Further research should be done to look at the pattern of households of young fishermen and households of elderly fishermen.
A single-antenna multi-carrier transmission technique for fading channels with selection and combining diversity

This paper presents a novel diversity technique for single-antenna systems in frequency-selective channels. Assuming that the channel band is divided into multiple sub-channels, symbols are transmitted on multiple frequency hopped sub-channels simultaneously. We keep the total transmission power constant. At the receiver, either selection diversity is collected by decoding the sub-channel with the largest gain, or combining diversity is collected by combining the sub-channels. Furthermore, channel diversity is obtained by coupling Complex-field Coding (CFC) with the multi-carrier selection/combining design. Theoretical analysis shows that the effect of our design is similar to that of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), but ours achieves higher data transmission rate and collects selection/combining diversity at the expense of increased implementation complexity. Extensive simulations are performed to evaluate and compare the performance between OFDM and the proposed method with different number of sub-channels and decoding methods. Numerical results validate the theoretical analysis.
Discriminative named entity recognition of speech data using speech recognition confidence

This paper presents a method for the named entity recognition (NER) of speech data that uses automatic speech recognition (ASR) conﬁdence as a feature that indicates whether each word is correctly recognized. An NER model is trained using ASR re-sults with named entity (NE) labels to include an ASR conﬁdence feature as well as corresponding transcriptions with NE labels. Experiments using support vector machines (SVMs) and speech data from Japanese newspaper articles show that the proposed method achieves higher F-measure in NER than a simple application of text-based NER to ASR results.