Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stereo matching using a modified efficient belief propagation in a level set framework

Stereo matching determines correspondence between pixels in two or more images of the same scene taken from different angles; this can be handled either locally or globally. The two most common global approaches are belief propagation (BP) and graph cuts. Efficient belief propagation (EBP), which is the most widely used BP approach, uses a multi-scale message passing strategy, an O(k) smoothness cost algorithm, and a bipartite message passing strategy to speed up the convergence of the standard BP approach. As in standard belief propagation, every pixel sends messages to and receives messages from its four neighboring pixels in EBP. Each outgoing message is the sum of the data cost, incoming messages from all the neighbors except the intended receiver, and the smoothness cost. Upon convergence, the location of the minimum of the final belief vector is defined as the current pixel’s disparity. The present effort makes three main contributions: (a) it incorporates level set concepts, (b) it develops a modified data cost to encourage matching of intervals, (c) it adjusts the location of the minimum of outgoing messages for select pixels that is consistent with the level set method. When comparing the results of the current work with that of standard EBP [11], the disparity results are very similar, as they should be.
Opérateurs Arithmétiques Parallèles pour la Cryptographie Asymétrique

Les protocoles de cryptographie asymetrique necessitent des calculs arithmetiques dans differentes structures mathematiques. Un grand nombre de ces protocoles requierent en particulier des calculs dans des structures finies, rendant indispensable une arithmetique modulaire efficace. Ces operations modulaires sont composees d'operations multiprecision entre operandes de tailles suffisamment grandes pour garantir le niveau de securite requis (de plusieurs centaines a plusieurs milliers de bits). Enfin, certains protocoles necessitent des operations arithmetiques dans le groupe des points d'une courbe elliptique, operations elles-memes composees d'operations dans le corps de definition de la courbe. Les tailles de cles utilisees par les protocoles rendent ainsi les operations arithmetiques couteuses en temps de calcul. Par ailleurs, les architectures grand public actuelles embarquent plusieurs unites de calcul, reparties sur les processeurs et eventuellement sur les cartes graphiques. Ces ressources sont aujourd'hui facilement exploitables grâce a des interfaces de programmation parallele comme OpenMP ou CUDA. Cette these s'articule autour de la definition d'operateurs arithmetiques paralleles permettant de tirer parti de l'ensemble des ressources de calcul, en particulier sur des architectures multicœur a memoire partagee. La parallelisation au niveau arithmetique le plus bas permet des gains moderes en termes temps de calcul, car les tailles des operandes ne sont pas suffisamment importantes pour que l'intensite arithmetique des calculs masque les latences dues au parallelisme. Nous proposons donc des algorithmes permettant une parallelisation aux niveaux arithmetiques superieurs : algorithmes paralleles pour la multiplication modulaire et pour la multiplication scalaire sur les courbes elliptiques. Pour la multiplication modulaire, nous etudions en particulier plusieurs ordonnancements des calculs au niveau de l'arithmetique modulaire et proposons egalement une parallelisation a deux niveaux : modulaire et multiprecision. Ce parallelisme a plus gros grain permet en pratique des gains plus consequents en temps de calcul. Nous proposons egalement une parallelisation sur processeur graphique d'operations modulaires et d'operations dans le groupe des points d'une courbe elliptique. Enfin, nous presentons une methode pour optimiser la multiplication scalaire sur les courbes elliptiques pour de petits scalaires.
Blockchain Framework for Certification of Organic Agriculture Production

Organic production, as a sustainable food production system, is designed to implement all agroecological principles that enable the preservation of human and animal health, environmental protection, and positive impact on society and the ecosystem while achieving significant economic benefits. Demand for organic food products is constantly growing, and the land area under organic production is continuously increasing. The problem in this sector is that producers of organic products face many administrative and systemic obstacles that prevent the faster development of this sector. On the other hand, consumers do not have complete confidence in the current mechanisms of control of organic production, so in the sale on the food markets and in the rest of the market, fake and unverified organic products can be found. Based on sensor data from the production field, this paper presents the SAFE platform as a solution for the described problem. The data necessary for producers to carry out the certification process are harmonized with the current legislation for organic food production. The SAFE platform uses blockchain technology to secure data consistency and history since it makes it impossible to change data history. The results of a survey about the SAFE platform are presented. The proposed solution stimulates the development and improvement of agricultural production by organic production methods, accompanied by increasing capacity in organic production.
Structure of lactate oxidase from Enterococcus hirae revealed new aspects of active site loop function: Product‐inhibition mechanism and oxygen gatekeeper

l‐Lactate oxidase (LOx) is a flavin mononucleotide (FMN)‐dependent triose phosphate isomerase (TIM) barrel fold enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of l‐lactate using oxygen as a primary electron acceptor. Although reductive half‐reaction mechanism of LOx has been studied by structure‐based kinetic studies, oxidative half‐reaction and substrate/product‐inhibition mechanisms were yet to be elucidated. In this study, the structure and enzymatic properties of wild‐type and mutant LOxs from Enterococcus hirae (EhLOx) were investigated. EhLOx structure showed the common TIM‐barrel fold with flexible loop region. Noteworthy observations were that the EhLOx crystal structures prepared by co‐crystallization with product, pyruvate, revealed the complex structures with “d‐lactate form ligand,” which was covalently bonded with a Tyr211 side chain. This observation provided direct evidence to suggest the product‐inhibition mode of EhLOx. Moreover, this structure also revealed a flip motion of Met207 side chain, which is located on the flexible loop region as well as Tyr211. Through a saturation mutagenesis study of Met207, one of the mutants Met207Leu showed the drastically decreased oxidase activity but maintained dye‐mediated dehydrogenase activity. The structure analysis of EhLOx Met207Leu revealed the absence of flipping in the vicinity of FMN, unlike the wild‐type Met207 side chain. Together with the simulation of the oxygen‐accessible channel prediction, Met207 may play as an oxygen gatekeeper residue, which contributes oxygen uptake from external enzyme to FMN. Three clades of LOxs are proposed based on the difference of the Met207 position and they have different oxygen migration pathway from external enzyme to active center FMN.
Approximate formulas for ion and electron transport coefficients in crossed electric and magnetic fields

Momentum-transfer theory is used to derive approximate expressions for transport properties of electrons and ions in a gas in crossed electric and magnetic fields. Included in the formal discussion are the generalised Einstein relations, negative differential conductivity, Tonks' theorem and the equivalent reduced electric field concept. Specific topics dealt with include the ratio D II / D1. for electrons, which 'flips over' as the magnetic field is increased, the enhancement of negative differential conductivity through increased BIN, and a discussion of anisotropic scattering.
Don't waste that free lettuce! Impact of BOGOF promotions on retail profit and food waste

Buy‐one‐get‐one‐free (BOGOF), a ubiquitous sales promotion scheme by which consumers get two items for the price of one, encourages consumers to buy and waste food. An alternative promotional scheme is one where consumers receive a coupon for a second item available for free at a later time. Our work is motivated by British supermarkets which, facing criticism from lawmakers for running BOGOF promotions on perishables, started a “BOGOF Later” campaign with the claim that it would reduce the amount of waste. Food waste is indeed a very pressing issue, which has not yet been explored in connection to sales promotions. We compare the impact of these promotion schemes on a retailer's profit as well as on the amount of product wasted at the retail and household levels. We consider two possible applications: unexpected high inventory of a fresh product with a short shelflife and excess leftover inventory for an item at the end of its season or product life. We propose a two‐period newsvendor model which captures the sales‐boosting effect of promotions, the postpromotion sales drop due to satiation, the coupon‐redemption behavior, and the increased consumer wastage rate from BOGOF promotions. We obtain analytical comparisons of order quantity, profit, and waste across the different promotion schemes and use numerical experiments to generate further insights. We find that, in general, BOGOF promotions are profitable ways to liquidate inventory. In many instances, the increase in waste at the consumers' homes is offset by the decrease in waste at the retail store. As a result, BOGOF promotions often constitute “win‐win propositions” by simultaneously increasing the retailer's profit and decreasing total waste. Overall, our results paint a more favorable picture of the BOGOF promotion scheme than commonly perceived and suggest that its environmental criticism emanates from a too narrow and too consumer‐centric view of the waste problem.
Sensors Based on the Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors for Chemical and Biological Analyses

Nano biochemical sensors play an important role in detecting the biomarkers related to human diseases, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have become an important factor in promoting the vigorous development of this field due to their special structure and excellent electronic properties. This paper focuses on applying carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNT-FET) biochemical sensors to detect biomarkers. Firstly, the preparation method, physical and electronic properties and functional modification of CNTs are introduced. Then, the configuration and sensing mechanism of CNT-FETs are introduced. Finally, the latest progress in detecting nucleic acids, proteins, cells, gases and ions based on CNT-FET sensors is summarized.
Inhibitory potentials of phytocompounds from Ocimum gratissimum against anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins associated with cancer: an integrated computational study

ABSTRACT The anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family is intrinsically involved in regulating apoptosis. Over expression of these proteins is associated with cancer. Thus, inhibitors of these proteins will enhance the development of anti-apoptotic drugs. Herein, previously reported 103 Ocimum gratissimum derived phytochemicals were screened against five anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins (BCL-2, MCL-1, BCL-B BCL-XL and BFL-1) to identify potential inhibitors of multiple anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, using static and dynamic docking simulations, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, clustering and Absorption-Distribution-Metabolism-Excretion-Toxicity (ADMET) filtering analysis. Based on the minimal binding energy and a comparative reference inhibitors binding mode analysis, five lead phytochemicals (FLP) (ursolic acid, beta-sitosterol, luteolin, basilimoside and apigenin 7,4’,dimethyl ether) were identified. Ursolic acid, β-sitosterol and luteolin exhibited higher binding tendencies to the BH3 binding groove of multiple targets. Ursolic acid-Bcl-2 and luteolin-BCL-XL, complexes demonstrated structural stability in the simulated MD environment. Also, the FLP demonstrated favorable ADMET properties. Evidences from previously reported antiproliferative activities of ursolic acid, β-sitosterol and luteolin and results from this study suggest that the anti-proliferative activity of O. gratissimum may be as a result of the synergistic activities of, at least, the FLP. They are recommended for further study as natural-inhibitors against cancers defined by over expression of Bcl-2 family protein.
Optimisation of the search for MSSM Higgs Bosons in the decay channel $A/H/h \rightarrow \tau^+\tau^- \rightarrow \mu + \tau_{had} + \nu_\mu + 2 \nu_\tau$ with the ATLAS detector

The optimisation of the search for the neutral MSSM Higgs bosons in the decay channel A/H/h → τ+τ− → μ + τhad + νμ + 2ντ with the ATLAS detector is presented. The ATLAS data of the data taking period in 2011 at √ s = 7TeV with an overall integrated luminosity of Lint = 4.7 fb−1 is used. For the optimisation, multivariate methods such as Boosted Decision Trees and Likelihood Estimators were trained against two of the major backgrounds in this decay channel, the W+jets background and the QCD background. The training was carried out separately for both backgrounds using a potential signal at mA = 120GeV and tanβ = 20 within the mmax h benchmark scenario. The Boosted Decision Trees were found to give the best performance in both cases. An overall background rejection of 57.9% was achieved and the s √ b significance for the given working point was improved by 8.1% to 4.36.
Study on mechanical properties of wind turbine blades with bend-twist coupling effect

Bend-twist coupling (BTC), a method of passive load alleviation for turbine blade, has a significant influence on blade mechanical properties. The coupling behavior between bending and twisting motions stems from the material anisotropy in blade laminate or from the unique blade geometry such as sweep, deflection, and pre-bending. The material-based approach is employed in this research to determine influence regularity of BTC design on blade mechanical properties. To begin with, the blade property analysis tool PreComp that integrates a shear flow method with the classical laminate theory is adopted to compute the cross-sectional stiffnesses of the blades with different degree of BTC effect. Next, the bend-twist coupling coefficients for the BTC blades with different fiber orientation are calculated. Finally, the remaining mechanical properties including static performance, modal characteristics and buckling limits for different BTC blades are determined by the finite element method and the influence of changes in the degree of BTC effect on all these mechanical properties is further evaluated. The results show that the BTC effect markedly influences the different mechanical properties of the blade in different patterns. The 20° BTC blade has the highest BTC coefficient and the edgewise BTC coefficient at 100 m is 2.5 times higher than the flapwise BTC coefficient, while the maximum value of the torsional modal frequency of 3.8429 Hz and the greatest critical buckling load of 4328.1 kN corresponds to the 10° BTC blade and the 15° BTC blade respectively.
Effects of Cigarette Smoke Exposure on the Gut Microbiota and Liver Transcriptome in Mice Reveal Gut–Liver Interactions

Cigarette smoke exposure has a harmful impact on health and increases the risk of disease. However, studies on cigarette-smoke-induced adverse effects from the perspective of the gut–liver axis are lacking. In this study, we evaluated the adverse effects of cigarette smoke exposure on mice through physiological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses and explored cigarette-smoke-induced gut microbiota imbalance and changes in liver gene expression through a multiomics analysis. We demonstrated that cigarette smoke exposure caused abnormal physiological indices (including reduced body weight, blood lipids, and food intake) in mice, which also triggered liver injury and induced disorders of the gut microbiota and liver transcriptome (especially lipid metabolism). A significant correlation between intestinal bacterial abundance and the expression of lipid-metabolism-related genes was detected, suggesting the coordinated regulation of lipid metabolism by gut microbiota and liver metabolism. Specifically, Salmonella (harmful bacterium) was negatively and positively correlated with up- (such as Acsl3 and Me1) and downregulated genes (such as Angptl4, Cyp4a12a, and Plin5) involved in lipid metabolism, while Ligilactobacillus (beneficial bacterium) showed opposite trends with these genes. Our results clarified the key role of gut microbiota in liver damage and metabolism and improved the understanding of gut–liver interactions caused by cigarette smoke exposure.
Development of a Highly Efficient Shoot Organogenesis System for an Ornamental Aeschynanthus pulcher (Blume) G. Don Using Leaves as Explants

Aeschynanthus pulcher (Blume) G. Don, the “lipstick plant” is a prized ornamental plant with distinctive flowers. Here, we introduce a novel in vitro regeneration method for A. pulcher using leaf explants and an optimized combination of phytohormone plant growth regulators (PGRs). The optimal conditions for shoot regeneration included 1 mg L−1 polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) plus 3 mg L−1 thidiazuron (TDZ), inducing a response rate of 82.4% and a shoot/explant ratio of 38.6. When the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium contained indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) alone, leaves first differentiated into adventitious roots and then adventitious shoots. Leaves cultured on MS medium containing 1 g L−1 PVP, 3 mg L−1 TDZ, 5 mg L−1 casein, and 0.1 mg L−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for 30 d exhibited the highest embryogenic callus (EC) induction rate (95.6%). The optimal shoot proliferation coefficient (21.5) was obtained when shoots derived from EC were cultured on the same medium as that used for EC induction for 5 weeks. The most effective medium for rooting of elongated shoots was MS medium containing 1 g L−1 PVP, 5 mg L−1 casein, 3 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA), and 0.1 mg L−1 NAA, and the number of roots reached 18.8. The regenerated plants grown in a greenhouse had 100% survival following one week of hardening. Overall, our effective and efficient propagation method should result in shortened culture periods and reduced production costs, allowing for the future selective breeding and genetic improvement of A. pulcher.
Is the RBI's Exchange Rate Intervention Effective?

This paper explores the effectiveness of foreign exchange intervention policy of Reserve Bank of India's during the market based exchange rate system over period 1993–2006. Existing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of intervention in Indian context is mixed: studies using data from the January 1996 suggest that Central Banks intervention operations reduces volatility in the market but some other empirical studies indicate that RBI's intervention is not effective in influencing the exchange rate. In this Paper, the stylized observations on the intervention indicate towards preference asymmetry in intervention. The OLS and TSLS estimates of reaction function confinn that RBI's intervention policy is effective and can be characterize by an asymmetric policy reaction function. This asymmetry in intervention implies that RBI's response is more forceful to appreciating rupee than depreciating rupee. Such asymmetry in intervention attribute to the fear of export loss due to the appreciation of rupee.
H-Infinity Artificial Bee Colony to Dampen Sideslip and Bankroll Disturbances of Boeing 747-100 Lateral Movement

The H-infinity method is used to augment the lateral stability of Boeing 747-100 flight at Mach numbers and altitudes of (0.2, sea-level), (0.5, 6096 m), and (0.9, 12192 m). The aim is to attenuate the lateral-directional states’ perturbations coupling with the aileron and rudder. The method is synthesized with the artificial bee colony algorithm to ensure a robust quadratic performance under moderate sideslip and bankroll disturbances based on the mixed H-infinity sensitivity criteria. Such an optimizer effectively weighs the design gain matrices for at least a degree of freedom higher than without it. Stable eigenvalues and steady-state responses are reached for the step states. The controller appropriately tracks reference side velocity, roll rate and yaw rate and effectively compensates for sideslip and bankroll disturbances. Despite the transient peaks for the roll and yaw rates, level convergences are obtained for the other states. Dutch roll mode meets flying qualities of airworthiness requirements, whereas roll and spiral modes slightly diverge nearby the landing conditions. The H-infinity and artificial bee colony synthesis were well performed for bankroll and sideslip references of small to moderate perturbations. A high-fidelity optimizer may be considered for a severe level of disturbance and transitory behaviour.
Facilitating Development of Problem-Solving Skills in Veterinary Learners with Clinical Examples

Simple Summary This review seeks to open discussion on the teaching of problem-solving skills in veterinary learners. Before a veterinary learn-er can solve a problem, they need to be able to recognize the problem. Then, information is gathered and economically viable solutions determined. To make problem-solving easier, we suggest a process with 5 elements: (1) define the problem list; (2) create an associated timeline; (3) describe the (anatomical) system involved or the pathophysiological principle applicable to the case; (4) propose management for the case; and (5) identify unique features of the case. In order to put the above into context, we end the review with an example case scenario showing the approach of teaching of problem-solving. Abstract This paper seeks to open discussion on the teaching of problem-solving skills in veterinary learners. We start by defining the term problem before discussing what constitutes problem-solving. For veterinary medical learners, problem-solving techniques are similar to those of decision-making and are integral to clinical reasoning. Problem-solving requires the veterinary learner to organize information logically to allow application of prior or new knowledge in arriving at a solution. The decision-making must encompass choices that provide the most beneficial and economical approach. In a modification of an existing protocol, we suggest the inclusion of the 5 elements: (1) define the problem list; (2) create an associated timeline; (3) describe the (anatomical) system involved or the pathophysiological principle applicable to the case; (4) propose management for the case; and (5) identify unique features of the case. During problem-solving activities, the instructor should take the role of facilitator rather than teacher. Skills utilized in the facilitation of problem-solving by learners include coaching, differential reinforcement, effective feedback, modelling and ‘think out loud’. Effective feedback must inform learners of their progress and performance, as this is fundamental to continued learning and motivation to succeed. In order to put the above into context, we end with an example case scenario showing how we would approach the teaching of problem-solving to veterinary learners.