Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Storage Systems in the RDMA Era

Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) based network devices are increasingly being deployed in modern data centers. RDMA brings significant performance improvements over traditional network devices such as Ethernet due to its unique features: <italic>protocol offloading</italic> and <italic>memory semantics</italic>. In particular, it can achieve microsecond level latency, which is about 2<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mo>∼</mml:mo></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="ma-ieq1-3188656.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>3 orders of magnitude improvement. With such improvement in hardware, the software stack, including device drivers and programming libraries, is becoming a new performance bottleneck. Developers need to use new programming libraries to take full advantage of the performance of the underlying hardware. Storage systems are very important in modern data centers. This article surveys the current efforts to use RDMA for optimizing storage systems. We first present five classes of RDMA-based storage systems, including key-value stores, file systems, distributed memory systems, database systems, and systems using smart NICs, to demonstrate different design choices. Then, we examine the core modules of storage systems from different perspectives: communication mode, concurrency control, fault tolerance, caching, and resource management. Finally, we provide some design guidelines for new RDMA-based storage systems, as well as a discussion of opportunities and challenges.
Clinical Application of Diffusion Tensor Imaging for a Brachial Plexus Injury

Brachial plexus injuries are commonly diagnosed clinically, as conventional imaging has a low sensitivity. In recent years, diffusion tensor imaging has established a clinical role in the study of the central nervous system and, while still presenting some limitations due to the technical complexity of the acquisition method, is showing promising results when applied to peripheral nerves. Moreover, deterministic fiber tracking with the Euler’s method and multishell acquisition are two novel advances in the field which contribute to enhancing the reliability of the technique reducing the respiratory and inhomogeneity artifacts in this “magnetically complex” region, and better isolating the fibers in a heterogeneous territory. Here, we report a case of brachial plexus traumatic injury, a healthy reference subject, and details on the acquisition protocol of the reconstruction algorithm.
Detection of Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia Coli in Raw and Fermented (Nono) Milk in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) also called Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), are food borne organisms which cause fatal disease in human. The bacteria are frequently found in cattle gastrointestinal tract with high potential of contaminating animal products such as milk, meat, and cheese. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of VTEC and to detect the presence of stx1, stx2, and eaeA genes in raw and fermented milk sold within sokoto metropolis.Milk samples were analysed using bacterial culture, biochemical test and PCR for molecular identification. Bacteriological culture and biochemical characterization produced Escherichia coli with detection rate 0f 16.0% (38/238). Molecular identification of isolates by Polymerase chain reaction revealed 47.4% (18/38) detection rate of VTEC. The total prevalence of VTEC in the study was 7.6% (18/238), with proportion of raw and fermented milk were 12.5% (13/104) and 3.7% (5/134). There was no association (P≥ 0.05) between VTEC and different milk types. Amplification of isolate by mPCR using specific primers stx1, stx2, and eaeA gene confirmed that (94.4% (17) harboured stx2 and 1 (5.6%) harboured stx1 and eaeA genes.The study established prevalence of VTEC in raw and fermented milk consumed within sokoto metropolis, and presence of stx1, stx2 and eaeA gene. These findings indicate potential faecal contamination of the milk with VTEC in raw and fermented milk. Veterinary services in the state should educate farmers on the importance of farm hygiene and enlighten the Hausa/Fulani nomad and public on the danger associated with the consumption of contaminated milk.
Mass Media Exposure and Lassa Fever Risk Perception in Rural Communities of South-south Nigeria

Nigeria bears the highest burden of Lassa fever in Africa, accounting for about 60% of the 5,000 annual mortalities attributable to the haemorrhagic disease. In the absence of preventive vaccines, the mass media have been deployed as independent and complementary interventions against the spread of the infection. This study examines the influence of mass media exposure on Lassa fever risk perception and risk behaviours among residents of eight rural communities in South-south Nigeria. Anchored on the Health Belief Model and Social Influence Theory, the study used survey questionnaires to collect data from 384 respondents selected through multistage sampling. Findings show that media exposure is positively related to Lassa fever risk perception (β = .519, 95% CI: .432, .607), but negatively associated with risk behaviours towards the zoonotic disease (β = -.797, 95% CI: -.922, -.671). Nevertheless, media influence on respondents’ risk perception and risk behaviours tends to vary significantly along sex, geographical region and employment status. Given the endemic nature of Lassa fever in Nigeria, the study recommends the sustenance of public sensitisation efforts aimed at preventing the spread of the disease, especially in rural areas. It also advocates the need for relevant health authorities to enforce healthier public environmental practices and initiate mastomys eradication programmes to reduce the presence of rats in residential areas. Keywords: Haemorrhagic fever, infectious disease, media sensitisation, public health, risk communication.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Community Settings and Primary Health Care: A Pre-Implementation Contextual Analysis Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of mortality, with a high burden especially among vulnerable populations. Interventions for primary prevention need to be further implemented in community and primary health care settings. Context is critically important to understand potential implementation determinants. Therefore, we explored stakeholders’ views on the evidence-based SPICES program (EBSP); a multicomponent intervention for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, to inform its implementation. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews and focus groups with 24 key stakeholders, 10 general practitioners, 9 practice nurses, and 13 lay community partners. We used adaptive framework analysis. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided our data collection, analysis, and reporting. The EBSP was valued as an opportunity to improve risk awareness and health behavior, especially in vulnerable populations. Its relative advantage, evidence-based design, adaptability to the needs and resources of target communities, and the alignment with policy evolutions and local mission and vision, were seen as important facilitators for its implementation. Concerns remain around legal and structural characteristics and intervention complexity. Our results highlight context dimensions that need to be considered and tailored to primary care and community needs and capacities when planning EBSP implementation in real life settings.
Unraveling the Mechanism of Purple Leaf Formation in Brassica napus by Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses

Brassica napus as both oilseed and vegetable, is widely cultivated in China. The purple leaf of B. napus is rich in anthocyanins and can provide valuable nutrients. Although several high-anthocyanin cultivars have been reported, the molecular mechanism underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in B. napus remains lesser-known. Therefore, in this study, we conducted integrative metabolome and transcriptome analyses in three B. napus cultivars with different leaf colors. Overall, 39 flavonoids were identified (including 35 anthocyanins), and 22 anthocyanins were differentially accumulated in the leaves, contributing to the different leaf colors. Cyanidin-3,5,3’-O-triglucoside was confirmed as the main contributor of the purple leaf phenotype. Meanwhile, other anthocyanins may play important roles in deepening the color of B. napus leaves. A total of 5,069 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 32 overlapping DEGs were identified by RNA-sequencing; hence, the correlation between anthocyanin content and DEG expression levels was explored. Two structural genes (DFR and ANS), three GSTs (homologous to TT19), and 68 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs), especially MYB-related TFs and WRKY44, were identified in three B. napus varieties characterized by different leaf color, thereby indicating that these genes may contribute to anthocyanin biosynthesis, transport, or accumulation in B. napus leaves. The findings of study provide important insights that may contribute to gaining a better understanding of the transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin metabolism in B. napus.
28 GHz Substrate-Integrated Filtering Dielectric Resonator Antenna Array

A 28 GHz substrate-integrated filtering dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) and its 2 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 2 arrays are investigated. The cylindrical DRA, enclosed by two rings of air vias and metallic vias, is fabricated out of a high-permittivity substrate. It is excited by a microstrip feedline on a second substrate through four slots on the common ground plane of the antenna and feed substrates. The metallic vias and ground plane form a substrate-integrated cavity, which enhances the antenna gain in the passband by <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim 1$ </tex-math></inline-formula> dB. A cavity mode, the DRA HEM<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{\text {y}}_{11\delta } $ </tex-math></inline-formula> mode, and a perturbed HEM<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{\text {y}}_{11\delta } $ </tex-math></inline-formula> mode are simultaneously excited, giving a wideband substrate-integrated DRA. A dual-loop structure is introduced to the DRA to provide two radiation nulls that give a filtering response. To demonstrate the idea, a 28 GHz filtering DRA and its 2 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 2 arrays were designed, fabricated, and measured. Reasonable agreement between the measured and simulated results is observed.
Service design of mobile applications in cruise context

Objectives of the Study The objective of this Master’s thesis is to design and propose the service concepts of mobile application based on passenger needs for cruise liners to improve passenger experience and to collect information from passengers on real-­‐time basis to enhance their own performance. Academic background and methodology This thesis is produced as a part of Cruise and Ferry Experience Program Turku Triad 2012. Cruise and Ferry Experience Program, funded by FIMECC I&N program and Kaleidoskooppi, makes interdisciplinary efforts to contribute to maritime industry, is organized by Marine Technology research unit in Aalto University. Turku Triad, based in Turku, Finland, is a joint master thesis project linking marine technology, business and design. This study bases its academic research in service design and data-­‐driven decision-­‐making theory, follows design-­‐thinking guidelines and uses need finding, benchmarking and expert interviews to design and propose a range of mobile application service concepts that accommodate passenger needs and in turn benefit cruise liners’ operations. Findings and conclusions Through two-­‐folded need finding process, passenger needs are identified in the domain of navigation, location, information, relaxation, safety and service quality. A portfolio of front stage and back stage services are design to address passenger needs and facilitate cruise liners in making operational decisions. Based on the information collected from passengers on real-­‐time basis, cruise liners will be able to drive revenue, track performance, manipulate traffic, optimize inventory and facilitate communication. For successful implementation of such services, taking measures to diminish passengers’ security concern and encouraging target passenger segments to use the application are essential. Keywords Cruise Industry, Service Design, Design Thinking, Mobile Application, Data-­‐driven Decision-­‐Making, Need Finding, Benchmarking
Stable Object Reorientation using Contact Plane Registration

We present a system for accurately predicting stable orientations for diverse rigid objects. We propose to overcome the critical issue of modelling multimodality in the space of rotations by using a conditional generative model to accurately classify contact surfaces. Our system is capable of operating from noisy and partially-observed pointcloud observations captured by real world depth cameras. Our method substantially outperforms the current state-of-the-art systems on a simulated stacking task requiring highly accurate rotations, and demonstrates strong sim2real zero-shot transfer results across a variety of unseen objects on a real world reorientation task.
Does democracy make it easy? the influence of a sudden onset of democracy and entrepreneurship

ABSTRACT Based on the Arab Spring event in Tunisia and using neighbouring countries as the control group, we test whether the onset of democracy increases entrepreneurial activity in the medium term. In Study 1, our findings show that democracy did not change the overall new business density in Tunisia. In Study 2, we do not find an effect on engagement in startups or business ownership. However, democracy improved perception of startup skills and reduced perception of fear of failure; with only males reporting higher perceived startup skills. The findings in Study 2 are also robust to five alternate measures of democracy.
Teach For America influence on non-TFA teachers in TFA-hiring schools

Teach For America (TFA) has left an indelible mark on education in the United States and worldwide through its expansion via Teach For All. A considerable body of research examines the impact and experiences of teachers who enter the profession via TFA and related organizations, including the ways in which they embody controversial policies and new forms of teacher expertise and professionalism. Scant research, however, has examined the experiences of non-TFA teachers who work alongside them. This instrumental case study draws on interviews with nine non-TFA teachers working in traditional public schools to explore their experiences of interacting with TFA teachers at their schools. The findings focus on the perceived inexperience of TFA teachers as well as the labor expended by non-TFA teachers in support of these novice teachers. The paper also examines experiences of TFA teacher attrition and its impact on other teachers, students, and staff at the schools. The paper concludes by discussing the significance of this study and related research across individual, institutional, and broader structural levels.
Theoretical and Observational Constraints on Lunar Orbital Evolution in the Three-Body Earth-Moon-Sun System

Extremely slow recession of the Moon from the Earth has been recently proposed and attributed to conversion of Earth’s axial spin to lunar orbital momentum. This hypothesis is inconsistent with long-standing recognition that the Moon’s orbit involves three-body interactions. This and other short-comings, such as Earth’s spin loss being internal, are summarized here. Considering point-masses is justified by theory and observational data on other moons. We deduce that torque in the Earth-Moon-Sun system increases eccentricity of the lunar orbit but decreases its inclination over time. Consequently, the average lunar orbital radius is decreasing. We also show that lunar drift is too small to be constrained through lunar laser ranging measurements, mainly because atmospheric refraction corrections are comparatively large and variations in lunar cycles are under-sampled. Our findings support co-accretion and explain how orbits evolve in many-body point-mass systems.
Secured HF image transmission system

The HF (3 to 30 MHz) spectrum is utilized for long distance communications by the military, amateur radio, shipping and diplomatic services. Communications is no longer limited to voice and telegraphy, but now include applications such as email, text messaging, image, and telemetry. This project looks into the design and development of an image transmission system that for use in the HF radio frequency spectrum. Additional features of the system include short messaging, text file transfer, and electronic security such as authentication and confidentiality. An AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) block is cipher is used for both authentication and key distribution with key length 256 bits and 128 bits respectively. For confidentiality, stream cipher algorithm used is based on the linear feedback register (LFSR) and a nonlinear combining function. To meet the requirements of the maritime industry, further research were done to include light house telemetry and automatic vessel tracking system. The system is built around an HF data communication system: HF transceiver, modem, controller and computer. Experiments were performed for data transmission over the HF spectrum at lower power of 5 to 25 watts on the 40 meter band (7.0 to 7.1 MHz) and marine band (8.0 to 8.8 MHz) for selected links within the Peninsular Malaysia. At low power, the advantage is in increasing equipment life, minimize power supply requirements, and minimize interference to other users.
Using H ∞ controller for monitoring and control of smart grids

Designing an efficient monitoring and control system for smart grids, which include a variety of renewable energy resources, smart meters and communication systems, is a significant problem to have a safe and reliable power system. For this purpose, in this paper, an H ∞ controller which has a highly robust performance has been designed to control and monitor/state estimate a smart grid. The H ∞ controllers can be separated to a state feedback controller and an observer which can be used for state estimation. Simulation results demonstrate the ability of H ∞ controller in the control of smart grids beside its superiority in state estimation in comparison with the Kalman Filter.
Are House Prices Affected by PM2.5 Pollution? Evidence from Beijing, China

With the progress of high-quality development in China, residents have begun to focus on the air quality of their residential areas in an effort to reduce the health threats of air pollution. Gradually, the risk associated with air pollution has become an important factor affecting housing prices. To quantitatively analyze the impact of air pollution on house prices, panel data, including data for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations, house prices and other auxiliary variables from 2009 to 2018, were collected from 16 districts in Beijing, China. Based on this dataset, ordinary least squares (OLS), moderating effect and threshold effect models were constructed for empirical investigation. Within the studied decade, PM2.5 pollution shows a significant decreasing trend of −3.79 μg m−3 yr−1 (p < 0.01). For house prices, the opposite trend was found. The empirical results indicate that PM2.5 pollution has a negative effect on house prices and that every 1% increase in PM2.5 causes an approximately 0.541% decrease in house prices. However, the inhibition of PM2.5 on housing prices is moderated by regional educational resources, especially in areas with high education levels. In addition, per capita disposable income can also cause heterogeneities in the impact of PM2.5 on house prices, whereby the threshold is approximately CNY 101,185. Notably, the endogeneity problems of this study are solved by the instrumental variable method, and the results are robust. This outcome suggests that the coordinated control of air pollution and balanced educational resources among regions are required for the future sustainable development of the real estate market.
Household investment-consumption-insurance policies under the age-dependent risk preferences

In this paper, we examine the optimal investment-consumption-insurance policies for a wage earner with time-varying risk preferences. The wage earner's objective is to find the optimal investment-consumption-insurance strategies that maximise the expected discounted utilities from intertemporal consumption, legacy and terminal wealth over the uncertain lifetime horizon. Similar to Lichtenstern et al. [Optimal life-cycle consumption and investment decisions under age-dependent risk preferences. Mathematics and Financial Economics, 15, 275–313], by using a separation approach, the problem is divided into two sub-problems, including the consumption-legacy problem and the terminal wealth-only problem. For each sub-problem, the analytical expressions for the optimal strategies and value functions are derived by using the martingale method. In such a way, we obtain the optimal strategies for the original problem by merging the solutions of the two individual problems. Finally, we conduct some numerical experiments to illustrate the effects of some parameters on the optimal strategies and obtain some economic insights.
Development of Machine Vision System for Off-Line Inspection of Fine Defects on Glass Screen Surface

The complicated manufacturing process and poor industrial environment inevitably produce unacceptable scratches on glass screen surface. In this study, a machine vision system is developed to automatically detect fine scratch, which has a width smaller than 30 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, on glass screen surface for the purpose of appearance quality assessment. The imaging hardware of the proposed machine vision system is made up of a high-resolution camera and a wide field lens so that a high-quality image is achieved in a relatively large image area. The captured glass screen images were first classified with YOLOv3 to exactly distinguish fine scratches in two other kinds of defects including dusts and stains. Then, the U-Net network was applied on the selected scratches to estimate their dimensions approximately. The proposed algorithms combination has a fast image processing speed and it is able to effectively reduce the false segmentation of other defects. The results of the developed machine vision system show a relatively good agreement with the well-established microscopic method. It demonstrates our machine vision method is able to image and quantitatively analyze scratches with dimensions between 25 and 100 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>.