Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image-Based Techniques for Surface Reconstruction of Adaptively Sampled Models

Image based methods have proved to efficiently render scenes with a higher efficiency than geometry based approaches, mainly because one of their most important advantages: the bounded complexity by the image resolution, instead of by the number of primitives. Furthermore, due to their parallel and discrete nature, they are highly suitable for GPU implementations. On the other hand, during the last few years point-based graphics has emerged as a promising complement to other representations. However, with the continuous increase of scene complexity, solutions for directly processing and rendering point clouds are in demand. In this paper, algorithms for efficiently rendering large point models using image reconstruction techniques are proposed. Except for the projection of samples onto screen space, the reconstruction time is bounded only by the screen resolution. The method is also extended to interpolate other primitives, such as lines and triangles. In addition, no extra data-structure is required, making the strategy memory efficient.
POSTER: A Collaborative Multi-Factor Scheduler for Asymmetric Multicore Processors

Asymmetric multicore processors (AMP) are necessary for extracting performance in an era of limited power budget and dark silicon. We have efficient symmetric schedulers, efficient asymmetric schedulers for single-threaded workloads, and efficient asymmetric schedulers for single program workloads. What we do not have is a scheduler that can handle all three factors affecting AMP scheduling: core affinity, thread criticality, and scheduling fairness. To address this problem, this paper introduces the first general purpose asymmetry-aware scheduler targeting multi-threaded multi-programmed workloads. It estimates the performance of each thread on each type of core and it identifies communication patterns and bottleneck threads. With this information, the scheduler makes coordinated core assignment and thread selection decisions that still provide each application its fair share of the processor's time. We evaluated our approach on GEM5 through four distinct big.LITTLE configurations and multi-threaded multi-programmed workloads composed of PARSEC and SPLASH2 benchmarks. Compared against the Linux CFS scheduler and a state-of-the-art AMP-aware scheduler, we demonstrate performance gains of up to 25% and 5% to 15% on average depending on the hardware setup.
Intercultural Learning in Transnational Articulation Programs : The Hidden Agenda of Chinese Students ’ Experiences

Many Chinese universities engage in transnational higher education by establishing articulation programs with international partners. Although research has broadly investigated transnational higher education topics, few studies have explored Chinese students’ intercultural learning and adjustment experiences in these programs. This qualitative study explored seven Chinese students’ experiences in two China-Australia articulation programs to add insights to this under-researched topic. The findings indicated that research participants’ intercultural learning experiences were far more complex than the theoretical model of “stress-adaptationdevelopment. ” The students’ agency, identity, and belonging underwent dynamic changes due to academic inconsistencies and differences, including the use of technology, assessment, and teaching strategies. This study suggests that it is important for educators to consider educational differences in designing and implementing transnational articulation programs.
Adoption of New Rice for Africa ( NERICA ) technology in Ogun State , Nigeria

This study was carried out with the aim to find out the level and socio-economic determinants of the adoption of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) using Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State in Nigeria as a case study. One hundred and sixteen rice farmers were randomly selected in this area, twenty eight of which adopted NERICA rice varieties within 2009/2010 cropping season. Information was gathered through the use of well structured questionnaire and personal interview of the farmers. Descriptive statistics, ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression analysis and T-test statistics were used for the analysis of the data collected. It was discovered through the findings that the rate of adoption was 33.36%, while the socio-economic determinants of the adoption of the technologies include farming experience, age of the farmer, frequency of contact with the officials of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in the state and farm size. Moreover, the findings show that the nonadopters of NERICA technological package had higher average output and average yield than the adopters of the technologies. Lastly, the study gave valuable recommendations which could be helpful toward enhancing improved rate of adoption of NERICA rice technologies by the farmers in the study area.
Geriatric nursing protocols for best practice

This series addresses issues and clinical information for nurses in their work with the elderly, including long-term care, acute care, psychological considerations, and health promotions.The fourteen clinical protocols in this book address key clinical conditions and circumstances likely to be encountered by a hospital nurse caring for older adults. They represent "best practices" for acute care of the elderly as developed by nursing experts working with the Hartford Foundation's Nurses Improving Care to the Hospitalized Elderly project (NICHE). The protocols reflect both current research in geriatric care and a prototype for nationally promulgated nursing standards. Although the protocols were developed for acute care, they can be easily modified to work in other practice settings, such as the nursing home or home care.
SCREEN-SHARING IN STORE THE CONSTRUCTION OR DESTRUCTION OF SHOPPING VALUES

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This article aims at identifying consumers' values of screen-sharing, while discussing with shop assistants around the same screen. The qualitative analysis identified 1) an instrumental value, emphasizing task's facilitation or complication perception following this practice; 2) a social-link value stressing positive or negative collaborative aspects 3) an individualexpression value related to screen's 'transparence' benefits or conversely, to a 'limitation of freedom of action'. The screen's joint-use appears to intensify these dimensions, amplifying the construction or destruction of shopping values. This study revealing 'phygital' benefits and deficits of screen-sharing practices may contribute to promote a subtler use by shop assistants.
Job Satisfaction among Government High School Teachers of the Province of Sindh , Pakistan

This research study was designed to investigate the Job Satisfaction levels among the teachers of government high schools of the province of Sindh. Government schools have great significance and influence on education in any developed and developing country of the world. Likewise government schools in Pakistan also play very important role in the development of majority of population of the country. The main aim of this study is to look into the matter that the teachers and the heads of the government schools are contented with their job and try to know about the level of their job satisfaction. Quality education is directly and indirectly related to the growth and development of any institution and the job satisfaction of its employees. So, it was to see if the definition of job satisfaction is same for the institution and employee. The collected data of this study reveal that 55% high school teachers are highly satisfied with their job. Others are continuing their job due to drawing handsome market salary packages in their respective areas. The more satisfied teachers were found among those teachers who are engaged in teacher unions and their each and every work, needs and requirement such as personal and professional, are fulfilled at their door steps.
Developing and evaluating a complex intervention in stroke : using very early mobilisation as an example

Background: Complex interventions, those that incorporate multiple interacting components, are difficult to define, measure and implement. The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate the complex intervention, very early mobilisation (VEM) in acute stroke care. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of VEM were evaluated whilst simultaneously considering the implications for future implementation. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used: systematic review, predictive modelling, observational study design, individual patient data meta-analysis, qualitative methods and economic evaluation. Statistical models to accurately predict mobility post-stroke were developed. A multicentre observational study was conducted to establish pre-implementation activity levels of acute stroke patients. Data from two completed and comparable feasibility trials were used to estimate the clinical and economic impact of VEM. A qualitative process evaluation was conducted to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing VEM, if shown to be effective. Results: Two predictive models were developed with age and stroke type common factors to both. Pre-implementation activity levels were low. Patients who underwent VEM were 3-times more likely to be independent at 3 months than were standard care (SC) patients. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio associated with VEM in comparison to SC indicated VEM to be potentially cost-effective from a societal perspective. Barriers and facilitators identified for each stage of the stroke pathway and a set of HCPs’ beliefs towards VEM were formulated. Conclusions: This research has adhered to current guidance provided by the Medical Research Council to develop and evaluate VEM. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of VEM were estimated. The ongoing A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial phase III will provide definitive evidence for the effectiveness of VEM and the wider consequences for stroke care. This research has provided the support and the foundations for the development of a clear implementation strategy for VEM.
Comparative Analysis of the Native Microbiota in gammaCop Mutant versus Wild-Type Genetic Background of Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster represents a genetically tractable model for studying the mechanisms used by the infectious microorganisms to colonize healthy individuals. Since native microbiota plays an important role in host resistance to colonization, our aim was to study the influence of the genetic background on D. melanogaster microbiota diversity, as a prerequisite for using different lines in experimental infection challenge assays. In this purpose, we have assessed the microbiota of D. melanogaster wild-type Oregon and gammaCop (γCop) mutants males, by genetic and culture dependent methods. The cultivable fly-derived microbiota was estimated by viable cell counts. Each morphological type of bacterium was considered for identification through biochemical tests. The diversity of the microbial communities was assessed also by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). Our study emphasizes that both wild-type and mutant D. melanogaster males harbor a low-diversity bacterial community, highlighting the potential of this system to dissect the complex cellular and molecular interactions that occur between a eukaryotic host and its microbiota. The commonly found taxa were primarily represented by Enterobacteriaceae family (Providencia sp., Serratia sp. and Escherichia sp.) and the Bacilli class. The ARDRA approach highlighted a prevalence of 75% of the Enterobacteriaceae, especially P. rettgeri and E. coli, followed by Lactobacillaceae and Enterococcaceae. The amount of the cultivable bacteria in D. melanogaster varied quantitatively among different genetic backgrounds, gradually decreasing from Oregon to heterozygous and homozygous γCop males. Our results suggest that γCop gene is involved in configuring the profile of native microbiota of D. melanogaster, an aspect that should be considered when wild-type versus specific mutant D. melanogaster lines are used as models in infectious pathogenesis experiments.
SWAN_ASSIST: Semi-Automated Detection of Code-Specific, Security-Relevant Methods

To detect specific types of bugs and vulnerabilities, static analysis tools must be correctly configured with security-relevant methods (SRM), e.g., sources, sinks, sanitizers and authentication methods–usually a very labour-intensive and error-prone process. This work presents the semi-automated tool SWAN_ASSIST, which aids the configuration with an IntelliJ plugin based on active machine learning. It integrates our novel automated machine-learning approach SWAN, which identifies and classifies Java SRM. SWAN_ASSIST further integrates user feedback through iterative learning. SWAN_ASSIST aids developers by asking them to classify at each point in time exactly those methods whose classification best impact the classification result. Our experiments show that SWAN_ASSIST classifies SRM with a high precision, and requires a relatively low effort from the user. A video demo of SWAN_ASSIST can be found at https://youtu.be/fSyD3V6EQOY. The source code is available at https://github.com/secure-software-engineering/swan.
SIMPLIFIED COMPUTATION OF TIME-FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTIONS FOR DOPPLER ULTRASONIC SIGNAL ANALYSIS

Conventional methods for signal analysis utilise the Fourier Transform to estimate the spectral response of a signal. However this current practice suffers from poor frequency resolution when estimating non-stationary signals. This paper presents some alternative methods based on timefrequency distributions such as the Wigner Ville, the Choi Williams, the Bessel and the Born Jordan from a Cohen ́s class point of view. For each case, a continuous and discrete distribution is formulated, a criterion for determining the interaction between the spectral components of the signal is given and the simplified discretised expression for the calculation of the distribution is proposed that can produce a reduction of at least half of the computations realised when using the original timefrequency distribution definition. A general parallel architecture for the parallel computation of the distribution is also proposed. INTRODUCTION A classic method for spectral estimation is the so-called Fourier Transform. However, its use is limited to stationary signals giving as a result poor frequency resolution when estimating non-stationary ones. There are other spectral estimation methods (Kay, 1988) such as the Periodogram, the autoregressive method, the mobile average and the minimum variance spectral estimation. The performances of these methods also depend on the use of stationary signals and some of them (such as the autoregressive method) utilise short time-segments in order to consider the signal under study as stationary. Other types of spectral estimators, called time-frequency distributions, have been developed. Unlike conventional methods these distributions are not limited to the use of stationary signals (Cohen, 1989). Despite of this important advantage, the number of calculations involved in obtaining the spectral estimation increases substantially compared to the traditional methods. Therefore, it is desirable to simplify the formulation of the distributions in such a way that the computations involved can be reduced without any loss in the spectral resolution. On the other hand, there are a great variety of time-frequency distributions. It would be very useful to develop an analysis criterion such that can provide a tool for selecting the optimum time-frequency distribution according to the features of the signal under consideration. This paper deals with these issues
THE NEXUS OF MILITARY EXPENDITURE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES

The relationship between military expenditures and economic growth has been investigated through many aspects. Even though this interrelationship is discussed frequently in defence economics studies, not many studies are examining this topic on case of Visegrad group countries (namely Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary and Poland). Our focus is to examine military expenditure and economic growth nexus for Visegrad group countries (V4) using economic variables and considering an external threat. Cross sectional dynamic analysis is used for time-period 1998 – 2015.
Model Predictive Control with Active Learning under Model Uncertainty : Why , When , and How Tor

Optimal control relies on a model, which is generally uncertain because of incomplete knowledge of the system and changes in the dynamics over time. Probing the system under closed-loop control can reduce the model uncertainty through generating input-output data that is more informative than the data generated from normal operation. This paper addresses the problem of model predictive control (MPC) with active learning, with a particular focus on how incorporating probing in the control action can reduce model uncertainty. We discuss some of the central theoretical questions in this problem, and demonstrate the potential of active learning for maintaining MPC performance in the presence of uncertainty in model parameters and structure. Simulation results show that active learning is particularly beneficial when a system undergoes abrupt changes (such as the sudden occurrence of a fault) that can compromise operational safety, reliability, and profitability. VC 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 00: 000– 000, 2018
Quality of Services in Cloud Computing : Issues , Challenges and Analysis

Cloud Computing is spreading its roots at very high rate in this era. The Quality of Service plays a vital role in Cloud applications which is expanding in various sectors of business, electronic government, automotive systems, multimedia services, process control and finance. The biggest hurdle in the cloud is the management of applications and allocation of the required resources to such applications there by providing better performance, authenticity and higher computing. This paper covers the Quality of Services in cloud environment and focuses on issues, and the challenges related to Quality of Service possibly arising in the cloud management.
Ultrastructure of light-activated axons following optogenetic stimulation to produce late-phase long-term potentiation

Analysis of neuronal compartments has revealed many state-dependent changes in geometry but establishing synapse-specific mechanisms at the nanoscale has proven elusive. We co-expressed channelrhodopsin2-GFP and mAPEX2 in a subset of hippocampal CA3 neurons and used trains of light to induce late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) in area CA1. L-LTP was shown to be specific to the labeled axons by severing CA3 inputs, which prevented back-propagating recruitment of unlabeled axons. Membrane-associated mAPEX2 tolerated microwave-enhanced chemical fixation and drove tyramide signal amplification to deposit Alexa Fluor dyes in the light-activated axons. Subsequent post-embedding immunogold labeling resulted in outstanding ultrastructure and clear distinctions between labeled (activated), and unlabeled axons without obscuring subcellular organelles. The gold-labeled axons in potentiated slices were reconstructed through serial section electron microscopy; presynaptic vesicles and other constituents could be quantified unambiguously. The genetic specification, reliable physiology, and compatibility with established methods for ultrastructural preservation make this an ideal approach to link synapse ultrastructure and function in intact circuits.
Genome-wide identification of non-coding RNAs interacted 1 with microRNAs in soybean 2 3

23 A wide range of RNA species interacting with microRNAs (miRNAs) form a complex 24 gene regulation network and play vital roles in diverse biological processes. In this study, 25 we performed a genome-wide identification of endogenous target mimics (eTMs) for 26 miRNAs and phased-siRNA-producing loci (PHAS) in soybean with a focus on those 27 involved in lipid metabolism. The results showed that a large number of eTMs and PHAS 28 genes could be found in soybean. Additionally, we found that lipid metabolism related 29 genes were potentially regulated by 28 miRNAs, and nine of them were potentially 30 further regulated by a number of eTMs with expression evidence. Thirty-three miRNAs 31 were found to trigger production of phasiRNAs from 49 PHAS genes, which were able to 32 target lipid metabolism related genes. Degradome data supported miRNAand/or 33 phasiRNA-mediated cleavage of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Most eTMs for 34 miRNAs involved in lipid metabolism and phasiRNAs targeting lipid metabolism related 35 genes showed a tissue-specific expression pattern. Our bioinformatical evidences 36 suggested that lipid metabolism in soybean is potentially regulated by a complex 37 non-coding network, including miRNAs, eTMs and phasiRNAs, and the results extended 38 our knowledge on functions of non-coding RNAs. 39
A Clinical Study of 50 Cases of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a major threat to the recovery of patients receiving Mechanical Ventilation (MV) and is one of the most common ICU-acquired infection in mechanically ventilated patients.VAP is a common complication in Intensive Care Units (ICUs); occurring in 8-28% of patients mechanically ventilated for longer than 48 hours. Objectives: To study the incidence and crude mortality rate, to evaluate and study the clinical profile of the patients having VAP and to study the role of modified baseline CPIS in the diagnosis of VAP. Methodology: The present study was carried out in a teaching tertiary care hospital. All patients above 15 year age, receiving MV for more than 48 hours at ICU with clinical suspicion of VAP were evaluated. Results-In the present study, out of 50 patients, maximum no. of patients were in 4 th to 6 th decades of life (62%). The youngest patient was of 16 years, while the eldest one was of 72 years. Patients belonging to pediatric age group were excluded in the present study. Majority (74%) of the patients were males. 26% of the patients were females. In the present study, Incidence of VAP is 21% and crude mortality rate is 42%. Mortality in late onset VAP (50%) was found to be twice as compared to mortality in early onset VAP (25%). Mortality in inappropriately treated patients (61.11%) was significantly higher than that of appropriately treated patients (31.25%).
Antiproliferative effect of tranilast on human myometrial and leiomyoma cells

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids or myomas) are the most common benign tumors in reproductive-age women. These benign tumors are the major cause of pelvic pain, discomfort, menstrual disorders, infertility, and the leading indication for hysterectomy. Unfortunately, no perfect medical therapies are available to manage these tumors. Tranilast is a synthetic drug successfully used in Japan and South Korea for allergic disorders and it is also considered for cancer therapy. Antitumor or anti-proliferative effects of tranilast have been confirmed on several tumor and cancer cells. One decade ago, it has been shown that tranilast reduces leiomyoma cell proliferation. Later, no other studies were performed to confirm this finding. To consider this drug as a possible candidate for leiomyoma treatment, we tested its anti-proliferative potential against human primary myometrial and leiomyoma cells. We treated primary myometrial and leiomyoma cells with 300 µM of tranilast for 10 days and we found significant reduction of proliferation in both cell types compared to the control. We also found that treatment with tranilast for 48 h reduced the PCNA expression (detected by immunocytochemistry and western blotting) in both myometrial and leiomyoma cells. The present study represents a confirmation of the anti-proliferative potential of tranilast on myometrial and leiomyoma cells.