Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Streamed Update Propagation in a Peer Data Management System

Peer to peer distributed system has been widely studied in recent years because of its appealing properties: scalability, robustness and no need for central control. Peer data management system (PDMS) rises up above P2P system to exploit the power of available data management technology. The goal of PDMS is to facilitate wide-scale data sharing within and across communities. This paper focuses on one particular problem regarding to data sharing, the update propagation problem. The problem is defined as follows: given multiple data sources and materialized views based on these base data, all of which are distributed on different hosts across Internet, how to synchronize the views when the data source has been updated? In this paper, we proposes eager join, lazy merge policy that preserves resources without comprising the performance, and improves performance without introducing great overhead compared to traditional push, pull or hybrid schemes. In addition, we analyze the inherent tradeoff between response time and resource utilization in the system, and proposed an adaptive strategy, which exploits the available resource to minimize response time when resources are bountiful, and degrades gracefully when resource shortage occurs. The experimental results show that when resources are abundant, the performance of our approaches approximates that of push with less resource consumption; when resources are insufficient, our approaches uses similar amount of resource as pull, while still has performance gain.
Comparison of Ethanol and Acetone Mixtures for Extraction of Condensed Tannin from Grape Skin

Discrepancies in condensed tannin concentrations in grape skin determined by different analytical methods prompted the closer examination of aspects of the methodologies. One of these was the choice of extraction solvent. Condensed tannins were extracted from Shiraz grape skins using a range of aqueous solvent mixtures ranging from zero to 100% acetone and ethanol to examine the relative effectiveness of each solvent mixture and to determine whether different solvent mixtures extracted similar condensed tannin components. Acetone extracted more condensed tannin than ethanol. Mixtures of 50 to 70% acetone were equally effective. The most effective ethanol concentration was 50%. Epicatechin-gallate terminal subunits were not detected by HPLC following acid-catalysed cleavage in any of the extraction solvents. Extension subunit composition was similar between solvents across most mixtures. Polymers were generally shorter in the ethanol extracts than in the acetone extracts. Despite differences in tannin concentration and polymer length, the subunit composition was similar in 50% ethanol and 70% acetone. More tannin and tannins with longer polymer lengths were extracted with 70% acetone than with 50% ethanol. This suggests that all grape skin tannins are similar in composition, varying only in length. Thus, 50% ethanol and 70% acetone would give a fair indication of the grape skin tannin composition extracted into wine. However, both 50% ethanol and 70% acetone may overestimate the amount of tannin that is extracted into wine, as wine typically has a much lower solvent concentration, ranging between 10 and 15% ethanol.
Structural transition of Friedel ’ s salt 3 CaO Al 2 O 3 CaCl 2 10 H 2 O studied by synchrotron powder diffraction

The structural phase transition occurring in Friedel’s salt, the chlorinated compound 3CaO Al2O3 CaCl2 10H2O (AFm phase), was studied by synchrotron and standard X-ray powder diffraction. The compound transforms at 35 C from a rhombohedral (rh) high-temperature (HT) phase [R 3c; a = 5.744(2) Å, c = 46.890(3) Å] to a monoclinic (m) low-temperature (LT) phase [C2/c; a = 9.960(4) Å, b= 5.7320(2) Å, c = 16.268(7) Å, b= 104.471(2) ]. The LTandHT phases were refined with the Rietveldmethod from synchrotron data recorded at 20 and 40 C. Variations of the lattice parameters as a function of temperature are reported between 8 and 48 C. The rh! m transition is characterized by a unit cell volume expansion of 1% and amovement of the interlayer species: a shift of 0.45 Å of the Cl anions along [010]h and a shift of 0.25 Å of the water molecules along [210]h of the hexagonal cell. The m phase distortion is due to an ordering of the hydrogen bonds between chloride anions and H-atoms of the water molecules. D 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
‘SWEATCH’: A Wearable Platform for Harvesting and Analysing Sweat Sodium Content

A platform for harvesting and analysing the sodium content of sweat in real time is presented. One is a ‘watch’ format in which the sampling and fluidic system, electrodes, circuitry and battery are arranged vertically, while in the other ‘pod’ format, the electronics and battery components, and the fluidics electrodes are arranged horizontally. The platforms are designed to be securely attached to the skin using a velcro strap. Sweat enters into the device through a sampling orifice and passes over solid-state sodium-selective and reference electrodes and into a storage area containing a high capacity adsorbent material. The liquid movement is entirely driven by capillary action, and the flow rate through the device can be mediated through variation of the width of a fluidic channel linking the electrodes to the sample storage area. Changing the width dimension through 750, 500 and 250 µm produces flow rates of 38.20, 21.48 and 6.61 µL/min, respectively. Variation of the sweat uptake rate and the storage volume capacity enables the duration of usage to be varied according to the needs of the user. The devices can be easily disassembled to replace the electrodes and the high capacity adsorbant material. The storage sweat is available for subsequent measurement of the total volume of sweat harvested and the average concentration of sodium over the period of use. Signals generated by the electrodes are passed to a custom designed electronics board with high input impedance to accurately capture the voltage. The real-time data is transmitted wirelessly using incorporated Bluetooth circuitry to a remote basestation (laptop, mobile phone, tablet) for data visualization and storage in standard formats. Results obtained during trials over a period of ca. 30 minutes controlled exercise are consistent with previously published data, showing a gradual relatively slow increase of the sodium concentration in the sweat during this period.
Extreme Events Decision Making in Transport Networks: A Holistic Approach Using Emergency Scenarios and Decision Making Theory

This paper proposes a novel method to analyse decision-making during extreme events. The method is based on Decision-making Theory and aims at understanding how emergency managers make decisions during disasters. A data collection framework and an analysis method were conceptualized to capture participant's behaviour, perception and understanding throughout a game-board simulation exercise, which emulates an earthquake disaster scenario affecting transport systems. The method evaluates the participant's actions in order to identify decision-making patterns, strengths and weaknesses. A set of case studies has shown two typical patterns, namely: a) Support immediate rescue; b) Support lifelines recovery. Good decision-making practices regard to objective-oriented decision making, understanding of conflicting priorities and appropriate resource management. Weaknesses are associated with comprehending relationships between community/environment and projecting future scenarios. Overall, the case study's results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed method to analyse decision making during disasters.
Holography : Novel Materials , Methods and Applications

This chapter aims to establish a link between material compositions, analytical methods and advanced applications for volume holography. It provides basics on volume hologra‐ phy, serving as a compendium on volume holographic grating formation, specific mate‐ rial requirements for volume holography and diffractive properties of the different types of volume holographic gratings. The particular significance of three‐dimensional optical structuring for the final optical functionality is highlighted. In this context, the interrela‐ tion between function and structure of volume holograms is investigated with view to research on and development of novel materials, methods and applications. Particular emphasis will be placed on analytical methods, assuming that they provide access for a deeper understanding of volume holographic grating formation, which appears to be prerequisite for the design of novel material systems for advanced applications.
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Dealing with the issue of implicit learning in dynamic system control, more particularly with the so called Sugar Factory task, we developed (Fum & Stocco, 2003; in press) a model that explains the performance improvement normally shown by participants by relying exclusively on the ACT-R subsymbolic procedural learning mechanism. Our model contrasts sharply with more popular accounts of the phenomenon that assume that people store in memory, and successively exploit, concrete, declarative knowledge of the single interaction episodes (instances) they deal with.
Consensus for second-order agent dynamics with velocity estimators via pinning control

A consensus problem is investigated for a group of second-order agents with an active leader where the velocity of the leader cannot be measured, and the leader as well as all the agents is governed by the same non-linear intrinsic dynamics. To achieve consensus in the sense of both position and velocity, a neighbour-based estimator design approach and a pinning-controlled algorithm are proposed for each autonomous agent. It is found that all the agents in the group can follow the leader, and the velocity tracking errors of estimators converge to zero asymptotically, without assuming that the interaction topology is strongly connected or contains a directed spanning tree. In terms of the switching topologies between the leader and the followers, similar results are obtained. Finally, these theoretical results are demonstrated by the numerical simulations.
Increases in Sex with Same-Sex Partners and Bisexual Identity Across Cohorts of Women (but Not Men)

We use data from the 2002–2013 National Surveys of Family Growth to examine change across U.S. cohorts born between 1966 and 1995 in whether individuals have had sex with same-sex partners only, or with both men and women, and in whether they have a bisexual or gay identity. Adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, immigrant status, and mother’s education, we find increases across cohorts in the proportion of women who report a bisexual identity, who report ever having had sex with both sexes, or who report having had sex with women only. By contrast, we find no cohort trend for men; roughly 5 percent of men in every cohort have ever had sex with a man, and the proportion claiming a gay or bisexual attraction changed little. We speculate that this gender difference is rooted in a broader pattern of asymmetry in gender change in which departures from traditional gender norms are more acceptable for women than men.
Analyzing Accuracy of the Power Functions for Modeling Aboveground Biomass Prediction in Congo Basin Tropical Forests

Allometric equation is the common tools for quantifying and monitoring the amount of carbon stored in forest ecosystems. The model used can be one of the major sources of errors that need to be considered for wood biomass estimations. The power function of plants has been questioned by comparing sixteen models. Some adjustment and model selection criteria and prediction of uncertainties have been computed. Published data on biomass studies and plot inventory were used for this analysis. The results highlight that power function is the best model for modeling aboveground biomass and additional effect on logarithm scales of the predictor variables must be prioritized. The power of the logarithm of diameter as predictor variable must be avoided because this leads to worst adjustment and higher prediction uncertainty. Tree height as a third predictor variable gives the best adjustment and reduces the uncertainty on the biomass prediction around 8 t/ha less than model with the two other predictor variables, the diameter and the wood specific density. The adjustment criteria are sufficient for the appreciation of the prediction quality of the models. The exponent of wood density as predictor variable needs better understanding.
Urinary screening for renal disease among apparently healthy school children in Qatar Introduction The increasing incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Institute (CLSI) guidelines were used for anti-microbial susceptibility testing [5]. Positive results were informed telephonically to the rural unit. Negative results were informed after 48–72 h so that antibiotics could be discontinued. The final reports generated at the end of 7 days were sent by electronic mail. The hard copies of the reports were handed over, to the transport personnel, on the next trip. Sepsis was clinically diagnosed for around one-third of admitted babies (181 out of 589). The culture positivity rate was 41.7%. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common cause of sporadic sepsis in the unit. Gram-negative organisms exhibited complete resistance to WHO recommended firstand second-line antibiotics such ampicillin, gentamicin and cefotaxime, which were empirically used in the unit. Emergence of carbapenem resistance was documented. The system ensured that timely and appropriate treatment was provided to the septic neonates. Our study faced some specific problems. Natural disasters and political unrest disrupted and delayed transport of specimens. Limited resources meant that specimens of a few babies were missed. Due to lack of facilities for septic screen, clinical features alone were used for presumptive diagnosis of sepsis. In conclusion, the present study suggests that despite the distance between the two centres and the problems faced, the system could help in providing quality microbiology support in regions where it is not available and to a population for whose care it is essential.
Effects of Prenatal Perineal Massage and Kegel Exercises on the Integrity of Postnatal Perine

Aim: This randomize controlled experimental study has been carried out to investigate the effects on the integrity of perine of perineal massage and Kegel exercises applied prenatally to women who experienced vaginal delivery. Methods: Research was carried out between January 2012 and 2013, with a total of 101 pregnant women who referred to Ege University Hospital in ? zmir. Data Collection Form, Kegel Exercise Training Brochure, Practice Observation Form and Prenatal Perinea Massage Learning Guide for Implementer were used. Researcher continued to perform this massage once a week until delivery. Kegel exercises were asked to perform exercises at home and also to register them until delivery. When exercise group came to weekly controls or when they were contacted at home they were asked if they have performed daily exercise or not. The pregnant women in control group did not receive any application. One to one interview was performed during delivery and postnatal 24 hours at the hospital and a telephone interview was performed 15 days postnatal, so three groups were evaluated. The chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis test were used. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between study and control groups in terms of episiotomy rates, laceration, postnatal 24 hours and 15 days perineal pain and improvement (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that perineal massage and Kegel exercises are important in maintaining the integrity of perineal significantly. It is thought that when the perineal massage and Kegel exercise being performed during pregnancy is supported by health professional, it will play a significant role in women’s quality of life.
Chandra HETGS Multiphase Spectroscopy of the Young Magnetic O Star θ1 Orionis C

We report on four Chandra grating observations of the oblique magnetic rotator θ1 Ori C (O5.5 V), covering a wide range of viewing angles with respect to the star's 1060 G dipole magnetic field. We employ line-width and centroid analyses to study the dynamics of the X-ray-emitting plasma in the circumstellar environment, as well as line-ratio diagnostics to constrain the spatial location, and global spectral modeling to constrain the temperature distribution and abundances of the very hot plasma. We investigate these diagnostics as a function of viewing angle and analyze them in conjunction with new MHD simulations of the magnetically channeled wind shock mechanism on θ1 Ori C. This model fits all the data surprisingly well, predicting the temperature, luminosity, and occultation of the X-ray-emitting plasma with rotation phase.
Volume Segmentation with Gray-Level and Spatial Correlation- Based Entropic Thresholding, Contour Detection and Contour Extraction from Tomographic Image Data

With the advancements in optical systems and tomographic reconstruction techniques, researchers are able to produce threedimensional image data sets at ultrastructure resolutions of electron microscope. To visualize such data sets in order to conclude structural information, three-dimensional modeling techniques are being developed in order make contours of the detected structures in the volume image data. Such contours can then be rendered into surfaces to create volume models. Manual volume segmentation allows researchers to manually trace and label contours of the structures of interest. However, this is a time consuming process which can be done more efficiently with development of techniques for automatic or semi-automatic contour extraction methods. This paper outlines a model that incorporates nonlinear diffusion across the volume to eliminate noise that corrupts the imaged biological structures. An entropic thresholding based on gray-level and spatial correlation across the data volume is then incorporated into this model. It follows with an edge detection model and contour extraction to label extracted connected contours. Such contours can be exported to a volume rendering environment to produce volume models in an automatic or semi-automatic manner.
Effect of Drying Techniques on Antioxidant Capacity of Guava Fruit

Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with low risk of chronic diseases. Guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) is a tropical, seasonal fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and polyphenol compounds. Drying is one of the common methods to preserve and extend the shelf life of guava. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of drying techniques on the antioxidant activity of guava fruit. Guava was air dried in air dryer (45°C), freeze dryer and by osmatic drying techniques. Fresh guava extracts (FGE), freeze dried guava extracts (FDGE), oven dried guava extracts (ODGE) and osmotic-dehydrated guava extracts (OSGE) guava extracts were prepared and analyzed for total polyphenols (TP), flavonoids, antioxidant potential by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity (NORS). Inhibitory potential of guava extracts on enzymes α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase was also determined. TP in FG, FD, OD, and OS were 415.69 ± 56.95, 295.30 ± 4.11, 303.57 ± 1.41, and 182.93 ± 6.48 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100g, respectively. Flavonoids in Fresh, FD, OD, and OS were 202.01 ± 0.16, 96.93 ± 1.73, 105.07 ± 0.58, and 76.13 ± 2.74 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g, respectively. FD extracts were the most effective in scavenging DPPH radical. Whereas FRAP, TEAC and TAC activities were found to be higher in FG followed by OD and FD. However, NORS activity of FD was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower compared to other treatments. Inhibition of α-glycosidase, α-amylase and lipase enzymes was (19% - 90%) observed at 0.4, 0.8, and 0.8 mg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, considering this in-vitro study, drying could be effectively utilized to preserve guava fruit with minimum effect on health benefits.
Evidence-Based Control of Oral Malodor

Concern regarding halitosis is estimated to be the third most frequent reason for people to seek dental care, following tooth decay and periodontal disease [1]. Compared with tooth decay and periodontal disease, there are a diverse number of causes of halitosis. Table 1 shows a commonly used classification of halitosis [2 – 4]. Obvious bad breath is termed genuine halitosis, which is classified as physiological and pathological halitosis. Pathological halitosis is further sub-classified into halitosis as a result of oral and extra-oral causes. Physiological and oral pathological halitosis occur in the oral cavity, and comprise 85% or more of genuine halitosis [5, 6]. Physiological halitosis generally occurs at the time of waking or starving, and likely results from increased microbial metabolic activity that is aggravated by a physiological reduction in salivary flow, oral cleaning, and inadequate mouth cleaning before sleep or after eating [4]. Clinical causes of oral pathological halitosis include poor oral hygiene, tongue debris, periodontitis, inadequately fitted restorations, deep caries, endodontic lesions, ulceration, and low salivary flow [7 – 11]. The most common malodorous compounds that cause oral-derived malodor are volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), which are associated with microbial amino acid metabolism [12, 13]. Halitosis derived from extra-oral causes is less common, but causes include respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders, and drugs [2 – 4]. The smell of gases that have accumulated in organs during respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal diseases can be emitted directly from the oral cavity and nose. Malodorous components caused by some metabolic disorders and drugs circulate in the bloodstream and are exhaled in the breath after alveolar gas exchange. Components of extra-oral malodor include those due to disease, such as acetone in uncontrolled diabetes and trimethylamine in trimethylaminuria (“fish odor syndrome” [14]). Dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3), a VSC, is the main contributor to extra-oral or blood-borne halitosis via an as-yet-unknown metabolic disorder [15]. Some patients that complain of halitosis do not have bad breath. Although
A Monetary Policy Strategy in Good and Bad Times: Lessons from the Recent Past

We evaluate the ECB's monetary policy strategy against some of the underlying economic features of the eurozone, in normal times and during the financial crisis. We show that in the years preceding the crisis the ECB's emphasis on monetary indicators and deliberate avoidance of excessive activism were justified by the underlying macroeconomic conditions that the ECB faced in the eurozone and contributed to avoid more volatile patterns of inflation and economic activity. After the collapse of financial intermediation in late 2008, the strategy of the ECB was to adopt several non‐standard policy measures. According to our quantitative evaluation of the impact of the main non‐standard policies decided in October 2008 and in May 2009, which notably did not include entering commitments regarding the future path of the policy rate, such measures have significantly contributed to preserving price stability and forestalling a more disruptive collapse of the macroeconomy. — Stephan Fahr, Roberto Motto, Massimo Rostagno, Frank Smets and Oreste Tristani