Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disco: Efficient Distributed Window Aggregation

Many business applications benefit from fast analysis of online data streams. Modern stream processing engines (SPEs) provide complex window types and user-defined aggregation functions to analyze streams. While SPEs run in central data centers, wireless sensors networks (WSNs) perform distributed aggregations close to the data sources, which is beneficial especially in modern IoT setups. However, WSNs support only basic aggregations and windows. To bridge the gap between complex central aggregations and simple distributed analysis, we propose Disco, a distributed complex window aggregation approach. Disco processes complex window types on multiple independent nodes while efficiently aggregating incoming data streams. Our evaluation shows that Disco’s throughput scales linearly with the number of nodes and that Disco already outperforms a centralized solution in a two-node setup. Furthermore, Disco reduces the network cost significantly compared to the centralized approach. Disco’s tree-like topology handles thousands of nodes per level and scales to support future data-intensive streaming applications.
Flow Synthesizer: Universal Audio Synthesizer Control with Normalizing Flows

The ubiquity of sound synthesizers has reshaped modern music production, and novel music genres are now sometimes even entirely defined by their use. However, the increasing complexity and number of parameters in modern synthesizers make them extremely hard to master. Hence, the development of methods allowing to easily create and explore with synthesizers is a crucial need. Recently, we introduced a novel formulation of audio synthesizer control based on learning an organized latent audio space of the synthesizer’s capabilities, while constructing an invertible mapping to the space of its parameters. We showed that this formulation allows to simultaneously address automatic parameters inference, macro-control learning, and audio-based preset exploration within a single model. We showed that this formulation can be efficiently addressed by relying on Variational Auto-Encoders (VAE) and Normalizing Flows (NF). In this paper, we extend our results by evaluating our proposal on larger sets of parameters and show its superiority in both parameter inference and audio reconstruction against various baseline models. Furthermore, we introduce disentangling flows, which allow to learn the invertible mapping between two separate latent spaces, while steering the organization of some latent dimensions to match target variation factors by splitting the objective as partial density evaluation. We show that the model disentangles the major factors of audio variations as latent dimensions, which can be directly used as macro-parameters. We also show that our model is able to learn semantic controls of a synthesizer, while smoothly mapping to its parameters. Finally, we introduce an open-source implementation of our models inside a real-time Max4Live device that is readily available to evaluate creative applications of our proposal.
Towards an Understanding of Specific Response of Metallothionein (Sub)Isoforms to Exposure to Platinum-Based Anticancer Drugs

Metallothioneins (MTs) are small cysteine-rich proteins involved in a number of pathophysiological processes. Particularly their linkage to cancer processes has been vastly studied and it is well known that MTs can inactivate metal-based cytostatics or scavenge free radicals. These processes result in pronounced chemoresistance and a poor prognosis for patients. Despite this knowledge, involvement of specific (sub)isoforms into this phenomenon requires further elucidation. Our results identified CisPt as the cytostatic which provoked the highest cell death exp followed by CarboPt and OxaliPt. Fluorescence microscopy visualized the oxidative cell stress. After application of 24hIC50 values, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) were visually produced. Our results also showed that MT 1, 2 and 3 expression manifested the highest qPCR activity after CisPt treatment (both healthy and cancer cells). While evaluating the expression of the protein level in the healthy and cancer cells treated by the cytotoxics we concluded that for MT1 and MT3 it was low under all three cytostatic treatments. Cancer cells had higher protein expression levels than healthy cells. In case of MT1/2 for cancer cells was highest under CisPt treatment.
Interval Intuitionistic Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm Based on Symmetric Information Entropy

Based on the continuous optimal aggregation operator, a novel distance measure is proposed to deal with interval intuitionistic fuzzy clustering problems. The optimal ordered weighted intuitionistic fuzzy quasi-averaging (OOWIFQ) operator and the continuous OOWIFQ operator are presented to aggregate all the values in an interval intuitionistic fuzzy number. Some of their desirable properties are also studied. The OOWIFQ operator can describe the fuzzy state of things more realistically and present the fuzzy properties more accurately. The opinions of experts are very important, the OOWIFQ operators take expert preferences into account to reduce systematic errors. Considering the hesitation of things and avoiding distortion of information, we put forward the distance measure for interval intuitionistic fuzzy numbers by using symmetric information entropy. Based on the continuous OOWIFQ operator and proposed distance measure, a new interval intuitionistic fuzzy clustering (IIFC) algorithm is proposed. The application in soil clustering shows the validity and practicability of the IIFC algorithm.
Caregivers/Patients Perception and Satisfaction with Outpatient HIV Services at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Patient perception and satisfaction is an indicator used to evaluate the quality of healthcare. This study aimed to assess patients’/caregivers’ perception and satisfaction with outpatient HIV services. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study carried out at the Paediatric HIV clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Purposive and convenient sampling methods were used to recruit 152 out patients just before they exit the outpatient department (OPD). Exit interviews were conducted with a three-point Likert scale using a Pretested self-administered questionnaire. Participation was voluntary and consent was obtained from all participants. Obtained data was analysed using epi info version 7, Chi-square test was used to test the association between the overall satisfaction level and sociodemographic characteristics of the patients. Statistical significance for the chi-square test was set at p< 0 . 05. Results: A total of 152 caregivers/patients participated in the study, only 31 (20.4%) were patients, aged 15-18years, 77 (50.7%) were aged from 26 and 41 years, 111(73%) were females, 99 (65.1%) were married and 76(50.0% had secondary level of education. Majority of the patients Original Research Article Paul and Ugwu; JSRR, 25(5): 1-9, 2019; Article no.JSRR. 53638 2 (130, 85.53%) were satisfied with the provider interpersonal skills followed by the physical environment at the OPD (118, 77.63%). However, only 53.29% were satisfied with the waiting and consulting time. The overall satisfaction rate was 73. 68% based on the three domains measured. The results showed a statistically significant association between the overall level of satisfaction and the female gender (X= 4.67, p = 0.0306) and those with tertiary educational level (X= 14.48, p= 0.0001) of the patients/caregivers. Conclusion: The level of satisfaction with outpatient HIV services at the UPTH is high. Program managers review of patients’ appointment time and use of electronic consultation tool will reduce the consulting and waiting time and further improve patient’s satisfaction.
ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE RELIABILITY OF TESTS ASSESSING KINESTHETIC DIFFERENTIATION ABILITY IN YOUTH FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

The aim of this study was to determine absolute and relative reliability of tests for assessing kinestheticdifferentiation ability in youth Herzegovinian female volleyball players. The sample of 32 volleyball players were recruited from 3 volleyball clubs in Herzegovina. Participants were aged 11.23±0.67 years and had practiced volleyball between 6 to 48 months. For the evaluation of kinesthetic-differentiation ability of arms and legs, 2 tests were conducted (Šimonek, 2006): Target sitting throw test (TST) for assessment of kinestheticdifferentiation ability of arms and target standing broad jump (TSBJ) for assessment of kinestheticdifferentiation ability of legs. The reliability of these two tests between the first and the second measurement was assessed using a two-way mixed effects Alpha model of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The standard error of measurement (SEM) was also calculated to give an indication of the precision of individual scores over repeated administrations (SEM = SD x √ 1 ‒ ICC), and the smallest detectable change (SDC) for the interpretation of change in scores which is outside an error and which is due to a real change in score and not due to the error in measurement. To test the absolute reliability of the TST and TSBJ tests, the agreement between repeated measurements (test-retest) was quantified using the 95% limit of agreement (LoA) method originally described by Bland and Altman (1986). Target sitting throw test for the assessment of kinesthetic-differentiation ability of arms and Target standing broad jump for the assessment of kinesthetic-differentiation ability of legs have a high (moderate, good) level of absolute and relative reliability. Thus, they can be recommended for testing the kinesthetic-differentiation ability of arms and legs in youth female volleyball players.
Teacher Value-Added and Economic Agency

Teacher value-added is not a technological ‘primitive. ’ Instead, it increases within-teacher when accountability incentives are strengthened, as we show. This evidence motivates a framework in which teacher value-added depends on two unobserved inputs to education production: teacher ability and incentive-varying teacher effort. We present a strategy to identify these two inputs and their distinct effects on test scores for the first time, using exogenous incentive policy variation and rich longitudinal data from North Carolina. The estimates indicate that both the ability component of teacher value-added and teacher effort raise current and future scores. We also find that effort responds systematically to incentives, underlining the agency of the teaching force as an important factor in education production. To explore the policy implications of this economic agency, we then use our estimates to compare the cost effectiveness of incentive-oriented education reforms with policies that target teacher ability. Incentive reforms come out ahead in a variety of plausible cases, given their potential to influence all teachers rather than a subset.
Comparing the effectiveness of mobile social network-based mindfulness intervention with acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness therapy on self-management and glycated haemoglobin level among patients with type 2 diabetes

Background and aims: The present study aimed to compare mobile social network-based mindfulness training, along with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness therapy on self-management and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The research employed a pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design with a three-month follow-up. Among type 2 diabetic patients who referred to diabetes treatment centers in Isfahan in the spring of 2018, 80 of them were purposefully selected based on inclusion criteria and then randomly assigned to three groups of the social network-based mindfulness intervention, ACT, and mindfulness training, along with a control group. Then, the summaries of Diabetes Self-care Activities questionnaire and glycated haemoglobin test were used to measure the dependent variables. The mindfulness interventions were conducted in the form of attendance in the training sessions. In addition, virtual network-based training and ACT were presented during eight 45-minute and 120-minute sessions, respectively. Finally, the data were analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test by SPSS software. Results: The findings indicated that in the self-management variable, there was a significant difference between social network-based mindfulness (posttest mean=30.59, follow-up mean=30.88, P=0.004) and ACT (posttest mean=32.7, follow-up mean=32.29, P=0.001) with the control group. Further, a significant difference was observed between ACT and mindfulness therapy regarding self-management (P=0.04). In the HbA1c level, there was a significant difference only between social network-based mindfulness (mean in posttest and follow-up=7.44and 7.39, respectively, P=0.02) and the control group. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, mobile social networks-based mindfulness interventions, along with ACT, are considered as effective treatments for diabetic patients to increase self-management while reducingHbA1c.
Porosity and Permeability: Literature Review and Summary

Coupled thermal-hydrologic-mechanical-chemical processes are important for salt radioactive waste repositories and other applications. Because mechanical, chemical, and hydrological processes can all have significant impact on transport properties in salt, these processes should be considered when predicting long-term repository performance. Geomechanical simulations predict porosity changes due to strain accumulation, while multiphase flow models require porosity and permeability to redistribute brine and transport solute. Chemical processes can impact both hydrological and geomechanical properties (i.e., porosity, permeability, and surface area), providing further feedback. While porosity and permeability are clearly related, their functional relationship is not simple. For example, the observed porosity-permeability relationship during granular salt reconsolidation is different from the relationship during damage accumulation in intact salt. Because the mapping from porosity to permeability is non-unique, it is generally conceded there are important hidden constraints or variables needed to predict permeability, which describe the pore space distribution beyond bulk porosity. Tortuosity, specific surface area, hydraulic radius, and percolation length scale have been proposed as possibly contributing to the response of permeability to mechanical and chemical changes. We summarize theoretical considerations and experimental observations on the relation between porosity and permeability. We consider salt-relevant data and constitutive models, but we draw on the wider literature for our summary. 1 Motivation and Definitions While our subsurface applications are at the macro-scale, micro-scale features – distribution of pore throats, microfractures, and grain boundaries – critical to comprehensive understanding are often unknown. Pore geometry and pore-scale processes are critical but attaining and integrating this information into macro-scale models is the focus of current research. Large domains (mto km-scale) are relevant for making long-term repository performance predictions, and repository-scale predictions of coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes need to cover long time scales. The inter-relation between porosity and permeability is one way chemical and mechanical processes feedback to control flow processes. Bulk porosity is created or destroyed mechanically, chemically, or thermally. Mechanical deformation of pores can be elastic (i.e., closing microfractures) or plastic (i.e., grain rearrangement, grain crushing, or creep). Permeability controls porous media flow, which then further affects
The Impact of the Gradual Reduction of Dialysate Sodium on Occurrence of the Hypotension and Plasma Sodium Level in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Dialysis is the most common method of caring end-stage kidney disease, but it has some complications despite its several advantages. The aim of study was to investigate the impact of the gradual reduction of dialysate sodium on occurrence of the hypotension and plasma sodium in hemodialysis patients. Methods: 56 hemodialysis patients participated in this randomized triple-blind crossover clinical trial. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of A and B. The routine method (Sodium Dialysis solution) was performed on group A, whereas the gradual reduction of sodium dialysis fluid was given to group B for three sessions. These dialysis methods were again implemented three sessions, after one week of routine dialysis (wash out). The routine method (Sodium Dialysis solution) was performed on group B, and the gradual reduction of sodium dialysis fluid was performed on group A, for three sessions. Patients' blood pressure was measured three separate times: 15 minutes before dialysis, during dialysis (first, second, third and fourth hours of dialysis) and 15 minutes after of it. Moreover, Patients' sodium level was also measured before and after the intervention. In this way, the descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (repeated measure analysis of covariance) were utilized to implement data analysis. Results: In the case of routine method, the percentages of the prevalence of hypotension in above mentioned different hours were declared 6.2%, 26.6%, 44.5%, 32.8%, respectively. On the other hand, in the case of the gradual reduction of sodium dialysis fluid, these corresponding percentages were cleared 2.3%, 1.7%, 5.31%, 44.46%, respectively. The mean differences of plasma sodium before and after dialysis in the mentioned methods were obtained as 0.58 in the case of routine method, whereas it is 2.36 in the case of gradual reduction of sodium dialysis fluid method. In this research, there was no significant difference between the rate of hypotension and plasma sodium in the gradual reduction of sodium dialysis fluid by the routine method under 80% powers. Conclusions: The experimental results revealed that a gradual reduction of the sodium dialysis fluid did not play a significant role in the reduction of blood pressure during dialysis and plasma sodium in hemodialysis patients. However, either confirmation or rejection of this issue will require further studies and resolving the limitations.
Optimal Assignment of Augmented Reality Tasks for Edge-Based Variable Infrastructures

In the last few years, the number of devices connected to the Internet has increased considerably; so has the data interchanged between these devices and the Cloud, as well as energy consumption and the risk of network congestion. The problem can be alleviated by reducing communication between Internet-of-Things devices and the Cloud. Recent paradigms, such as Edge Computing and Fog Computing, propose to move data processing tasks from the Cloud to nearby devices to where data is produced or consumed. One of the main challenges of these paradigms is to cope with the heterogeneity of the infrastructures where tasks can be offloaded. This paper presents a solution for the optimal allocation of computational tasks to edge devices, with the aim of minimizing the energy consumption of the overall application. The heterogeneity is represented and managed by using Feature Models, widely employed in Software Product Lines. Given the application and infrastructure configurations, our Optimal Tasks Assignment Framework generates the optimal task allocation and resources assignment. The resultant deployment represents the most energy efficient configuration at load-time, without compromising the user experience. The scalability and energy saving of the approach are evaluated in the domain of augmented reality applications.
Grapevine non-vinifera genetic diversity assessed by SSR markers as a starting-1 point for new rootstock breeding programs 2 3

20 Microsatellite markers are valuable tool to facilitate management of germplasm 21 collections and to access the genetic diversity. In this study, the genetic characterization 22 of a large collection of 379 rootstocks and other non-vinifera accessions maintained at 23 the University of Milan (Italy) has been reported. Accessions were genotyped with 22 24
Towards Query Processing Over Homomorphic Encrypted Data in Cloud

With data growth very fast, the need for data storage and management in the cloud in a secure way is rapidly increasing, leading developers to find secure data management solutions through new technologies. One of the most advanced technologies at present is cloud computing technology that functions as an online service. Cloud computing technology relies on an external provider to provide online demand services. On the other hand, this technology is pay-for-use technology which means that the user must pay for each service provided by the provider. When we have a look back at the literature, we can find that regular database management systems with query processing specifications do not meet the requirements in cloud computing. This paper focuses on homogeneous coding, which is used primarily for knowledge security within the cloud. Homomorphic encryption has been clarified because of encryption technology in which specific operations can be managed on encrypted data information. Keywords— Cloud database, Query processing, Encryption, Homomorphic encryption.
Parameter Analysis of Savonius Hydraulic Turbine Considering the Effect of Reducing Flow Velocity

The Savonius-type hydraulic turbine, mainly known for its good self-starting properties and simple structure, not only has energy capturing characteristics but also has a certain effect on flow velocity reduction. Aside from ensuring energy capture efficiency, studying the effects of parameters on the flow velocity reduction capacity is of great significance for the protection of mariculture, as it can reduce the damage to cages and fishes. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics method was carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic characteristics and variations in the wake of a turbine. The accuracy of the simulation results was verified by experimental comparison. Firstly, the velocity contours and vectors were studied in detail to reveal the mechanism of the flow velocity reduction effect. Secondly, the velocity attenuation coefficient and relative attenuation length were formulated by the variation rule of the velocity field to evaluate the turbine reduction strength and range. Finally, the power coefficient was considered to predict the performance of a turbine under different tip speed ratios, overlap ratios, blade curvatures, and blade numbers. The results showed that the turbine had an obvious flow velocity reduction effect in the rear “sword”-shaped area, where the velocity field distribution had a certain regularity. In addition, by comprehensively comparing the simulation data, it was found that the respective effect trend of tip speed ratio, blade number, overlap ratio, and curvature on the turbine’s energy capture and flow velocity reduction characteristics was basically the same. Considering the effect of reducing flow velocity, a two-bladed turbine with a blade curvature of 0.8 and an overlap ratio of 0.15 is the optimal configuration.