Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activity-based costing as a performance tool for library and information technology services

The Australian government has long signaled its intention to build performance indicators into the resource allocation process for higher education.Through the early 1990s the federal government gave strong indications to the sector that higher education places might in future be allocated on the basis of cost performance. In 1991, the Federal Government commissioned Russell Linke to produce a report on performance indicators in higher education.The present federal government, under Prime Minister Howard, has introduced cuts to higher education funding and the continued pressure for efficiency gains has seen an increased desire on the part of government for scrutiny of costs on a comparative basis.The Relative Funding Model, introduced in 1991, has never been seen as based on “ideal” teaching costs, and since that time the realisation of the potential of information technology in the learning process has suggested it might be time to revisit these and other issues. In 1998 the federal government again sponsored an inquiry into the sector, this time in the application of activity based costing as the basis for comparative assessment, resulting in several pilot studies in 1999-2000.This paper reviews the application of activity based costing to library and information technology services at the University of Newcastle, which was additional to but concurrent with these 1999-2000 studies.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Applications on the Cray X1 Architecture: Experiences, Algorithms, and Performance Analysis

We present our experiences and performance results of our in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes on the new Cray X1 parallel/vector/multi-streaming architecture. These codes which solve the time-accurate incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are fully implicit (i.e. a coupled equation system is solved), finite element based, and are built for fully unstructured meshes. The codes are fully parallel based on MPI, incorporating mesh partitioning strategies, and include a GMRES-based iterative equation solver for both matrix-free and sparsematrix operational modes. Throughout the development of these CFD codes at the Army HPC Research Center, vectorization has never been applied, so new vectorization strategies and additional algorithms that were required to achieve optimal vector and multi-streaming performance on the Cray X1 will be discussed. We also present a detailed analysis of the performance of this CFD code on the Cray X1 including comparisons with other parallel architectures such as the Cray T3E-1200, as well as raw Giga-Flop rates of various parts of the code. Various factors that may effect the performance of the code on the X1 will be identified. Parallel scalability of the code, as well as inter-processor communication performance, will also be presented.
Master Thesis

Deep learning methods have been demonstrated to be promising in semantic segmentation of point clouds. Existing works focus on extracting informative local features based on individual points and their local neighborhood. They lack consideration of the general structures and latent contextual relations of underlying shapes among points. To this end, we design geometric priors to encode contextual relations of underlying shapes between corresponding point pairs. Geometric prior convolution operator is proposed to explicitly incorporate the contextual relations into the computation. Then, GP-net, which contains geometric prior convolution and a backbone network is constructed. Our experiments show that the performance of our backbone network can be improved by up to 6.9 percent in terms of mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) with the help of geometric prior convolution. We also analyze different design options of geometric prior convolution and GP-net. The GP-net has been tested on the Paris and Lille 3D benchmark, and it achieves the state-of-the-art performance of 74.7% mIoU.
Information generation as a functional basis of consciousness

Abstract What is the biological advantage of having consciousness? Functions of consciousness have been elusive due to the subjective nature of consciousness and ample empirical evidence showing the presence of many nonconscious cognitive performances in the human brain. Drawing upon empirical literature, here, we propose that a core function of consciousness be the ability to internally generate representations of events possibly detached from the current sensory input. Such representations are constructed by generative models learned through sensory-motor interactions with the environment. We argue that the ability to generate information underlies a variety of cognitive functions associated with consciousness such as intention, imagination, planning, short-term memory, attention, curiosity, and creativity, all of which contribute to non-reflexive behavior. According to this view, consciousness emerged in evolution when organisms gained the ability to perform internal simulations using internal models, which endowed them with flexible intelligent behavior. To illustrate the notion of information generation, we take variational autoencoders (VAEs) as an analogy and show that information generation corresponds the decoding (or decompression) part of VAEs. In biological brains, we propose that information generation corresponds to top-down predictions in the predictive coding framework. This is compatible with empirical observations that recurrent feedback activations are linked with consciousness whereas feedforward processing alone seems to occur without evoking conscious experience. Taken together, the information generation hypothesis captures many aspects of existing ideas about potential functions of consciousness and provides new perspectives on the functional roles of consciousness.
Fast and Robust Disparity Estimation from Noisy Light Fields Using 1-D Slanted Filters

Depth (disparity) estimation from a light field (a set of dense multi-view images) is currently attracting much research interest. This paper focuses on how to handle a noisy light field for disparity estimation, because if left as it is, the noise deteriorates the accuracy of estimated disparity maps. Several researchers have worked on this problem, e.g., by introducing disparity cues that are robust to noise. However, it is not easy to break the trade-off between the accuracy and computational speed. To tackle this trade-off, we have integrated a fast denoising scheme in a fast disparity estimation framework that works in the epipolar plane image (EPI) domain. Specifically, we found that a simple 1-D slanted filter is very effective for reducing noise while preserving the underlying structure in an EPI. Moreover, this simple filtering does not require elaborate parameter configurations in accordance with the target noise level. Experimental results including real-world inputs show that our method can achieve good accuracy with much less computational time compared to some state-ofthe-art methods. key words: light field, epipolar plane image, denoising, disparity estimation
Role of Telemedicine in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings

We reviewed the role of telemedicine in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, which play an important role in the provision of effective and tailored patient care in diverse clinical settings. This article is based on conducted search in PubMed. Search terms included “telemedicine,” “multidisciplinary team,” and “(telemedicine) and (multidisciplinary team). ” Telemedicine provides an important advantage in the provision of MDT meeting comparing with traditional settings. Those include improved access to and collaboration of medical experts. This resulted in increased levels of medical competence and improved provisions of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up to patients irrespective of location.
Area-efficient parallel adder with faithful approximation for image and signal processing applications

Design of low-power and area-efficient portable complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor processors for image and signal processing applications demand reduction in transistor switching and count. Adder is the fundamental block of all arithmetic operations performed in processing units. In this study, an error-tolerant parallel adder with faithful approximation is proposed that can optimise area and accuracy. In the proposed parallel adder, for n bit input and m bit adder block, least n/2m blocks are designed with approximate logic using carry by-pass addition algorithm and most n/2m blocks are designed with exact logic using carry select addition algorithm. Least significant approximate part of the adder is designed with either exact full adder (EFA) or fault-tolerant full adder (FTFA) cells. This confines the maximum error in the proposed-EFA and proposed-FTFA designs to be not more than unit bit value with weights 2[(n/2m)−1]m and 2 n /2, respectively. Two different FTFA cells are proposed and implemented in the approximate blocks. The synthesis results of the proposed-EFA, proposed-FTFA1 and proposed-FTFA2 designs using Cadence Encounter with 90 nm ASIC technology for n = 16, m = 4 demonstrated an area saving of 22.3, 28.2 and 35%, respectively, when compared to the conventional counterpart.
Annual Reproductive Cycle and Annual Cycles of Reproductive Hormones in Plasma of Female Niveoscincus metallicus

Niveoscincus metallicus is a small viviparous skink common in Tasmania. We describe the annual reproductive cycle of female N. metallicus and relate this to changes in plasma levels of progesterone and estradiol. Vitellogenesis begins in autumn (March), with first matings in April, prior to entering winter torpor. Ovulation occurs in mid-September about two weeks after spring emergence. Size adjusted atresia of vitellogenic follicles was 8% in the population studied. No loss of embryos in utero was observed and young are born in January. Plasma estradiol levels are significantly elevated during the preovulatory phase. Progesterone concentrations are low through most of the year but rise during gestation and are highest during the second trimester, declining well before parturition.
Alcohol Dependence: Provisional Description of a Clinical Syndrome

W Edwards and Gross pulished this article in 1976, estab­ lishing diagnostic criteria for alcoholism was becoming in­ creasingly important. Much time had passed since Jellinek, in his book The Disease Concept of Alcoholism (1960), energized an interest in an area of nosology (the classification of diseases) that had been ignored for centuries. Because of Jellinek’s work, it was no longer necessary to consider alcoholism (also known as i n t e mp e r a n c e , d ip s o m a n i a, F o l i e Alcoolique ) as the simpl e conse­ quence of a lack of willpo wer or moral fiber and as a condition that was diagnosed solely by the docu­ m e n t a t i o n o f s e v e r e w i t h d r a w a l symptoms. Attention was now called to a complex interaction between a variety of areas of life impairment, and there was a concomitant recogni­ tion by clinicians and researchers that there were likely to be important sub­ groups of alcoholics with different prognoses and potential treatments. T h i s r e n a i s s a n c e i n s p i r e d b y Jellinek prompted input into diag­ nostic criteria from behaviorists, sci­ entists interested in learning theory, biologists, and recovering alcoholics. For example, the Washington Uni­ versity criteria, the National Council o n A l c o h o l i s m c r i t e r i a , a n d t h e Research Diagnostic Criteria were all attem pts to define alcoholis m more fully. It is in this context that Edwards and Gross published their seminal article, which offered a pro­ visional description of the clinical syndrome of alcohol dependence. Edwards and Gross’ observations, which pulled together behavioral, learning, and biological theories, were strongly influenced by their in­ volvement in a 1975 meeting of a di­ agnostic criteria steering group for the World Health Organization. In their article, Edwards and Gross list­ ed seven domains of alcohol­related life experiences that were believed to compose a syndrome or at least what they referred to as a “concurrence of phenomena. ” They pro posed th at most al coh ol­dep endent men a nd women will demonstrate some com­ bination of these symptoms, imply­ ing that the greater the number of p r o b l e m s , t h e m o r e i n t e n s e t h e severity of the alcoholism. Five of the seven domains were rela­ tively straightforward and fairly easy to implement in clinical practice and research paradigms. These were an increasing salience of alcohol to the lifestyle; evidence of tolerance; the repeated demonstration of withdrawal symptoms (described by Edwards and Gross in impressive detail); the use of alcohol to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms; and evidence of a subjective awareness of a compulsion to drink, a concept they described as being akin to a loss of control of alcohol use or perhaps a decis ion to not exerc i se control. The two oth er domains were a bit more difficult to define in objective terms. These were a narrowing of the drinking repertoire (indicating an increasing level of rigidness in the pattern of alcohol use) and a rapid reinstatement of dependence following periods of abstinence.
The Many Kinds of Creepware Used for Interpersonal Attacks

Technology increasingly facilitates interpersonal attacks such as stalking, abuse, and other forms of harassment. While prior studies have examined the ecosystem of software designed for stalking, there exists an unstudied, larger landscape of apps—what we call creepware—used for interpersonal attacks. In this paper, we initiate a study of creepware using access to a dataset detailing the mobile apps installed on over 50 million Android devices. We develop a new algorithm, CreepRank, that uses the principle of guilt by association to help surface previously unknown examples of creepware, which we then characterize through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. We discovered apps used for harassment, impersonation, fraud, information theft, concealment, and even apps that purport to defend victims against such threats. As a result of our work, the Google Play Store has already removed hundreds of apps for policy violations. More broadly, our findings and techniques improve understanding of the creepware ecosystem, and will inform future efforts that aim to mitigate interpersonal attacks.
Vagus Associated Neurogenic Cough Occurring Due to Unilateral Vascular Encroachment of Its Root: A Case Report and Proof of Concept of VANCOUVER Syndrome

Objectives: A patient is presented with neurogenic cough due to a unilateral vascular compression of a vagus nerve rootlet at the brainstem with complete resolution of cough following microvascular decompression of that nerve. This etiology of a neurogenic cough has not been previously reported to our knowledge. The proportion of patients with neurogenic cough refractory to all current therapies and suffering with this treatable condition remains to be defined. We introduce the concept of Vagus Associated Neurogenic Cough Occurring due to Unilateral Vascular Encroachment of its Root (VANCOUVER syndrome) and present the salient features of this condition. Methods: A case review is presented with details of the patient’s history, examination, imaging, laryngoscopy, intraoperative findings, and long-term clinical outcome. Results: A 60-year-old man presented with a 15-year history of non-productive cough refractory to antibiotics, and anti-reflux medications. Investigations by an allergist, a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, two pulmonologists, and an otolaryngologist were negative. MRI demonstrated a vascular compression of his left vagus nerve and microvascular decompression of that nerve resolved his symptoms. There were no surgical complications and the patient remains asymptomatic at 1 year. Conclusions: Neurogenic cough has been likened to a vagus nerve neuropathy in a similar way that trigeminal neuralgia is a trigeminal nerve neuropathy. Both cause intermittent sensory phenomena in their distribution and can be ameliorated with neuropathic medications. We demonstrate that neurogenic cough, like trigeminal neuralgia, may be caused by a vascular compression of its nerve root. A proposed mechanism of this type of neurogenic cough is presented along with a potential diagnostic paradigm for these patients.
Chromatin Profiles of Human Cells in Health and Disease Using FAIRE

PAUL G. GIRESI: Chromatin profiles of human cells in health and disease using FAIRE (Under the direction of Jason D. Lieb) Breast cancer is a heterogenous disease comprised of molecularly distinct subtypes with diverse clinical outcomes. Understanding the molecular composition of each subtype will aid in the effective diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The composition and activity of subtype-selective regulatory pathways operate, in part, through binding of proteins at distinct sites throughout the genome, often referred to as regulatory elements, to govern levels of gene expression. One of the characteristics of these binding events is the displacement of nucleosomes. Here we have developed a technique called FAIRE (Formaldehyde-Assisted Isolation of Regulatory Elements), which is capable of the genome-wide identification of active regulatory elements in human cells based on the nucleosome-depleted nature of these sites. Using FAIRE we have identified the genome-wide set of active regulatory elements in the luminal and basal-like tumor subtypes. Here most of the active regulatory elements were distinct to each subtype. Many of these unique sites also reflected the activity of the regulatory mechanisms present in a given subtype. For example, in the hormone-responsive luminal cells we detected strong FAIRE signals at estrogen-receptor alpha binding sites, whereas the signals are diminished or absent in the hormone nonresponsive basal-like cells. These subtype-selective regulatory elements tended to be clustered around the set of expressed genes in the respective subtype, regardless of whether the gene was differentially expressed between the subtypes. The subtypeselective regulatory elements were also enriched with sequence motifs for DNA-binding
The relationship between leadership support and employee sleep.

Sleep is critical to employees' health and well-being, safety, and performance at work. Sleep leadership refers to supervisor behaviors that aim to improve employees' sleep, such as showing concern for the quantity and quality of employees' sleep. Using a sample of 180 employees and their 91 supervisors working as full-time National Guard military service members, we examined the relationship of sleep leadership and family-supportive supervisor behaviors (FSSB) to employees' sleep. As outcomes we measured objective sleep quality and quantity using validated wrist actigraphy methods, as well as self-reported sleep hygiene, subjective sleep quantity, and subjective sleep quality (sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment). As a novel contribution to the literature, we included both supervisors' self-reports and employees' reports of supervisors' engagement in sleep leadership and FSSB. Contradicting our hypotheses, our results show that higher employee ratings of FSSB were related to shorter objective sleep time. Regarding self-reported sleep outcomes, higher employees' ratings of sleep leadership were associated with less sleep disturbance and less sleep-related impairment among employees. Higher supervisors' self-ratings of FSSB, in turn, were related to better sleep hygiene and less sleep-related impairment among employees. Overall, our study demonstrates the importance of supportive supervisor behaviors for employees' sleep quality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Contracting striated muscle has a dynamic I‐band spring with an undamped stiffness 100 times larger than the passive stiffness

Fast sarcomere‐level mechanics in contracting intact fibres from frog skeletal muscle reveal an I‐band spring with an undamped stiffness 100 times larger than the known static stiffness. This undamped stiffness remains constant in the range of sarcomere length 2.7–3.1 µm, showing the ability of the I‐band spring to adapt its length to the width of the I‐band. The stiffness and tunability of the I‐band spring implicate titin as a force contributor that, during contraction, allows weaker half‐sarcomeres to equilibrate with in‐series stronger half‐sarcomeres, preventing the development of sarcomere length inhomogeneity. This work opens new possibilities for the detailed in situ description of the structural–functional basis of muscle dysfunctions related to mutations or site‐directed mutagenesis in titin that alter the I‐band stiffness.
ACSL4 suppresses glioma cells proliferation via activating ferroptosis

Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) is a member of the long chain family of acyl-CoA synthetase proteins, which have recently been shown to serve an important role in ferroptosis. Previous studies have suggested that ferroptosis is involved in the occurrence of glioma; however, the role of ACSL4 in glioma remains unknown. In the present study, a reduction of ferroptosis in human glioma tissues and glioma cells was observed. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that the expression of ACSL4 was also downregulated in human glioma tissues and cells. A ferroptosis inhibitor and inducer were used to investigate the effects of ferroptosis on viability. The results showed that promoting ferroptosis inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells, and that the use of inducers had the reverse effect. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the reduction in ACSL4 expression may have been involved in ferroptosis and proliferation in glioma. Overexpression of ACSL4 decreased expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and increased the levels of ferroptotic markers, including 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE), 12-HETE and 15-HETE. Additionally, ACSL4 overexpression resulted in an increase in lactate dehydrogenase release and a reduction in cell viability. The opposite results were observed when ACSL4 was silenced. These findings suggest that ACSL4 regulates ferroptosis and proliferation of glioma cells. To further investigate the mechanism underlying ACSL4-mediated regulation of proliferation in glioma cells, cells were treated with small interfering (si)-ACSL4 and sorafenib, a ferroptosis inducer. sorafenib attenuated the ability of siRNA-mediated silencing of ACSL4, thus improving cell viability. These results demonstrate that ACSL4 protects glioma cells and exerts anti-proliferative effects by activating a ferroptosis pathway and highlight the pivotal role of ferroptosis regulation by ACSL4 in its protective effects on glioma. Therefore, ACSL4 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.