Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Filling Your Shelves: Synthesizing Diverse Style-Preserving Artifact Arrangements

Our homes and workspaces are filled with collections of dozens of artifacts laid out on surfaces such as shelves, counters, and mantles. The content and layout of these arrangements reflect both context, e.g., kitchen or living room, and style, e.g., neat or messy. Manually assembling such arrangements in virtual scenes is highly time consuming, especially when one needs to generate multiple diverse arrangements for numerous support surfaces and living spaces. We present a data-driven method especially designed for artifact arrangement which automatically populates empty surfaces with diverse believable arrangements of artifacts in a given style. The input to our method is an annotated photograph or a 3D model of an exemplar arrangement, that reflects the desired context and style. Our method leverages this exemplar to generate diverse arrangements reflecting the exemplar style for arbitrary furniture setups and layout dimensions. To simultaneously achieve scalability, diversity and style preservation, we define a valid solution space of arrangements that reflect the input style. We obtain solutions within this space using barrier functions and stochastic optimization.
Significant ambivalence: perspectives of Australian HIV service providers on universal treatment-as-prevention (TasP) for serodiscordant couples

In Australia, ‘treatment-as-prevention’ (TasP) is currently being rolled out across New South Wales (NSW) as part of the state government’s new HIV strategy. Following the promising results of recent clinical trials, antiretroviral treatments have been reframed as a global HIV prevention tool and imbued with great hopes of radically reducing sexual transmissions and even ending the pandemic. Alongside broad acknowledegment of its efficacy, TasP has generated much international debate among medical and social scientists about its ‘real-world’ implementation and its clinical, sexual and ethical implications for people with HIV. The success and effectiveness of this biomedical intervention hinge on its acceptance and uptake by target populations, but also by those tasked with implementing it. However, little published research currently exists on attitudes to TasP among of HIV service providers. This article draws on interviews with 20 clinical and non-clinical HIV service providers working in public health settings in NSW. These interviews were conducted as part of a qualitative study on couples with mixed HIV status, considered prime candidates for TasP. A series of tensions unfolded in the interviews, revealing significant ambivalence in relation to TasP as a general public health strategy for couples. Understanding this ambivalence is significant to the ongoing debate and effective practice of this promising biomedical prevention technology as TasP becomes a key policy response to the global epidemic in coming years.
Risk Reduction in Large Portfolios: Why Imposing the Wrong Constraints Helps

Mean-variance efficient portfolios constructed using sample moments often involve taking extreme long and short positions. Hence practitioners often impose portfolio weight constraints when constructing efficient portfolios. Green and Hollifield (1992) argue that the presence of a single dominant factor in the covariance matrix of returns is why we observe extreme positive and negative weights. If this were the case then imposing the weight constraint should hurt whereas the empirical evidence is often to the contrary. We reconcile this apparent contradiction. We show that constraining portfolio weights to be nonnegative is equivalent to using the sample covariance matrix after reducing its large elements and then form the optimal portfolio without any restrictions on portfolio weights. This shrinkage helps reduce the risk in estimated optimal portfolios even when they have negative weights in the population. Surprisingly, we also find that once the nonnegativity constraint is imposed, minimum variance portfolios constructed using the monthly sample covariance matrix perform as well as those constructed using covariance matrices estimated using factor models, shrinkage estimators, and daily data. When minimizing tracking error is the criterion, using daily data instead of monthly data helps. However, the sample covariance matrix without any correction for microstructure effects performs the best.
Economic union without social union: The strange case of the European social dialogue

The recent centralization of European economic governance raises the question of parallel developments in European social policy. On the basis of an examination of the case of the European social dialogue, the propensity of ‘spill-over’ theories to explain developments in the social sphere is considered. The following three potential future trajectories for the dialogue are reviewed: the possibility of the dialogue (1) becoming broader and more redistributive, (2) becoming a means of European Union (EU)-level wage control or (3) remaining in its current form. It is concluded that the status quo is likely to endure and that such a development threatens the integrity of spill-over theories and raises the issue of the dialogue’s utility to European trade unions.
Modular Branched Endograft System for Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Evaluation in a Human Cadaver Circulation Model

A circulation model was created in 6 nonaneurysmal human cadavers to evaluate the deliverability, deployment, and acute performance of a modular branched endograft system for treatment of aortic aneurysms containing essential branch vessels. Two fenestrations were created in an appropriately sized aortic main endograft. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the main endograft was advanced to the target site and the fenestrations were aligned with the ostia of the renal arteries. Branch grafts were placed through the fenestrations into the renal arteries. The outcome was evaluated by post implant angiography and autopsy. Eleven branch grafts were deployed at the target site. All targeted renal arteries showed good patency. At autopsy, all main endografts were adequately deployed, and 10 of 11 branch grafts were locked in place. In this model, deliverability and deployment of the modular branch graft system is feasible in a reliable, predictable, and timely fashion.
Specific fungal exposures, allergic sensitization, and rhinitis in infants

Indoor air quality has become increasingly important as we live in a society where the majority of our time is spent indoors. Specific attention has been drawn to airborne fungal spores as a factor affecting indoor air quality. This study targeted shortcomings of other studies by utilizing long‐term air sampling and total fungal spore enumeration to determine associations between health outcomes and fungal spore concentrations. Infants (n = 144) were clinically evaluated and had skin prick tests (SPT) for 17 allergens. Airborne fungal spores were collected using a Button Personal Inhalable Sampler (SKC Inc.) for 48 h at a flow rate of 4 l/min. Sampling was conducted in the spring (March–May) or fall (August–October) in 2003–2004. Fungal spores were analyzed using microscopy‐based total counting and identified to the genus/group level. Total spore and individual genus concentrations were analyzed for associations with rhinitis and positive SPT results. Overall, concentrations varied widely, between <2 and 2294 spores/m3. While no relationship was observed between SPT(+) and total fungal counts, several significant associations were found when analysis was conducted on the various fungal genera and health outcomes. Positive associations were obtained between: Basidiospores and rhinitis (p < 0.01), Penicillium/Aspergillus and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.01), and Alternaria and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.01). Inverse associations were found between: Cladosporium and SPT(+) to any allergen (p < 0.05), and Cladosporium and SPT(+) to aeroallergens (p < 0.05). This study indicates that health outcome may vary by fungal genera; some fungal types may have sensitizing effects while others may have a beneficial role.
A Distributed TCAM Coprocessor Architecture for Integrated Longest Prefix Matching, Policy Filtering, and Content Filtering

Longest Prefix Matching (LPM), Policy Filtering (PF), and Content Filtering (CF) are three important tasks for Internet nowadays. It is both technologically and economically important to develop integrated solutions to the effective execution of the three tasks. To this end, in this paper, we propose a distributed Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) coprocessor architecture. The integrated solution exploits the complementary lookup load and storage load requirements of the three tasks to balance the lookup load and storage load among the TCAMs. A prefix filtering-based CF algorithm is designed to reduce the lookup load and a novel cache system is developed to dynamically handle the lookups from overloaded TCAMs. Simulations based on real-world traffic traces show that the proposed solution can perform all three tasks given a 10 Gbps line rate using only the resources required to perform just the CF task given a 10 Gbps line rate.
Efficient and Safe Global Constraints for Handling Numerical Constraint Systems

Numerical constraint systems are often handled by branch and prune algorithms that combine splitting techniques, local consistencies, and interval methods. This paper first recalls the principles of {\tt Quad}, a global constraint that works on a tight and safe linear relaxation of quadratic subsystems of constraints. Then, it introduces a generalization of {\tt Quad} to polynomial constraint systems. It also introduces a method to get safe linear relaxations and shows how to compute safe bounds of the variables of the linear constraint system. Different linearization techniques are investigated to limit the number of generated constraints. {\tt QuadSolver}, a new branch and prune algorithm that combines {\tt Quad}, local consistencies, and interval methods, is introduced. {\tt QuadSolver} has been evaluated on a variety of benchmarks from kinematics, mechanics, and robotics. On these benchmarks, it outperforms classical interval methods as well as constraint satisfaction problem solvers and it compares well with state-of-the-art optimization solvers.
Cosmic Strings and Other Topological Defects

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Phase transitions in the early universe 3. Topological defects 4. String field theory 5. Superconducting strings 6. String dynamics 7. String gravity 8. String interactions 9. String evolution 10. Cosmological implications of strings 11. Structure formation with strings 12. Cosmology of superconducting and global strings 13. Domain walls 14. Monopoles 15. Textures 16. Topological defects and inflation References Index.
Canine hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma : An immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study

Ten dogs with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the liver were selected for inclusion in the study. Clinical signs were anorexia (7), vomiting (5), polydipsia/polyuria (3), icterus (2), lethargy (2), weight loss (2), paresis (1), ataxia (1), weakness (1), collapse (1), and urinary tract infection (1). Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities included anemia (2/8), leukocytosis (4/8), high liver enzyme activity (serum alkaline phosphatase, 7/9; alanine transaminase, 7/9; aspartate transaminase, 8/9), and high total bilirubin (6/9). Grossly, the tumors were diffuse, involving all liver lobes in six dogs, and two dogs had various-sized nodules in addition to diffuse involvement. Histologically, there were eight tumors with solid or trabecular pattern (group A), one tumor with cords or rows of neoplastic cells (group B), and one tumor with multiple rosette-like structures (group C). Immunohistochemical studies revealed that all 10 neoplasms were positive for at least one of the endocrine markers used: neuron-specific enolase (NSE; 8/10), synaptophysin (5/10), and chromogranin-A (3/10). A panel of NSE, chromagranin-A, and synaptophysin detected 100% of the tumors in our series. Electron microscopy confirmed the diagnosis by the presence of intracytoplasmic neurosecretory granules in the two examined cases. Our results show that neuroendocrine markers commonly used in humans can be used for the diagnosis of hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in dogs, preferably a panel of synaptophysin, chromagranin-A, and NSE because chromogranin-A alone is not as useful in dogs as in humans.
A Dynamic Model for Requirements Planning with Application to Supply Chain Optimization

This paper develops a new model for studying requirements planning in multistage production-inventory systems. We first characterize how most industrial planning systems work, and we then develop a mathematical model to capture some of the key dynamics in the planning process. Our approach is to use a model for a single production stage as a building block for modeling a network of stages. We show how to analyze the single-stage model to determine the production smoothness and stability for a production stage and the inventory requirements. We also show how to optimize the tradeoff between production capacity and inventory for a single stage. We then can model the multistage supply chain using the single stage as a building block. We illustrate the multistage model with an industrial application, and we conclude with some thoughts on a research agenda.
Diseño de una Estructura de Programa para el Área de Tecnología de las Empresas Dedicadas a la Gestión de la Experiencia al Cliente

Esta investigacion describe la estructura de un programa para las areas de tecnologia de las empresas dedicadas a la gestion de la experiencia al cliente o empresas de Contact Center. La propuesta realizada dio como resultado el planteamiento del Programa de Tecnologia y Mejoramiento de Gestion a partir de la revision de literatura y la aplicacion de instrumentos para el levantamiento de informacion en este tipo de empresas. El enfoque de la propuesta se realizo sobre el diseno del programa, la definicion de los componentes, la arquitectura de programa y los cinco dominios de desempeno que actuan como factor diferenciador respecto a la gerencia de proyectos, destacando asi la gestion de beneficios y la gobernabilidad como parte fundamental del programa propuesto.
ZnO Doped With Transition Metal Ions

Spin-dependent phenomena in ZnO may lead to devices with new or enhanced functionality, such as polarized solid-state light sources and sensitive biological and chemical sensors. In this paper, we review the experimental results on transition metal doping of ZnO and show that the material can be made with a single phase at high levels of Co incorporation (~15 at.%) and exhibits the anomalous Hall effect. ZnO is expected to be one of the most promising materials for room-temperature polarized light emission; but to date, we have been unable to detect the optical spin polarization in ZnO. The short spin relaxation time observed likely results from the Rashba effect. Possible solutions involve either cubic phase ZnO or the use of additional stressor layers to create a larger spin splitting in order to get a polarized light emission from these structures or to look at alternative semiconductors and fresh device approaches
Ecological and Social Factors Constrain Spatial and Temporal Opportunities for Mating in a Migratory Songbird

Many studies of sexual selection assume that individuals have equal mating opportunities and that differences in mating success result from variation in sexual traits. However, the inability of sexual traits to explain variation in male mating success suggests that other factors moderate the strength of sexual selection. Extrapair paternity is common in vertebrates and can contribute to variation in mating success and thus serves as a model for understanding the operation of sexual selection. We developed a spatially explicit, multifactor model of all possible female-male pairings to test the hypothesis that ecological (food availability) and social (breeding density, breeding distance, and the social mate’s nest stage) factors influence an individual’s opportunity for extrapair paternity in a socially monogamous bird, the black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens. A male’s probability of siring extrapair young decreased with increasing distance to females, breeding density, and food availability. Males on food-poor territories were more likely to sire extrapair young, and these offspring were produced farther from the male’s territory relative to males on food-abundant territories. Moreover, males sired extrapair young mostly during their social mates’ incubation stage, especially males on food-abundant territories. This study demonstrates how ecological and social conditions constrain the spatial and temporal opportunities for extrapair paternity that affect variation in mating success and the strength of sexual selection in socially monogamous species.
Rechts-, Wirtschafts-und Verwaltungswissenschaftliche Sektion Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften Diskussionspapiere Der Dfg- Forschergruppe (nr.: 3468269275): Heterogene Arbeit: Positive Und Normative Aspekte Der Qualifikationsstruktur Der Arbeit the Division of Ownership in New Ventures Diskussi

The current study investigates a tripartite incentive contract between an innovator supplying an intellectual asset, a professional assigned to productive tasks, and a consulting firm specialized in recruiting qualified personnel. The liquidity-constrained professional is compensated by receiving a share of one half in the new venture. With continuous search activities of the consultant the pure tripartite partnership implements the consultant's expected profit maximum. The consultant's and the innovator's shares reflect the relative value of search. However, the consultant's optimal search effort is inefficiently low. With binary search and only two innovator types , there may also exist bipartite partnerships of equals between the innovator and the professional, and bipartite partnerships of equals between the consultant and the professional. The latter emerge from complete buy-outs of innovators with low value business ideas. Abstract The Division of Ownership in New Ventures The current study investigates a tripartite incentive contract between an innovator supplying an intellectual asset, a professional assigned to productive tasks, and a consulting …rm specialized in recruiting quali…ed personnel. The liquidity-constrained professional is compensated by receiving a share of one half in the new venture. With continuous search activities of the consultant the pure tripartite partnership implements the consultant's expected pro…t maximum. The consultant's and the innovator's shares re ‡ect the relative value of search. However, the consultant's optimal search e¤ort is ine¢ cently low. With binary search and only two innovator types , there may also exist bipartite partnerships of equals between the innovator and the professional, and bipartite partnerships of equals between the consultant and the professional. The latter emerge from complete buy-outs of innovators with low value business ideas.
Establishing Research Strategies, Methodologies and Technologies to Link Genomics and Proteomics to Seagrass Productivity, Community Metabolism, and Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes

A complete understanding of the mechanistic basis of marine ecosystem functioning is only possible through integrative and interdisciplinary research. This enables the prediction of change and possibly the mitigation of the consequences of anthropogenic impacts. One major aim of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action ES0609 “Seagrasses productivity. From genes to ecosystem management,” is the calibration and synthesis of various methods and the development of innovative techniques and protocols for studying seagrass ecosystems. During 10 days, 20 researchers representing a range of disciplines (molecular biology, physiology, botany, ecology, oceanography, and underwater acoustics) gathered at The Station de Recherches Sous-marines et Océanographiques (STARESO, Corsica) to study together the nearby Posidonia oceanica meadow. STARESO is located in an oligotrophic area classified as “pristine site” where environmental disturbances caused by anthropogenic pressure are exceptionally low. The healthy P. oceanica meadow, which grows in front of the research station, colonizes the sea bottom from the surface to 37 m depth. During the study, genomic and proteomic approaches were integrated with ecophysiological and physical approaches with the aim of understanding changes in seagrass productivity and metabolism at different depths and along daily cycles. In this paper we report details on the approaches utilized and we forecast the potential of the data that will come from this synergistic approach not only for P. oceanica but for seagrasses in general.
Odors as Cues for the Recall of Words Unrelated to Odor

The effectiveness of an ambient odor as a retrieval cue for words unrelated to odor was investigated. After incidental learning of 40 adjectives, 40 participants were tested for recall during three unannounced recall phases (15 min., 48 hr., and 5 days). Participants in two control conditions learned with no odor present and either had no odor present during any recall phase or only during recall after 5 days. Participants in two conditions learned with an odor present and either had the odor present during recall only after 5 days or during recall both after 15 min. and after 5 days. Analyses indicated that, while participants in the control conditions recalled significantly less during each succeeding recall phase, recall by participants in the two experimental conditions did not decrease significantly. Recall by participants in the two experimental conditions was significantly higher during recall after 5 days (when the odor was reintroduced) than either control group. The addition of a salient cue during learning and retrieval facilitated recall more than the presence of constant environmental cues.
Prosodic Characteristics of Interrupted versus Completed Speech Error Repairs in Spontaneous Dutch Speech

We present an analysis of speech error repairs aimed at establishing whether prosodic differences between ‘interrupted’ and ‘completed’ error repairs found in elicited data [8] are observed in a corpus of Dutch spontaneous speech. It has been assumed that the interrupted–completed distinction is associated with the coordination of pre - and post-articulatory self-monitoring processes; we explore the use of more fine-grained measures of reparandum completeness than considered so far. We find no evidence in intensity and f0 measures to support a distinction between ‘interrupted’ and ‘completed’. Results of regression analyses differ in detail from the findings in [8] and provide only weak support for prosodic marking of early repairs. We suggest that analysis of interactional factors absent from experimental data may prove fruitful.
Tools and approaches for simplifying serious games development in educational settings

Serious Games can benefit from the commercial video games industry by taking advantage of current development tools. However, the economics and requirements of serious games and commercial games are very different. In this paper, we describe the factors that impact the total cost of ownership of serious games used in educational settings, review the specific requirements of games used as learning material, and analyze the different development tools available in the industry highlighting their advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account when using them to develop a serious game.