Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scalable process network based application modeling for multiprocessors

Kahn process network (KPN) is a model of computation used in modeling signal processing and media applications. The application is split into concurrently executing tasks and the communication is made explicit in a KPN model and hence it is suitable for implementation using multiprocessor. This paper describes the techniques for modeling applications using KPN for efficient execution on multiprocessor platform. We propose the scheme of scalable KPN models using the concept of data dependency graph which enables easy exploration of data parallelism in any application modeled using KPN. An MPEG-2 Encoder was taken as case study and modeled as a Kahn process network and various optimization techniques suggested in this paper were applied on that model. The model was simulated on a multiprocessor platform and shows good scalability and performance compared to the base model.
Transfer Learning with Active Queries from Source Domain

To learn with limited labeled data, active learning tries to query more labels from an oracle, while transfer learning tries to utilize the labeled data from a related source domain. However, in many real cases, there is very few labeled data in both source and target domains, and the oracle is unavailable in the target domain. To solve this practical yet rarely studied problem, in this paper, we jointly perform transfer learning and active learning by querying the most valuable information from the source domain. The computation of importance weights for domain adaptation and the instance selection for active queries are integrated into one unified framework based on distribution matching, which is further solved with alternating optimization. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by experiments on 15 datasets for sentiment analysis and text categorization.
Environmental Health: a Global Access Science Source Does the Evidence about Health Risks Associated with Nitrate Ingestion Warrant an Increase of the Nitrate Standard for Drinking Water?

Several authors have suggested that it is safe to raise the health standard for nitrate in drinking water, and save money on measures associated with nitrate pollution of drinking water resources. The major argument has been that the epidemiologic evidence for acute and chronic health effects related to drinking water nitrate at concentrations near the health standard is inconclusive. With respect to the chronic effects, the argument was motivated by the absence of evidence for adverse health effects related to ingestion of nitrate from dietary sources. An interdisciplinary discussion of these arguments led to three important observations. First, there have been only a few well-designed epidemiologic studies that evaluated ingestion of nitrate in drinking water and risk of specific cancers or adverse reproductive outcomes among potentially susceptible subgroups likely to have elevated endogenous nitrosation. Positive associations have been observed for some but not all health outcomes evaluated. Second, the epidemiologic studies of cancer do not support an association between ingestion of dietary nitrate (vegetables) and an increased risk of cancer, because intake of dietary nitrate is associated with intake of antioxidants and other beneficial phytochemicals. Third, 2–3 % of the population in Western Europe and the US could be exposed to nitrate levels in drinking water exceeding the WHO standard of 50 mg/l nitrate, particularly those living in rural areas. The health losses due to this exposure cannot be estimated. Therefore, we conclude that it is not possible to weigh the costs and benefits from changing the nitrate standard for drinking water and groundwater resources by considering the potential consequences for human health and by considering the potential savings due to reduced costs for nitrate removal and prevention of nitrate pollution.
Effects of Nano-SiO2 on tiles manufactured with clay and incinerated sewage sludge ash

In an effort to extend the reutilization of sewage sludge ash and improve the properties of sludge ash tiles, nano-SiO 2 was applied as an additive to sludge ash tiles. Improvements in the tiles were evaluated by factors such as the amount of clay that was replaced by incinerated sewage sludge ash, the quantity of nano-SiO 2 added, and the kiln temperatures. Furthermore, the effects of nano-SiO 2 on the structure and mechanism of sludge ash tiles were studied from both microscopic and macroscopic views. Results indicate that the bending strength of sludge ash tiles increased with increased amounts of nano-SiO 2 . However, due to brittle structures formed on the surfaces of tile bodies at temperature of 1,150°C or higher, reductions in bending strength were correlated with increasing amounts of nano-SiO 2 added.
Development of a permeable phantom for dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging quality assurance: material characterization and testing

The wide-spread use of contrast-enhanced imaging is often combined with pharmaco-kinetic modeling to estimate the level of perfusion and/or permeability of the tissue or tumour under investigation. Despite the availability of advanced experimental methods and phantoms to test the accuracy of blood flow and transfer rates, the reliable estimation of tissue permeability following kinetic modeling against a known truth is still outstanding. This work reports on the first two phases of the development of a tissue mimicking permeable hepatic perfusion phantom being tested under DCE-CT: material selection and fabrication, as well as property testing. The required properties of these synthetic materials include a tailored porous structure, tumor mimicking pore size and tumor mimicking permeability. Three phantom materials were investigated for their capabilities to address these requirements, i.e. polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and agar gel. Porous structures were made using different techniques such as phase separation micro-molding (for PDMS) and a particular leaching process (for PDMS and TPU). Manual pores were made on agar gel and all were characterized under SEM, micro-CT scan and pycnometer. TPU was selected as the phantom material of choice moving forward due to its high homogeneity in pore size ranging from 200 to 400 μm, which mimics tumor vasculature the best. TPU also has the highest permeability of the three materials and its stable structure provides good repeatability.
Local structure analysis of Ca in Ba1-xCaxTiO3 ceramics

Ba1-xCaxTiO3 (x=0.05) (BCTO) ceramics has larger spontaneous polarization, and a little higher Curie temperature Tc than BaTiO3 (BTO). It is considered that these dielectric characteristics are caused by Ca doped to A-site in BTO. We have studied the atomic position of Ca in BCTO by First-Principles calculations and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) analyses. In the First-Principles calculations, geometry optimizations were done assuming that Ca is located at A-site in BTO under a constrain symmetry. The obtained result suggested that the Ca in BCTO (x=0.125) located at A-site is off about 0.30 Å from the Ba equilibrium position along [001] direction. We have performed the Ca K-edge and Ba L3-edge EXAFS experiments, using synchrotron radiation, to obtain the information of local displacement of the Ca in BCTO (x=0.05). Analyses of radial structure functions showed that the Ca in BCTO (x=0.05) had a larger Debye-Waller factor than Ba in the same specimen. The interatomic distance of Ca-O (2.68 Å) was shorter than that of the Ba-O (2.89 Å) in BCTO (x=0.05). The offcenter position of Ca predicted by the First-Principles calculations was confirmed by EXAFS technique.
Fourth generation assays for HIV testing

ABSTRACT Introduction: Laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection is essential for the prevention of infection and the identification of infected individuals who could benefit from highly active antiretroviral therapy. Since the release of the first assays for the detection of anti-HIV antibodies, the technology of immunoassays has improved. Areas covered: Fourth generation assays – simultaneously detecting HIV p24 antigen and antibodies – have been developed and have been a major improvement in the detection of HIV infection, with a reduction of the diagnostic window. Studies have provided definite evidence for their clinical utility. Combination assays with separate results for anti-HIV antibodies and p24 antigen have been developed. Expert Commentary: In conclusion, fourth generation assays are an effective tool for the laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection. The ADVIA Centaur HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is in line with most recent fourth generation assays and its clinical utility has been assessed.
The condensation transition in random hypergraph 2-coloring

For many random constraint satisfaction problems such as random satisfiability or random graph or hypergraph coloring, the best current estimates of the threshold for the existence of solutions are based on the first and the second moment method. However, in most cases these techniques do not yield matching upper and lower bounds. Sophisticated but non-rigorous arguments from statistical mechanics have ascribed this discrepancy to the existence of a phase transition called condensation that occurs shortly before the actual threshold for the existence of solutions and that affects the combinatorial nature of the problem (Krzakala, Montanari, Ricci-Tersenghi, Semerjian, Zdeborova: PNAS 2007). In this paper we prove for the first time that a condensation transition exists in a natural random CSP, namely in random hypergraph 2-coloring. Perhaps surprisingly, we find that the second moment method applied to the number of 2-colorings breaks down strictly before the condensation transition. Our proof also yields slightly improved bounds on the threshold for random hypergraph 2-colorability.
The Economics of Agricultural R&D

Agricultural research has transformed agriculture and in doing so contributed to the transformation of economies. Economic issues arise because agricultural research is subject to various market failures, because the resulting innovations and technological changes have important economic consequences for net income and its distribution, and because the consequences are difficult to discern and attribute. Economists have developed models and measures of the economic consequences of agricultural R&D and related policies in contributions that relate to a very broad literature ranging across production economics, development economics, industrial organization, economic history, welfare economics, political economy, econometrics, and so on. A key general finding is that the social rate of return to investments in agricultural R&D has been generally high. Specific findings differ depending on methods and modeling assumptions, particularly assumptions concerning the research lag distribution, the nature of the research-induced technological change, and the nature of the markets for the affected commodities.
Collagen VI at a glance

ABSTRACT Collagen VI represents a remarkable extracellular matrix molecule, and in the past few years, studies of this molecule have revealed its involvement in a wide range of tissues and pathological conditions. In addition to its complex multi-step pathway of biosynthesis and assembly that leads to the formation of a characteristic and distinctive network of beaded microfilaments in the extracellular matrix, collagen VI exerts several key roles in different tissues. These range from unique biomechanical roles to cytoprotective functions in different cells, including myofibers, chondrocytes, neurons, fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. Indeed, collagen VI has been shown to exert a surprisingly broad range of cytoprotective effects, which include counteracting apoptosis and oxidative damage, favoring tumor growth and progression, regulating autophagy and cell differentiation, and even contributing to the maintenance of stemness. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we present the current knowledge of collagen VI, and in particular, discuss its relevance in stemness and in preserving the mechanical properties of tissues, as well as its links with human disorders. Summary: Collagen VI is a remarkable component of the extracellular matrix, and studies have highlighted a crucial role for this protein in a wide range of tissues under physiological and pathological conditions.
Discrete physics using metrized chains

Over the last fifty years, there have been numerous efforts to develop comprehensive discrete formulations of geometry and physics from first principles: from Whitney's geometric integration theory [33] to Harrison's theory of chainlets [16], including Regge calculus in general relativity [26, 34], Tonti's work on the mathematical structure of physical theories [30] and their discrete formulation [31], plus multifarious researches into so-called mimetic discretization methods [28], discrete exterior calculus [11, 12], and discrete differential geometry [2, 10]. All these approaches strive to tell apart the different mathematical structures---topological, differentiable, metrical---underpinning a physical theory, in order to make the relationships between them more transparent. While each component is reasonably well understood, computationally effective connections between them are not yet well established, leading to difficulties in combining and progressively refining geometric models and physics-based simulations. This paper proposes such a connection by introducing the concept of metrized chains, meant to establish a discrete metric structure on top of a discrete measure-theoretic structure embodied in the underlying notion of measured (real-valued) chains. These, in turn, are defined on a cell complex, a finite approximation to a manifold which abstracts only its topological properties. The algebraic-topological approach to circuit design and network analysis first proposed by Branin [7] was later extensively applied by Tonti to the study of the mathematical structure of physical theories [30]. (Co-)chains subsequently entered the field of physical modeling [4, 18, 24, 25, 31, 37], and were related to commonly-used discretization methods such as finite elements, finite differences, and finite volumes [1, 8, 21, 22]. Our modus operandi is characterized by the pivotal role we accord to the construction of a physically based inner product between chains. This leads us to criticize the emphasis placed on the choice of an appropriate dual mesh: in our opinion, the "good" dual mesh is but a red herring, in general.
Two trifluoperazine‐binding sites on calmodulin predicted from comparative molecular modeling with troponin‐C

Among the known regulatory proteins that are conformationally sensitive to the binding of calcium ions, calmodulin and troponin‐C have the greatest primary sequence homology. This observation has led to the conclusion that the most accurate predicted molecular model of calmodulin would be based on the X‐ray crystallographic coordinates of the highly refined structure of turkey skeletal troponin‐C. This paper describes the structure of calmodulin built from such a premise. The resulting molecular model was subjected to conjugate gradient energy minimization to remove unacceptable intramolecular non‐bonded contacts. In the analysis of the resulting structure, many features of calmodulin, including the detailed conformation of the Ca2+‐binding loops, the amino‐ and carboxy‐terminal hydrophobic patches of the Ca2+‐bound form, and the several clusters of acidic residues can be reconciled with much of the previously published solution data. Calmodulin in missing the N‐terminal helix characteristic of troponin‐C. The deletion of three residues from the central helical linker (denoted D/E in troponin‐D) shortens the molecule and changes the orientation of the two domains of calmodulin by 60° relative to those in troponin‐C. The molecular model has been used to derive two possible binding sites for the antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine, a potent competitive inhibitor of calmodulin activity.
Conventional and Alternative Disinfection Methods of Legionella in Water Distribution Systems – Review

Abstract Prevalence of Legionella in drinking water distribution systems is a widespread problem. Outbreaks of Legionella caused diseases occur despite various disinfectants are used in order to control Legionella. Conventional methods like thermal disinfection, silver/copper ionization, ultraviolet irradiation or chlorine-based disinfection have not been effective in the long term for control of biofilm bacteria. Therefore, research to develop more effective disinfection methods is still necessary.
The operating theatre as classroom: A qualitative study of learning and teaching surgical competencies

Background: There has been a worldwide movement toward competency-based medical education and training. However, this is the first qualitative study to analyze the perceptions of surgical trainees and surgeons toward competency-based education in the operating theatre. We aim to examine views toward the specific learning and teaching of the nine competencies of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and to explore perceived ideal conditions and challenges for learning and teaching these competencies in the operating theatre. Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews with surgical trainees and surgeons in the specialty of General Surgery. Ten surgical trainees and surgeons who worked together were purposively sampled, for maximum variation, from an outer metropolitan public hospital in Melbourne, Australia, to identify emergent themes relating to learning and teaching surgical competencies in the operating theatre. Results: Five themes were identified as: (1) Learning and teaching specific surgical competencies is through relationship based mentoring and experiential learning; (2) Ideal conditions and challenges in the operating theatre are availability of time and personal attitude; (3) Level of pre-operative briefing was variable; (4) Intra-operative teaching is perceived as structured; and, (5) Post-operative debriefing is recognized as ideal but not consistently performed. Discussion: Professional relationships are important to both surgical trainees and surgeons in the process of learning and teaching competencies. Ad hoc apprenticeship style learning is perceived to remain prominent in the operating theatre. Sufficient time for training is valued by both groups. The surgical competencies are inherently different to each other. Some appear more difficult to learn and teach in the operating theatre, with technical expertise most readily identified and health advocacy least so. Elements of guided discovery learning and other educational models are described. Further emphasis on structured competency-based teaching methods may be beneficial for surgical trainees, surgeons and other specialties, both in Australia and worldwide.
Ethics of practicing medical procedures on newly dead and nearly dead patients

OBJECTIVE: To examine the ethical issues raised by physicians performing, for skill development, medically nonindicated invasive medical procedures on newly dead and dying patients.DESIGN: Literature review; issue analysis employing current normative ethical obligations, and evaluation against moral rules and utilitarian assessments manifest in other common perimortem practices.RESULTS: Practicing medical procedures for training purposes is not uncommon among physicians in training. However, empiric information is limited or absent evaluating the effects of this practice on physician competence and ethics, assessing public attitudes toward practicing medical procedures and requirements for consent, and discerning the effects of a consent requirement on physicians’ clinical competence. Despite these informational gaps, there is an obligation to secure consent for training activities on newly and nearly dead patients based on contemporary norms for informed consent and family respect. Paradigms of consent-dependent societal benefits elsewhere in health care support our determination that the benefits from physicians practicing procedures does not justify setting aside the informed consent requirement.CONCLUSION: Current ethical norms do not support the practice of using newly and nearly dead patients for training in invasive medical procedures absent prior consent by the patient or contemporaneous surrogate consent. Performing an appropriately consented training procedure is ethically acceptable when done under competent supervision and with appropriate professional decorum. The ethics of training on the newly and nearly dead remains an insufficiently examined area of medical training.
Stimulating User Activity on Company Fan Pages in Online Social Networks

Due to the popularity and intensive usage of Online Social Networks, more and more companies try to get in touch with existing as well as potential customers and to market their brands and products within these networks. Especially Facebook provides an extensive user base and the opportunity to implement fan pages, which allow companies to leverage a broad range of technical features and media types to interact with users. However, the success of company fan pages varies and is by far not guaranteed. Therefore, it is necessary to measure whether a company’s efforts to stimulate user activity on fan pages are successful or not. Hence, we deduce and hypothesize factors influencing the number of active users on fan pages and take different technical features and media types companies can use into account. To test our hypotheses empirically, we draw on publicly and non-publicly available data of a global insurance company’s fan page within Facebook. The results suggest that based on the number of current fans companies can particularly stimulate user activity and engagement by using company wallposts with its different media types as well as by commenting on already existing wallposts. Finally, both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.