Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Doctrine of MEAN: Realizing Deduplication Storage at Unreliable Edge

Placing popular data at the network edge helps reduce the retrieval latency, but it also brings challenges to the limited edge storage space. Currently, using available yet not necessarily reliable edge resources is common sense for edge space expansion, while deploying deduplication storage strategies is a general method for better space utilization. However, a contradiction arises when jointly implementing data deduplication with unreliable edge resources. On the one hand, the deduplication policy stipulates that any data chunk can be stored exactly once; on the other hand, the use of unreliable resources imposes that data should be backed up for the seek of file availability. To resolve such contradiction, we propose MEAN, a deduplication-enabled storage system using unreliable resources at the network edge. The core idea of MEAN is to place similar files together for better deduplication and maintain replicas of popular files for higher reliability. We first formulate this problem and prove its NP-hardness, then provide efficient heuristics based on similarity-aware hierarchical clustering. Three different reliability scenarios are comprehensively considered to develop our algorithms. We also implement a prototype system and evaluate the performance of MEAN with a real-world dataset. The results show that MEAN can fortify the file hit ratio under unreliable environments by 77% while reducing the file retrieval delay up to 71%, compared with the state-of-the-art approach.
M1 and M2 polarization of macrophages: a mini-review

The tissue microenvironment regulates differentiation of precursor monocytes into macrophages. In response to the presence of microbial products, stimulated lymphocytes, or damaged cells in the microenvironment, macrophages differentiate into distinct functional populations. The M1 macrophages are characterized by the generation of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, antimicrobial properties, increased production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates, and induction of Th1 response. In contrast, M2 macrophages are characterized by their involvement in tissue remodeling, immune regulation, tumor promotion, and efficient phagocytosis. In this minireview, we discuss the stimulation, markers, cytokines, and signaling molecules involved in macrophage polarization.
Test–Retest Reliability, Agreement and Criterion Validity of Three Questionnaires for the Assessment of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Regular physical activity (PA) and limited sedentary time (SED) are highly recommended in international guidelines for patients after a myocardial infarction (MI). Data on PA and SED are often self-reported in clinical practice and, hence, reliable and valid questionnaires are crucial. This study aimed to assess the test–retest reliability, criterion validity and agreement of two PA and one SED questionnaire commonly used in clinical practice, developed by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (BHW) and the Swedish national quality register SWEDEHEART. Data from 57 patients (mean age 66 ± 9.2 years, 42 males) was included in this multi-centre study. The patients answered three questionnaires on PA and SED at seven-day intervals and wore an accelerometer for seven days. Test–retest reliability, criterion validity and agreement were assessed using Spearman’s rho and linearly weighted kappa. Test–retest reliability was moderate for three of the six-sub questions (k = 0.43–0.54) within the PA questionnaires. For criterion validity, the correlation was fair within three of the six sub-questions (r = 0.41–0.50) within the PA questionnaires. The SED questionnaire had low agreement (k = 0.12) and criterion validity (r = 0.30). The studied questionnaires for PA could be used in clinical practice as a screening tool and/or to evaluate the level of PA in patients with an MI. Future research is recommended to develop and/or evaluate SED questionnaires in patients with an MI.
Etude numérique de milieux granulaires à grains polyédriques : rhéologie quasi-statique, dynamique vibratoire et application au procédé de bourrage du ballast.

ce travail de these porte sur la modelisation numerique et l'analyse des mecanismes physiques en jeu lors du procede de bourrage du ballast ferroviaire. Celui-ci consiste a remettre a niveau la voie suite aux tassements differentiels induits par les circulations des trains. Nous avons developpe un modele en elements discrets par la methode de dynamique des contacts qui permet de simuler un cycle complet du procede compose de l'enfoncement des bras mecaniques, le serrage du ballast sous la traverse et le retrait des bras. Ces simulations prennent notamment en compte la forme polyedrique des grains, ce qui constitue un element important pour une simulation realiste de la dynamique du ballast. Une etude detaillee de la rheologie quasi-statique des materiaux granulaires a grains polyedriques a ete ainsi effectuee permettant de mettre en evidence l'origine de la resistance mecanique de ces materiaux liee a la forme facettee des grains. La dynamique vibratoire des grains a ete exploree en interaction avec un outil vibrant et sous l'effet des vibrations horizontales. Ces etudes ont permis de proposer une mise a l'echelle de la dynamique en fonction des parametres de chargement et de mettre en evidence une frequence caracteristique pour une compaction optimale du milieu granulaire. Ces analyses et des etudes parametriques ont permis de proposer des recommandations precises pour ameliorer les performances du procede de bourrage.
Deep Learning for Soybean Monitoring and Management

Artificial intelligence is more present than ever in virtually all sectors of society. This is in large part due to the development of increasingly powerful deep learning models capable of tackling classification problems that were previously untreatable. As a result, there has been a proliferation of scientific articles applying deep learning to a plethora of different problems. The interest in deep learning in agriculture has been continuously growing since the inception of this type of technique in the early 2010s. Soybeans, being one of the most important agricultural commodities, has frequently been the target of efforts in this regard. In this context, it can be challenging to keep track of a constantly evolving state of the art. This review characterizes the current state of the art of deep learning applied to soybean crops, detailing the main advancements achieved so far and, more importantly, providing an in-depth analysis of the main challenges and research gaps that still remain. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the leap from academic research to technologies that actually work under the difficult conditions found in the the field.
Regulatory Framework on Foreign Direct Investment as a Factor in Determining the Economic Growth in Malaysia Post-Covid-19 Pandemic

A country's economic growth rate is the percentage change in the value of all goods and services produced during a certain period compared to the previous period. Since the Covid-19 pandemic was announced and hurting all businesses, several companies have depended on foreign direct investment (FDI) investment. Hence, this study aims to pinpoint new trends that Malaysian legal investment decision makers should follow to prepare for FDI attractiveness post-Covid-19. This study applies empirical theoretical methods with a qualitative approach to the relationship between state governments and foreign direct investors. The results of the analysis show that many countries that offer FDI face economic deficits and are more willing to develop themselves than others. It was agreed that FDI had a positive impact on Malaysia's economic growth and this growth was faced with shortcuts due to the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, Malaysia has long-standing political problems which have impacted the country's FDI attractiveness. His contribution is to help these components adopt laws and regulations that are good for the future as the country has been dramatically impacted economically.
Insulin Resistance, β -Cell Dysfunction, and Conversion to Type 2 Diabetes in a Multiethnic Population: The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS)

1. Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 2. Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 3. Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and Human Medical Genetics Program, University Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, Colorado 4. Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California Region, Oakland, California
Principal portfolios performance

This thesis examines the cross-sectional dynamic performance of the US stock markets through Principal Components analysis (PCA). We examine the annual and semi-annual performance, from 1928 to 2015, of the portfolios obtained from the top five principal components from past returns. These capture seventy percent of the variation in assets returns. The first principal component has over ninety percent annual correlation with the market. The second, third, fourth and fifth principal components have persistent characteristics different from the market. A Sharpe Ratio of 0.79 and maximum drawdown of 0.27 could be obtained by investing in a combination of the principal portfolios, compared to a Sharpe ratio of 0.40 for the market and a maximum drawdown of 0.80. The four-factors (market, size, value and momentum) and betting against Beta regressions show a significantly positive alpha, whence portfolio performance cannot be explained by these factors. Importantly, the composite portfolios exposure to industry sectors that are most affected by downturns tends to decline before the downturns take place.
Gastroprotective Effect of Bidens pilosa L. Leaves against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Rats

Using an indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcer model in rats, we sought to identify the phytochemical components of Bidens pilosa (B. pilosa) leaves and examine their gastroprotective effects. There was a total of 56 male albino adult rats used, split into 7 groups (n=8 rats per group). Group (1) was control -ve normal (non-treated) and group (2) was +ve control given orally 30 mg/ kg indomethacin (IND). GROUP (3) B. pilosa extract I + IND and will receive B. pilosa extract (75 mg/kg b.wt /day) orally. Groups (4), (5) and (6) were administered IND plus 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg of B. pilosa extract, respectively. Group (7) was given 30 mg/ kg IND and received Ranitidine as a reference drug (50 mg/kg b.wt /day) orally for 2 2 consecutive weeks before IND administration. The experiment concluded with the sacrifice of the rats, the opening of their stomachs, and the collection of blood samples for biochemical examination. Gastric mucosal homogenates were examined for antioxidant enzyme activities. The results showed that dried powder of B. pilosa leaves contains carbohydrates, glycosides, sterols, triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids, while Anthraquinones were absent. B. pilosa extract increase body weight gain, increased levels of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) & Catalase (CAT) in gastric homogenate and decreased serum liver enzymes. B. pilosa extract alleviated gastric ulceration in rats. Therefore B. pilosa may be beneficial for patients suffering from gastric ulcer.
Effects of Cd in the root proteome of tomato plants

Heavy metals constitute a heterogeneous group of essential and non-essential elements. Non-essential heavy metals such as Cd behave as phytotoxic elements, even when present at low concentrations (Vazquez et al., 1992). Cd accumulation in soils may come from different sources, such as air pollutants and soil applications of commercial fertilizers. When present, Cd is easily taken up by plant roots and mobilized throughout the plant, where it can reach edible parts and become a potential hazard for human and animal health. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of Cd on the root proteomic profi le in tomato to further understand the physiological responses of plants to heavy metals.
High-Resolution and Wide-Swath SAR Imaging via Poisson Disk Sampling and Iterative Shrinkage Thresholding

Since the width of range swath of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is restricted by the pulse repetition frequency, there exists a tradeoff between the azimuth resolution and the range swath width. As a result, conventional SAR imaging methods based on the Nyquist sampling theorem can hardly achieve the high resolution and wide swath simultaneously. In this paper, we propose an algorithm of high-resolution and wide-swath SAR imaging based on the combination of Poisson disk sampling and iterative shrinkage thresholding. Poisson disk sampling adopted in the azimuth direction can ensure that the interval between any two adjacent pulses is longer than the Nyquist sampling interval, which provides the potential to widen SAR imaging swath in the range direction. The imaging formation is carried out by performing the inverse operator of the chirp scaling algorithm and the shrinkage thresholding in an iterative fashion. Compared with the existing SAR imaging methods, the proposed method can realize high-resolution and wide-swath SAR imaging simultaneously with affordable computational cost. Simulations and experiments on real SAR data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effects and Assessment of the Optic Pathway After Management with Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Tumors: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Intracranial tumors are treated through a minimally invasive procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), which uses precisely targeted radiation beams. When SRS is used to treat tumors in or near the optic pathway, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain, it is essential to assess the effects of treatment on visual function. The optic pathway is considered relatively radiation-sensitive, and high doses of radiation can lead to visual impairment or loss. Various methods can be used to assess the effects of SRS on the optic pathway, including visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and imaging studies. These assessments can be performed before and after treatment to track changes in visual function and detect potential complications or side effects. Assessing the optic pathway after management with SRS for intracranial tumors is essential to the treatment process to ensure that patients receive the best possible outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications. Close collaboration between the multidisciplinary team is often necessary to optimize treatment planning and monitoring of treatment response. In this review, we conducted an extensive analysis of the effects of radiation in patients with intracranial tumors after receiving radiotherapy.
Especificaciones alternativas de la estructura temporal de volatilidades

In this paper we examine the term structure of instantaneous volatilities of forward rates for the Spanish market covering the period 1999-2002. This analysis is undertaken within the LIBOR Market Model framework. A new model with easily understandable parameters is proposed to describe the behaviour of the instantaneous volatility of forward rates. Two other alternatives are calibrated using data from the cap market and used as benchmarks to test the accuracy of the new model.
Functional improvement of patients with Parkinson syndromes using a rehabilitation training software

Introduction Individuals with Parkinsonian disorders often face limited access to specialized physiotherapy and movement training due to staff shortages and increasing disease incidence, resulting in a rapid decline in mobility and feelings of despair. Addressing these challenges requires allocating adequate resources and implementing specialized training programs to ensure comprehensive care and support. Regarding these problems, a computer software was invented that might serve as an additional home-based extension to conventional physiotherapy. Methods The trial took place in a rehabilitation center where every patient received equivalent treatment apart from the training program that was set up to be investigated over 3 weeks. Seventy four Patients were included and randomized between two intervention and one control group. Intervention group 1 (IG1) trained with the computer-based system two times a week while Intervention group 2 (IG2) received five training sessions a week. Using the markerless Microsoft Kinect® camera, participants controlled a digital avatar with their own body movements. UPDRS-III and Clinical measurements were performed before and after the three-week period. Results Patients in all groups improved in UPDRS-III pre and post intervention whereas reduction rates were higher for IG1 (−10.89%) and IG2 (−14.04%) than for CG (−7.74%). Differences between the groups were not significant (value of ps CG/IG1 0.225, CG/IG2 0.347). Growth rates for the arm abduction angle were significantly higher in IG1 (11.6%) and IG2 (9.97%) than in CG (1.87%) (value of ps CG/IG1 0.006 and CG/IG2 0.018), as was the 5-steps-distance (CG 10.86% vs. IG1 24.5% vs. UG2 26.22%, value of ps CG/IG1 0.011 and CG/IG2 0.031). Discussion The study shows the beneficial effects of computer-based training and substantiates the assumption of a similar impact in a home-based setting. The utilized software is feasible for such interventions and meets with the patient’s approval. Group dynamics seem to have an additional supporting effect for the aspired objective of improving mobility and should be seen as an essential aspect of video games in therapy.
3-D Scene Reconstruction from Aerial Imagery

Abstract : 3-D scene reconstructions derived from Structure from Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) techniques were analyzed to determine the optimal reconnaissance flight characteristics suitable for target reconstruction. In support of this goal, a preliminary study of a simple 3-D geometric object facilitated the analysis of convergence angles and number of camera frames within a controlled environment. Reconstruction accuracy measurements revealed at least 3 camera frames and a 6 convergence angle were required to achieve results reminiscent of the original structure. The central investigative effort sought the applicability of certain airborne reconnaissance flight profiles to reconstructing ground targets. The data sets included images collected within a synthetic 3-D urban environment along circular, linear and s-curve aerial flight profiles equipped with agile and non-agile sensors. S-curve and dynamically controlled linear flight paths provided superior results, whereas with sufficient data conditioning and combination of orthogonal flight paths, all flight paths produced quality reconstructions under a wide variety of operational considerations.
The chemical profiling of Salvia plebeia during different growth periods and the biosynthesis of its main flavonoids ingredients

Salvia plebeia (Lamiaceae) is a valuable medicinal plant widely distributed across Asia and Oceania. However, the composition and accumulation patterns of its active ingredients in different organs during the growth and their biosynthetic mechanism remain unknown. Therefore, we conducted metabolite profiling, transcriptomic analysis, and biological functional verification to explore the distribution, accumulation, and biosynthesis mechanisms of flavonoids in S. plebeia. We identified 70 metabolites including 46 flavonoids, 16 phenolic acids, seven terpenoids, and one organic acid, of which 21 were previously unreported in S. plebeia. Combining metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis and biological functional verification, we identified the key genes involved in biosynthesis of its main active ingredients, hispidulin and homoplantaginin, including SpPAL, SpC4H, Sp4CL2, Sp4CL5, SpCHS1, SpCHI, SpFNS, SpF6H1, SpF6OMT1, SpF6OMT2, SpUGT1, SpUGT2, and SpUGT3. Using the identified genes, we reconstructed the hispidulin and homoplantaginin biosynthesis pathways in Escherichia coli, and obtained a yield of 5.33 and 3.86 mg/L for hispidulin and homoplantaginin, respectively. Our findings provide valuable insights into the changes in chemical components in different organs of S. plebeia during different growth and harvest stages and establishes a foundation for identifying and synthesizing its active components.
The behaviour of child pedestrians travelling to and from Darwin primary schools

This thesis addresses children's pedestrian behaviour, in particular road crossing behaviour. The Child Pedestrian Safety Model, developed using the epidemiological triad, that is agent, environmental and host factors, provided the framework for the research. Subjects were Darwin primary school children who in 1994 were or were not exposed to the road safety education program Out and About. The study involved observing child pedestrians over three observation sessions. A total of 3174 subjects were observed of whom 1827 crossed a road. Children's pedestrian behaviour was obtained unobtrusively utilising videotaping. In addition to frequencies, percentages, and Crosstabs, Pearson's Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Tests were undertaken to obtain significance levels for nominal data. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to measure the level of association between variables. Of the nine road crossing behavioural elements, subjects' level of compliance was 98-99% to three elements, 80-90% to another three and less than 55% to the remaining three. The elements to which a higher proportion of subjects attained a low compliance score were: subject stopped at kerbside prior to crossing the road, appeared to observe for approaching traffic prior to crossing the road, and appeared to monitor traffic whilst crossing road. At the first observation session, it was identified that being female, and crossing the road during the Wet season, in the morning and on Monday to Thursday were associated with high compliance to crossing behaviours. A higher proportion of unaccompanied children was associated with high compliance to monitoring behaviours. It was found that the Out and About road safety program as an agent factor variable had a statistically significant effect on experimental subjects' overall crossing behaviours compared to that of control subjects. The education program had no statistically significant effect on experimental subjects' host factor variables, that is, age group and gender. In the fonnat in which it was delivered, overall the Out and About program had virtually no demonstrable effect on children's road crossing behaviour. Furthennore, the findings suggest that Darwin primary school children do not understand the relevance of the specific elements associated with safe pedestrian road crossing behaviour. Nineteen recommendations emanate from the research findings.