Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Warp: Multi-Key Transactions for Key-Value Stores

Implementing ACID transactions has been a long-standing challenge for NoSQL systems. Because these systems are based on a sharded architecture, transactions necessarily require coordination across multiple servers. Past work in this space has relied either on heavyweight protocols such as Paxos or clock synchronization for this coordination. This paper presents a novel protocol for coordinating distributed transactions with ACID semantics on top of a sharded data store. Called linear transactions, this protocol achieves scalability by distributing the coordination task to only those servers that hold relevant data for each transaction. It achieves high performance by serializing only those transactions whose concurrent execution could potentially yield a violation of ACID semantics. Finally, it naturally integrates chain-replication and can thus tolerate faults of both clients and servers. We have fully implemented linear transactions in a commercially available data store. Experiments show that the throughput of this system achieves 1-9 × more through-put than MongoDB, Cassandra and HyperDex on the Ya-hoo! Cloud Serving Benchmark, even though none of the latter systems provide transactional guarantees.
A Gamified Framework for Process

: Business Process Modeling is a skill that is becoming sought after for computer engineers, with Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) being one example of the tools used in modeling activities. Students of the Master of Computer Engineering course at Politecnico di Torino learn about BPMN in dedicated courses but often underperform on BPMN-related exercises due to difﬁculties understanding how to model processes. In recent years, there has been a surge of studies that employ gamiﬁcation (using game elements in non-recreative contexts to obtain beneﬁts) as a tool in Computer Engineering education to increase students’ engagement with the learning process. This study aims to use the principles of gamiﬁcation to design a supplementary learning tool for the teaching of information systems technology. In particular, to improve student understanding and use of BPMN diagrams. This study also analyzes the usability and motivation of the participants in using different game elements in increasing student motivation and performance. As part of the study, a prototype web application was developed, which implemented three different designs, each incorporating different game elements relating to either progress, competition, or rewards. An evaluation was then conducted on the prototype to evaluate the performance of the practitioners in performing BPMN modeling tasks with the gamiﬁed tool, the usability of the proposed mechanics and the enjoyment of the individual game mechanics that were implemented. With the usage of the gamiﬁed tool, the users of the experimental sample were able to complete BPMN modeling tasks with performances compatible with estimates made through expert judgement (i.e., gamiﬁcation had no negative effect on performance), and were motivated to check the correctness of their models many times during the task execution. The system was evaluated as highly usable (85.8 System Usability Score); the most enjoyed game elements were rewards, levels
Relationship between serum albumin and pulse wave velocity in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Background: Hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality in dialysis patients, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Meanwhile, increased pulse wave velocity (PWV), the marker of arterial stiffness, has been proved to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. The relationship between serum albumin and PWV in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients (CAPD) was studied. Methods: Sixty-two CAPD patients were studied. The average age was 63 ± 12 years and dialysis duration was 23 ± 22 months. Serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and carotid-femoral PWV were measured. Results: Among these patients, 43.5% were men. The mean serum albumin concentration was 37 ± 4 g/L and PWV was 11.9 ± 2.3 m/s. PWV positively correlated with age (r = 0.35, P < 0.01), diabetes (yes = 1, no = 0; r = 0.292, P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (SBP; r = 0.493, P < 0.001) and CRP (r = 0.295, P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with serum albumin (r = –0.357, P < 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, SBP (β = 0.615, P < 0.001), age (β = 0.414, P < 0.01), albumin (β = –0.315, P < 0.05) and total cholesterol (β = 0.275, P < 0.05) were independent determinants of PWV. In a non-inflamed subgroup (CRP < 3 mg/L, n = 30), albumin still negatively correlated with PWV (r = −0.66, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Serum albumin inversely correlated with increased PWV in CAPD patients, suggesting that increased arterial stiffness might be the link between hypoalbuminemia and increased cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients.
Aggressive aerosol mitigation policies reduce chances of keeping global warming to below 2C

Aerosol increases over the 20th century delayed the rate at which Earth warmed as a result of increases in greenhouse gases (GHGs). Aggressive aerosol mitigation policies arrested aerosol radiative forcing from ˜1980 to ˜2010. Recent evidence supports decreases in forcing magnitude since then. Using the approximate partial radiative perturbation (APRP) method, future shortwave aerosol eﬀective radiative forcing changes are isolated from other shortwave changes in an 18-member ensemble of ScenarioMIP projections from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). APRP-derived near-term (2020-2050) aerosol forcing trends are correlated with published model emulation values but are 30-50% weaker. Diﬀerences are likely explained by location shifts of aerosol-impacting emissions and their resultant inﬂuences on susceptible clouds. Despite weaker changes, implementation of aggressive aerosol cleanup policies will have a major impact on global warming rates over 2020-2050. APRP-derived aerosol radiative forcings are used together with a forcing and impulse response model to estimate global temperature trends. Strong mitigation of GHGs, as in SSP1-2.6, likely prevents
The effect of vitreomacular and cataract surgery on oxygen saturation in retinal vessels

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of vitreomacular and cataract surgery on retinal oximetry in vitreomacular disease. Patients and methods: Thirty-eight eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and 15 with idiopathic macular hole (MH) underwent 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. Retinal oximetry was performed using the Oxymap T1 before, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery. Oxymap T1 simultaneously captures monochrome images of the fundus at two different wavelengths of light. Built-in Oxymap Analyzer software measures the oxygen saturation and vessel diameter. Results: Mean arterial oxygen saturation significantly increased from 96.8% ± 6.2% to 100.2% ± 5.8% at 1 month and to 99.6% ± 5.8% at 6 months after surgery ( P , 0.01). Mean venous oxygen saturation also significantly increased from 54.6% ± 7.5% to 61.2% ± 6.4% at 1 month and to 62.6% ± 5.9% at 6 months after surgery ( P , 0.01). Mean arteriovenous (A-V) difference decreased from 42.2% ± 6.6% to 39.0% ± 7.8% at 1 month and to 37.0% ± 6.9% at 6 months after surgery ( P , 0.01). The ERM and MH groups showed similar changes in retinal oxygen saturation. However, there were no significant changes in the caliber of major retinal vessels after surgery (from 125.2 ± 15.2 μ m to 124.0 ± 15.4 μ m in artery, from 168.7 ± 14.6 μ m to 169.8 ± 14.6 μ m in vein). Conclusion: Oxymap T1 was able to measure the increase in oxygen saturation in retinal arteries and veins, which led to a decrease in the A-V difference in oxygen saturation after vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery. We found Optometry; science; Pharmacology and drug therapy in eye diseases; Basic Sciences; Primary and Secondary eye care; Patient and Quality of Care
The effect of vitreomacular and cataract surgery on oxygen saturation in retinal vessels

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of vitreomacular and cataract surgery on retinal oximetry in vitreomacular disease. Patients and methods: Thirty-eight eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and 15 with idiopathic macular hole (MH) underwent 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. Retinal oximetry was performed using the Oxymap T1 before, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery. Oxymap T1 simultaneously captures monochrome images of the fundus at two different wavelengths of light. Built-in Oxymap Analyzer software measures the oxygen saturation and vessel diameter. Results: Mean arterial oxygen saturation significantly increased from 96.8% ± 6.2% to 100.2% ± 5.8% at 1 month and to 99.6% ± 5.8% at 6 months after surgery ( P , 0.01). Mean venous oxygen saturation also significantly increased from 54.6% ± 7.5% to 61.2% ± 6.4% at 1 month and to 62.6% ± 5.9% at 6 months after surgery ( P , 0.01). Mean arteriovenous (A-V) difference decreased from 42.2% ± 6.6% to 39.0% ± 7.8% at 1 month and to 37.0% ± 6.9% at 6 months after surgery ( P , 0.01). The ERM and MH groups showed similar changes in retinal oxygen saturation. However, there were no significant changes in the caliber of major retinal vessels after surgery (from 125.2 ± 15.2 μ m to 124.0 ± 15.4 μ m in artery, from 168.7 ± 14.6 μ m to 169.8 ± 14.6 μ m in vein). Conclusion: Oxymap T1 was able to measure the increase in oxygen saturation in retinal arteries and veins, which led to a decrease in the A-V difference in oxygen saturation after vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery. took eye determine measure the We found The is a tool for Optometry; science; Pharmacology and drug therapy in eye diseases; Basic Sciences; Primary and Secondary eye care; Patient and Quality of Care
The Tanaidacea challenge to invasion science: taxonomic ambiguities and small size result in another potential overlooked introduction to the Iberian coast and nearby areas

A major challenge in invasion science is detecting overlooked introductions, their pathways of introduction and spread. One of the most successful introduced taxa in aquatic ecosystems are peracarid crustaceans. There are a growing number of reports of accidental introductions of peracarids worldwide, mostly related to human transport hubs (e.g., ports and marinas). Tanaidaceans are especially abundant in these communities. Most frequently given examples of natural and anthropogenic passive dispersers belong to the family Tanaididae. However, their wide distribution requires confirmation. Most records come from 70–80’ of last century, when identification of the species relied only on morphological characters. The small size and large intraspecific variation of tanaidids generate a high taxonomic uncertainty, as in the case of Zeuxo turkensis . Population of this species was previously known from Turkish, Japanese, and Australian coasts. In the two last places this tanaidid was identified as Hexapleomera sasuke , despite there were some premises that it should be synonymized with Z. turkensis . Here we investigate specimens that resembled both Hexapleomera sasuke and Zeuxo turkensis collected in marinas around the Iberian and Moroccan coasts. Integrating morphological and molecular methods (barcoding) we confirmed: (1) the first record and presence of well-structured populations of Z. turkensis in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, representing the first record of the species for Atlantic waters; (2) the conspecificity between H. sasuke and Z. turkensis , which should be synonymized; and (3) the wide distribution of Z. turkensis associated with human transport hubs (i.e. marinas) in the study area, showing its potential for introduction and spread. Integrated approaches and greater taxonomic support are key to advancing knowledge on the origin and invasion patterns of this and other small and poorly known human-mediated widespread species.
Building Mobile Edge Infrastructure in an Uncertain Environment

With the prevalence of mobile devices, more and more mobile applications are offloading computation-intensive jobs to remote cloud data centers. Although such operations could substantially enhance the capability of mobile devices, a long communication delay is inevitable. To mitigate the problem, mobile edge computing (MEC) has emerged, empowering cloud networks by pushing resources to the network edge to be near end-users. There are two edge providers: edge infrastructure providers (EIPs) and edge service providers (ESPs). Most work on MEC so far has fallen into the arena of ESPs, who are thinking about how to aggregate resources from multiple EIPs to offer value-added services to end-users. In this paper, however, we discuss the problems faced by EIPs, because only when EIPs install sufficient edge resources in the right places will the ESPs be able to provide better services to the end-users. More specifically, we ask: where should we install edge resources and how many should we install, based on user movement and demand? To answer the first question, we use the clustering and elbow methods, and for the second question, we formulate an optimization problem to minimize the expected cost of over-installation and under-installation. To test the feasibility of our approaches, we implement the solutions using a real trace dataset of taxi cabs in San Francisco as an example. We hope our methods can guide the EIPs to build a good edge infrastructure so that the ESPs can further improve user experience on a solid physical foundation.
Sensitivity of WRF simulations of Hurricane Ivan to horizontal resolution

GENTRY, MEGAN SUZANNE. Sensitivity of WRF Simulations of Hurricane Ivan to Horizontal Resolution. (Under the direction of Gary Lackmann.) As ner resolutions become possible in numerical modeling, it has become increasingly common to turn o the cumulus parameterization scheme in favor of explicit simulation of convection. To the author's knowledge, the grid spacing at which it is appropriate to do so in a tropical cyclone (TC) case has not been systematically investigated. Therefore, this study examines the sensitivity of explicit model simulations of Hurricane Ivan (2004) to changes in horizontal grid spacing, when grid spacing between 12 and 2 km is used. As grid spacing decreases, the minimum central pressure of Ivan deepens, droping by approximately 20 hPa as grid spacing decreases from 4 to 2 km. However, the 8-, 6-, and 4-km simulations have intensity di erences of only around 10 hPa between them. The structure shown by model-simulated radar, as well as model-simulated satellite infra-red (IR) temperatures, shows that the eyewall of the coarser resolution simulations (12to 6-km) is highly asymmetrical and elliptically-shaped, with two large maxima (minima) in re ectivity (cloud top temperature) rotating about the TC center. The 4and 2km runs have more circular eyewalls, with more numerous and larger maxima (minima) in re ectivity (cloud top temperature) embedded within the eyewall, as well as better developed spiral bands. Temporal and spatial averaging, done at a given radius over azimuth, show the systemaveraged quanitites in cross-section and reveal di erences in the structure of the TC core and eyewall. The ner resolution simulations have larger updrafts and more subsidence within the eye. However, the warming of the eye, relative to the other runs, is con ned to the upper levels of the troposphere. The eyewall of the TC in the ner resolution runs slopes radially outward less with height, as the horizontal temperature gradient changes little with height, compared with the coarser simulations. This lack of warming in the
Hiding a Light Source With Photonic Dimers of Paired Nanorods

Photonic nanorod heterodimers, comprising different materials, are numerically optimized to suppress the radiation from a sandwiched visible-light source. The employed media are taken from a long list that includes most common dielectrics, semiconductors, and metals; accordingly, the obtained shielding performances constitute limits for the considered simple setup when working at the regarded wavelength bands. Therefore, the reported optimal dimers, operated at various colors of the visible spectrum, provide the design process with additional degrees of freedom; they can be critical in satisfying additional constraints when fabricating photonic devices, such as optical switches, sensors, and nanolasers.
Magnetotelluric studies in geothermal areas of Greece and Kenya

The magnetotelluric (NT) technique in the frequency range 10*210-4 Hz was applied to determine the electrical structure of the geothermal fields of Nibs, Greece and Olkaria, Kenya. Data from 67 stations (37 on Nibs and 30 in Olkaria) were processed using standard tensorial techniques and the data were found to be nearly one dimensional (l-D) for the frequency range 10+2 _10-. 1 Hz. Several 1-D modelling techniques were applied to the processed data sets. Among the various techniques, the Parker-Whaler D inversion was studied in detail. It was found that the latter is not only a necessary and sufficient condition for a 1-D solution but its delta functions have a physical meaning and correspond to real electrical boundaries. Subsequent two dimensional (2-D) finite difference modelling revealed some deeper electrical features. On Nibs the uppermost 600-800 m of the crust have very low resistivities (0.3-4 Ohm.m). This was explained by the presence of alteration clay minerals. The deeper structure was more resistive 010 Ohm.m) mainly because of the non-volcanic origin of the rock formations present. The derived 1-D and 2-D electrical models are in agreement with the existing geothermal model (Fytikas et al., 1989). In the uppermost 3 km below Olkaria a 3 Ohm.m conductor correlates with a graben infill of pyroclastic origin and is associated with the Olkaria West potential field. The 50 Ohm.m structure below central Olkaria correlates with a zone of cold water in flow. This feature seems to extend below Longonot in the East and to depths of 8 km. The 10 Ohm.m resistivity at depths > 8-10 km was interpreted as due to the thinning of the crust and the partial melting in the upper mantle beneath the rift floor. N\HNN AE1E eEI\ flAhAt A'WHO. H MM AXA1Ot Af\IE EH KEN flopf\p. L '1IMo'1. \V1xA NJAI flPDIM'EN S.s1 K1To'. tE Et\S1? A TE'/)(E 1K'1NEIf4 ONO&i TE. 1ATA At° A LTEAEETo Pio'/iH ciOY 4 TA flPQTA £J? \HTHN E.Pl. At'TE , 1FEIAH&TE ANA=— AJAP51N KM AIO A'>J J\t\E'1
Studies on the community biomass and its allocations of five forest types in Dinghushan Nature Reserve

The community biomass and its allocations in each of the DBH class in tree layer of five forest types,including Pinus massoniana forest(PM),Pine and broad-leaved mixed forest(PBM),Subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest(SSEB),Ravine evergreen broad-leaved forest(REB) and Montane evergreen broad-leaved forest(MTEB),were studied in Dinghushan Nature Reserve(DNR). Based on biomass regression model,community biomass was estimated by measuring all trees with DBH≥1cm.The results showed that standing biomass density in REB,MTEB,SSEB,PBM and PM in the latest investigations were 472.9 t.hm-2,165.1 t.hm-2,290.4 t.hm-2,164.1t.hm-2and 22.5 t.hm-2,respectively.The allocation of community biomass in each DBH class in the different forest investigation presented three distribution trends,which were the decreasing distribution,the inverse bell distribution and increasing distribution.The characteristics of biomass allocation in each DBH class in DNR were similar to those in other regions.
Removal of potentially toxic elements in domestic wastewater treatment stations by wetlands

Lack of sewage treatment is amongst the main sanitation problems of Brazil, mainly in low income rural communities. Seeking alternative and low cost technologies to treat such effluents is mandatory. This study aimed to verify the efficacy of a sewage treatment system by root zone stations (constructed wetlands) to remove potentially toxic elements (Cu and Zn) in two wastewater treatment stations (WWTS) (school and single family residence) of small communities in the city of Irati (PR). Three campaigns were carried out between May and September 2011, with two samples each (inlet and outlet), all in replicate, and quantified through atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization (AAS-flame). The presence of NH3 in the effluent favored the reduction of pH values, which remained within the neutrality and alkalinity range (from 8.0 to 9.1 for the school effluent and from 6.9 to 7.8 for the single family residence). For this pH range, it was possible to obtain Cu (25% to 75%) and Zn (0 to 100%) precipitation. In general, the constructed wetlands systems were efficient to remove Cu and Zn (between 25% to 75% regarding Cu; and between 67% to 100% regarding Zn), revealing advantages of its use in small communities.
Exploring Social Realities and Identity Struggles through Content Analysis of Dialogues in La Désintégration by Philippe Faucon

This paper delves into the intricate social realities and identity struggles depicted in the film La Désintégration by Philippe Faucon through a meticulous content analysis of dialogues. This study aims to unveil the underlying sociopolitical themes embedded within the characters' dialogues by employing content analysis as the primary methodology. La Désintégration offers a poignant exploration of issues such as cultural and religious identity, socioeconomic marginalisation, and the process of radicalisation. Through a detailed analysis of selected dialogue excerpts, this paper sheds light on the characters' nuanced interactions and internal conflicts. By engaging with the dialogues as narrative devices, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how banlieue cinema captures and reflects broader societal concerns. The findings extend the existing discourse on banlieue cinema and highlight the significance of dialogue in conveying the intricate web of social complexities in contemporary societies.
Evaluating the Potential of Plukenetia volubilis Linneo (Sacha Inchi) in Alleviating Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Mini Review

Plukenetia volubilis Linneo or Sacha Inchi (SI), a traditional natural remedy indigenous to Peru and Brazil, has garnered global attention due to its exceptional nutritional composition. Its protective effects against various non-communicable diseases, notably cardiovascular disease (CVD), have become a subject of interest in recent research. This comprehensive review summarizes the existing evidence from 15 relevant articles concerning the impact of SI on common CVD risk factors, including dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The relevant articles were derived from comprehensive searches on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using predefined criteria and keywords related to the topic. Overall, SI demonstrated positive effects in attenuating dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The multifaceted mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of SI against these CVD risk factors are primarily attributed to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. While preclinical studies dominate the current scientific literature on SI, there are limited clinical trials to corroborate these findings. Therefore, future well-designed, large-scale randomized clinical trials are highly recommended to establish the efficacy of SI and determine its optimal dosage, potential drug and food interactions, and practical integration into preventive strategies and dietary interventions for the high-risk populations.