Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-theme generative adversarial terrain amplification

Achieving highly detailed terrain models spanning vast areas is crucial to modern computer graphics. The pipeline for obtaining such terrains is via amplification of a low-resolution terrain to refine the details given a desired theme, which is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Recently, data-driven methods, such as the sparse construction tree, have provided a promising direction to equip the artist with better control over the theme. These methods learn to amplify terrain details by using an exemplar of high-resolution detailed terrains to transfer the theme. In this paper, we propose Generative Adversarial Terrain Amplification (GATA) that achieves better local/global coherence compared to the existing data-driven methods while providing even more ways to control the theme. GATA is comprised of two key ingredients. Thefi rst one is a novel embedding of themes into vectors of real numbers to achieve a single tool for multi-theme amplification. The theme component can leverage existing LIDAR data to generate similar terrain features. It can also generate newfi ctional themes by tuning the embedding vector or even encoding a new example terrain into an embedding. The second one is an adversarially trained model that, conditioned on an embedding and a low-resolution terrain, generates a high-resolution terrain adhering to the desired theme. The proposed integral approach reduces the need for unnecessary manual adjustments, can speed up the development, and brings the model quality to a new level. Our implementation of the proposed method has proved successful in large-scale terrain authoring for an open-world game.
ON THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF OUTSOURCING CONTRACTS

Information technology (IT) outsourcing is an important business consideration and one that is growing. However, there is a lack of understanding about how to construct good IT outsourcing contracts. This work attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice by elucidating a rigorous mid range theory of IT outsourcing, operationalizing that theory and comparing that operationalization to text from actual IT outsourcing contracts. Doing such makes this the first empirical analysis of incomplete contract theory and the first textual analysis of outsourcing contracts in the information systems literature.
Robotic Volumetric PIV measurements of a full-scale swimmer’s hand

The flow field around a full-scale swimmer’s hand model with varying thumb positions is investigated by robotic volumetric PIV. The experiment is conducted in the Open Jet Facility wind tunnel at TU Delft at 15m/s. Quantitative flow field information is constructed with 3D-PTV in a 120 liter volume, encompassing the full hand and arm. The effect of spatial resolution on the time-averaged flow field is investigated. A large-scale recirculating wake behind the hand is accurately identified at a linear bin size of 20mm whereas the accelerated flow between individual fingers can only be resolved at bin sizes below 10mm where 5mm results in a statistically unconverged velocity field. The influence of the thumb is limited to one side of the hand where its presence results in a larger stagnated region in front and larger wake behind the hand, depending on the thumb position. Closing the thumb strengthens the recirculation but results in a smaller velocity deficit downstream, suggesting a smaller propulsive force generation which is considered disadvantageous in competitive swimming.
Low ghrelin level is associated with poor control and bad prognosis parameters in obese diabetic patients

High ghrelin level is associated with increased appetite. Type 2 diabetes mellitus also has an association with increased appetite. However, many researchers have found low ghrelin levels in diabetic patients. To look into this controversy, the present study aimed to assess the ghrelin hormone levels in obese diabetic patients and correlate its level with different parameters including lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance (IR) parameters calculated from Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S), and HOMA beta cells function (HOMA2-%B). It was a cross sectional study in which sixty obese type 2 diabetic patients and 30 control subjects participated. Biochemical parameters were measured spectrophotometrically except ghrelin and insulin levels which were measured by using ELISA technique. HbA1c concentration was measured by ion-exchange chromatography. Insulin resistance parameters were calculated using HOMA 2 calculator software. Mean ghrelin levels were low in obese diabetic patients and non-IR patients had moderately higher ghrelin levels than IR patients. Ghrelin levels were negatively correlated with BMI, cholesterol, HbA1c, atherogenic ratios, and HOMA 2 - % S. Ghrelin levels were positively correlated with HDL-C and HOMA 2 IR. Regression analysis produced the equation which correlated the ghrelin level with the parameters of obesity, the risk of atherosclerosis, and insulin resistance parameters. It can be concluded that low ghrelin level is associated with poor diabetes control and bad prognosis parameters in obese diabetic patients.
The effect of Amirkabiria odoratissima M extract on gastric acid and pepsin secretion level in rat

چکیده: زمینه و هدف: گیاه کرفس کوهی از دسته گیاهانی است که به طور وسیعی در استانهای جنوب غرب ایران استفاده می شود. شمار زیادی از مردم بر این باورند که این گیاه برای ناراحتی های گوارشی مفید است. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی این گیاه استفاده می شود رو به افزایش است لذا این مطالعه با هدف بررسی اثر عصاره این گیاه بر میزان ترشح اسید و پپسین معده در موش صحرایی انجام شد. روش بررسی: این مطالعه بصورت تجربی بر روی سه گروه 8 تایی موش صحرایی صورت گرفت ]گروه کنترل، کرفس کوهی با دوز mg/kg 2/16 (گروه اول) و mg/kg 100 (گروه دوم). حیوانات پس از بیهوشی توسط تزریق داخل صفاقی mg/kg 50 تیوپنتال سدیم، تراکئوستومی، لاپاراتومی و گاسترودئودنوستومی شدند. عصاره گیاه کرفس کوهی با دوزهای mg/kg 2/16 و mg/kg 100 از طریق مجرای گاسترودئودنوستوم به درون معده حیوانات گروه های کرفس وارد شد. ترشحات معده به روش Wash Out شامل پایه اول و پایه دوم بدست آمد و اسید آن به روش تیتریمتری و پپسین به روش آنسون اندازه گیری شد. داده ها با استفاده از آزمونهای آماری t مستقل، t وابسته وANOVA مورد تجزیه و تحلیل آماری قرار گرفت. یافته ها: عصاره متانولی گیاه کرفس کوهی سبب کاهش معنی داری در میزان ترشح اسید معده در پایه اول و دوم در موشهای هر دو گروه کرفس کوهی نسبت به گروه کنترل گردید (01/0p
Secure Zero-Day Detection: Wiping Off the VEP Trade-Off

Governments and other bodies stockpile a significant number of zero-day vulnerabilities for offense. But at the same time, they could also have the incentive to help private and commercial organizations patch these vulnerabilities, yet doing so will leak the zero-days, thus removing their offensive capability. This is an offense-defense trade-off. On the other hand, the private organizations might want to share traffic data with the government for zero-day exploit detection, but may be simultaneously worried about abusive surveillance. In other words, these organizations face a security-privacy trade-off. These dilemmas and their trade-off nature give rise to a new problem of mutually suspicious parties working together. In this paper, we propose an architecture called SeZeDe (Secure Zero-day Detection) which aims at wiping off the above trade-offs with two key underlying technical ideas, one which assures detection and privacy, and one which assures (delayed) accountability against abuse. Specifically, SeZeDe first integrates secure pattern matching with signature-based intrusion detection to protect the data confidentiality of both sides while still supporting main detection functionalities. Second, SeZeDe applies the idea of time-lock encryption to deter turning the detection service into a surveillance mechanism. Our prototype evaluation shows promising detection performance and applicability.
Getting Rid of Data

We are experiencing an amazing data-centered revolution. Incredible amounts of data are collected, integrated, and analyzed, leading to key breakthroughs in science and society. This well of knowledge, however, is at a great risk if we do not dispense with some of the data flood. First, the amount of generated data grows exponentially and already at 2020 is expected to be more than twice the available storage. Second, even disregarding storage constraints, uncontrolled data retention risks privacy and security, as recognized, e.g., by the recent EU Data Protection reform. Data disposal policies must be developed to benefit and protect organizations and individuals. Retaining the knowledge hidden in the data while respecting storage, processing, and regulatory constraints is a great challenge. The difficulty stems from the distinct, intricate requirements entailed by each type of constraint, the scale and velocity of data, and the constantly evolving needs. While multiple data sketching, summarization, and deletion techniques were developed to address specific aspects of the problem, we are still very far from a comprehensive solution. Every organization has to battle the same tough challenges with ad hoc solutions that are application-specific and rarely sharable. In this article, we will discuss the logical, algorithmic, and methodological foundations required for the systematic disposal of large-scale data, for constraints enforcement and for the development of applications over the retained information. In particular, we will overview relevant related work, highlighting new research challenges and potential reuse of existing techniques.
The Prevalence of the Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease in Asthmatics

Background: Asthma and Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) often coexist. The prevalence of GERD is estimated to be around 30-80% among asthmatics. GERD may worsen during an episode of airway obstruction and could also serve as a trigger for such an attack. The proposed mechanisms of GERD induced asthma include a vagally mediated reflex, micro aspiration and altered immune activity. As only limited information is available regarding its prevalence in asthmatics in developing countries such as India, this study was undertaken. Aim of the Study: To estimate the prevalence of GERD in adult asthmatics Settings and Design: This cross sectional study was conducted among asthmatics who were recruited from a tertiary centre in Chennai. Methods and Material: This study was conducted among 86 asthmatics which included both males and females in the age group of 20-65 years. Known asthmatics who were diagnosed to be asthmatics at least a year ago, were included in the study. Smokers, subjects with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, gastro intestinal malignancies and pregnant women were excluded from the study. A structured questionnaire was administered and GERD was determined if they had the typical clinical symptoms such as postprandial chest pain, heart burn, nausea and sour regurgitation. Statistical Analysis Used: The data was analyzed by using the SPSS software. The prevalence rate was expressed in terms of percentage. Results: The overall prevalence of GERD in asthmatics was 51.1%. The prevalence of GERD was higher in female asthmatics as compared to that in men. (56% vs 46%) The prevalence of GERD was higher in younger individuals as compared to that in the elderly. Conclusion: This study has quantified the prevalence of GERD in individuals with asthma, and it has contributed to our understanding about the association between these two diseases. This study can be used to estimate the burden of GERD among asthmatics. Whether it is asthma that precedes GERD or whether it is GERD that precedes asthma has to be explored. This study stresses the need for patients with asthma to be evaluated for gastroesophageal reflux and to be treated with aggressive antireflux therapy to reduce the morbidity.
Identification of some risk factors in hipertensive elderly

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in all people over 65 years of age (4 865 patients), belonging to the health area of "Armando Garcia Aspuru" Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, from January to November 2012, in order to identify the frequency of some risk factors that influence the occurrence of hypertension in these elderly, such as smoking habit, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, obesity (according to the body mass index) and family history of hypertension. Female sex predominated in the study population, and smoking habit and alcohol consumption prevailed and were more frequent in men. However, sedentary lifestyle and obesity were present mainly in the old women, and family history of hypertension showed a similar frequency, without differences in gender.
Comparative Anatomical Studies on Humerus of Commercial Broiler and Desi Chicken

In the proximal extremity interiorly head of hummers of broiler is more thick as compared to desi bird. The large and deep air sac on medial surface is present in commercial broiler but small and shallow observed in desi birds. The crest of humerus is sharp on lateral surface in desi birds but blunt in commercial broiler. Very prominent deep fossa on lateral surface is present in desi but shallow in broiler.Smooth deltoid tuberoses is prominent on medial surface in broiler but absent in desibirds. A large condyleis deep in broiler but shallow in desi birds. On the posterior surface a large trochlea in broiler but small in desi birds. The biometrical studies of humerus of broiler and desi chicken includes, the means length, width and circumference. The mean length, width and circumference of the proximal extremity of humerus showed no difference . The length and width of distal extremity of humerus. The circumference of distal extremity of humerus of broiler and desibird was significant (P<0.05). Circumference of shaft of humerus of birds was not significantly different. However the width of shaft of humerus of birds shown significant difference (P<0.05), and the length of shaft of humerus of birds were highly significant (P<0.01).
QuadMixer

We propose QuadMixer, a novel interactive technique to compose quad mesh components preserving the majority of the original layouts. Quad Layout is a crucial property for many applications since it conveys important information that would otherwise be destroyed by techniques that aim only at preserving shape. Our technique keeps untouched all the quads in the patches which are not involved in the blending. We first perform robust boolean operations on the corresponding triangle meshes. Then we use this result to identify and build new surface patches for small regions neighboring the intersection curves. These blending patches are carefully quadrangulated respecting boundary constraints and stitched back to the untouched parts of the original models. The resulting mesh preserves the designed edge flow that, by construction, is captured and incorporated to the new quads as much as possible. We present our technique in an interactive tool to show its usability and robustness.
Simulation of Cobalt Based Fiber Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor

In these days, a large number of theoretical and experimental research investigations have been carried out to improve the performance of the surface plasmon resonance based fiber optic sensor. Now a days, some new types of fiber optic sensors such as micro and nano structured fiber sensors are attracting a number of researchers due to outstanding progress in the fields of surface plasmon resonance and photonic crystal fiber technology. In continuation to this, a surface plasmon resonance basedfiber optic sensor with nanolayer of Cobalt metal coated on the core of the optical fiber utilizing Kretschmann’s configuration is proposed and theoretically analyzed. The sensor’s performance is taken into consideration, measuring the change in sensitivity according to the change in design parameters such as operating wavelength, sensing medium. The sensitivity of the sensor has been found to increase with increase in cobalt layer thickness.
Extrusion-based ceramics printing with strictly-continuous deposition

We propose a method for integrated tool path planning and support structure generation tailored to the specific constraints of extrusion-based ceramics printing. Existing path generation methods for thermoplastic materials rely on transfer moves to navigate between different print paths in a given layer. However, when printing with clay, these transfer moves can lead to severe artifacts and failure. Our method eliminates transfer moves altogether by generating deposition paths that are continuous within and across layers. Our algorithm is implemented as a sequential top-down pass through the layer stack. In each layer, we detect points that require support, connect support points and model paths, and optimize the shape of the resulting continuous path with respect to length, smoothness, and distance to the model. For each of these subproblems, we propose dedicated solutions that take into account the fabrication constraints imposed by printable clay. We evaluate our method on a set of examples with multiple disconnected components and challenging support requirements. Comparisons to existing path generation methods designed for thermoplastic materials show that our method substantially improves print quality and often makes the difference between success and failure.
BikeGPS

The past few years have witnessed a rapid growth of stationless bike sharing services. The service allows the bikes to be dropped off freely and to be found through GPS localization. In practice, the bikes are often parked in close proximity to buildings, where GPS accuracy suffers, making bike search a challenging task. This article proposes a novel approach to addressing this problem. Inspired by multi-antenna systems, our method tries to collect GPS signals from multiple distributed bikes, by organizing a group of bikes into a network, called a BikeGPS network. Formed by pedestrian users who opportunistically measure inter-bike distance via radio sensing and step tracking, the generated network permits one to map all the nodes’ satellite range measurements into a single lead node’s view. By considering both signal and geometry properties of satellite raw measurements, and using an asynchronous coarse time navigation algorithm, the lead node can accurately derive the locations of all the network nodes. Experiments in real-world scenarios show that BikeGPS significantly improves the localization performance, in terms of both accuracy and solution availability, compared with the naive GPS approach and a high-level cooperative localization method.
Unacceptable Behavior: Robust PDF Malware Detection Using Abstract Interpretation

The popularity of the PDF format and the rich JavaScript environment that PDF viewers offer make PDF documents an attractive attack vector for malware developers. PDF documents present a serious threat to the security of organizations because most users are unsuspecting of them and thus likely to open documents from untrusted sources. State-of-the-art approaches use machine learning to learn features that characterize PDF malware, which makes them subject to adversarial attacks that mimic the structure of benign documents. In this paper, we instead propose to detect malicious code inside a PDF by statically reasoning about its possible behavior using abstract interpretation. A comparison with state-of-the-art PDF malware detection tools shows that our conservative abstract interpretation approach achieves similar accuracy, is more resilient to evasion attacks, and provides interpretable reports.
CIA_A_211328 1379..1386

Jeannette A Goudzwaard Eleonora Disegna Marjo JAG de RondeTillmans Mattie J Lenzen Peter PT de Jaegere Francesco US MattaceRaso 1Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; 2Department of Interventional Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Background: Both aortic valve stenosis and aortic stiffness are moderators of arterio ventricular coupling and independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies on the effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on aortic functional properties are limited. We performed a study to investigate the possible short-term changes in aortic stiffness and other aortic functional properties after TAVI in older patients. Methods: TAVI Care&Cure is an observational ongoing study including consecutive patients undergoing a TAVI procedure. Central and peripheral hemodynamic measurements were measured non invasively 1 day before (T-1) and 1 day after (T+1) TAVI using a validated oscillometric method using a brachial cuff (Mobil-O-Graph). Results: 40 patients were included. Mean aortic valve area at baseline was 0.76±0.24 cm. Indices of severity of aortic valve stenosis improved significantly. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) dropped by 8.5%, from 130.3±22.9 mmHg to 119.5±15.8 mmHg (p=0.005). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) dropped by 13.1% from 74.8±14.5 mmHg to 65.0±11.3 mmHg (p<0.001). The arterial pulse wave velocity (aPWV) decreased from 12.05±1.99 m/s to 11.6±1.56 m/s (p=0.006). Patients with high aPWV at baseline showed a significantly larger reduction in SBP in comparison to patients with low aPWV: – 20.3 mmHg (−14.1%) vs – 3.1 mmHg (−2.6%), respectively (p=0.033). The same trend was found for the DBP: −16.2 (−20.4%) vs −4.5 mmHg (−6.3%) for high vs low aPWV at baseline (p=0.037). Conclusion: We found short-term changes in blood pressure and aortic stiffness after TAVI. The amplitude of the changes was the largest in patients with elevated aortic stiffness at baseline.
Latent cognizance: what machine really learns

Despite overwhelming achievements in recognition accuracy, extending an open-set capability---ability to identify when the question is out of scope---remains greatly challenging in a scalable machine learning inference. A recent research has discovered Latent Cognizance (LC)---an insight on a recognition mechanism based on a new probabilistic interpretation, Bayesian theorem, and an analysis of an internal structure of a commonly-used recognition inference structure. The new interpretation emphasizes a latent assumption of an overlooked probabilistic condition on a learned inference model. Viability of LC has been shown on a task of sign language recognition, but its potential and implication can reach far beyond a specific domain and can move object recognition toward a scalable open-set recognition. However, LC new probabilistic interpretation has not been directly investigated. This article investigates the new interpretation under a traceable context. Our findings support the rationale on which LC is based and reveal a hidden mechanism underlying the learning classification inference. The ramification of these findings could lead to a simple yet effective solution to an open-set recognition.