Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Aortic Stenosis Beyond the Aortic Valve Area

ABSTRACT Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common and complex disease for which currently there is no intervention other than aortic valve replacement (AVR). In the current guidelines, AVR is indicated for patients with symptomatic severe AS or asymptomatic severe AS with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Therefore, proper assessment of symptomatic status and the severity of AS, as well as LV systolic and diastolic function, is crucial in patients with AS. With the efficacy and the safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) now well established, the management of AS, including the indications for AVR, might drastically change in the coming years and the definition of severe AS will continue to evolve beyond the aortic valve area and gradient. Our goal in this review is to discuss the identification of high-risk populations with AS beyond the current definitions of AS severity or symptomatic status.
Parity Declustering for Continuous Operation in Redundant Disk Arrays

We describe and evaluate a strategy for declustering the parity encoding in a redundant disk array. This declustered parity organization balances cost against data reliability and performance during failure recovery. It is targeted at highly-available parity-based arrays for use in continuousoperation systems. It improves on standard parity organizations by reducing the additional load on surviving disks during the reconstruction of a failed disk's contents. This yields higher user throughput during recovery, and/or shorter recovery time. We first address the generalized parity layout problem, basing our solution on balanced incomplete and complete block designs. A software implementation of declustering is then evaluated using a disk array simulator under a highly concurrent workload comprised of small user accesses. We show that declustered parity penalizes user response time while a disk is being repaired (before and during its recovery) less than comparable non-declustered (RAID5) organizations without any penalty to user response time in the fault-free state. We then show that previously proposed modifications to a simple, single-sweep reconstruction algorithm further decrease user response times during recovery, but, contrary to previous suggestions, the inclusion of these modifications may, for many configurations, also slow the reconstruction process. This result arises from the simple model of disk access performance used in previous work, which did not consider throughput variations due to positioning delays.
A Robust Optimal Coordinated Droop Control Method for Multiple VSCs in AC–DC Distribution Network

AC–DC hybrid distribution network is viewed as a featured system to efficiently connect to all kinds of power sources and loads. In order to improve the system robustness, adapting to random fluctuations of renewable energy sources, this paper proposed a robust optimal coordinated control method for multiple voltage source converters (VSCs) in AC–DC distribution network. A robust optimization model was established to co-optimize the slopes of active and reactive power droop control of VSCs with the aim to minimize the total network loss, while ensuring the system security. VSC capacity coupling and power flow constraints were both considered. Then, to enhance the computational tractability of the problem, based on the column-and-constraint generation algorithm, ${V^2} - P$ and ${V^2} - Q$ were implemented in the droop control schemes holding the linear feedback characteristic so that the non-convex max–min sub-problem can be transformed into a mixed integer second-order cone (SOC) programming problem. Furthermore, to increase the accuracy of SOC relaxation in the sub-problem, a current limit strategy was designed where the maximum possible network loss was pre-identified to restrain the feasible range of branch current. Numerical experiments suggest that the proposed coordinated control method can improve the system security with little extra economic cost, and the reliability of the results is enhanced by the proposed current limit strategy.
Factor Analysis to Examine the Effect and Expectation of Reading Simple Source Codes for Improving Programming Skill

The authors have developed a programming learning support system based on source code reading, and the primary target of the developed system is novice programming learners. The question of our system requires learners to answer a variable's value after the execution of a presented source code. This paper shows the details of the developed system, and the effect and the expectation of reading simple source codes are examined from the result of its real operation to a basic programming lecture. This paper obtained student responses from questionnaire, after the students had completed one semester of the instruction in programming, and analyzed the data with factor analysis. From the analysis result, it turned out that characteristic factors and these degrees were found.
Road Congestion Detection Based on Trajectory Stay-Place Clustering

The results of road congestion detection can be used for the rational planning of travel routes and as guidance for traffic management. The trajectory data of moving objects can record their positions at each moment and reflect their moving features. Utilizing trajectory mining technology to effectively identify road congestion locations is of great importance and has practical value in the fields of traffic and urban planning. This paper addresses the issue by proposing a novel approach to detect road congestion locations based on trajectory stay-place clustering. First, this approach estimates the speed status of each time-stamped location in each trajectory. Then, it extracts the stay places of the trajectory, each of which is denoted as a seven-tuple containing information such as starting and ending time, central coordinate, average direction difference, and so on. Third, the time-stamped locations included in stay places are partitioned into different stay-place equivalence classes according to the timestamps. Finally, stay places in each equivalence class are clustered to mine the congestion locations of multiple trajectories at a certain period of time. Visual representation and experimental results on real-life cab trajectory datasets show that the proposed approach is suitable for the detection of congestion locations at different timestamps.
Statistical modelisation and analisys of the price formation through the scales

The development of organized electronic markets induces a constant pressure on academic research in finance. A central issue is the market impact, i.e. the impact on the price of a transaction involving a large amount of shares over a short period of time. Monitoring and controlling the market impact is of great interest for practitioners; its modeling and has thus become a central point of quantitative finance research. Historically, stochastic calculus gradually imposed in finance, under the assumption that the price satisfies a diffusive dynamic. But this assumption is not appropriate at the level of ”price formation”, i.e. when looking at the fine scales of market participants, and new mathematical techniques are needed as the point processes. The price (last trade, mid-price) appears as events on a discrete network, the order book, at very short time scales (milliseconds). The Brownien motion becomes rather a macroscopic description of the complex price formation process. In the first chapter, we review the properties of electronic markets. We recall the limit of diffusive models and introduce the Hawkes processes. In particular, we make a review of the market impact research and present this thesis advanced. In the second part, we introduce a new model for market impact model at continuous time and living on a discrete space using process Hawkes. We show that this model that takes into account the market microstructure and it is able to reproduce recent empirical results as the concavity of the temporary impact. In the third chapter, we investigate the impact of large orders on the price formation process at intraday scale and at a larger scale (several days after the meta-order execution). Besides, we use our model to discuss stylized facts discovered in the database. In the fourth part, we focus on the non-parametric estimation for univariate Hawkes processes. Our method relies on the link between the auto-covariance function and the kernel process. In particular, we study the performance of the estimator in squared error loss over Sobolev spaces and over a certain class containing "very'' smooth functions
Actionable Social Media Competitive Analytics For Understanding Customer Experiences

ABSTRACT A large amount of user-generated content is now freely available on social media sites. To increase their competitive advantage, companies need to monitor and analyze not only the customer-generated content on their own social media sites, but also the content on their competitors’ social media sites. In this article, we describe a framework to integrate several techniques including quantitative analysis, text mining, and sentiment analysis for analyzing and comparing social media content from business competitors. Specifically, we conducted an in-depth case study which applies our developed framework to the analysis and comparison of social media content on the Facebook sites of the three largest drugstore chains in the United States: Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. We found similarities and differences in the social media use among the three drugstore chains. We discuss the implications of our findings and provide recommendations to help companies develop their social media competitive analysis strategies.
Implementation of the SHA-3 family using AVX512 instructions

AVX512 is the newest instruction set on the Skylake-X that extends the number of registers and provides simultaneous execution of operations over register vectors of 512 bits. This work presents how the AVX512 instruction set can be exploited to develop a fast software implementation of the Secure Hash Algorithm-3 (SHA-3) family. We achieved a speedup of around 30% when compared with x64 and AVX2 implementations. We also present a parallel implementation of two eXtendable-Output Functions (XOFs), called SHAKE128 and SHAKE256, using AVX512 that are about 5.22× faster than a single message implementation. The SHAKE functions can be used to speedup hash-based digital signatures.
User-oriented Cloud SLA Assurance Framework

Cloud computing technology presents new challenges in terms of service provisions and consumptions. One of the key issues in this area is to guarantee an agreed level of cloud services to service users. One way to cope with this challenge is to ensure the commitment of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in which the level of services is formally defined. Although in the literature a number of studies have been carried out on SLA assurance, the majority of them aims to improve the ability of SLA adherence of service providers and focus on minimizing the losses of both parties in a service transaction. However, having such a service-provider-oriented SLA assurance framework is not effective to service users as it is focused mainly on ensuring the benefits of service providers. In this paper, a comprehensive framework will be developed from the service users viewpoint to analyse the ability of SLA commitments of both service providers and service users and ensure the profits of service users by two key steps: (1) design a methodology of transactional risk assessment to assist in selecting qualified services; and (2) devise a SLA monitoring mechanism to monitor SLA enforcement and predict possible SLA violations over the lifetime of a service instance. In particular, the proposed approach will take into account resource performance and network status in the SLA monitoring mechanism as they both have significant effects on successful delivery of services to service users.
Use of New Oral Anticoagulants in Preventing Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects millions of Americans and puts them at increased risk for ischemic stroke. It is important for providers to recognize AF and know when it is appropriate to treat patients with anticoagulation. There are several options available for anticoagulation. Warfarin is the most widely used anticoagulant. Other alternatives to warfarin are new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) which are increasingly prescribed in recent years. It is vital providers know the differences between warfarin and NOACs, and what is the most appropriate anticoagulant to use for their patient with AF. The purpose of this paper is to review the clinical presentation of AF and compare the use of warfarin versus NOACs for the prevention of ischemic stroke.
Developing a decision model to describe levels of self-directedness based upon the key assumptions of andragogy

Developing a Decision Model to Describe Levels of Self-Directedness Based Upon the Key Assumptions of Andragogy. (August 2005) Lance Jonathan Richards, B.S., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. James R. Lindner Dr. Kim E. Dooley As workplace demands change, a need has developed for alternatives to traditional education. With advancements in electronic telecommunication technologies, distance education has become a viable alternative to traditional classrooms for working professionals. Efficiency and cost effectiveness are driving many programs to place oncampus students and distance students in the same courses at the same time. This phenomenon has resulted in the placement of students with vastly different backgrounds, levels of expertise, and levels of motivation in the same classrooms. Often a professor will teach to one learning style, leaving some students in the dust, never to get on track. Without face-to-face contact with an instructor, this can leave distance education students feeling isolated and alone. There is a continuing need for the development of alternative instruments to assess self-directed learning (Brockett & Himestra, 1991). We must develop a means of determining an individual’s readiness for self-directed learning, as well as a device for measuring the efficiency of programs designed to foster the attitudes and skills which are involved in increased self-directedness in learning (Guglielmino, 1977). Self-directed learning readiness is important to a learner’s success in distance education programs. In
A rare case presentation of monteggia variant fracture treated by Boyd’s approach: A case report and review of literature

Complex elbow fractures are among the most difficult to treat due to the multiple articulations requiring reduction and the density of neurovascular structures limiting exposure. Frequently multiple approaches are required to access all bones involved without sacrificing important surrounding structures. Some of the most complex injuries include fractures of the olecranon, radial head, and coronoid arising from fracture/disruptions of the elbow. In these instances, the ulno-humeral, radio-capitellar, and proximal radioulnar joints are all disrupted and require visualization for appropriate treatment. Boyd first described a single-incision approach that allowed access to all these joints safely in 1940. This is a very versatile approach for treating elbow trauma that otherwise would require multiple incisions. With appropriate technique, the surrounding neurovasculature can also be preserved. The Boyd’s approach, however, fell out of favor given reports of synostosis. In this case report we are presenting a case of Proximal One Third Ulna Shaft fracture with radial neck fracture treated with 3.5 Dynamic Compression Plate in bridge mode for ulna and Radial Head Plate 2mm by Boyd’s approach and having functional range of motion without any active complaints in a one year follow up.
Channel-wise barcodes for color display applications

Abstract. We present a channel-wise (CW) framework for data embedding in display images using barcodes. Data are embedded in one or more channels of the color image encoded as a monochrome barcode pattern and extracted from the corresponding channels by the decoder. We highlight two advantageous schemes, realized in the proposed framework: red, green, blue CW barcodes (RGB-CWBs), and blue channel image-barcodes (BC-IBs). Compared with a conventional monochrome black and white barcode BW-B with the same spatial footprint, RGB-CWBs utilize the three channels of color image more effectively and enable a three-fold increase in data rate, whereas BC-IBs significantly reduce the embedding distortion by exploiting the reduced sensitivity of the visual system to spatial detail in blue colors. For RGB-CWBs, we develop an effective framework for the cancellation of cross-channel interference between the display and capture channels using a model for the display and capture processes and for the ambient illumination. Model parameters required for interference cancellation (IC) are learned on-the-fly using either expectation-maximization or through suitable design of the synchronization patterns as “pilot-blocks. ” Extensive experiments over multiple display and capture devices validate the advantages of the framework: RGB-CWBs (with IC) and the BC-IBs offer bit error rates comparable to their monochrome counterparts while providing either a three-fold increase in data rate or a significant reduction in distortion, respectively.
Applying the DReAMT model transformation approach in two studies

Decision Reusing Approach for Model Transformations (DReAMT) is a lightweight approach for developing interactive model transformations. The approach consists of an iterative model transformation development process and the use of decision modeling. There is also a proof-of-concept tool set to support the approach. In this technical report we describe two studies where the DReAMT approach and tool were used. In the first study we developed a model transformation to be used as a component in a process modeling tool. In the second study we began to develop a model transformation to support the creation of model checking rules for a flexible modeling tool. The first study was carried out with Solita Oy and the second with Trinity research team from Tampere University of Technology. Evaluation of the studies shows that (i) the DReAMT approach can be used to develop model transformations; (ii) interactive model transformations are flexible; (iii) decision modeling makes automatic decision reuse possible; and (iv) the DReAMT tool can be used by people other than its author.
Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks - Simulation and measurement in an interfering environment

Recently the research community is considering with a growing interest the adoption of IWSNs in application contexts such as real-time (industrial) communications and distributed measurement systems. These types of applications typically impose very tight equirements to the underlying communication systems and, moreover, they might have to cope with the intrinsic unreliability of wireless networks. It is hence needed an accurate characterization of these networks' behavior, from a metrological point of view. Suitable measurement systems have to be realized, and experiments performed aimed at evaluating some of the most appropriate performance indicators. Unfortunately, despite the appealing opportunities provided by IWSNs, their adoption is just at its beginning. It is clear that a comprehensive experimental analysis of their behavior would improve theoretical analysis, simulations and design of the network, since the consequent increased accuracy of models could reduce the source of difference between real and expected behaviors. With the work presented in this thesis the author would provide some original contribution in the field of measurements on real-time wireless networks adopted for industrial communications and distributed measurement systems. In this context, one of the most relevant aspect to be considered is represented, as described in the literature, by interference that possibly arises from "intentional" communications taking place in external systems. In order to address such an issue, some simulation techniques have been considered. As a result, they lead to the development of a network simulator software tool that enabled a cross-layer analysis of interference. This activity stimulated an in-depth study of the IEEE 802.15. 4 and IEEE 802.11 communication protocols. Particularly, medium access techniques have been analyzed in the perspective of IWSN applications. On this basis new and effective methods for increasing the network reliability have been proposed, along with fair packet retransmission scheduling methods. Moreover, new rate adaptation algorithms for wireless networks specifically designed for real-time communication purposes, exploiting the high robustness of low transmission rates have been proposed. Finally, since the reliability of a network strongly depends on the real behavior of the employed devices, an experimental approach for the measurement of the devices characteristics is presented, with the aim of providing suitable models and methods for designers.
"Free faith response" and the role of metaphor in a religious education curriculum for catholic primary schools in New Zealand

The "ultimate aim" of the recently introduced Religious Education Curriculum for Catholic Primary Schools of New Zealand is "to assist children to develop a relationship with God . always recognising that this depends on each child's free faith response" (Curriculum Statement 1996, p.l2). This study examines the use of metaphor in the Religious Education Curriculum, with respect to a metaphors role in enabling children to demonstrate "free faith response". There are four stages to the study. Firstly, metaphor theories are reviewed in order to gain an understanding of what a metaphor is and how it works. Semantic theories provide differing descriptions of metaphor whereby the metaphoric meaning of a statement is reached by an 'interaction' between the subjects of a metaphor. Max Black's theory is representative of a semantic approach. Semantic theories cannot adequately account for fresh and creative metaphor. A pragmatic approach, as posed by the analytic philosopher Donald Davidson, suggests that theories should consider what a metaphor does, not what it means. Davidson submits that metaphors have special effects not special meanings, however he cannot within the parameters of his approach provide a thorough description of these effects. The debate between the pragmatist and the semanticist is a case of the two parties talking past each other. An integration of both approaches is needed; initially Searle's theory fulfils these requirements. A continuum that represents the degree of effect a metaphor can have is established. The second part of this study establishes a framework that highlights the effects different metaphors have, building on the views of Richard Rorty to highlight the different stages in language evolution. Four generic types of metaphor are discussed: "fresh"(e.g. the Church is a broken pencil), "comparative"(e.g. A priest is a servant of God), and "didactic" metaphor (e.g.
Cloud Computing: Concepts, Architecture and Applied Research

Since cloud computing could be understood only by specialists, it is necessary to write a clear but not complex description regarding knowledge to promote common people understanding this technology. This paper refined three essential characteristics of cloud computing, analyzed both software and hardware, and studied one case of the service provider. Enhancement of the server group in cloud side and multiple network accesses in client side accelerate the popularity of cloud computing technology. Being connected with various personal electric devices, cloud computing services become an essence in modern life.