Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolving Neural Controllers Using a Dual Network Representation

In this paper a new approach to the evolution of neural networks is presented. A linear chromosome combined with a grid-based representation of the network and a new crossover operator allow the evolution of the architecture and the weights simultaneously. In our approach there is no need for a separate weight optimization procedure and networks with more than one type of activation function can be evolved. This paper describes the representation, the crossover operator, and reports on results of the application of the method to evolve a neural controller for the polebalancing problem.
HMM state clustering across allophone class boundaries

We present a novel approach to hidden Markov model (HMM) state clustering based on the use of broad phone classes and an allophone class entropy measure. Most state-of-the-art largevocabulary speech recognizers are based on context-dependent (CD) phone HMMs that use Gaussian mixture models for the state-conditioned observation densities. A common approach for robust HMM parameter estimation is to cluster HMM states where each state cluster shares a set of parameters such as the components of a Gaussian mixture model. In all the current state clustering algorithms, the HMM states are clustered only within their respective allophone classes. While this makes some intuitive sense, it prevents the clustering of states across allophone class boundaries, even when the states are acoustically similar. Our algorithm allows clustering across allophone class boundaries by defining broad phone groups within which two states from different allophone classes can be clustered together. An allophone class entropy measure is used to control the clustering of states belonging to different allophone classes. Experimental results on three test sets are presented.
Breast cancer risk factors

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed neoplastic disease in women around menopause often leading to a significant reduction of these women's ability to function normally in everyday life. The increased breast cancer incidence observed in epidemiological studies in a group of women actively participating in social and professional life implicates the necessity of conducting multidirectional studies in order to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of this type of neoplasm. Taking the possibility of influencing the neoplastic transformation process in individuals as a criterion, all the risk factors initiating the process can be divided into two groups. The first group would include inherent factors such as age, sex, race, genetic makeup promoting familial occurrence of the neoplastic disease or the occurrence of benign proliferative lesions of the mammary gland. They all constitute independent parameters and do not undergo simple modification in the course of an individual's life. The second group would include extrinsic factors conditioned by lifestyle, diet or long-term medical intervention such as using oral hormonal contraceptives or hormonal replacement therapy and their influence on the neoplastic process may be modified to a certain degree. Identification of modifiable factors may contribute to development of prevention strategies decreasing breast cancer incidence.
Signal Extraction Revision Variances as a Goodness-of-Fit Measure

Typically, model misspecification is addressed by statistics relying on model-residuals, i.e., on one-step ahead forecasting errors. In practice, however, users are often also interested in problems involving multi-step ahead forecasting performances, which are not explicitly addressed by traditional diagnostics. In this article, we consider the topic of misspecification from the perspective of signal extraction. More precisely, we emphasize the connection between models and real-time (concurrent) filter performances by analyzing revision errors instead of one-step ahead forecasting errors. In applications, real-time filters are important for computing trends, for performing seasonal adjustment or for inferring turning-points towards the current boundary of time series. Since revision errors of real-time filters generally rely on particular linear combinations of one- and multi-step ahead forecasts, we here address a generalization of traditional diagnostics. Formally, a hypothesis testing paradigm for the empirical revision measure is developed through theoretical calculations of the asymptotic distribution under the null hypothesis, and the method is assessed through real data studies as well as simulations. In particular, we analyze the effect of model misspecification with respect to unit roots, which are likely to determine multi-step ahead forecasting performances. We also show that this framework can be extended to general forecasting problems by defining suitable artificial signals.
Electromagnetic Actuator Control: A Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) Approach

This paper deals with system identification and control of a nonlinear electromagnetic actuator, which can be used in many practical applications: electromagnetic valve actuators of combustion engines, artificial heart actuators, magnetic levitation, electromagnetic brakes, etc. The considered practical control problem requires accurate control of the moving armature between two extreme positions. The main objective is to assure small contact velocity, which is known as "soft landing" of the moving armature, and, in this way, low-noise low-component-wear operation. First, due to open-loop instability, system-identification experiments are performed around different equilibrium positions under closed-loop control, and a linear parameter-varying (LPV) model and a bound of plant uncertainty are derived. Next, an LPV controller is designed in a robust control framework (robust gain-scheduled controller). Since the system evolves along quasi-equilibrium positions, quadratic and biquadratic analyses are performed using linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the experimental results show that the controller design problem can be handled successfully, considering an LPV approach. This paper reflects a pragmatic viewpoint: The control structure is simple and easy to implement, and offers good performance and robustness; therefore, it is suitable for industrial applications
A Nonlocal Mean Curvature Flow and Its Semi-implicit Time-Discrete Approximation

We study in this paper the geometric evolution of a set $E$, with a velocity given by a “curvature” of $\partial E$ which is nonlocal and singular at the origin, in the sense that it behaves like a power of the classical curvature. This curvature is the first variation of an energy which is proportional to the volume of the set of points at a given distance to $\partial E$, and which was proposed in a recent work of Barchiesi et al. [Multiscale Model. Simul. , 8 (2010), pp. 1715--1741] as a variant of the standard perimeter penalization for the denoising of nonsmooth curves. To deal with the degeneracies of our problem, we first give an abstract existence and uniqueness result for viscosity solutions of nonlocal degenerate Hamiltonians, satisfying a suitable continuity assumption with respect to Kuratowski convergence of the level sets. This abstract setting applies to an approximated variant of our flow. Then, by the method of minimizing movements, we also build a weak solution of our curvature flow. We i.
Quartic 3-fold: Pfaffians, instantons and half-canonical curves

A generic quartic 3-fold X admits a 7-dimensional family of representations as the Pfaffian of an 8 by 8 skew-symmetric matrix of linear forms. This provides a 7-dimensional moduli space M of rank 2 vector bundles on X. A precise geometric description of a 14-dimensional family of half-canonical curves C of genus 15 in X such that the above vector bundles are obtained by Serre's construction from C is given. It is proved that the Abel-Jacobi map of this family factors through M, and the resulting map from M to the intermediate Jacobian is quasi-finite. In particular, every component of M has non-negative Kodaira dimension. Some other constructions of rank 2 vector bundles with small Chern classes are discussed; it is proved that the smallest possible charge of an instanton on X is 4.
Polyethylenimine Is a Strong Inhibitor of Human Papillomavirus and Cytomegalovirus Infection

ABSTRACT Polyethylenimines are cationic polymers with potential as delivery vectors in gene therapy and with proven antimicrobial activity. However, the antiviral activity of polyethylenimines has not been addressed in detail thus far. We have studied the inhibitory effects of a linear 25-kDa polyethylenimine on infections with human papillomaviruses and human cytomegaloviruses. Preincubation of cells with polyethylenimine blocked primary attachment of both viruses to cells, resulting in a significant reduction of infection. In addition, the dissemination of human cytomegalovirus in culture cells was efficiently reduced by recurrent administration of polyethylenimine. Polyethylenimine concentrations required for inhibition of human papillomavirus and cytomegalovirus did not cause any cytotoxic effects. Polyethylenimines and their derivatives may thus be attractive molecules for the development of antiviral microbicides.
Developing the microfoundations of dynamic capability for innovation: a human resource management perspective

This empirical study investigates the internal dynamics of organisational innovation and offers a developmental approach to building the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities for innovation (Teece, 2007; Abell et al., 2008). The study combines theory from the domains of dynamic capabilities and human resource management. The dynamic capabilities framework is located within a macro-level tradition and has not yet developed sufficient understanding of the micro-level organisational strategies which build innovation capabilities (Helfat and Peteraf, 2009; Barreto, 2010). The study, based on a large national survey of employees, represents a unique empirical opportunity to address this research gap. The findings from the investigation demonstrate that organisational innovation strategies are positively associated with innovation outcomes mediated by innovation climate. Outcomes investigated include product and service innovation and proximal employee outcomes such as job satisfaction and commitment (Wright and Gardner, 2003). A notable exception is wellbeing outcomes where the findings suggest a thin balance between challenge and stress so that innovation strategies cannot be seen as resulting in universal win-wins for all concerned (Geary and Trif, 2011; Ehrnrooth and Bjorkman, 2012). The research findings enhance theory development, research and practice. Firstly, the study expands dynamic capabilities theory by outlining a developmental approach to building dynamic capabilities and elucidating microfoundations. It suggests a synthesising model for developing dynamic capabilities from microfoundations to macro level strategic higher order capabilities. Secondly, the investigation contributes to resolving the innovation black box problem (Becker and Gerhart, 1996; Guest, 2001, 2011; Takeuchi et. al., 2007) by demonstrating that innovation climate is an important mediator in the relationship between organisational innovation strategies and innovation outcomes. Thirdly, by analysing the responses of employees, which is rare in the literature (Macky and Boxall, 2007; Felin and Foss, 2005, 2009; Guest, 2011), the findings contribute to an empirical understanding of why and how particular strategies are linked to innovation outcomes and thereby illuminate the critical role of employees in the dynamic capabilities framework.
Structure of Smad1 MH1/DNA complex reveals distinctive rearrangements of BMP and TGF-β effectors

Smad1 is a downstream effector of the BMP signaling pathway that binds regulatory DNA to execute gene expression programs leading to, for example, the maintenance of pluripotency in mice. On the contrary, the TGF-β-activated Smad3 triggers strikingly different programs such as mesodermal differentiation in early development. Because Smad1 and Smad3 contain identical amino acids at the DNA contact interface it is unclear how they elicit distinctive bioactivities. Here, we report the crystal structure of the MH1 domain of Smad1 bound to a palindromic Smad binding element. Surprisingly, the DNA contact interface of Smad1 is drastically rearranged when compared to Smad3. The N-terminal helix 1 of Smad1 is dislodged from its intramolecular binding site and adopts a domain swapped arrangement with a symmetry-related molecule. As a consequence, helix 2 kinks away from the double helix disabling several key phosphate backbone interactions. Thermal melting analysis corroborates a decompacted conformation of Smad1 and DNA binding assays indicate a lower overall affinity of Smad1 to DNA but increased cooperativity when binding to palindromic DNA motifs. These findings suggest that Smad1 and Smad3 evolved differential qualities to assemble on composite DNA elements and to engage in co-factor interactions by remodeling their N-termini.
Detection and Identification of the Atypical Bovine Pestiviruses in Commercial Foetal Bovine Serum Batches

The recently emerging atypical bovine pestiviruses have been detected in commercial foetal bovine serum (FBS) of mainly South American origin so far. It is unclear how widely the viruses are presented in commercial FBS of different geographic origins. To further investigate the possible pestivirus contamination of commercially available FBS batches, 33 batches of FBS were obtained from ten suppliers and analysed in this study for the presence of both the recognised and the atypical bovine pestiviruses. All 33 batches of FBS were positive by real-time RT-PCR assays for at least one species of bovine pestiviruses. According to the certificate of analysis that the suppliers claimed for each batch of FBS, BVDV-1 was detected in all 11 countries and BVDV-2 was detected exclusively in the America Continent. The atypical pestiviruses were detected in 13 batches claimed to originate from five countries. Analysis of partial 5′UTR sequences showed a high similarity among these atypical bovine pestiviruses. This study has demonstrated, for the first time that commercial FBS batches of different geographic origins are contaminated not only with the recognised species BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, but also with the emerging atypical bovine pestiviruses.
The role of teacher efficacy over English language teaching

The main purpose of this study is to examine teacher efficacy levels of English language teachers who work in secondary schools. Also, teachers’ self -reported English proficiency level and use of pedagogical strategies were investigated. Based on a quantitative study, the data were collected through three different questionnaires from 28 English language teachers. Results showed that teacher efficacy has an impact on teaching English. The data indicated that teachers’ beliefs in their ability were correlated with their self-reported English proficiency. It was found that most of the teachers use communicatively oriented instructional strategies in the classroom. This study provides necessary and useful information to understand teachers’ needs to develop their efficacy.
Switching on to digital literacy? : a case study of English language teachers at a Vietnamese university

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES . ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . x TRANSCRIPT CONVENTIONS . xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION. 1 Research Background . 1 Rationale and Significance . 5 Research Aims and Questions . 7 Thesis Structure . 8 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 10 Key Concepts . 10 Benefits of Technology-Enhanced Language Learning . 16 English Language Teachers’ Use of Technology . 19 English Language Teachers’ Digital Literacy . 23 English Language Teachers’ Digital Literacy Professional Development . 25 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY . 29 Epistemology and Methodology. 29 Sampling. 31 Data Collection Methods . 33 Data Analysis Methods . 38 Ethical Considerations . 42 CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DATA ANALYSIS . 46 Demographic Information . 46 Findings from Interviews . 47 Findings from Observations . 84 Findings from Document Retrieval and Other Observations . 92 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION . 96 Discussion of Main Findings . 96 Implications of Main Findings . 103 Recommendations for Practice. 107 Limitations and Suggestions for Further Research . 115 Conclusion . 117 REFERENCES. 119 Appendix A: Information sheet for the organisational senior leader . 128 Appendix B: Organisational consent letter . 129 viii Appendix C: Information sheet for interviewed leaders and teachers . 130 Appendix D: Consent form for interviewed leaders and teachers. 131 Appendix E: Information sheet for observed teachers and students . 132 Appendix F: Consent form for observed teachers and students . 133 Appendix G: Interview schedule for teachers . 134 Appendix H: Interview schedule for leaders . 136 Appendix I: Scheme for classroom observation . 138 Appendix J: Teacher digital literacy by TESOL technology standards . 139 Appendix K: Five Levels of Professional Development Evaluation . 145 Appendix L: Eight-step Evaluation Model . 147 Appendix M: Evaluation Planning Matrix . 148
Enhancing performance of the space/spatial-frequency optimal filter based on the pipelining technique application

Possibility of the pipelining technique application in a highly nonstationary two-dimensional (2D) frequency-modulated (FM) signals estimation is considered in this paper. The considered design technique allows the implemented filter to overlape in execution unconditional steps performing in neighboring space/spatial-frequency (S/SF) instants and, consequently, to significantly improve execution time of the 2D nonstationary Wiener filter based on the 2D cross-terms-free Wigner distribution (2D CTFWD) real-time implementation and on the 2D CTFWD-related local frequency (LF) estimation in a noisy environment. In this way, the improvement in execution time corresponding to the one clock cycle (CLK) by a S/SF point is achieved, which means that the improvement by a S/SF point can reach 50% in most S/SF points. The design and its improvement in execution time are tested on the monocomponent and multicomponent highly nonstationary noisy signals.
"Ask before you search": peer support and community building with reachout

This paper presents ReachOut, a chat-based tool for peer support, collaboration, and community building. We describe the philosophy behind the tool and explain how posting questions in the open directly benefits the creation, distribution, and use of organizational knowledge, in addition to enhancing the cohesion of the community involved. ReachOut proposes new methods of handling problems that include locating, selecting, and approaching the right set of potential advisers. We discuss the advantages of public discussions over private, one-on-one sessions, and how this is enhanced by our unique combination of synchronous and asynchronous communication. We present and analyze results from a pilot of ReachOut and conclude with plans for future research and development.
Determinants of Daily Food Calorie Intake among Rural and Low-Income Urban Households in Nigeria

Attempt was made in this study to empirically identify the socio-economic and household characteristics that have major impact on the level of food calorie intakes of rural and low-income urban households in Nigeria. Primary data used for the study were derived from a cross-sectional survey of 90 households (made up of 384 household members) in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State in Nigeria. The LGAs were Orhionmwon (representing the Rural Area) and Ikpoba-okha (representing the Low-Income Urban Area). A 48-hour recall method was used in obtaining information on the type and quantity of food each household member consumed the previous day and a day after per meal and per day. The calorie content in each food item consumed was determined and used in estimating the proportion in the total food intake of the household members. To identify the variables that had significant influence on household members daily per capita calorie intake, the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression analysis was carried out. The result of the analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between daily per capita calorie intake and household size, age, education level, sex and salary income earners. On the other hand a negative significant relationship was observed between daily per capita calorie intake and dependency ratio and non-engagement in farming. The study recommends that government should launch a major programme to educate the inhabitants on how to improve their daily diets while also encouraging them to take on occupations or businesses that guarantee a steady and reliable monthly income all year round. It also recommends the participation of urban households in farming.
Multimodal fMRI Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Granulin Mutations: The Case of Fronto-Parietal Dementia

Background Monogenic dementias represent a great opportunity to trace disease progression from preclinical to symptomatic stages. Frontotemporal Dementia related to Granulin (GRN) mutations presents a specific framework of brain damage, involving fronto-temporal regions and long inter-hemispheric white matter bundles. Multimodal resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) is a promising tool to carefully describe disease signature from the earliest disease phase. Objective To define local connectivity alterations in GRN related pathology moving from the presymptomatic (asymptomatic GRN mutation carriers) to the clinical phase of the disease (GRN- related Frontotemporal Dementia). Methods Thirty-one GRN Thr272fs mutation carriers (14 patients with Frontotemporal Dementia and 17 asymptomatic carriers) and 38 healthy controls were recruited. Local connectivity measures (Regional Homogeneity (ReHo), Fractional Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuation (fALFF) and Degree Centrality (DC)) were computed, considering age and gender as nuisance variables as well as the influence of voxel-level gray matter atrophy. Results Asymptomatic GRN carriers had selective reduced ReHo in the left parietal region and increased ReHo in frontal regions compared to healthy controls. Considering Frontotemporal Dementia patients, all measures (ReHo, fALFF and DC) were reduced in inferior parietal, frontal lobes and posterior cingulate cortex. Considering GRN mutation carriers, an inverse correlation with age in the posterior cingulate cortex, inferior parietal lobule and orbitofrontal cortex was found. Conclusions GRN pathology is characterized by functional brain network alterations even decades before the clinical onset; they involve the parietal region primarily and then spread to the anterior regions of the brain, supporting the concept of molecular nexopathies.