Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linguistic Input Features Improve Neural Machine Translation

Neural machine translation has recently achieved impressive results, while using little in the way of external linguistic information. In this paper we show that the strong learning capability of neural MT models does not make linguistic features redundant; they can be easily incorporated to provide further improvements in performance. We generalize the embedding layer of the encoder in the attentional encoder--decoder architecture to support the inclusion of arbitrary features, in addition to the baseline word feature. We add morphological features, part-of-speech tags, and syntactic dependency labels as input features to English German, and English->Romanian neural machine translation systems. In experiments on WMT16 training and test sets, we find that linguistic input features improve model quality according to three metrics: perplexity, BLEU and CHRF3. An open-source implementation of our neural MT system is available, as are sample files and configurations.
Risky Investments: How Local and Foreign Investors Finesse Corruption-Rife Emerging Markets

How do investors enter and navigate markets where there is a general lack of access to information and where the law is open to interpretation? Drawing on interview data with 100 research subjects in Vietnam’s real estate market, this article makes contributions to the literatures of economic sociology and development. First, looking at a diverse set of local, regional, and global investors, I theorize how market actors pursue different strategies to manage risky investments based on their proximity to state officials. Investors’ proximity depends on four processes: legal/regulatory, social ties, cultural matching, and stage of investment. Second, I highlight how multiple state–market relations can coexist within the same state. Investors’ varying levels of proximity to government officials shape their relationship with the state as one of patronage (predatory), mutual destruction (mutual hostage), or transparency (developmental). Heterogeneous state–market relations help account for the persistence of foreign direct investment in markets that display both a great deal of corruption and a great deal of legality and transparency.
Energy Harvesting in Secure MIMO Systems

The problems of energy harvesting in wireless com- munication systems have recently drawn much attention. In this paper, we focus on the investigation of energy harvesting maximization (EHM) in the important secrecy multi-input multi- output (MIMO) systems where little research has been done due to their complexity. Particularly, this paper studies the resource allocation strategies in MIMO wiretap channels, wherein we attempt to maximize the harvested energy by one or multiple multi-antenna energy receivers (ERs) (potential eavesdropper) while guaranteeing the secure communication for the multi- antenna information receiver (IR). Two types of IR, with and without the capability to cancel the interference from energy signals, are taken into account. In the scenario of single energy receiver (ER), we consider the joint design of the transmis- sion information and energy covariances for EHM. Both of the optimization problems for the two types of IR are non- convex, and appear to be difficult. To circumvent them, the combination of first order Taylor approximation and sequential convex optimization approach is proposed. Then, we extend our attention to the scenario with multiple ERs, where the artificial noise (AN) aided weighted sum-energy harvesting maximization (WS-EHM) problem is considered. Other than the approaches adopted in solving the EHM problems, an algorithm conducts in an alternating fashion is proposed to handle this problem. In particular, we first perform a judicious transformation of the WS- EHM problem. Then, a block Gauss-Seidel (GS) algorithm based on logarithmic barrier method and gradient projection (GP) is derived to obtain the optimal solution of the reformulation by solving convex problems alternately. Furthermore, the resulting block GS method is proven to converge to a Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) point of the original WS-EHM problem.
Presynaptic Modulation of Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Developing Hippocampus

In addition to the regulation of neuronal survival and differentiation, neurotrophins may play a role in synapse development and plasticity. Application of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 synapses of neonatal hippocampus, which otherwise exhibit only short-term potentiation. This is attributable, at least in part, to an attenuation of the synaptic fatigue induced by high-frequency stimulation (HFS). However, the prevention of synaptic fatigue by BDNF could be mediated by an attenuation of synaptic vesicle depletion from presynaptic terminals and/or a reduction of the desensitization of postsynaptic receptors. Here we provide evidence supporting a presynaptic effect of BDNF. The effect of BDNF on synaptic fatigue depended on the stimulation frequency, not on the stimulus duration nor on the number of stimulation pulses. BDNF was only effective when the synapses were stimulated at frequencies >50 Hz. Treatment with BDNF also potentiated paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), a parameter reflecting changes in the properties of presynaptic terminals. This effect of BDNF was restricted only to PPF elicited with interpulse intervals ≤20 msec. Changes in the extracellular calcium concentration altered the magnitude of the BDNF effect on PPF and synaptic responses to HFS, suggesting that BDNF regulates neurotransmitter release. When the desensitization of glutamate receptors was blocked by cyclothiazide or aniracetam, the BDNF potentiation of the synaptic responses to HFS was unaltered. Taken together, these results suggest that BDNF acts presynaptically. When two pathways in the same slice were monitored simultaneously, BDNF treatment potentiated the tetanized pathway without affecting the synaptic efficacy of the untetanized pathway. The selective potentiation of high-frequency transmission by BDNF appears to contribute directly to the effect of BDNF on LTP rather than indirectly by inducing the release of additional diffusible factors. The preferential potentiation of highly active synapses by BDNF may have implications in the Hebbian mechanism of synaptic plasticity.
Personal Knowledge Management with Semantic Wikis

Managing knowledge is crucial in our economy. We derive requirements on personal knowledge management (finding, reminding, collaboration, knowledge re-use and cognitively adequate interfaces) from cognitive psychological research and analyse the limitations of current solutions. We introduce a restful, wiki-based, open architecture for semantic personal knowledge management that fulfills the analysed requirements to a high extent and gives the user a uniform way to work with knowledge on all layers (syntax, structure, formal semantics). We discuss architectural considerations and describe two implementations.
Functional Excitatory Microcircuits in Neonatal Cortex Connect Thalamus and Layer 4

The functional connectivity of the cerebral cortex is shaped by experience during development, especially during a critical period early in life. In the prenatal and neonatal cortex, transient neuronal circuits are formed by a population of subplate neurons (SPNs). However, SPNs are absent in the adult cortex. While SPNs are crucial for normal development of the cerebral cortex and of thalamocortical synapses, little is known about how they are integrated in the developing thalamocortical circuit. We therefore investigated SPNs in vitro in thalamocortical slices of A1 and medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) in mouse from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P13. We found that SPNs can fire action potentials at P1 and that their intrinsic membrane properties are mature after P5. We find that SPNs receive functional excitatory inputs from the MGN as early as P2. The MGN projections to SPNs strengthen between P2 and P13 and are capable of inducing action potentials in SPNs. Selective activation of SPNs by photostimulation produced EPSCs in layer 4 neurons, demonstrating a functional excitatory connection. Thus, SPNs are tightly integrated into the developing thalamocortical circuit and would be a reliable relay of early spontaneous and sound-evoked activity. The role of SPNs in development likely results from their strong excitatory projection to layer 4, which might function to regulate activity-dependent processes that enable mechanisms required for the functional maturation and plasticity of the developing cortex and thereby contribute to the development of normal cortical organization.
Current-mode third-order quadrature oscillator using VDTAs and grounded capacitors

This paper presents a novel electronically tunable current-mode third-order quadrature oscillator based on voltage differencing transconductance amplifier (VDTA). The proposed oscillator is constructed using two VDTAs and three grounded capacitors, which is advantageous for integrated circuit implementation. The circuit provides two current outputs with 90° phase difference from high output impedance terminals. The condition of oscillation and the frequency of oscillation can be electronically tuned by adjusting the bias current of the VDTAs. The sensitivity studies of the circuit have been carried out. PSPICE simulations with 0.35 μm TSMC CMOS process parameters are given to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Unraveling Additive from Nonadditive Effects Using Genomic Relationship Matrices

The application of quantitative genetics in plant and animal breeding has largely focused on additive models, which may also capture dominance and epistatic effects. Partitioning genetic variance into its additive and nonadditive components using pedigree-based models (P-genomic best linear unbiased predictor) (P-BLUP) is difficult with most commonly available family structures. However, the availability of dense panels of molecular markers makes possible the use of additive- and dominance-realized genomic relationships for the estimation of variance components and the prediction of genetic values (G-BLUP). We evaluated height data from a multifamily population of the tree species Pinus taeda with a systematic series of models accounting for additive, dominance, and first-order epistatic interactions (additive by additive, dominance by dominance, and additive by dominance), using either pedigree- or marker-based information. We show that, compared with the pedigree, use of realized genomic relationships in marker-based models yields a substantially more precise separation of additive and nonadditive components of genetic variance. We conclude that the marker-based relationship matrices in a model including additive and nonadditive effects performed better, improving breeding value prediction. Moreover, our results suggest that, for tree height in this population, the additive and nonadditive components of genetic variance are similar in magnitude. This novel result improves our current understanding of the genetic control and architecture of a quantitative trait and should be considered when developing breeding strategies.
Mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis and Prevention: The Brain, Neural Pathology, N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptors, Tau Protein and Other Risk Factors

The characteristic features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are the appearance of extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the intracellular environment, neuronal death and the loss of synapses, all of which contribute to cognitive decline in a progressive manner. A number of hypotheses have been advanced to explain AD. Abnormal tau phosphorylation may contribute to the formation of abnormal neurofibrillary structures. Many different structures are susceptible to AD, including the reticular formation, the nuclei in the brain stem (e.g., raphe nucleus), thalamus, hypothalamus, locus ceruleus, amygdala, substantia nigra, striatum, and claustrum. Excitotoxicity results from continuous, low-level activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Premature synaptotoxicity, changes in neurotransmitter expression, neurophils loss, accumulation of amyloid β-protein deposits (amyloid/senile plaques), and neuronal loss and brain atrophy are all associated with stages of AD progression. Several recent studies have examined the relationship between Aβ and NMDA receptors. Aβ-induced spine loss is associated with a decrease in glutamate receptors and is dependent upon the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin, which has also been linked to long-term depression.
Social Capital in Virtual Learning Communities and Distributed Communities of Practice.

Abstract. Social capital has recently emerged as an important interdisciplinary research area. It is frequently used as a framework for understanding various social issues in temporal communities, neighbourhoods and groups. In particular, researchers in the social sciences and the humanities have used social capital to understand trust, shared understanding, reciprocal relationships, social network structures, common norms and cooperation, and the roles these entities play in various aspects of temporal communities. Despite proliferation of research in this area, little work has been done to extend this effort to technology-driven learning communities (also known as virtual learning communities). This paper surveys key interdisciplinary research areas in social capital. It also explores how the notions of social capital and trust can be extended to virtual communities, including virtual learning communities and distributed communities of practice. Research issues surrounding social capital and trust as they relate to technology-driven learning communities are identified.
A Neutral Hydrogen Survey of the Large Magellanic Cloud: Aperture Synthesis and Multibeam Data Combined

Recent H I surveys of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) with the Australia Telescope Compact Array and the Parkes multibeam receiver have focused, respectively, on the small-scale (<20′) structure of the interstellar medium (ISM) and the large-scale (>1°) structure of the galaxy. Using a Fourier-plane technique, we have merged both data sets, providing an accurate set of images of the LMC sensitive to structure on scales of 15 pc upward. The spatial dynamic range (2.8 orders of magnitude), velocity resolution (1.649 km s-1), brightness temperature sensitivity (2.4 K), and column density sensitivity (7.2 × 1018 cm-2 per 1.649 km s-1 channel) allow for studies of phenomena ranging from the galaxy-wide interaction of the LMC with its close neighbors to the small-scale injection of energy from supernovae and stellar associations into the ISM of the LMC. This paper presents the merged data and size spectrum of H I clouds, which is similar to the typical size spectrum of the holes and shells in the H I distribution. The H I clouds in the LMC have been identified by defining a cloud to be an object composed of all pixels in right ascension, declination, and velocity that are simply connected and that lie above the threshold brightness temperature.
Repruducibility of tronzo and ao/asif classifications for transtrochanteric fractures

OBJECTIVE To assess the reproducibility of Tronzo and AO/ASIF classifications for transtrochanteric fractures, in order to determine the most appropriate classification for clinical application, and to evaluate the influence of the level of experience of the observers in the agreement between evaluations. METHODS We selected 30 radiographic images of transtrochanteric fractures of the femur, which were presented to two groups of observers, one formed by expert physicians and the other by resident physicians. RESULTS When evaluated together, Tronzo classification obtained a Kappa value of 0.44. The same classification assessed by the expert group obtained a value of 0.46, while the group of residents' value was 0.44. Evaluating the AO/ASIF classification of the complete pool analysis the value found was 0.42. For the same classification, analyzed by the expert group, obtained a value of 0.41, and by the group of residents, the Kappa value achieved was 0.42. However, when analyzed in its simplified form, the AO/ASIF classification obtained Kappa values of 0.70 (pooled analysis), 0.68 (experts) and 0.72 (residents), considered concurrent. CONCLUSION The AO/ASIF simplified classification showed substantial reproducibility and is, therefore, recommended as the most suitable for clinical application. The level of experience of the observers did not influence significantly the agreement between evaluations. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic Study - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.
Comparative Economic Organization—Within and Between Countries

This paper explores the implications of going beyond transaction cost theory's implicit focus on domestic investors to include multinational actors. As developed herein, the discriminating alignment between the level of hazards (contractual and/or political) and the mode of governance carries over. In the open-economy context, such an alignment reflects the hazards that arise from the nature of the transaction and those that arise from the nature of the political and regulatory environment.
Using Formative Research to Design an Epidemiologic Survey: The North Carolina Study of Home Care and Hospice Nurses

OBJECTIVES Formative research can serve as a means of obtaining important information for designing an epidemiologic study, but descriptions of this approach in the epidemiologic literature are lacking. The objective of this paper is to describe the use of three formative research techniques in designing a survey of home care and hospice nurses. METHODS We conducted two focus groups, seven key informant interviews, and approximately fifteen hours of direct observation among home care and hospice nurses recruited by word of mouth in North Carolina in 2006. RESULTS We used information obtained from the formative research to decide which survey design would likely be most successful with this population (mail survey, as opposed to Internet survey or in-person interviews), which measure to use for the denominator of the blood exposure incidence rates (number of visits, as opposed to patient-time), and which items and response options to include in the questionnaire, as well as to identify specific survey techniques that would likely increase the response rate (emphasizing the regional focus of the study; sending the questionnaire to the home address). CONCLUSION When particular information for planning a study is unavailable from the literature or the investigator's experience, formative research can be an effective means of obtaining that information.
Benefits and Challenges of UAS Imagery for Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Mapping in Small Estuaries of the Canadian West Coast

ABSTRACT Nahirnick, N.K. ; Hunter, P.; Costa, M. ; Schroeder, S. , and Sharma, T. , 2019. Benefits and challenges of UAS imagery for eelgrass (Zostera marina) mapping in small estuaries of the Canadian West Coast. Journal of Coastal Research, 35(3), 673–683. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Seagrasses are a fundamental component of nearshore marine habitats, and as such, concerted effort has been put into developing remote sensing methods to assess the spatial coverage of these important habitats. However, in small coastal bays, traditional aerial or satellite remote sensing can be cost-prohibitive or lack sufficient spatial resolution to detect the small, fringing, and often patchy eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows. This paper presents a method for collection and processing of unoccupied aerial system (UAS) imagery used to map eelgrass at three small coastal estuaries in the Salish Sea of British Columbia. A low-cost, consumer-grade UAS platform equipped with a GoPro Hero 3+ was used to acquire images with a ground resolution of 2 cm, which were postprocessed using structure-from-motion techniques into georeferenced orthomosaics. A manual classification approach incorporating segmented image objects was used to classify eelgrass on a presence or absence basis, resulting in overall mapping accuracies of 96.3%, 86.5%, and 89.7%, as determined by field validation using kayak videography. The major benefit of this method was fine spatial resolution that allowed for textural discrimination between spectrally similar species. However, eelgrass detection and overall accuracy was found to be highly influenced by the environmental conditions at the time of image acquisition.
RECONSTRUCTION FROM ERROR-AFFECTED SAMPLED DATA IN SHIFT-INVARIANT SPACES

acknowledgments I would like to thank my advisor, Professor Akram Aldroubi, for his insight and advice, and especially for his ceaseless support and encouragement. I would also like to thank the members of my committee: thank my family, including my parents for their confidence in me throughout my life, and my husband, Erik Cooper, for his unconditional love and support.
The effect of bottom-up and top-down auditory program training on the development of children's auditory processing skills

Although there have been several previous investigations on the role of auditory training for the development of auditory processing skills, it still remains unknown whether children with auditory processing difficulties can get improved auditory skills after exposure to a multi-modal training experience comprising both visual and tactile stimuli. The present study, therefore, attempted to use electronic game applications to foster the auditory processing skills of children who suffer from deficits in their listening abilities. For this purpose, the Listening Inventory for Education (LIFE) questionnaire was administered to the potential number of learners and those learners scoring below the mean were selected as the participants. Children were then assigned to one of two experimental groups: bottom-up (n = 15) and top-down (n = 15). Each group was required to complete a training program on an iPad, using the Auditory Workout app for topdown training and Auditory Processing Studio app for bottom-up auditory training. Their progress was recorded through their responses to the LIFE questionnaire. Results were then analyzed quantitatively through the use of an independent samples t test. Findings revealed the significant effectiveness of both bottom-up and top-down approaches in bring about enhanced auditory skills; results are further discussed with respect to the existing literature.
Distributed power control for QoS-flexible services in wireless communication networks

This paper proposes a distributed power control framework for wireless communication networks that is able to provide a flexible QoS with the introduction of a dynamic target QoS into a conventional (fixed) target tracking power control algorithm. The target QoS of individual terminals is automatically updated according to a given performance criterion. The distributed power control is formulated as a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) problem, where system operating points are met according to channel quality and the choice of key parameters. Effectiveness of the LQR-based power control is analyzed and the influence of such parameters on the algorithm's performance is investigated with the help of computer experiments.