Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability and Sensitivity of Learning Analytics based Prediction Models

Learning analytics seek to enhance the learning processes through systematic measurements of learning related data and to provide informative feedback to learners and educators. In this follow-up study of previous research (Tempelaar, Rienties, and Giesbers, 2015), we focus on the issues of stability and sensitivity of Learning Analytics (LA) based prediction models. Do predictions models stay intact, when the instructional context is repeated in a new cohort of students, and do predictions models indeed change, when relevant aspects of the instructional context are adapted? This empirical contribution provides an application of Buckingham Shum and Deakin Crickâs theoretical framework of dispositional learning analytics: an infrastructure that combines learning dispositions data with data extracted from computer-assisted, formative assessments and LMSs. We compare two cohorts of a large introductory quantitative methods module, with 1005 students in the â13/â14 cohort, and 1006 students in the â14/â15 cohort. Both modules were based on principles of blended learning, combining face-to-face Problem-Based Learning sessions with e-tutorials, and have similar instructional design, except for an intervention into the design of quizzes administered in the module. Focusing on the predictive power, we provide evidence of both stability and sensitivity of regression type prediction models.
High temperature creep properties and microstructural examinations of P92 Welds

The present study deals with the creep properties of welded joints made of P92 steels. The purpose is to determine the weakest zone at 550°C under various load levels (160-240 MPa) and to investigate the evolution of the microstructure during creep. The study of the fracture surfaces and the microstructural examination of welded joints prior to and after creep tests allow to investigate damage development. Ductile fracture occurs in the heat affected zone, more precisely, in the intecritical area, together with pronounced necking. Observation of the necking area shows many cavities and cracks.
A 3.2 Gb/s CDR Using Semi-Blind Oversampling to Achieve High Jitter Tolerance

A hybrid CDR is presented that embeds a 5 blind-oversampling CDR within a conventional phase-tracking CDR. This hybrid CDR has a jitter tolerance that is the product of the individual jitter tolerances. In this implementation, the jitter tolerance of a phase-tracking CDR alone is increased by a factor of 32 at frequencies below its loop filter's bandwidth, while maintaining the high-frequency jitter tolerance of a 5x blind-oversampling CDR. Measured data from a 0.11 mum CMOS test chip at 2.4 Gb/s confirm a 200 UI peak-to-peak jitter tolerance for a 200 kHz jitter. The test chip operates from 1.9 Gb/s to 3.5 Gb/s with a BER less than 10-11, consuming 115 mW at 2.4 Gb/s.
IMPre: An Accurate and Efficient Software for Prediction of T- and B-Cell Receptor Germline Genes and Alleles from Rearranged Repertoire Data

Large-scale study of the properties of T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoires through next-generation sequencing is providing excellent insights into the understanding of adaptive immune responses. Variable(Diversity)Joining [V(D)J] germline genes and alleles must be characterized in detail to facilitate repertoire analyses. However, most species do not have well-characterized TCR/BCR germline genes because of their high homology. Also, more germline alleles are required for humans and other species, which limits the capacity for studying immune repertoires. Herein, we developed “Immune Germline Prediction” (IMPre), a tool for predicting germline V/J genes and alleles using deep-sequencing data derived from TCR/BCR repertoires. We developed a new algorithm, “Seed_Clust,” for clustering, produced a multiway tree for assembly and optimized the sequence according to the characteristics of rearrangement. We trained IMPre on human samples of T-cell receptor beta (TRB) and immunoglobulin heavy chain and then tested it on additional human samples. Accuracy of 97.7, 100, 92.9, and 100% was obtained for TRBV, TRBJ, IGHV, and IGHJ, respectively. Analyses of subsampling performance for these samples showed IMPre to be robust using different data quantities. Subsequently, IMPre was tested on samples from rhesus monkeys and human long sequences: the highly accurate results demonstrated IMPre to be stable with animal and multiple data types. With rapid accumulation of high-throughput sequence data for TCR and BCR repertoires, IMPre can be applied broadly for obtaining novel genes and a large number of novel alleles. IMPre is available at https://github.com/zhangwei2015/IMPre.
Analytic determination of pinhole collimator sensitivity with penetration

Pinhole collimators are widely used to image small organs and animals. The sensitivity of knife-edge pinhole collimators has been previously estimated using an "effective diameter" formulation and experimentally described using a sin/sup /spl infin// /spl theta/ fit, where /spl theta/ is the angle between the line segment from the center of the aperture to the photon source and its projection onto the plane of the aperture. An analytic form of the sensitivity of the pinhole collimator is derived in this paper. A numerical formula for predicting the sin/sup /spl infin// /spl theta/ form of the sensitivity is calculated from the analytic form. Experimental data are compared with the theoretical estimate and the sin/sup /spl infin// /spl theta/ prediction. The agreement is excellent.
Particle Swarm Optimization for clustering short-text corpora 1

Clustering of short-text collections is a very relevant research area, given the current and future mode for people to use “small-language” (e.g. blogs, snippets, news and text-message generation such as email or chat). In recent years, a few approaches based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) have been proposed to solve document clustering problems. However, the particularities that arise when this kind of approaches are used for clustering corpora containing very short documents have not received too much attention by the computational linguistic community, maybe due to the high challenge that this problem implies. In this work, we propose some variants of PSO methods to deal with this kind of corpora. Our proposal includes two very different approaches to the clustering problem, which essentially differ in the representations used for maintaining the information about the clusterings under consideration. In our approach, we used two unsupervised measures of cluster validity to be optimized: the Expected Density Measure ρ̄ and the Global Silhouette coefficient. In recent works on short-text clustering, these measures have shown an interesting correlation level with the “true” categorizations provided by a human expert. The experimental results show that PSO-based approaches can be highly competitive alternatives for clustering short-text corpora and can, in some cases, outperform the performance of the most effective clustering algorithms used in this area.
Decoupled Neural Interfaces using Synthetic Gradients

Training directed neural networks typically requires forward-propagating data through a computation graph, followed by backpropagating error signal, to produce weight updates. All layers, or more generally, modules, of the network are therefore locked, in the sense that they must wait for the remainder of the network to execute forwards and propagate error backwards before they can be updated. In this work we break this constraint by decoupling modules by introducing a model of the future computation of the network graph. These models predict what the result of the modelled subgraph will produce using only local information. In particular we focus on modelling error gradients: by using the modelled synthetic gradient in place of true backpropagated error gradients we decouple subgraphs, and can update them independently and asynchronously i.e. we realise decoupled neural interfaces. We show results for feed-forward models, where every layer is trained asynchronously, recurrent neural networks (RNNs) where predicting one's future gradient extends the time over which the RNN can effectively model, and also a hierarchical RNN system with ticking at different timescales. Finally, we demonstrate that in addition to predicting gradients, the same framework can be used to predict inputs, resulting in models which are decoupled in both the forward and backwards pass -- amounting to independent networks which co-learn such that they can be composed into a single functioning corporation.
Grape rachis in composites manufacturing

: The study aims to verify the possibility of using grape rachises in the production of composites. Three different proportions of pine wood ( Pinus eliottii ) and grape rachis, glued with urea-formaldehyde adhesive, were used. Assessment of composite quality consisted of the determination of physical properties: moisture content; specific mass; water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 h of immersion; and mechanical properties: static bending; screw withdrawal and Janka hardness. Histological slides were made for anatomical visualization of particles and analysis in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to verify adhesion in the composites. Thephysical and mechanical properties were negatively affected by the addition of grape rachis particles. This may be due to a large part of the anatomical constitution of this material to be medullary cells, different from wood particles. General assessments of the results indicate the technical feasibility of using grape rachis for the production of composites .
Combinatorial Games on Graphs

Description: Students study the two player, complete information game Cops and Robbers [2] played on a combinatorial graph G. One player controls a fixed number k of cops and assigns each to a vertex of G. Another player controls a robber : after the cops are placed, the robber is assigned to a vertex. Players alternate turns and move any number of their pawns to adjacent vertices on a turn. Cops win if the robber is captured; robber wins if this outcome can be avoided. The fundamental problem is to determine the cop number of G: the least k so that the cops can always win. Changing the rules leads to interesting variations. One extreme is the search problem in computer science where the cop can only see adjacent vertices and the robber is immobile. Students can immediately work with examples, formulate conjectures, test ideas, and read papers. Results from the 2014 REU [1] suggested the following variation: the cops weakly win if the robber is prevented from visiting any vertex infinitely often [4]. In subsequent years, students have studied the weak cop number of products of graphs and some families of planar graphs [3]. Projects for this REU:
Robust Filter for Nonlinear Stochastic Partial Differential Systems in Sensor Signal Processing: Fuzzy Approach

This study addresses a robust <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> filter design problem for nonlinear stochastic partial differential systems (NSPDSs) with random external disturbance and measurement noise in the spatiotemporal domain. For NSPDSs, a robust <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> filter design through a set of sensor measurements needs to solve a complex second-order Hamilton Jacobi integral inequality (HJII). In order to simplify the design procedure, a fuzzy stochastic partial differential system based on a fuzzy interpolation approach is proposed to approximate the NSPDS. Then, a fuzzy stochastic spatial state space model is developed to represent the fuzzy stochastic partial differential system via the semidiscretization finite difference scheme and the Kronecker product. Based on this model, a robust <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> filter design is proposed to achieve the robust state estimation via solving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) instead of a second-order HJII. The proposed robust fuzzy <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> filter efficiently attenuates the effect of spatiotemporal external disturbances and measurement noise on the state estimation of NSPDSs from the area energy point of view. Finally, a robust <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> state estimation example of heat transfer system is given to illustrate the design procedure and to confirm the <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> filtering performance of the proposed robust filter design method.
Thermal behaviour of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polymer composites using lattice Boltzmann method

A three-dimensional computational model was developed to study the thermal behaviour of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-polymer composites. A lattice Boltzmann algorithm has been introduced to tackle the conjugate heat transfer among different phases. The model was validated by comparing with the theoretical solutions and simulation results. The effects of the orientation, volume fraction and diameter of MWNTs on the effective thermal conductivity (λe) of composites were quantified. It is found that the effective thermal conductivity of the composites weakens with the variation of MWNTs orientation angle, and the decrease extent deduces gradually. Moreover, with the same orientation angle, the λe of the composites increases with the volume fraction of MWNTs. It also indicates that MWNTs with a small diameter at a constant volume fraction can promote the thermal conductivity of the composites more efficiently than that with a larger diameter.
Control of lipid oxidation during exercise: role of energy state and mitochondrial factors

Despite considerable progress during recent years our understanding of how lipid oxidation (LOx) is controlled during exercise remains incomplete. This review focuses on the role of mitochondria and energy state in the control of LOx. LOx increases in parallel with increased energy demand up to an exercise intensity of about 50–60% of VO2max after which the contribution of lipid decreases. The switch from lipid to carbohydrate (CHO) is of energetic advantage due to the increased ATP/O2 yield. In the low‐intensity domain (<50%VO2max) a moderate reduction in energy state will stimulate both LOx and CHO oxidation and relative fuel utilization is mainly controlled by substrate availability and the capacity of the metabolic pathways. In the high‐intensity domain (>60%VO2max) there is a pronounced decrease in energy state, which will stimulate glycolysis in excess of the substrate requirements of the oxidative processes. This will lead to acidosis, reduced levels of free Coenzyme A (CoASH) and reduced levels of free carnitine. Acidosis and reduced carnitine may limit the carnitine‐mediated transfer of long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) into mitochondria and may thus explain the observed reduction in LOx during high‐intensity exercise. Another potential mechanism, suggested in this review, is that Acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACS), an initial step in LCFA catabolism, functions as a regulator of LOx. ACS activity is suggested to be under control of CoASH and energy state. Furthermore, evidence exists that additional control points exist beyond mitochondrial FA influx. The nature and site of this control remain to be investigated.
Xenopus laevis gelatinase B (Xmmp‐9): Development, regeneration, and wound healing

It has been argued that matrix metalloproteinases play important roles in cellular differentiation and regeneration in certain systems. While studying changes in gene expression associated with the phenomena of cornea/lens transdifferentiation (“lens regeneration”), which takes place in the larva of Xenopus laevis, we identified the Xenopus gelatinase B gene. The open reading frame is homologous to other gelatinase B genes identified in other species and encodes all of the domains characteristic of this protein. Xenopus gelatinase B (Xmmp‐9) is first expressed during early tail‐bud stages in a subset of mesodermal cells scattered throughout the body. Expression is also seen in the peripheral tissues of the developing liver diverticulum, the hindgut/cloaca, and the paired caudal vein, and its dorsal branch in the larval tail. Given the significant role of matrix metalloproteinases in degrading components of the extracellular matrix, Xmmp‐9 expression may be important in the morphogenesis of these structures. Xmmp‐9 expression was also examined during the processes of cornea/lens transdifferentiation, epithelial wound healing, and limb regeneration in Xenopus larvae. Although Xmmp‐9 is expressed very early during cornea/lens transdifferentiation, expression is restricted to the site of the peripheral wound created by removal of the original lens, which triggers transdifferentiation. Expression was not found in the central, uninjured area of the cornea where transdifferentiation takes place. Therefore, Xmmp‐9 does not appear to play an important role in cornea/lens transdifferentiation. Xmmp‐9 expression is associated with other epithelial wounds, indicating that gelatinase B is expressed in the general context of wound healing in Xenopus. Finally, Xmmp‐9 is expressed in the ectoderm and mesoderm at the tip of the amputated limb, very early during limb regeneration, where it is argued to play a role in this process. Dev Den;217:377–387. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle lesions associated with dystrophin deficiency in neonatal golden retriever puppies.

Golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD), a degenerative myopathy due to the absence of dystrophin, is genetically homologous to human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Spontaneous death of GRMD neonates within the first 2 weeks of life occurs frequently. This report describes the microscopical muscle lesions that developed in 12 GRMD puppies aged 1-8 days of age, and makes a comparison with three normal age-matched siblings and two older GRMD dogs. Immunohistochemical methods were used to confirm dystrophin deficiency in GRMD puppies. Muscle lesions were assessed on sections stained with haematoxylin-eosin-saffron, Gomori's trichrome and alizarin red S, and their severity was graded semi-quantitatively. Muscle fibre types were determined immunohistochemically on the basis of the pattern of expression of developmental, slow and fast isoforms of myosin. Muscle lesions in the GRMD puppies were characterized by massive necrosis, affecting most muscles of the proximal limbs, trunk and neck at birth. Lingual lesions began to develop in utero, and respiratory muscles underwent terminal diffuse necrosis resulting in death from acute respiratory failure. However, GRMD puppies do not invariably die in the neonatal period. Muscle in 2-month-old GRMD dogs showed signs of regeneration (immunohistochemical immaturity of muscle tissue), which suggested that all GRMD dogs suffer from massive post-natal myonecrosis, whether fatal or not. Muscle lesions in neonates consisted mainly of hyalinization, hypertrophy, calcification and necrosis, followed by regeneration. Such "phase I" lesions due to the absence of dystrophin are found in all species in which dystrophin deficiency has been described (human beings, dogs, cats and mice), whereas the endomysial fibrosis and myofibre atrophy found in 2-month-old GRMD dogs constituted "phase II" lesions, which are specific to GRMD and human DMD.
Abundant Trimethylornithine Lipids and Specific Gene Sequences Are Indicative of Planctomycete Importance at the Oxic/Anoxic Interface in Sphagnum-Dominated Northern Wetlands

ABSTRACT Northern wetlands make up a substantial terrestrial carbon sink and are often dominated by decay-resistant Sphagnum mosses. Recent studies have shown that planctomycetes appear to be involved in degradation of Sphagnum-derived debris. Novel trimethylornithine (TMO) lipids have recently been characterized as abundant lipids in various Sphagnum wetland planctomycete isolates, but their occurrence in the environment has not yet been confirmed. We applied a combined intact polar lipid (IPL) and molecular analysis of peat cores collected from two northern wetlands (Saxnäs Mosse [Sweden] and Obukhovskoye [Russia]) in order to investigate the preferred niche and abundance of TMO-producing planctomycetes. TMOs were present throughout the profiles of Sphagnum bogs, but their concentration peaked at the oxic/anoxic interface, which coincided with a maximum abundance of planctomycete-specific 16S rRNA gene sequences. The sequences detected at the oxic/anoxic interface were affiliated with the Isosphaera group, while sequences present in the anoxic peat layers were related to an uncultured planctomycete group. Pyrosequencing-based analysis identified Planctomycetes as the major bacterial group at the oxic/anoxic interface at the Obukhovskoye peat (54% of total 16S rRNA gene sequence reads), followed by Acidobacteria (19% reads), while in the Saxnäs Mosse peat, Acidobacteria were dominant (46%), and Planctomycetes contributed to 6% of the total reads. The detection of abundant TMO lipids in planctomycetes isolated from peat bogs and the lack of TMO production by cultures of acidobacteria suggest that planctomycetes are the producers of TMOs in peat bogs. The higher accumulation of TMOs at the oxic/anoxic interface and the change in the planctomycete community with depth suggest that these IPLs could be synthesized as a response to changing redox conditions at the oxic/anoxic interface.
Measuring Center of Pressure Signals to Quantify Human Balance Using Multivariate Multiscale Entropy by Designing a Force Platform

To assess the improvement of human body balance, a low cost and portable measuring device of center of pressure (COP), known as center of pressure and complexity monitoring system (CPCMS), has been developed for data logging and analysis. In order to prove that the system can estimate the different magnitude of different sways in comparison with the commercial Advanced Mechanical Technology Incorporation (AMTI) system, four sway tests have been developed (i.e., eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open with water pad, and eyes closed with water pad) to produce different sway displacements. Firstly, static and dynamic tests were conducted to investigate the feasibility of the system. Then, correlation tests of the CPCMS and AMTI systems have been compared with four sway tests. The results are within the acceptable range. Furthermore, multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD) and enhanced multivariate multiscale entropy (MMSE) analysis methods have been used to analyze COP data reported by the CPCMS and compare it with the AMTI system. The improvements of the CPCMS are 35% to 70% (open eyes test) and 60% to 70% (eyes closed test) with and without water pad. The AMTI system has shown an improvement of 40% to 80% (open eyes test) and 65% to 75% (closed eyes test). The results indicate that the CPCMS system can achieve similar results to the commercial product so it can determine the balance.