Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Prediction System of Dengue Haemorrhagic-Fever Outbreak Risk by Using Entropy and Artificial Neural Network

Predicting Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever outbreak is obviously urgent in order to control and prevent a widespread of the fever in advance. However, the prediction of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever outbreak needs the analysis from experts which is inconvenient and costly. An automatic prediction system should be developed. This paper proposes an automatic prediction system of Dengue Haemorrhagic-Fever outbreak risk by using entropy technique and artificial neural network. In this system, the information extraction is preprocessed prior to the prediction in order to reduce data redundancy and retain only those relevant data. First, the external factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall are considered during the information extraction. Then, a supervised neural network is deployed to predict the possible risk of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever outbreak. To evaluate the performance of proposed system, the experiments based on the condition of weather data and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever cases from January 1999 until December 2007 were conducted. Our prediction achieves 85.92% accuracy compared to the actual data.
Tight space-noise tradeoffs in computing the ergodic measure

In this paper we obtain tight bounds on the space-complexity of computing the ergodic measure of a low-dimensional discrete-time dynamical system affected by Gaussian noise. If the scale of the noise is , and the function describing the evolution of the system is not itself a source of computational complexity, then the density function of the ergodic measure can be approximated within precision in space polynomial in . We also show that this bound is tight up to polynomial factors. In the course of showing the above, we prove a result of independent interest in space-bounded computation: namely, that it is possible to exponentiate an -matrix to an exponentially large power in space polylogarithmic in . Bibliography: 25 titles.
Impact of the Special Education Vocational Education Program (VEP) on Student Career Success.

The Vocational Education Program (VEP) was established by the special education department in the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) in an effort to assist students with disabilities to graduate from high school and be gainfully employed. This study investigated the impact of VEP on students’ careers success after graduation. The participants included eighty-one graduates between 2004-2007 schools years. Manual computation and descriptive analysis using the SPSS® Software was used to determine the job acquisition and job retention rate of participants. Results indicated that 67% of participants in the 2004-2006 school years were able to acquire and retain employment, while 57% of graduates in 2006-2007 school year acquired a job and 53% retained their employment. The study implications indicate that there is a significant relationship between students’ career success and participation in the VEP. The VEP design and method of service delivery supports the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, focusing on meeting the Individualized Transition needs of students. The data collected in this research will provide meaningful information that educators can use during transition planning and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings. Educators can also use the information to make relational predictions about student career outcome and participation in a transition program, thereby ensuring that students are engaged in programs and activities that will best serve their needs, while recognizing and considering their individual preferences and abilities.
“I Found Myself Retweeting”

This chapter describes a mixed-method, multiple case study that examined ways in which synchronous educational Twitter chats were used, first, to enhance graduate and undergraduate university student learning, second, to build professional networks, and third, to provide a loosely regulated means to achieving self-determined professional development goals. Findings suggest that while difficult at the onset, participation in Twitter educational chats was an enhancement to students' overall course learning experience. Specifically, university students' use of chats for educators helped them achieve social presence in this virtual environment, as well as to better understand the connections between positive student-teacher relationships and K12 student learning. Included are recommendations for use of Twitter synchronous educational chats in the college classroom as well as future directions in research.
Differentiation of Low- and High-Grade Gliomas Using High b-Value Diffusion Imaging with a Non-Gaussian Diffusion Model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Imaging-based tumor grading is highly desirable but faces challenges in sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy. A recently proposed diffusion imaging method by using a fractional order calculus model offers a set of new parameters to probe not only the diffusion process itself but also intravoxel tissue structures, providing new opportunities for noninvasive tumor grading. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using the fractional order calculus model to differentiate low- from high-grade gliomas in adult patients and illustrate its improved performance over a conventional diffusion imaging method using ADC (or D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four adult patients (18–70 years of age) with histology-proved gliomas were enrolled and divided into low-grade (n = 24) and high-grade (n = 30) groups. Multi-b-value diffusion MR imaging was performed with 17 b-values (0–4000 s/mm2) and was analyzed by using a fractional order calculus model. Mean values and SDs of 3 fractional order calculus parameters (D, β, and μ) were calculated from the normal contralateral thalamus (as a control) and the tumors, respectively. On the basis of these values, the low- and high-grade glioma groups were compared by using a Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to assess the performance of individual parameters and the combination of multiple parameters for low- versus high-grade differentiation. RESULTS: Each of the 3 fractional order calculus parameters exhibited a statistically higher value (P ≤ .011) in the low-grade than in the high-grade gliomas, whereas there was no difference in the normal contralateral thalamus (P ≥ .706). The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that β (area under the curve = 0.853) produced a higher area under the curve than D (0.781) or μ (0.703) and offered a sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 76.7%, and diagnostic accuracy of 82.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the feasibility of using a non-Gaussian fractional order calculus diffusion model to differentiate low- and high-grade gliomas. While all 3 fractional order calculus parameters showed statistically significant differences between the 2 groups, β exhibited a better performance than the other 2 parameters, including ADC (or D).
Response to reduced irradiance of 15 species of native and adventive shrub and tree seedlings from eastern Canterbury

Seedlings of fifteen species of shrubs and small trees, commonly found in open sites and early stages of secondary succession, were grown in a glasshouse under light intensities of 16% and 66% full daylight, and their growth parameters (height, number of leaves, dry weight, mean relative growth rate) recorded. Three species from open habitats, Coprosma robusta and Dodonaea viscosa, and an adventive shrub, Crataegus monogyna, had the highest mean relative growth rates in 66% daylight and 16% daylight, but their ranking for other parameters (e.g. height) was variable. Acer pseudoplatanus and Plagianthus regius had particularly fast height growth. Carpodetus serratus was the fastest growing species of early successional vegetation on weakly to moderately leached soils, and it grew as well in 16% daylight as in 66% daylight. Many species had significantly faster height growth in 16% daylight, e.g., Melicytus ramiflorus and Pittosporum tenuifolium, and several species had faster height growth rates overall, in 16% daylight, e.g., Myrsine australis, Melicytus ramiflorus, and Pittosporum eugenioides. Griselinia littoralis, from moderately to strongly leached soils, had the slowest height growth rates in both light levels. All species had lower 'root:shoot ratios and a greater proportion of dry weight in leaves in 16% daylight. Such responses may contribute to the slow establishment of these species in secondary vegetation experiencing summer drought in the seedlings' rooting zone. Growth patterns are also likely to be adaptations to factors other than light, particularly soil fertility. There is some evidence that seedlings of the earliest successional and less shade-tolerant species, especially those from weakly leached soils, grew more rapidly than those from later-successional vegetation and edaphically harsher sites. Some shade-tolerant species benefit from slight shade which concurs with their later entry into secondary vegetation.
Transcriptome Analysis for Identification of Genes Related to Gonad Differentiation, Growth, Immune Response and Marker Discovery in The Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Background Turbot Scophthalmus maximus is an economically important species extensively aquacultured in China. The genetic selection program is necessary and urgent for the sustainable development of this industry, requiring more and more genome background knowledge. Transcriptome sequencing is an excellent alternative way to identify transcripts involved in specific biological processes and exploit a considerable quantity of molecular makers when no genome sequences are available. In this study, a comprehensive transcript dataset for major tissues of S. maximus was produced on basis of an Illumina platform. Results Total RNA was isolated from liver, spleen, kidney, cerebrum, gonad (testis and ovary) and muscle. Equal quantities of RNA from each type of tissues were pooled to construct two cDNA libraries (male and female). Using the Illumina paired-end sequencing technology, nearly 44.22 million clean reads in length of 100 bp were generated and then assembled into 106,643 contigs, of which 71,107 were named unigenes with an average length of 892 bp after the elimination of redundancies. Of these, 24,052 unigenes (33.83% of the total) were successfully annotated. GO, KEGG pathway mapping and COG analysis were performed to predict potential genes and their functions. Based on our sequence analysis and published documents, many candidate genes with fundamental roles in sex determination and gonad differentiation (dmrt1), growth (ghrh, myf5, prl/prlr) and immune response (TLR1/TLR21/TLR22, IL-15/IL-34), were identified for the first time in this species. In addition, a large number of credible genetic markers, including 21,192 SSRs and 8,642 SNPs, were identified in the present dataset. Conclusion This informative transcriptome provides valuable new data to increase genomic resources of Scophthalmus maximus. The future studies of corresponding gene functions will be very useful for the management of reproduction, growth and disease control in turbot aquaculture breeding programs. The molecular markers identified in this database will aid in genetic linkage analyses, mapping of quantitative trait loci, and acceleration of marker assisted selection programs.
Improving Burst Error Tolerance of LDPC-Centric Coding Systems in Read Channel

We report on the use of low-density parity check (LDPC)-centric error correction coding (ECC) for magnetic recording read channel in the presence of significant burst errors. Since an LDPC code by itself is severely vulnerable to burst errors due to its soft-decision probability-based decoding, we focus on LDPC-centric concatenated coding in which LDPC code is used as inner code. To improve the burst error tolerance, we propose a hybrid LDPC-centric concatenated coding strategy in which one inner LDPC codeword is replaced by another codeword with much stronger burst error correction capability. This special inner codeword reveals the burst error location information, which can be leveraged by the inner LDPC code decoding to largely improve the overall robustness to burst errors. Using a hybrid BCH-LDPC/RS concatenated coding system as a test vehicle, we demonstrate a significant performance advantage over its RS-only and LDPC-only counterparts in the presence of three different types of burst errors.
Town Mouse or Country Mouse: Identifying a Town Dislocation Effect in Chinese Urbanization

Understanding urbanization and evaluating its impact are vital for formulating global sustainable development. The results obtained from evaluating the impact of urbanization, however, depend on the kind of measurement used. With the goal of increasing our understanding of the impact of urbanization, we developed direct and indirect subjective indicators to measure how people assess their living situation. The survey revealed that the projected endorsements and perceived social ambiance of people toward living in different types of settlements did not improve along with the urbanization level in China. The assessment scores from the city dwellers were not significantly different from those from the country areas and, more surprisingly, both were significantly higher than the assessment scores of the town dwellers, which we had expected to fall between the assessment scores of the country and city dwellers. Instead their scores were the lowest. We dubbed this V-shaped relationship the “town dislocation effect. ” When searching for a potential explanation for this effect, we found additional town dislocation effects in social support, loss aversion, and receptivity toward genetically modified food. Further analysis showed that only social support mediated the relationship between the three tiers of settlements (cities, country areas, and towns) and the subjective indicator. The projected endorsements yielded significant subjective assessments that could enhance our understanding of Chinese urbanization. Towns posed specific problems that require special attention.
The first fundamental theorem of coinvariant theory for the quantum general linear group

We prove First Fundamental Theorems of Coinvariant Theory for the standard coactions of the quantum groups Oq(GLt(K)} and (9q(SLt(K}) on the quantized algebra &q(Mm,t(K)) Gq(Mt,n(K)). (Here K is an arbitrary field and q an arbitrary nonzero scalar.) In both cases, the set of coinvariants is a subalgebra of (9q(MmJ(K)) (x) Oq(Mt,n(K}), which we identify.
Learning in the Cultural Process

One of the central problems faced by biological and artificial systems is the development and maintenance of coordination between structure inside the system and structure outside the system. That is, the production of useful behavior requires internal structures that respond in appropriate ways to structure in the environment. The processes that give rise to this coordination are generally considered adaptive.
A Snow-Ratio Equation and Its Application to Numerical Snowfall Prediction

Abstract This study 1) presents a logistic regression equation of the snow ratio (SR) for use in a conversion of numerically predicted precipitation amounts into snowfall depths and 2) examines the quality of snowfall-depth forecasts using the proposed SR equation. A logistic regression equation of SR has been derived with surface air temperature as the predictor, using observed 3-h snow ratio and surface air temperature. It is obtained for each of several ranges of the precipitation rate to reduce the large variability of SR. The proposed scheme is found to reproduce the observed SRs better than other schemes, according to verification against an independent observation dataset. Predictions of precipitation and snowfall using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the proposed SR equation have shown some skill for a low threshold [1 mm (6 h)−1 and 1 cm (6 h)−1 for precipitation and snowfall depth, respectively]: the 10-case mean threat scores (TSs) are 0.47 and 0.43 for precipitation and sn.
Which Interest Rate Scenario is the Worst One for a Bank? Evidence from a Tracking Bank Approach for German Savings and Cooperative Banks

Interest income is the most important source of revenue for most of the banks. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of different interest rate scenarios on the banks' interest income. As we do not know the interest rate sensitivity of real banks, we construct for each bank a portfolio with a similar composition of its assets and liabilities, called 'tracking bank'. We evaluate the effect of 260 historical interest rate shocks on the tracking banks of German savings banks and cooperative banks. It turns out that a sharp decrease in the steepness of the yield curve has the most negative impact on the banks' interest income.
Relationships between acoustic variables and different measures of stiffness in standing Pinus taeda trees

Acoustic tools are increasingly used to estimate standing-tree (dynamic) stiffness; however, such techniques overestimate static stiffness, the standard measurement for determining modulus of elasticity (MOE) of wood. This study aimed to identify correction methods for standing-tree estimates making dynamic and static stiffness comparable. Sixty Pi- nus taeda L. trees, ranging from 14 to 19 years old, obtained from genetic tests established in the southeastern United States, were analyzed. Standing-tree acoustic velocities were measured using the TreeSonic tool. Acoustic velocities were also recorded in butt logs cut from the same trees using the Director HM200. A strong but biased relationship between tree and log velocities was observed, with tree velocities 32% higher (on average) than the corresponding log velocities. Two correction methods, one for calibrating tree velocities and one for accounting for differences in wood moisture con- tent, were used to determine an adjusted MOE. After correction, adjusted MOE estimates were in good agreement with static longitudinal MOE values measured on clearwood specimens obtained from the trees, and no systematic bias was ob- served. The results of this study show that acoustic estimates of MOE on standing trees largely depend on how the data are processed and the reference method used.
Interferon- γ Enhances Rhinovirus-Induced RANTES Secretion by Airway Epithelial Cells

Respiratory viruses, including rhinoviruses, infect respiratory epithelium and induce a variety of cytokines and chemokines that can initiate an inflammatory response. Cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, could enhance epithelial cell activation by inducing virus receptors. To test this hypothesis, effects of IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, rhinovirus binding, and virus-induced chemokine secretion on A549 and human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) were determined. The results varied with the type of cell. IFN-gamma was a stronger inducer of ICAM-1 and viral binding on HBEC, whereas TNF-alpha had greater effects on A549 cells. In addition, IFN-gamma, but not TNF-alpha, synergistically enhanced regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) mRNA expression and protein secretion induced by RV16 or RV49. To determine whether IFN-gamma could enhance RANTES secretion independent of effects on ICAM-1 and RV binding, HBEC were transfected with RV16 RNA in the presence or absence of IFN-gamma. RV16 RNA alone stimulated RANTES secretion, and this effect was enhanced by IFN-gamma. These results demonstrate that IFN-gamma can enhance rhinovirus-induced RANTES secretion by increasing viral binding, and through a second receptor-independent pathway. These findings suggest that IFN-gamma, by upregulating RANTES secretion, could be an important regulator of the initial immune response to rhinovirus infections.
Short-circuit evaluation and overcurrent protection for SiC power MOSFETs

In this paper, the short-circuit (SC) performance of two different SiC MOSFETs is experimentally investigated for different input voltages, biasing voltages and case temperatures. The measurement results are compared to simulations, and a good agreement is achieved. For fault handling, two different overcurrent protection (OCP) circuits are designed and applied to the SiC MOSFETs. The desaturation method is successfully tested with a hardware solution substituting the blanking time delay. The second method is based on sensing the voltage drop across the parasitic inductance at the source pin. The experimental and simulation results show that both OCP methods have the capability to detect a short circuit condition in the SiC MOSFET within safe SC time avoiding device failure.
Housing and Tax Policy

In this paper, we investigate the effects of housing-related tax policy measures on macroeconomic aggregates using a dynamic general-equilibrium model. The model features borrowing and lending across heterogeneous households, financial frictions in the form of collateral constraints tied to house prices, and a rental housing market alongside owner-occupied housing. Using our model, we analyze the effects of changes in housing-related tax policy measures on the level of output, tax revenue and household debt, along with other macroeconomic aggregates. The tax policies we consider are (i) increasing property tax rates, (ii) eliminating the mortgage interest deduction, (iii) eliminating the depreciation allowance for rental income, (iv) instituting taxation of imputed rental income from owner-occupied housing and (v) eliminating the property tax deduction. We find that among these fiscal tools, eliminating the mortgage interest deduction would be the most effective in raising tax revenue, and in reducing household debt, per unit of output lost. On the other hand, eliminating the depreciation allowance for rental income would be the least effective. Our experiments also highlight the differential welfare impact of each tax policy on savers, borrowers and renters.
Let’s do those 60 minutes! Children’s perceived landscape for daily physical activity

ABSTRACT In a scientific effort to understand the reasons for low physical-activity levels among children, there is a need to consider how children perceive and interact with their complex environments holistically. This study outlines an image of the perceived landscape within which children in two lower-socioeconomic contexts engage in daily physical activity. By applying bioecological perspectives (Bronfenbrenner, U. 2005. Making human Beings human: Bioecological perspectives on human development. SAGE), the aim included an analysis of how the perceived landscape and its interrelated factors influence children’s physical activity. We used 15 focus-group interviews with children (n = 63, ages 8–13) from four different rural and suburban areas of southern and central Sweden. Through analyzing the children’s stories about their experiences of everyday physical activity from a bioecological perspective, an image of a complex landscape was revealed. Structural (schools’ institutional frameworks), cultural (local sports cultures), and environmental factors (e.g. schoolyard design) were evident in interpersonal relations within the microsystem and interacted with personal characteristics, primarily gender and level of physical competence and, thereby, affected the possibilities of the children engaging in proximal processes related to physical activity. This study contributes new qualitative understanding based on children’s voices about how the performance of daily physical activity among younger children (ages 7–13) in lower-socioeconomic areas may be considered an interactional process between individuals and their perceived environment, which can be thought of as a multidimensional landscape. Implications include actions which contribute to more diverse environments enabling proximal processes among a broader group of children.