Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maximal Causes for Non-linear Component Extraction

We study a generative model in which hidden causes combine competitively to produce observations. Multiple active causes combine to determine the value of an observed variable through a max function, in the place where algorithms such as sparse coding, independent component analysis, or non-negative matrix factorization would use a sum. This max rule can represent a more realistic model of non-linear interaction between basic components in many settings, including acoustic and image data. While exact maximum-likelihood learning of the parameters of this model proves to be intractable, we show that efficient approximations to expectation-maximization (EM) can be found in the case of sparsely active hidden causes. One of these approximations can be formulated as a neural network model with a generalized softmax activation function and Hebbian learning. Thus, we show that learning in recent softmax-like neural networks may be interpreted as approximate maximization of a data likelihood. We use the bars benchmark test to numerically verify our analytical results and to demonstrate the competitiveness of the resulting algorithms. Finally, we show results of learning model parameters to fit acoustic and visual data sets in which max-like component combinations arise naturally.
Saussurian biolinguistics? Bouchard’s offline brain systems and Sign Theory of Language

Abstract This article examines Bouchard’s (e.g. Bouchard, D. 2010. From neurons to signs. In A. D. M. Smith, M. Schouwstra, B. de Boer & K. Smith (ed.), Proceedings of the 8th International conference on the evolution of language, 42–49. Singapore: World Scientific; Bouchard, D. 2013. The nature and origin of language. Oxford: Oxford University Press; Bouchard, D. 2015. Brain readiness and the nature of language. Frontiers in Psychology 6. ) discussion of the nature of language as ‘Saussurian Biolinguistics. ’ A fundamental assumption of Bouchard, that of the existence of the Saussurian sign as a psychologically real entity in language, is disputed and an alternative understanding of the semiotic function of language is stressed. The consequences of Bouchard’s adoption of double interface signs for the relation of language to thought are also discussed and it is argued that such an approach leads inexorably to a form of linguistic relativity, and that positing a language independent ‘mentalese’ resolves this problem. The proposed model of language evolution, in which Bouchard is sceptical of protolanguage, is challenged, as are his claims regarding the properties of the language faculty. Bouchard presents a theory of the cognitive underpinning of language, ‘Offline Brain Systems,’ which is inadequate in accounting for the unique properties of human cognition. Instead, a more insightful and explanatorily comprehensive theory is presented here: dual-processing and the Representational Hypothesis.
Effectiveness and safety of monoclonal antibodies for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The effectiveness of chemotherapy (CT) for select cases of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) has been well established in the literature, however, it provides limited benefits and in many cases constitutes a treatment with high toxicity. The use of specific molecular biological treatments with monoclonal antibodies (MA) has been shown to be relevant, particularly for its potential for increasing the response rate of the host to the tumour, as these have molecular targets present in the cancerous cells and their microenvironment thereby blocking their development. The combination of MA and CT can bring a significant increase in the rate of resectability of metastases, the progression-free survival (PFS), and the global survival (GS) in MCRC patients. Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of MA in the treatment of MCRC. Methods A systematic review was carried out with a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials comparing the use of cetuximab, bevacizumab, and panitumumab in the treatment of MCRC. Results Sixteen randomised clinical trials were selected. The quality of the evidence on the question was considered moderate and data from eight randomised clinical trials were included in this meta-analysis. The GS and PFS were greater in the groups which received the MA associated with CT, however, the differences were not statistically significant between the groups (mean of 17.7 months versus 17.1 months; mean difference of 1.09 (CI: 0.10–2.07); p = 0.84; and 7.4 versus 6.9 months. mean difference of 0.76 (CI: 0.08–1.44); p = 0.14 respectively). The meta-analysis was not done for any of the secondary outcomes. Conclusion The addition of MA to CT for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer does not prolong GS and PFS.
Relationship between gross domestic product and duration of untreated psychosis in low- and middle-income countries

Background The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), the period between the first onset of psychotic symptoms and treatment, has an important influence on the outcome of schizophrenia. Aims To compare the published studies of DUP in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries with the DUP of high-income countries, and examine a possible association between DUP and per capita income. Method We used six search strategies to locate studies of the DUP from LAMI countries published between January 1975 and January 2008. We then examined the relationship between DUP and measures of economic activity, which was assessed using the LAMI classification of countries and gross domestic product (GDP) purchasing power parity. Results The average mean DUP in studies from LAMI countries was 125.0 weeks compared with 63.4 weeks in studies from high-income countries (P=0.012). Within the studies from LAMI countries, mean DUP fell by 6 weeks for every $1000 of GDP purchasing power parity. Conclusions There appears to be an inverse relationship between income and DUP in LAMI countries. The cost of treatment is an impediment to care and subsidised antipsychotic medication would improve the access to treatment and the outcome of psychotic illness in LAMI countries.
EVALUATION OF BOVINE TEAT CONDITION IN COMMERCIAL DAIRY HERDS: 1. NON-INFECTIOUS FACTORS

Classification of bovine teat condition can be used to assess the effects of milking management, milking equipment or environment on teat tissue and the risk of new intramammary infections. Veterinarians and others require a simple and reliable method for evaluating teat health in dairy herds. Hillerton et al. (2000) proposed simple methods for quantifying short- or medium-term effects of machine milking on teats. Such changes are easily recognizable immediately after cluster removal. The purposes of this paper, by an informal discussion group of researchers and udder health advisers self-styled as the “Teat Club International”, are: 1) to review non-infectious factors affecting short- or medium-term changes in teats; 2) to propose a simple protocol for systematic evaluation of teats in commercial dairies; 3) to propose guidelines for interpretation of these observations. The full version of this paper with many references, example pictures and sample recording charts is posted on the UW-Madison Milk Quality website (http://www.uwex.edu/milkquality/ ). Other companion papers in the "Teat Club" series in this AABP/NMC Conference Proceedings discuss infectious factors (Hillerton et al.), data collection and analysis (Reinemann et al.), and the relationship between teat-end hyperkeratosis and mastitis (Neijenhuis et al.).
Saturated high‐fat diet‐induced obesity increases adenylate cyclase of myocardial β‐adrenergic system and does not compromise cardiac function

Obesity is a worldwide pandemic associated with high incidence of cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms by which the obesity leads cardiac dysfunction are not fully elucidated and few studies have evaluated the relationship between obesity and proteins involved in myocardial β‐adrenergic (βA) system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiac function and βA pathway components in myocardium of obese rats. Male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups: control (n = 17; standard diet) and obese (n = 17; saturated high‐fat diet) fed for 33 weeks. Nutritional profile and comorbidities were assessed. Cardiac structure and function was evaluated by macroscopic postmortem, echocardiographic and isolated papillary muscle analyzes. Myocardial protein expression of β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic receptors, Gαs protein, adenylate cyclase (AC) and protein kinase A (PKA) was performed by Western blot. Cardiac cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and PKA activity were assessed by ELISA. Obese rats showed increased adiposity index (P < 0.001) and several comorbidities as hypertension, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia compared with control rats. Echocardiographic assessment revealed increased left atrium diameter (C: 4.98 ± 0.38 vs. Ob: 5.47 ± 0.53, P = 0.024) and posterior wall shortening velocity (C: 37.1 ± 3.6 vs. Ob: 41.8 ± 3.8, P = 0.007) in obese group. Papillary muscle evaluation indicated that baseline data and myocardial responsiveness to isoproterenol stimulation were similar between the groups. Protein expression of myocardial AC was higher in obese group than in the control (C: 1.00 ± 0.21 vs. Ob: 1.25 ± 0.10, P = 0.025), whereas the other components were unchanged. These results suggest that saturated high‐fat diet‐induced obesity was not effective in triggering cardiac dysfunction and impair the beta‐adrenergic signaling.
An Empirical Study of Overlapping Rotor Interference for a Small Unmanned Aircraft Propulsion System

The majority of research into full-sized helicopter overlapping propulsion systems involves co-axial setups (fully overlapped). Partially overlapping rotor setups (tandem, multirotor) have received less attention, and empirical data produced over the years is limited. The increase in demand for compact small unmanned aircraft has exposed the need for empirical investigations of overlapping propulsion systems at a small scale (Reynolds Number < 250,000). Rotor-to-rotor interference at the static state in various overlapping propulsion system configurations was empirically measured using off the shelf T-Motor 16 inch × 5.4 inch rotors. A purpose-built test rig was manufactured allowing various overlapping rotor configurations to be tested. First, single rotor data was gathered, then performance measurements were taken at different thrust and tip speeds on a range of overlap configurations. The studies were conducted in a system torque balance mode. Overlapping rotor performance was compared to an isolated dual rotor propulsion system revealing interference factors which were compared to the momentum theory. Tests revealed that in the co-axial torque-balanced propulsion system the upper rotor outperforms the lower rotor at axial separation ratios between 0.05 and 0.85. Additionally, in the same region, thrust sharing between the two rotors changed by 21%; the upper rotor produced more thrust than the lower rotor at all times. Peak performance was recorded as a 22% efficiency loss when the axial separation ratio was greater than 0.25. The performance of a co-axial torque-balanced system reached a 27% efficiency loss when the axial separation ratio was equal to 0.05. The co-axial system swirl recovery effect was recorded to have a 4% efficiency gain in the axial separation ratio region between 0.05 and 0.85. The smallest efficiency loss (3%) was recorded when the rotor separation ratio was between 0.95 and 1 (axial separation ratio was kept at 0.05). Tests conducted at a rotor separation ratio of 0.85 showed that the efficiency loss decreased when the axial separation ratio was greater than 0.25. The lower rotor outperformed the upper rotor in the rotor separation ratio region from 0.95 to 1 (axial separation ratio was kept at 0.05) at an overall system thrust of 8 N, and matched the upper rotor performance at the tested overall thrust of 15 N.
Assessing the Impact of Syntactic and Semantic Structures for Answer Passages Reranking

In this paper, we extensively study the use of syntactic and semantic structures obtained with shallow and deeper syntactic parsers in the answer passage reranking task. We propose several dependency-based structures enriched with Linked Open Data (LD) knowledge for representing pairs of questions and answer passages. We use such tree structures in learning to rank (L2R) algorithms based on tree kernel. The latter can represent questions and passages in a tree fragment space, where each substructure represents a powerful syntactic/semantic feature. Additionally since we define links between structures, tree kernels also generate relational features spanning question and passage structures. We derive very important findings, which can be useful to build state-of-the-art systems: (i) full syntactic dependencies can outperform shallow models also using external knowledge and (ii) the semantic information should be derived by effective and high-coverage resources, e.g., LD, and incorporated in syntactic structures to be effective. We demonstrate our findings by carrying out an extensive comparative experimentation on two different TREC QA corpora and one community question answer dataset, namely Answerbag. Our comparative analysis on well-defined answer selection benchmarks consistently demonstrates that our structural semantic models largely outperform the state of the art in passage reranking.
SuSi: A Tool for the Fully Automated Classification and Categorization of Android Sources and Sinks

Today’s smartphone users face a security dilemma: many apps they install operate on privacy-sensitive data, although they might originate from developers whose trustworthiness is hard to judge. Researchers have proposed more and more sophisticated static and dynamic analysis tools as an aid to assess the behavior of such applications. Those tools, however, are only as good as the privacy policies they are configured with. Policies typically refer to a list of sources of sensitive data as well as sinks which might leak data to untrusted observers. Sources and sinks are a moving target: new versions of the mobile operating system regularly introduce new methods, and security tools need to be reconfigured to take them into account. In this work we show that, at least for the case of Android, the API comprises hundreds of sources and sinks. We propose SuSi, a novel and fully automated machine-learning approach for identifying sources and sinks directly from the Android source code. On our training set, SuSi achieves a recall and precision of more than 92%. To provide more fine-grained information, SuSi further categorizes the sources (e.g., unique identifier, location information, etc.) and sinks (e.g., network, file, etc.), with an average precision and recall of about 89%. We also show that many current program analysis tools can be circumvented because they use hand-picked lists of source and sinks which are largely incomplete, hence allowing many potential data leaks to go unnoticed.
An initial attempt to improve spoken term detection by learning optimal weights for different indexing features

Because different indexing features actually have different discriminative capabilities for spoken term detection and different levels of reliability in recognition, it is reasonable to weight the indexing features in the transcribed lattices differently during spoken term detection. In this paper, we present an initial attempt of using two weighting schemes, one context independent (fixed weight for each feature) and one context dependent(different weights for the same feature in different context). These weights can be learned by optimizing a desired spoken term detection performance measure over a training document set and a training query set. Encouraging initial results based on unigrams of Chinese characters and syllables for the corpus of Mandarin broadcast news were obtained from the preliminary experiments.
The Relationship between Creativity and Global/National Identity: Comparative Study of Lithuanian and American Students’ Sample

[full article, abstract in English; abstract in Lithuanian] The mindset of either a national or global identity was primed in the participants in the United States and Lithuania. The effects of priming on creativity were then examined. Two hundred and eighty-five participants from the United States and 95 Lithuanian participants received one of three possible manipulations: one that primed national identity, one that primed global identity, or no manipulation. They were then asked to complete measures of creativity. The results suggested that participants from Lithuania scored higher than the American participants on measures of national orientation regardless of the condition in which they participated. Lithuanian participants were the most affected by the national prime, and scored particularly low on global orientation when they were in the national identity condition. Lithuanian participants scored higher than participants from the United States on all measures of creativity, regardless of the condition. However, a country-by-condition interaction was also present, showing that participants in the US scored higher on creativity when they were in the global prime condition, while Lithuanians received higher creativity scores when in the national prime condition. Explanations and implications for these results are discussed.
Empowering Mothers of Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Inclusion

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Speed and position control of autonomous mobile robot on variable trajectory depending on its curvature

This paper presents design of autonomous mobile robot MBR-01 for speed and position control on variable trajectory depending on trajectory curvature. MBR-01 can communicate reciprocally with host computer using RF data transceiver. Road data image is captured by CCD camera mounted on vehicle and transferred to host computer using RF data link unit. Applying image processing on trajectory, reference speed has been produced depending on curvature of trajectory. Reference speed is applied to fuzzy controller unit and output is sent to vehicle by wireless transmitter unit. Received control signal by vehicle is transferred to DC motor drive system with Pulse Width Modulation techniques. Position control is realized by microprocessor-based units mounted on vehicle. Equipped 7 optical sensors detect trajectory deviation and wheel angle of vehicle for track detection and wheel angle detector unit.
Method Transfer, Partial Validation, and Cross Validation: Recommendations for Best Practices and Harmonization from the Global Bioanalysis Consortium Harmonization Team

This paper presents the recommendations of the Global Bioanalytical Consortium Harmonization Team on method transfer, partial validation, and cross validation. These aspects of bioanalytical method validation, while important, have received little detailed attention in recent years. The team has attempted to define, separate, and describe these related activities, and present practical guidance in how to apply these techniques.
Effective Customer Relationship Management of Health Care: A Study of Hospitals in Thailand

This article investigates the effects and the relative importance of the four perceived service quality dimensions on corporate image, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty. To obtain results, factor analysis and multiple regression techniques are applied to data collected from 500 Thai outpatients of the five largest private hospitals in Bangkok. The findings indicate that the four dimensions significantly affect corporate image, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty. More specifically, the doctor concern dimension is the most important factor affecting customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The tangibles dimension is the most important factor affecting corporate image.
Limitations of High Precision Tidal Prediction

The most demanding applications are tidal gravity predictions. We examine if the nms precision can be reached. It correspond roughly to a 4.10 of the tidal range (TR) at mid latitude. High precision tidal prediction requires either tidal factors derived from tidal observations or modelled tidal factors based on the response of the Earth to tidal forces and on the ocean tides contribution. Both methods rely on a precise knowledge of the astronomical tides. The accuracy of the astronomical tides is very large and different tidal prediction programs agree within 10TR. A reduced tidal development (1200 terms in Tamura) still insures a precision of 2.10TR. For tidal predictions based on observations the calibration is the main limiting factor and 0.1% remains a target still difficult to reach. The records length limits the separation of the different tidal groups. If the tidal factors of different tidal waves within the same group are not the same, systematic errors are introduced. For example neglecting the resonance around 1 in the K1 group, can introduce an error at the level of 3.10TR. For tidal predictions based on modelled tidal factors the choice of the model for the response of the Earth to tidal forces is critical as differences between recent models are slightly larger than 0.1%. The best models seem to fit the observations within 5.10. The evaluation of the indirect effect of the ocean tides is critical and general conclusions are only valid at distances larger than 100km from the coast, where improved grid is not compulsory for tidal loading computations. In the best cases we can reach a precision of 5.10TR. Our conclusion is that the accuracy of 0.1% is generally difficult to reach and that 5.10 is nowadays the limit of accuracy using long series of observations of regularly calibrated instruments.