Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Communication Algorithms via Deep Learning

Coding theory is a central discipline underpinning wireline and wireless modems that are the workhorses of the information age. Progress in coding theory is largely driven by individual human ingenuity with sporadic breakthroughs over the past century. In this paper we study whether it is possible to automate the discovery of decoding algorithms via deep learning. We study a family of sequential codes parameterized by recurrent neural network (RNN) architectures. We show that creatively designed and trained RNN architectures can decode well known sequential codes such as the convolutional and turbo codes with close to optimal performance on the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel, which itself is achieved by breakthrough algorithms of our times (Viterbi and BCJR decoders, representing dynamic programing and forward-backward algorithms). We show strong generalizations, i.e., we train at a specific signal to noise ratio and block length but test at a wide range of these quantities, as well as robustness and adaptivity to deviations from the AWGN setting.
Sepsis-Review of Screening for Sepsis by Nursing, Nurse Driven Sepsis Protocols and Development of Sepsis Hospital Policy/Protocols

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In order to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis in patients, early detection is vital, and so screening protocols have been developed. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign has developed an evidence based screening guideline that has been adapted by various institutions. Having specific criteria in detecting a septic patient is the defining factor in screening for sepsis by nursing staff. In order for the sepsis protocol to be effective, it is necessary that nursing and other front line staff be educated. Institutional barriers regarding implementation of protocol is another factor that still needs to be effectively addressed. This review will explore the benefit of implementing sepsis protocols within hospitals and many of the challenges that have already been faced. Correspondence to: Murali G Krishna, MD, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Orange Regional Medical Center (ORMC), 75 Crystal run road, Suite 135, Middletown, NY -10941, USA, Tel: 1-917-951-9661; Fax: 1-917-210-4307; E-mail: murali.krishna. md@gmail.com
Identification of kill sites from GPS clusters for jaguars (Panthera onca) in the southern Pantanal, Brazil

Abstract Context. Understanding predator–prey relationships is important for making informed management decisions. Knowledge of jaguar (Panthera onca) predation on livestock and native prey is imperative for future conservation of jaguars in Central and South America. Aim. As part of an investigation to determine predation patterns of jaguars in the southern Pantanal, Brazil, we examined spatial, temporal and habitat variables, which are useful in categorising location clusters as kill sites and non-kill sites. Methods. Using GPS-collars on 10 jaguars we obtained a total of 11 784 locations, from which 877 clusters were identified, visited and examined for prey remains. Of the 877 clusters, 421 were associated with a kill and 456 clusters were not associated with a kill. We used univariate and multivariate models to examine the influence of spatial (distance to nearest: water, dense cover, road; dispersion of points), temporal (season, time, number of nights, duration) and habitat (percentage of seven habitat classes, dominant habitat class) variables on categorising clusters as kill or non-kill sites. Key results. We found the time a jaguar spent at a cluster (duration), the dispersion of points around the centre of the cluster (dispersion) and the number of nights spent at the cluster were all reliable predictors of whether a cluster was a kill or non-kill site. The best model predicting the likelihood a cluster was a jaguar kill site was a combination of duration and dispersion. Habitat variables were not important in discriminating kills from non-kill sites. Conclusion. We identified factors useful for discriminating between kills and non-kill sites for jaguars. We found that as a jaguar spent more time at a cluster and as the dispersion of points around the centre of the cluster increased, the higher likelihood the cluster was a jaguar kill. Similarly, as the number of nights spent at the cluster increased, the greater the probability the cluster was a kill. Implications. Our results will increase the efficiency of field investigations of location clusters in determining predation patterns of jaguars in Central and South America. Being able to prioritise which location clusters should be investigated will assist researchers with limited time and resources.
Effect of Age on Selenium and PSA Levels of Prostate Cancer Patients

This study determined levels of serum selenium and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. The patients aged from 40 years and above were among those attending the Urology Clinic of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, from October, 2006 to March, 2008.Samples of sixty (60) patients were analyzed for serum PSA using the Enzyme Immunoassay method and selenium using the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Serum samples of forty (40) agedmatched controls selected randomly from a cross section of socioeconomic groups were also analyzed for serum PSA and selenium. The mean serum PSA and selenium concentrations of the 60 patients were 33.2±18. 55μg/L and 17.47±9. 47μg/L respectively. The controls had mean serum PSA and selenium concentrations of 2.88±1. 65μg/L and 83±29. 91μg/L respectively. The mean serum PSA of patients were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of controls, while the mean selenium concentration of controls were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of patients. The serum PSA values increased with increase in age, while serum selenium values showed a decline with increase in age. These finding showed that men with low serum selenium are at risk of developing prostate cancer. It also suggests the need to include serum selenium as a routine test for men from 40years of age and above.
HARD-PnP: PnP Optimization Using a Hybrid Approximate Representation

This paper proposes a Hybrid Approximate Representation (HAR) based on unifying several efficient approximations of the generalized reprojection error (which is known as the <italic>gold standard</italic> for multiview geometry). The HAR is an over-parameterization scheme where the approximation is applied simultaneously in multiple parameter spaces. A joint minimization scheme “HAR-Descent” can then solve the PnP problem efficiently, while remaining robust to approximation errors and local minima. The technique is evaluated extensively, including numerous synthetic benchmark protocols and the real-world data evaluations used in previous works. The proposed technique was found to have runtime complexity comparable to the fastest <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$O(n)$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="hadfield-ieq1-2806446.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> techniques, and up to 10 times faster than current state of the art minimization approaches. In addition, the accuracy exceeds that of all 9 previous techniques tested, providing definitive state of the art performance on the benchmarks, across all 90 of the experiments in the paper and supplementary material, which can be found on the Computer Society Digital Library at <uri>http://doi.ieeecomputersociety. org/10.1109/TPAMI.2018. 2806446</uri>.
LABORATORY-SCALE PYROLYSIS OF OIL PALM PRESSED FRUIT FIBRES

The slow pyrolysis of oil palm pressed fruit fibres (PFF) was investigated in a laboratory-scale pyrolyser at terminal temperatures of 450°C to 800°C and a heating rate of 10°C min -1 . The PFF was first pyrolysed in a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) to investigate their thermal characteristics and to determine their kinetic parameters. Results from the laboratory-scale pyrolysis showed that as the terminal temperature increased, the yields of solid char and total condensates decreased, but the non-condensable gases increased. The quality of the char produced, which was found to be dependent on the terminal pyrolysis temperature, was of medium grade, as its average ash content of 16.60% was high. The best PFF char with 69.91% fixed carbon and an energy content of 27.07 MJ kg -1 was obtainable at a terminal pyrolysis temperature of 600°C. The chemical characterization of the liquid products, which separate into two fractions, showed that they may be a potential
Stability of Phase Difference Trajectories of Networks of Kuramoto Oscillators with Time-Varying Couplings and Intrinsic Frequencies

We study dynamics of phase differences (PDs) of coupled oscillators where both the intrinsic frequencies and the couplings vary in time. In the case the coupling coefficients are all nonnegative, we prove that the PDs are asymptotically stable if there exists $T>0$ such that the aggregation of the time-varying graphs across any time interval of length $T$ has a spanning tree. We also consider the situation that the coupling coefficients may be negative and provide sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the PD dynamics. Due to time variations, the PDs are asymptotic to time-varying patterns rather than constant values. Hence, the PD dynamics can be regarded as a generalization of the well-known phase-locking phenomena. We explicitly investigate several particular cases of time-varying graph structures, including asymptotically periodic PDs due to periodic coupling coefficients and intrinsic frequencies, small perturbations, and fast-switching near constant coupling and frequencies, which lea.
Antimicrobial Screening of Commercial Eggs and Determination of Tetracycline Residue Using Two Microbiological Methods

4 Abstract: Thirty commercial layer farms were surveyed to obtain information on drug use and to screen eggs for antimicrobial residues. Tetracycline residue was specifically tested using a commercial test kit. The study indicated that up to a third of farmers (33.3%) were not adhering to the recommendation on drug use and thereby allowing drug residues in eggs. Of the 900 commercial eggs screened, 3.6% tested positive for antimicrobial residues but only 0.1% tested positive for tetracycline residue. The low level of tetracyclin e residue detected in this study is an indication of the declining use of this antibiotic in the poultry industry perhaps due to the increasing availability of cheaper alternatives. There is a need for strict regulation of veterinary drug in order to guarantee food safety and effective use. To ensure compliance with drug use in Nigeria, routine surveillance must be conducted using simple detection methods.
FODDER POTENTIAL AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ACACIA NILOTICA FRUITS FOR LIVESTOCK IN THE DRY LANDS OF SUDAN

In developing countries agriculture and grazing are the two most dominant activities of the indigenous populations for their livelihood. In such countries in which Sudan is no exception, scarcity of water constitute the major obstacle to maintain proper farming as well as grazing activities. Therefore, under these conditions the local inhabitants largely depend on some tree species suitable for grazing purposes. In the present study the nutritional value for the fruit (seeds and pods) of Acacia nilotica grown at the lower Atbara river basin in north-eastern part of Sudan was investigated. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Acacia nilotica as an alternative fodder for livestock in the area. Field samples of Acacia nilotica fruits were collected fresh, each sample was kept separately in a small cloth kit. Chemical analysis of fruit samples was conducted to quantify the content of various nutritional attributes including: crude protein, crude fibers, fats, starch, ashes and moisture content in addition to some minerals namely; P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu and Fe. Data of the chemical analysis revealed that the fruit of Acacia nilotica consists of 21.4% crude protein, 30.12% crude fibres, 24.77% fats, 93.71% dry matter and 11.67% ash content. These magnitudes demonstrate a high nutritional value of Acacia nilotica fruits. Similarly, mineral analysis also showed elevated concentrations of Ca, Mg and K adequate for livestock feeding; however, only meager amounts were detected for P and Na. In the light of the present data, it might be concluded that fruits of Acacia nilotica are nutritionally rich materials as fodder in terms of their high contents of crude protein and some essential minerals necessary for adequate growth. Further work is in-evitably needed to improve our knowledge on the nutritional value of Acacia nilotica fruits for its rational utilization as a promising substitute for fodder species under unfavourable browsing conditions in dry areas.
A Smooth Primal-Dual Optimization Framework for Nonsmooth Composite Convex Minimization

We propose a new first-order primal-dual optimization framework for a convex optimization template with broad applications. Our optimization algorithms feature optimal convergence guarantees under a variety of common structure assumptions on the problem template. Our analysis relies on a novel combination of three classic ideas applied to the primal-dual gap function: smoothing, acceleration, and homotopy. The algorithms due to the new approach achieve the best known convergence rate results, in particular when the template consists of only non-smooth functions. We also outline a restart strategy for the acceleration to significantly enhance the practical performance. We demonstrate relations with the augmented Lagrangian method and show how to exploit the strongly convex objectives with rigorous convergence rate guarantees. We provide numerical evidence with two examples and illustrate that the new methods can outperform the state-of-the-art, including Chambolle-Pock, and the alternating direction method-of-multipliers algorithms.
Reformulated B ene F ix : efficacy and safety in previously treated patients with moderately severe to severe haemophilia

T. LAMBERT,* M. RECHT, L. A. VALENTINO, J. S. POWELL,§ C. UDATA,– S. T. SULLIVAN** and D. A. ROTH** *Centre de Traitement des Hémophiles, Hôpital de Bicêtre AP–HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; The Hemophilia Center, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ; Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; §Hemophilia Treatment Center, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA; –Clinical Pharmacology, Wyeth, Collegeville, PA; and **Clinical Research and Development, Wyeth, Cambridge, MA, USA
Long-Term Effect of Childhood Malnutrition on Education and Health : Evidence from Indonesia

Child malnutrition is a serious problem in many developing countries. Using Indonesia’s 1960s hunger episode as a source of exogenous variation and employing difference in differences approach, I find that children who were born in affected regions went on to complete fewer years of schooling. They also tend to have lower cognitive ability when they are adults. There is, however, no strong direct evidence of long-term effects of childhood malnutrition on chronic diseases. Only after comparing the offspring of malnutrition survivors with that of the control group, the symptoms of stunting can be identified.
Culture, emotion suppression and disclosure, and health

Soc Personal Psychol Compass. 2018;12:e12373. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12373 w Abstract Researchers have examined cultural differences in the psychological and physiological health consequences of emotion suppression. The goal of this review is to clarify the state of the science on this growing area of research by summarizing patterns of findings, identifying limitations, and providing recommendations for future research. First, we review the framework that provides the theoretical foundation for explaining cultural differences, and then we present findings on how culture influences the psychological and physiological health consequences of emotion suppression. Next, we review the expressive writing intervention as a culturally sensitive intervention that facilitates emotion disclosure for cultural groups that prioritize emotional restraint. Finally, we end by providing theoretical and methodological recommendations for future research.
Phylogenetic patterns are not proxies of community assembly mechanisms (they are far better)

The subdiscipline of 'community phylogenetics' is rapidly growing and influencing thinking regarding community assembly. In particular, phylogenetic dispersion of co-occurring species within a community is commonly used as a proxy to identify which community assembly processes may have structured a particular community: phylogenetic clustering as a proxy for abiotic assembly, that is habitat filtering, and phylogenetic overdispersion as a proxy for biotic assembly, notably competition. We challenge this approach by highlighting (typically) implicit assumptions that are, in reality, only weakly supported, including (i) phylogenetic dispersion reflects trait dispersion; (ii) a given ecological function can be performed only by a single trait state or combination of trait states; (iii) trait similarity causes enhanced competition; (iv) competition causes species exclusion; (v) communities are at equilibrium with processes of assembly having been completed; (vi) assembly through habitat filtering decreases in importance if assembly through competition increases, such that the relative balance of the two can be thus quantified by a single parameter; and (vii) observed phylogenetic dispersion is driven predominantly by local and present-day processes. Moreover, technical sophistication of the phylogenetic-patterns-as-proxy approach trades off against sophistication in alternative, potentially more pertinent approaches to directly observe or manipulate assembly processes. Despite concerns about using phylogenetic dispersion as a proxy for community assembly processes, we suggest there are underappreciated benefits of quantifying the phylogenetic structure of communities, including (i) understanding how coexistence leads to the macroevolutionary diversification of habitat lineage-pools (i.e. phylogenetic-patterns-as-result approach); and (ii) understanding the macroevolutionary contingency of habitat lineage-pools and how it affects present-day species coexistence in local communities (i.e. phylogenetic-patterns-as-cause approach). We conclude that phylogenetic patterns may be little useful as proxy of community assembly. However, such patterns can prove useful to identify and test novel hypotheses on (i) how local coexistence may control macroevolution of the habitat lineage-pool, for example through competition among close relatives triggering displacement and diversification of characters, and (ii) how macroevolution within the habitat lineage-pool may control local coexistence of related species, for example through origin of close relatives that can potentially enter in competition. 2015 British Ecological Society.
ERROR CORRECTION: AN INDICATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS-RAISING

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of form-focused instruction and feedback type on learning. The learners in treatment group received corrective feedback in the form of prompts, including clarification requests, repetitions, elicitations, and meta-linguistic clues while the learners in the control group received the same instruction as the experimental group without any kind of feedback. The participants were assigned different tasks in order to use the aimed structures during the 15 treatment sessions (30 hours). The analysis of the data done through correlation coefficient and t-test indicated the outperformance of the participants in experimental group over the performance of the participants in control group.
Hyperbolic Neural Networks

Hyperbolic spaces have recently gained momentum in the context of machine learning due to their high capacity and tree-likeliness properties. However, the representational power of hyperbolic geometry is not yet on par with Euclidean geometry, mostly because of the absence of corresponding hyperbolic neural network layers. This makes it hard to use hyperbolic embeddings in downstream tasks. Here, we bridge this gap in a principled manner by combining the formalism of Mobius gyrovector spaces with the Riemannian geometry of the Poincare model of hyperbolic spaces. As a result, we derive hyperbolic versions of important deep learning tools: multinomial logistic regression, feed-forward and recurrent neural networks such as gated recurrent units. This allows to embed sequential data and perform classification in the hyperbolic space. Empirically, we show that, even if hyperbolic optimization tools are limited, hyperbolic sentence embeddings either outperform or are on par with their Euclidean variants on textual entailment and noisy-prefix recognition tasks.
APMEC: An Automated Provisioning Framework for Multi-access Edge Computing

Novel use cases and verticals such as connected cars and human-robot cooperation in the areas of 5G and Tactile Internet can significantly benefit from the flexibility and reduced latency provided by Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC). Existing frameworks managing and orchestrating MEC and NFV are either tightly coupled or completely separated. The former design is inflexible and increases the complexity of one framework. Whereas, the latter leads to inefficient use of computation resources because information are not shared. We introduce APMEC, a dedicated framework for MEC while enabling the collaboration with the management and orchestration (MANO) frameworks for NFV. The new design allows to reuse allocated network services, thus maximizing resource utilization. Measurement results have shown that APMEC can allocate up to 60% more number of network services. Being developed on top of OpenStack, APMEC is an open source project, available for collaboration and facilitating further research activities.
Music Emotion Capture: sonifying emotions in EEG data

People’s emotions are not always obviously detectable, due to difﬁculties expressing emotions, or geographic distance (e.g. if people are communicating online). There are also many occasions where it would be useful for a computer to be able to detect users’ emotions and respond to them appropriately. A person’s brain activity gives vital clues as to emotions they are experiencing at any one time. The aim of this project is to detect, model and sonify people’s emotions. To achieve this, there are two tasks: (1) to detect emotions based on current brain activity as measured by an EEG device; (2) to play appropriate music in real-time, representing the current emotional state of the user. Here we report a pilot study implementing the Music Emotion Capture system. In future work we plan to improve how this project performs emotion detection through EEG, and to generate new music based on emotion-based characteristics of music. Potential applications arise in collaborative/assistive software and brain-computer interfaces for non-verbal communication.