Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pruning Compact ConvNets for Efficient Inference

Neural network pruning is frequently used to compress over-parameterized networks by large amounts, while incurring only marginal drops in generalization performance. However, the impact of pruning on networks that have been highly optimized for efficient inference has not received the same level of attention. In this paper, we analyze the effect of pruning for computer vision, and study state-of-the-art ConvNets, such as the FBNetV3 family of models. We show that model pruning approaches can be used to further optimize networks trained through NAS (Neural Architecture Search). The resulting family of pruned models can consistently obtain better performance than existing FBNetV3 models at the same level of computation, and thus provide state-of-the-art results when trading off between computational complexity and generalization performance on the ImageNet benchmark. In addition to better generalization performance, we also demonstrate that when limited computation resources are available, pruning FBNetV3 models incur only a fraction of GPU-hours involved in running a full-scale NAS.
Variability in vowel production: Exploring interactions among frequency, neighborhood density, predictability, and mention

Multiple factors are known to affect vowel production, including word frequency, neighborhood density, close predictability, and mention. In this study, we explored interactions between the effects of all four of these factors on vowel duration and dispersion in a fully crossed within-subjects design. Participants read a series of short stories that contained target words varying in frequency, neighborhood density, predictability, and mention. Vowel duration and dispersion from the center of vowel space were measured. Results from linear mixed effect modeling revealed the expected effect of neighborhood density on duration: vowels in words with higher neighborhood density were longer. Both frequency and mention had significant expected effects on vowel duration and dispersion: vowels in more frequent words and second mention words were shorter and less peripheral. An interaction between frequency and mention on dispersion was also observed, such that low frequency words underwent second mention reduction .
Extensions of a Family for Sunflowers

This paper reﬁnes the original construction of the recent proof of the sunﬂower conjecture to prove the same general bound [ ck log( k + 1)] m on the cardinality of a family of m -cardinality sets without a sunﬂower of k elements. Our proof uses a structural claim on an extension of a family that has been previously developed.
Generative-Contrastive Learning for Self-Supervised Latent Representations of 3D Shapes from Multi-Modal Euclidean Input

We propose a combined generative and contrastive neural architecture for learning latent representations of 3D volumetric shapes. The architecture uses two encoder branches for voxel grids and multi-view images from the same underlying shape. The main idea is to combine a contrastive loss between the resulting latent representations with an additional reconstruction loss. That helps to avoid collapsing the latent representations as a trivial solution for minimizing the contrastive loss. A novel switching scheme is used to cross-train two encoders with a shared decoder. The switching scheme also enables the stop gradient operation on a random branch. Further classification experiments show that the latent representations learned with our self-supervised method integrate more useful information from the additional input data implicitly, thus leading to better reconstruction and classification performance.
The Stability of Steep Gravity Waves

The linear stability of steep gravity waves is investigated for superharmonic disturbances. As to this problem, Longuet-Higgins presented a conjecture that the gravity wave would become unstable to superharmonic disturbances at the steepness where the phase speed of the wave attains a maximum. Contrary to this conjecture, it is found that the instability first occurs at the steepness which corresponds to the maximum not of the phase speed but of the total energy and the impulse of the wave. This discrepancy implies the possibility of the superharmonic bifurcation of steady gravity waves in the region of large steepness.
Elliptic flow measurement of $J/\psi$ in PHENIX Run14 Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV

We obtain the first measurement of $J/\psi$ elliptic flow at RHIC energies in forward rapidity using data from the PHENIX detector and applying an event plane method. The dataset used contains 19 billion events from the PHENIX experiment's Run 14 Au + Au dataset at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV. PHENIX has measured a $J/\psi$ $v_2$ in a centrality range of $10-60\%$ that is consistent with zero. Taken together with results from LHC the measurement of $v_2$, which is consistent with zero may indicate that $J/\psi$ production by coalescence is not significant at forward rapidity at RHIC energy.
Second-Order Powers of a Class of Tests in the Presence of a Nuisance Parameter

The second-order local powers of a broad class of asymptotic chi-squared tests are considered in a composite case where both the parameter of interest and the nuisance parameter are possibly multidimensional for which no assumption has been made regarding global parametric orthogonality or curved exponentiality. The main result is that the second-order (point-by-point) local power identity holds if approximate third cumulants of a square-root version of the (modified) test statistic in the class vanish up to the second-order, which is an extension of Kakizawa (2010a) in the absence of the nuisance parameter. It is also shown that in the presence of the nuisance parameter, such a third cumulant condition does not always imply the second-order local unbiasedness of the resulting test. Then, the adjusted likelihood ratio test by Mukerjee (1993b) can be interpreted as the second-order local unbiased modification after applying the third cumulant condition.
Catheterization of mice triggers resurgent urinary tract infection seeded by a bladder reservoir of Acinetobacter baumannii

The antibiotic-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii is a leading cause of hospital-associated infections. Despite surveillance and infection control efforts, new A. baumannii strains are regularly isolated from health care facilities worldwide. In a mouse model of urinary tract infection, we found that mice infected with A. baumannii displayed high bacterial burdens in urine for several weeks. Two months after the resolution of A. baumannii infection, inserting a catheter into the bladder of mice with resolved infection led to the resurgence of a same-strain urinary tract infection in ~53% of the mice within 24 hours. We identified intracellular A. baumannii bacteria in the bladder epithelial cells of mice with resolved infection, which we propose could act as a host reservoir that was activated upon insertion of a catheter, leading to a resurgent secondary infection. Description Mice develop A. baumannii urinary tract infections despite sterile catheter insertion, potentially through activation of a persistent bacterial reservoir in the bladder. Hiding in plain sight The Gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, and infected patients may be a potential source of this pathogen. Using a mouse model of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, Hazen et al. now report that 50% of mice previously infected with A. baumannii exhibited a urinary tract infection caused by the same strain of this pathogen after catheter insertion. The authors propose that small clusters of intracellular A. baumannii observed in the bladders of mice with resolved infection could act as a bacterial reservoir capable of triggering a secondary infection after catheterization. —OMS
A unifying framework for parameterizing stably stratified shear-flow turbulence

An alternative framework for parameterizing stably stratified shear-flow turbulence is presented. Using dimensional analysis, four non-dimensional parameters of interest are identified that consider the independent effects of stratification, shear, viscosity, and scalar diffusivity. In the interest of geophysical applications, the problem is further simplified by considering only high Reynolds number flow. This leads to a two-dimensional parameter space based on a buoyancy strength parameter (i.e., an inverse Froude number) and a shear strength parameter. Consideration for the gradient Richardson number allows the space to be divided into an unforced regime, a shear-dominated regime, and a buoyancy-dominated regime. On this basis, a large database of direct numerical simulation and laboratory data from various sources is evaluated. Of particular interest is the observed length scale of overturning. Overturns are found to scale with k1/2/N in the buoyancy-dominated regime, k1/2/S in the shear-dominated reg.
MiR-99a-5p Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells by Targeting NOX4

Abstract Diabetic retinopathy is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes, and it is the main cause of vision loss among working-age people. This study interpreted the roles of miR-99a-5p in DR patients and human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (hRMECs) injury induced by high glucose. The expression of miR-99a-5p was detected in patients with NDR, NPDR, and PDR. The indictive impacts of miR-99a-5p were tested by the ROC curve, and the link between miR-99a-5p and clinical information was verified by the Pearson test. HG was used to instruct cell models. The CCK-8 and transwell methods were performed to detect the proliferative and migrated cells. The targeted relationship was explained by luciferase activity. The content of miR-99a-5p was gradually lessened in NPDR and PDR patients. MiR-99a-5p might differentiate DR patients from NDR patients and PDR patients from NPDR patients. The interconnection between miR-99a-5p and clinical factors was endorsed in all DR patients. Overexpression of miR-99a-5p assuaged the abnormality of cell migration and proliferation of hRMECs triggered by HG. NOX4 was a downstream signaling component of miR-99a-5p. In conclusion, MiR-99a-5p protected hRMECs against HG damage, and the miR-99a-5p might be a novel target for diagnosis of DR.
Alzheimer’s disease: FDA approves lecanemab amid cost and safety concerns

Lecanemab, which is priced at $26 500 (£21 840; €24 640) per patient per year, binds to and eliminates Aβ aggregates that are thought to contribute to neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer’s disease. While the phase 2 trial of 856 patients did not meet its 12 month primary endpoint (clinical change on the Alzheimer’s Disease Composite Score), researchers reported a “reduction in brain amyloid accompanied by a consistent reduction of clinical decline across several clinical and biomarker endpoints” at 18 months.1
The Effect of Horizontal Pressure Gradients on the Momentum Transport in Tropical Convective Lines. Part II: Lagrangian Calculations

Abstract The movement of a set of Lagrangian parcels in the two-dimensional pressure field associated with a tropical convective line is considered. The results are compared with observational characteristics of GATE quasi-two-dimensional convective lines. It is shown that for the composite, slow-moving GATE convective line it is necessary to account for horizontal pressure gradients in order to obtain realistic momentum flux. The role of vertical pressure gradients and initial conditions for an air parcel's movement is studied. Based on the results, some suggestions concerning proper formulation of parameterization of the convective momentum flux are made.
When human networks collide: the degree distributions of hyper-networks

The study of service value networks adds a new dimension of investigation to industrial systems: human networks. Existing literature shows humans hyper-network to co-create value within and outside of the traditional structures of an organization or an extended enterprise—such as social networking for innovation and e-commerce for supply chain. Since human networks tend to be composite and multi-dimensional, they need new results to understand how networks collide during economic activities and what new coalesced networks will result. The hyper-network model uniquely describes this multi-layered evolving nature of human networks and reveals some of the basic networking properties either directly from the initial community base networks or directly from the colliding single networks. This article answers an important question about service value networks: What are the connection patterns of a network of networks, such as the distribution of the number of connections at a node—the degree distribution? We develop formulae to determine four prototypical classes of hyper-networks, which constitute a baseline analysis to the new study of network evolution for network science and service science.
Factors Associated with Fouling in the Process Industry

This study is concerned with the sequence and character of the events that take place after the initial exposure of the surface to the product, that is, the buildup and composition of a conditioning film on the surface. Calculations show that for short transient studies, conditioning film measurements can be made to values as small as 3.0 microns. Utilizing higher heating rates (5 W/cm2) and shorter transients allow measurements to 2.0 microns. This type of monitoring system can function as an alarm device to signal when a critical point of biofilm buildup is reached. Maintenance procedures can be initiated at the proper time rather than at arbitrary intervals, thus minimizing down time and ensuring product safety. Conclusions include methods to monitor and control the conditioning film formation and deposit growth for various process industries.
Importance of palm's heart for pregnant women

Abstract The consumption of locally nutrient-rich edible plants in rural areas can be used to satisfy the dietary diversity of pregnant women. Date palm is one of the wild edible plants in different parts of the world. Studies on wild edible plants in Ethiopia cover only about 5 % of the country's districts. Furthermore, the nutrient composition of the palm heart of Phoenix reclinata is not yet investigated as it is commonly consumed by indigenous people in western Ethiopia. The utilization of such plants requires strong policy support based on scientific evidence to maintain the nutrition security of pregnant women. Homogeneous samples of 1000 grams (g) of palm hearts were collected randomly. The macronutrient contents were determined using standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2000). The flame Photometric method was used for potassium and sodium determination. The carbohydrate concentration (g/100 g) was 78⋅2. It covers approximately 78⋅5 % of the total daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). In line with this, the concentrations of minerals such as potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+), per milligram (mg/100 g) of the sample were 1962⋅3 and 7⋅9, respectively. The palm heart of Phoenix reclinata has many nutritional values and is important for pregnant women. Its nutrient composition is comparable with different staple foods of the country and can contribute to household food security in rural communities.
On the rheology and magnetization of dilute magnetic emulsions under small amplitude oscillatory shear

Abstract A dilute magnetic emulsion under the combined action of a uniform external magnetic field and a small amplitude oscillatory shear is studied using numerical simulations. We consider a three-dimensional domain with a single ferrofluid droplet suspended in a non-magnetizable Newtonian fluid. We present results of droplet shape and orientation, viscoelastic functions and bulk emulsion magnetization as functions of the shear oscillation frequency, magnetic field intensity and orientation. We also investigate how the magnetic field induces mechanical anisotropy by producing internal torques in oscillatory conditions. We found that, when the magnetic field is parallel to the shear plane, the droplet shape is mostly independent of the shear oscillation frequency. Regarding the viscometric functions, we show how the external magnetic field modifies the storage and loss moduli, especially for a field aligned to the main velocity gradient. The bulk emulsion magnetization is studied in the same fashion as the viscoelastic functions of the oscillatory shear. We show that the in-phase component of the magnetization with respect to the shear rate reaches a saturation magnetization, at the high frequencies limit, dependent on the magnetic field intensity and orientation. On the other hand, we found a non-zero out-of-phase response, which indicates a finite emulsion magnetization relaxation time. Our results indicate that the magnetization relaxation is closely related to the mechanical relaxation for dilute magnetic emulsions under oscillatory shear.
A century of parasitology in fisheries and aquaculture

Abstract Fish parasitological research associated with fisheries and aquaculture has expanded remarkably over the past century. The application of parasites as biological tags has been one of the fields in which fish parasitology has generated new insight into fish migration and stock assessments worldwide. It is a well-established discipline whose methodological issues are regularly reviewed and updated. Therefore, no concepts or case-studies will be repeated here; instead, we summarize some of the main recent findings and achievements of this methodology. These include the extension of its use in hosts other than bony fishes; the improvements in the selection of parasite tags; the recognition of the host traits affecting the use of parasite tags; and the increasingly recognized need for integrative, multidisciplinary studies combining parasites with classical methods and modern techniques, such as otolith microchemistry and genetics. Archaeological evidence points to the existence of parasitic problems associated with aquaculture activities more than a thousand years ago. However, the main surge of research within aquaculture parasitology occurred with the impressive development of aquaculture over the past century. Protozoan and metazoan parasites, causing disease in domesticated fish in confined environments, have attracted the interest of parasitologists and, due to their economic importance, funding was made available for basic and applied research. This has resulted in a profusion of basic knowledge about parasite biology, physiology, parasite–host interactions, life cycles and biochemistry. Due to the need for effective control methods, various solutions targeting host–parasite interactions (immune responses and host finding), genetics and pharmacological aspects have been in focus.
A large-dimensional independent and identically distributed property for nearest neighbor counts in Poisson processes

For an arbitrary point of a homogeneous Poisson point process in a d -dimensional Euclidean space, consider the number of Poisson points (cid:14) . that have that given point as their r th nearest neighbor r s 1, 2, . It is shown that as d tends to inﬁnity, these nearest neighbor counts (cid:14) . r s 1, 2, . are iid asymptotically Poisson with mean 1 . The proof relies on Renyi’s characterization of Poisson processes and a representation in ´ the limit of each nearest neighbor count as a sum of countably many dependent Bernoulli random variables .
Miscommunication in Commercial Aviation: The Role of Accent, Speech Rate, Information Density, and Politeness Markers

ABSTRACT Objective This study is specifically designed to examine the effect of accent (native or non-native English sounding), rate of speech, complexity of transmission (information density), and politeness markers on commercial pilot (mis)communication. Background Aviation accident reports often cite miscommunication as a contributing factor. Anecdotal reports from pilots, along with limited empirical studies on pilot communication, further confirm that miscommunication remains a problem. Method Approximately 250 ATC-Pilot transmissions from each of four international airports: Kingsford Smith, Sydney, Australia (YSSY); Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH); Los Angeles International Airport, USA (KLAX); and Haneda, Tokyo, Japan (RJTT) were analyzed. Pilot communication errors were compared between the four locations based on pilot and ATC accent alignment, rate of speech, number and order of items in transmission, and politeness markers. Results Native English-sounding pilots committed more errors than accented pilots. Alignment of pilot and ATC language background reduced communication errors, but not when native English speakers were involved. Longer messages increased the number of communication errors. Politeness markers did not affect communication and pilots committed fewer errors when the readback order was not scrambled. Conclusion Communication errors still occur in ATC-Pilot radio communication. These errors appear more common with native English sounding pilots than accented pilots. Hence, the origin of the problem appears to stem from proficiency in the lingua franca of Aviation English, rather than with the English language.
How does smart technology, artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and algorithms (STAARA) awareness affect hotel employees’ career perceptions? A disruptive innovation theory perspective

ABSTRACT The extensive implementation of smart technology, artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and algorithms (STAARA) in hospitality services has accelerated the need to understand their potential influence on hotel employees’ career perceptions. This study conducted two scenario-based experiments based on disruptive innovation theory and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model to examine how STAARA awareness shapes hotel employees’ job insecurity and mobility. In addition, this study investigated career progression as a counterstrategy to attenuate the substitution effect of STAARA. Study 1 demonstrated that hotel employees’ negative (vs. positive) awareness of STAARA leads to higher job insecurity and mobility. Furthermore, according to Study 2, for hotel employees with low-level career progression, negative (vs. positive) awareness of STAARA induces higher job insecurity and mobility. However, among employees with high-level career progression, there were no significant differences, which means that high-level career progression attenuates the impact of STAARA. This study also considers theoretical and practical influences.
Outdoor sound propagation over ground of finite impedance

There is an extensive body of theory, and some laboratory measurements, of sound propagation over a surface of finite impedance. There are also reliable measurements of outdoor sound propagation in near‐horizontal directions over the ground. In an attempt to relate these more closely, we have made carefully controlled measurements at ranges from 1 to 1000 ft, in most cases over grass‐covered flat surfaces, to demonstrate the several phenomena that are involved. These phenomena depend on, and conversely provide a means of estimating, the values of ground impedance for waves at near‐grazing angles of incidence. Such values obtained for grass‐covered surfaces are in reasonable agreement with each other and with values obtained by conventional means at other angles of incidence. It is suggested that simple but accurate predictions of noise levels can be made by assuming that an excess attenuation due to finite ground impedance would always exist in a certain shadow region near the ground. This shadow region i.