Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Empirical Analysis of the Hessian of Over-Parametrized Neural Networks

We study the properties of common loss surfaces through their Hessian matrix. In particular, in the context of deep learning, we empirically show that the spectrum of the Hessian is composed of two parts: (1) the bulk centered near zero, (2) and outliers away from the bulk. We present numerical evidence and mathematical justifications to the following conjectures laid out by Sagun et al. (2016): Fixing data, increasing the number of parameters merely scales the bulk of the spectrum; fixing the dimension and changing the data (for instance adding more clusters or making the data less separable) only affects the outliers. We believe that our observations have striking implications for non-convex optimization in high dimensions. First, the flatness of such landscapes (which can be measured by the singularity of the Hessian) implies that classical notions of basins of attraction may be quite misleading. And that the discussion of wide/narrow basins may be in need of a new perspective around over-parametrization and redundancy that are able to create large connected components at the bottom of the landscape. Second, the dependence of small number of large eigenvalues to the data distribution can be linked to the spectrum of the covariance matrix of gradients of model outputs. With this in mind, we may reevaluate the connections within the data-architecture-algorithm framework of a model, hoping that it would shed light into the geometry of high-dimensional and non-convex spaces in modern applications. In particular, we present a case that links the two observations: small and large batch gradient descent appear to converge to different basins of attraction but we show that they are in fact connected through their flat region and so belong to the same basin.
Is the practice of goal-setting for patients in acute stroke care patient-centred and what factors influence this? A qualitative study

Objective: To explore whether goal-setting for rehabilitation with acute stroke survivors is patient-centred and identify factors which influence the adoption of patient-centredness in goal-setting practice. Setting: Acute stroke unit in a large teaching hospital in England. Participants: Patients with stroke who had no cognitive or significant communication problems and health care professionals who had a significant engagement with an individual patient were approached for participation. Method: Multiple qualitative methods were used. Perceptions and beliefs about patient-centredness, within the context of goal-setting, were collected from patients and corresponding professionals using qualitative semi-structured interviews. Adoption of patient-centred behaviour was triangulated using analysis of patient records and observation of team meetings related to participating patients. Data analysis: Interview transcripts and field notes were coded, clustered under categories and descriptively summarised. Additionally, data from patients’ documents were summarised. These summaries were then mapped on to an a-priori frame work of patient-centredness from which further interpretative themes were derived. Results: Seven patients and seven health-care professionals participated. Goal-setting was not consistently patient-centred as evidenced by a) incongruities between patients and professionals in setting, communicating and prioritising of goals and b) dysfunctional therapeutic relationships. The factors that influenced patient-centred goal-setting were both professional and patient beliefs and attributes, work-culture, practice model, limitations in knowledge and systems that disempowered both professionals and patients. Conclusion: It may be possible to infer that current local practice of goal-setting was inadequately patient-centred. Further research is required to identify strategies to overcome these challenges and to develop patient-centred goal-setting methods.
Quality Improvement for A Shoe Laundry Using Integration Model of Service Blueprint, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis, and Fault Tree Analysis

Nowadays, shoes are not just a casual footwear. Certain shoes can tell the social class of a person. The increase of shoe prices and social status of wearing expensive shoes became a trigger for the development of shoe laundry services. There were a service quality problems in a shoe laundry in Tangerang, Indonesia. Several methods to improve service quality was studied and it is decided to propose a new model, which is integration model of Service Blueprint, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). The research starts with identifying the problem with observation and interview, then build Service Blueprint. Based on the fail point that has been identified in Service Blueprint, the FMEA used to find which process is the most dominant cause of failure and the most urgent for improvement. The next step is using FTA to find the root cause of the failure of the dominant cause. After analyzing the FTA, the improvement was proposed and implemented. Service failure before and after implementation was compared to see the improvements. There are 6 suggestion and implemented. After the implementation, the error in each process was measured and it is found a decrease in error in each process.
In vivo diffusion spectroscopy. An overview

This review describes in vivo NMR measurements of metabolite diffusion. NMR spectroscopy can employ a variety of endogeneous marker molecules to obtain information on various aspects of in vivo biochemistry and biophysics from the diffusion characteristics of these markers. NMR‐based metabolite diffusion data give an insight into the physico‐chemical properties of the intracellular compartment and of changes therein in relation to development and pathology. Recent applications have proven that in vivo diffusion spectroscopy provides exciting opportunities to both fundamental and applied research.
Quantitative determination of sporozoites and circumsporozoite antigen in mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax

Abstract It is essential for malariologists and researchers to have simple and accurate means of assessing the threat of Plasmodium parasites. An attempt was therefore made to re-standardize one of the circumsporozoite (CS) ELISA that can be used to detect and quantify the circumsporozoite antigens of P. falciparum and P. vivax. A two-site, 'sandwich' ELISA based on a monoclonal antibody was used to test for the CS antigen and sporozoites of each Plasmodium species simultaneously. Using the resultant optical-density values, standard curves, that permit the number of sporozoites in an infected mosquito to be estimated from the quantification of the CS antigen, were constructed. Using these plots and the CS ELISA, the presence of just 12.5 sporozoites (i.e. 0.8 pg CS antigen) of P. falciparum, four sporozoites (3.2 pg antigen) of P. vivax-210 or 12.5 sporozoites (32.0 pg antigen) of P. vivax-247 could be demonstrated.
Finite field inversion over the dual basis

In this transaction brief we consider the design of dual basis inversion circuits for GF(2/sup m/). Two architectures are presented-one bit-serial and one bit-parallel-both of which are based on Fermat's theorem. Finite field inverters based on Fermat's theorem have previously been presented which operate over the normal basis and the polynomial basis. However there are two advantages to be gained by forcing inversion circuits to operate over the dual basis. First, these inversion circuits can be utilized in circuits using hardware efficient dual basis multipliers without any extra basis converters. And second, the inversion circuits themselves can take advantage of dual basis multipliers, thus reducing their own hardware levels. As both these approaches require squaring in a finite field to take place, a theorem is presented which allows circuits to be easily designed to carry out squaring over the dual basis.
Calculation of partial discharge inception voltages in ultradilute SF6 + N2 gas mixtures

This study proposes a method of calculation to estimate partial discharge inception voltages in ultradilute SF<inf>6</inf>+N<inf>2</inf> gas mixtures. The method is based on the condition necessary for the initial streamer to propagate in a gap where the electric field distribution is highly non-uniform. The proposed method utilizes the finite element method (FEM) in determining the electric fields in ultradilute SF<inf>6</inf>+N<inf>2</inf> gas mixtures. The analysis is applied for rod-plane gaps. Since the average errors are less than 5%, it is recommended to use the proposed simulation model to predict partial discharge inception voltages in ultradilute SF<inf>6</inf>+N<inf>2</inf> gas mixtures.
Wide-ranging cognitive deficits in adolescents following early life maltreatment.

OBJECTIVE Studies of adolescents with histories of maltreatment typically report specific cognitive deficits in higher order functioning and attention. Emerging evidence suggests that the cognitive difficulties seen in maltreated adolescents are much broader, and go beyond executive functioning impairments. This study examined whether maltreated adolescents exhibited cognitive deficits across a number of cognitive domains, in addition to executive functioning. METHOD A group of 39 adolescents with documented histories of severe maltreatment were compared with 43 controls on measures of learning and memory, executive function, processing speed, working memory, visuoperceptual function, and language. Groups were matched demographically and on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV (WISC-IV) Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ; Wechsler, 2003). RESULTS Using multivariate analyses, the maltreated group showed significant impairments on measures of executive function and attention, working memory, learning, visuospatial function and visual processing speed. Effect sizes ranged from medium to large. CONCLUSIONS The FSIQ indicated that these adolescents were performing comparably with their nonmaltreated peers, though this was not the case when specific cognitive functions were measured. This demonstrates that maltreated adolescents are more likely to have a range of cognitive deficits that can only be identified with thorough neuropsychological assessment. Such deficits have the potential to significantly impair adaptive, social, emotional, and academic functioning, explaining many of the typical difficulties seen in maltreated adolescents.
Security Education for Smart Grid : Materials , Experiments , and Evaluation

With the fast development of Cyber-Physical systems (CPS), security in these special application environments starts to attract more and more efforts. In this project, we form a team of researchers in information security, power systems, simulation, and education evaluation to jointly develop educational materials and experiments for security education in smart grid. Multiple course modules for infrastructure and data security in smart gird have been designed. We design a simulation/emulation based experiment platform and develop several student projects upon it. These materials have been adopted by both graduate and undergraduate level security courses. Formal evaluations are conducted by third party evaluators.
The impact of interdisciplinary research in the environmental sciences: a forestry case study

Interdisciplinary research has been identified as a critical means of addressing some of our planet's most urgent environmental problems. Yet relatively little is known about the processes and impacts of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental sciences. This study used citation analysis and ordinary least squares regression to investigate the relationship between an article's citation rate and its degree of interdisciplinarity in one area of environmental science; viz., forestry. Three types of interdisciplinarity were recognized—authorship, subject matter, and cited literature—and each was quantified using Brillouin's diversity index. Data consisted of more than 750 articles published in the journal Forest Science during the 10‐year period 1985–1994. The results indicate that borrowing was the most influential method of interdisciplinary information transfer. Articles that drew information from a diverse set of journals were cited with greater frequency than articles having smaller or more narrowly focused bibliographies. This finding provides empirical evidence that interdisciplinary methods have made a measurable and positive impact on the forestry literature.
Molecular interaction analysis in ligand design using mass transport, kinetic and thermodynamic methods

Ligand design in biotechnology is underpinned by the control of molecular affinity. Hence, measuring binding interactions is a key component in designing ligands for such uses as therapeutics, diagnostics, biomaterials and separation science. Mass transport, kinetic and thermodynamic methods have been used for macromolecular interaction analysis but also have potential applicability as direct methods for measuring small molecular interactions. They can enhance the ligand design process by providing the ability to choose ligands based on both their kinetic and thermodynamic binding properties.
Translating Organizational Learning Orientation into Performance: The Role of Management Control Systems

There is considerable evidence that the best performing organizations are those where learning is deeply embedded in the culture of the firm. It is often argued that management control systems "stifle learning and personal development by severely limiting the ability of employees to exert control or change the nature of their work activities" (Winter, Sarros & Tanewski, 1997, p. 9). Others argue that it is the role of senior management to select controls that will encourage workers to learn and adapt to increasingly complex organizational and market environments. This study explores the relationship between organizational learning orientation and two control choices - input control and output control - and their subsequent relationship with firm performance. We argue that a firm committed to organizational learning as a strategic priority will rely on the use of input controls to ensure that the 'right' individuals are employed, trained and socialized to accept the values of the firm. We also expect that firms will supplement input controls with the use of output control. Our hypotheses are tested using data collected from 188 manufacturing business units with profit centre responsibility. The results support the thesis that the choice of controls will not only be influenced by a learning orientation but also will result in positive organizational outcomes.
Measuring Working Memory Capacity With Greater Precision in the Lower Capacity Ranges

Working memory capacity is usually measured as the number of stimuli correctly remembered. However, these measures lack precision when assessing individuals with low capacity. This study aimed to create a more precise measure of visuospatial working memory capacity, using intra-level differences in difficulty between items. In two experiments, children aged 4–6 years (N = 97) were tested on a large number of items. Data showed a large variability of difficulty within each level and the factors contributing to this variability were identified. This variability can be used to provide a precise measure of working memory capacity in the lower ranges.
A Secondary School Teacher’s description of the process of determining report card grades

This paper presents a grade 10 mathematics teacher’s in-depth description of the process she uses to determine the final grade for the report card within a standards-based context. Her case was part of a three-year comparative study of grading practices of teachers from two Canadian provinces that differ in their level of standardization of education. Survey, interview, and document data provided by the teacher revealed clear tensions between current grading policy and principles particularly within mathematics.
Operational retrieval of cloud-top heights using MISR data

Due to its unique nine-angle configuration, the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) can retrieve cloud parameters such as cloud-motion vectors and cloud-top heights using a purely geometrical technique that involves locating the same cloud features at different viewing angles. The geometrical nature of this technique means that the retrievals are relatively insensitive to the absolute instrument calibration. Fast stereo-matching algorithms have been developed to perform this image matching automatically on an operational basis. Preliminary results are shown of the operational retrievals together with comparisons against other data. Cloud-top height is generally obtained on a 1.1-km grid with an accuracy of /spl plusmn/ 562 m, even over snow and ice. The limitations of the technique, resulting at times in height blunders, noisy retrievals, and discrete effects of wind correction, are discussed.
Severe Primary Hypothyroidism Manifesting with Torsades De Pointes

Hypothyroidism can manifest with myriad cardiac abnormalities, often consisting of a combination of morphologic and functional changes. Low voltage, sinus bradycardia, and slowed conduction are usually found on electrocardiography. We describe a patient with severe hypothyroidism who presented with presyncope, prolongation of the QT interval, and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsades de pointes). No other cause for the malignant ventricular ectopy was evident. With levothyroxine therapy, the QT interval normalized and the ventricular tachycardia was abolished. In addition to its commonly known cardiac effects, myxedema can predispose to the potentially life-threatening arrhythmia of torsades de pointes. Conversely, in patients presenting with QT interval prolongation and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Methods of protecting decentralized autonomous organizations from crashes and attacks

Field of study: Blockchain technology, decentralized autonomous organizations, smart contract and their resistance to attacks and failures. Theoretical and practical significance: Due to the fact that such a form of organization is experimental, participants often face problems of attacks on the organization, the consequences of incorrectly written rules and of fraud. The task of creating decentralized autonomous organizations that are resistant to failures and attacks, and research on the causes of such problems has become relevant for software developers and architects. Goals and objectives of work: Investigation of attack algorithms and development of methods for ensuring the sustainability of decentralized autonomous organizations for attacks on the basis of analysis of the subprocesses of border events and logs using the methods of Process Mining. The methods to be developed should promptly identify and prevent inconsistencies between the alleged and actual behavior of smart contracts that lead to such errors in the operation, such as the content of spam contracts, empty transactions, increased block processing time, etc.
The optical fiber link LIFT for radioastronomy

Optical fiber links are beneficial not only for frequency metrology, but also for other fields of physical research, such as radioastronomy and geodesy. We realized the first optical fiber link from a National Institute of Metrology to a Radiotelescope used for Very Long Baseline Interferometry and for geodetic measurements, over a distance of 544 km. We performed a remote calibration of the hydrogen-maser used as a frequency reference at Medicina Radiotelescopes, in central Italy, against the Italian Cs fountain primary frequency standard. The comparison was limited by the statistical uncertainty of the hydrogen-masers. This experiment demonstrates that optical links can provide radioastronomical facilities with very accurate and stable frequency references, in perspective better than the currently used hydrogen-masers. This opens new perspectives in the ultimate limits of VLBI and a more precise space geodesy.
Polo-like Kinase 2, a Novel ADAM17 Signaling Component, Regulates Tumor Necrosis Factor α Ectodomain Shedding*

Background: The metalloprotease ADAM17 emerged as the main sheddase of several cytokines and cytokine receptors. Results: The acidophilic kinase PLK2 interacts with and phosphorylates ADAM17 in mammalian cells. Conclusion: PLK2 represents a novel cellular interaction partner of ADAM17 modulating its activity. Significance: Regulation of ADAM17 activity is essential for inflammatory responses. ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17) controls pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling events by promoting ectodomain shedding of cytokine precursors and cytokine receptors. Despite the well documented substrate repertoire of ADAM17, little is known about regulatory mechanisms, leading to substrate recognition and catalytic activation. Here we report a direct interaction of the acidophilic kinase Polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2, also known as SNK) with the cytoplasmic portion of ADAM17 through the C-terminal noncatalytic region of PLK2 containing the Polo box domains. PLK2 activity leads to ADAM17 phosphorylation at serine 794, which represents a novel phosphorylation site. Activation of ADAM17 by PLK2 results in the release of pro-TNFα and TNF receptors from the cell surface, and pharmacological inhibition of PLK2 leads to down-regulation of LPS-induced ADAM17-mediated shedding on primary macrophages and dendritic cells. Importantly, PLK2 expression is up-regulated during inflammatory conditions increasing ADAM17-mediated proteolytic events. Our findings suggest a new role for PLK2 in the regulation of inflammatory diseases by modulating ADAM17 activity.
The MIDAS Platform: Facilitating the Utilisation of Healthcare Big Data in Northern Ireland and Beyond

Background:We live in a data rich, information driven society with numerous data sources available that have the potential to provide new insights into areas such as disease prevention, policy decisions, and personalised medicine. Data sources are not optimally utilised, existing in heterogeneous silos with no current solution to connect or integrate them with valuable open and social data1; a solution to enable evidence-based health policy decision making, leading to significant improvements in health care and quality of life2.Materials​ ​&​ ​Methods:The MIDAS project is developing a big data platform that facilitates the utilisation of healthcare data beyond existing isolated systems making that data amenable to enrichment with open and social data. The platform will enable the integration of heterogeneous data sources, provide privacy-preserving analytics, forecasting tools and bespoke visualisations of actionable information. Policy makers will have the capability to perform data-driven evaluations of the efficiency and effectiveness of proposed policies in terms of expenditure, delivery, wellbeing, and health and socio-economic inequalities, thus improving current policy risk stratification.Results:With a unique combination of data scientists, and a Policy Board comprising health policy makers and data guardians, MIDAS is producing a platform that empowers policy makers by providing actionable knowledge to support decision making at regional and national levels. The Policy Board’s involvement ensures that the platform meets real user requirements, is usable, effective, and respects governance, ethical, consent and privacy aspects.Conclusions:There is an urgent need to develop applications and tools to consume and map the variety of data from the public, patients and healthcare systems to make it more meaningful, insightful and useful for health policy makers3. MIDAS will exploit the enormous economic potential ofthis data and big data analytics to benefit the economy and society, setting in motion a newnetwork of knowledge pertinent to supporting enhanced public health decision-making.