Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolving matched filter transform pairs for satellite image processing

Wavelets provide an attractive method for efficient image compression. For transmission across noisy or bandwidth limited channels, a signal may be subjected to quantization in which the signal is transcribed onto a reduced alphabet in order to save bandwidth. Unfortunately, the performance of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) degrades at increasing levels of quantization. In recent years, evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have been employed to optimize wavelet-inspired transform filters to improve compression performance in the presence of quantization. Wavelet filters consist of a pair of real-valued coefficient sets; one set represents the compression filter while the other set defines the image reconstruction filter. The reconstruction filter is defined as the biorthogonal inverse of the compression filter. Previous research focused upon two approaches to filter optimization. In one approach, the original wavelet filter is used for image compression while the reconstruction filter is evolved by an EA. In the second approach, both the compression and reconstruction filters are evolved. In both cases, the filters are not biorthogonally related to one another. We propose a novel approach to filter evolution. The EA optimizes a compression filter. Rather than using a wavelet filter or evolving a second filter for reconstruction, the reconstruction filter is computed as the biorthogonal inverse of the evolved compression filter. The resulting filter pair retains some of the mathematical properties of wavelets. This paper compares this new approach to existing filter optimization approaches to determine its suitability for the optimization of image filters appropriate for defense applications of image processing.
Bridging a gap between L 2 research and classroom practice ( 1 ) : English as a Lingua Franca ( ELF ) in Asia and some assessment based on Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ( CEFR )

Since English has become a lingua franca in the world, English programs need to be based on International standards such as Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). (1) We report validation experiment by can-do self-check survey in relation to the CEFR levels, in order to find out the cut-off scores and ranges of our computer adaptive placement test called Web-based Test of English Communication (WeTEC), using logistic regression analysis. (2) We discuss Oral self-introduction data among Asian users of English based on the CEFR, using the multi-faceted Rasch Model.
Effect of prenatal and postnatal malnutrition on intellectual functioning in early school-aged children in rural western China

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prenatal and postnatal malnutrition on the intellectual functioning of early school-aged children. We followed the offspring of women who had participated in a trial of prenatal supplementation with different combinations of micronutrients and who remained resident in the study field. We measured their intellectual functioning using the Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC-IV). Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age were used as anthropometric nutritional status indices. Four of the 5 composite scores derived from the WISC-IV, except for working memory index (WMI), were significantly lower in low birth weight children after adjusting for confounds. All 5 composite scores, including full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), verbal comprehension index (VCI), WMI, perceptual reasoning index (PRI), and processing speed index (PSI) were significant lower in stunted and underweight children. The differences in the means of WISC-IV test scores were greatest between stunted and nonstunted children. The means for FSIQ, VCI, WMI, PRI, and PSI were as follows: 5.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.84–8.92), 5.08 (95% CI: 1.12–8.41), 4.71 (95% CI: 1.78–7.66), 6.13 (95% CI: 2.83–9.44), and 5.81 (95% CI: 2.61–9.00). These means were lower in stunted children after adjusting for confounds. Our results suggest the important influences of low birth weight and postnatal malnutrition (stunting, low body weight) on intellectual functioning in early school-aged children.
State Building in Putin's Russia: Policing and Coercion after Communism

1. Bringing the gun back in: coercion and the state 2. The power ministries and the siloviki 3. Coercion and capacity: political order and the central state 4. Coercion and capacity: centralization and federalism 5. Coercion and quality: power ministry practices and personnel 6. Coercion and quality: the state and society 7. Coercion in the North Caucasus 8. State capacity and quality reconsidered.
Regulation of the Flt3 Gene in Haematopoietic Stem and Early Progenitor Cells

The MYB transcription factor plays critical roles in normal and malignant haematopoiesis. We previously showed that MYB was a direct activator of FLT3 expression within the context of acute myeloid leukaemia. During normal haematopoiesis, increasing levels of FLT3 expression determine a strict hierarchy within the haematopoietic stem and early progenitor compartment, which associates with lymphoid and myeloid commitment potential. We use the conditional deletion of the Myb gene to investigate the influence of MYB in Flt3 transcriptional regulation within the haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) hierarchy. In accordance with previous report, in vivo deletion of Myb resulted in rapid biased differentiation of HSC with concomitant loss of proliferation capacity. We find that loss of MYB activity also coincided with decreased FLT3 expression. At the chromatin level, the Flt3 promoter is primed in immature HSC, but occupancy of further intronic elements determines expression. Binding to these locations, MYB and C/EBPα need functional cooperation to activate transcription of the locus. This cooperation is cell context dependent and indicates that MYB and C/EBPα activities are inter-dependent in controlling Flt3 expression to influence lineage commitment of multipotential progenitors.
Availability of preoperative anxiety scale as a predictive factor for hemodynamic changes during induction of anesthesia

Background The current study evaluated whether the level of preoperative anxiety assessed by the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) affects cardiovascular response during anesthetic induction. Furthermore, we evaluated the utility of the preoperative anxiety scale as a predictive factor for hemodynamic changes. Methods One hundred twenty patients who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective study. The patients were asked to fill out STAI questionnaires the night before the day of surgery. For 5 minutes after tracheal intubation, changes in vital signs were recorded. The correlation between STAI scores and the percent changes in vital signs during the induction of anesthesia for each subgroup was assessed. In addition, the predictability of the 20% change in vital signs by STAI scores was analyzed using receiver operating characteristics curves. Results The state anxiety scores of patients 45 years of age or older showed a significant correlation with percent changes in mean blood pressure and heart rate, whereas the state anxiety scores in other subgroups showed no significant correlation with changes in vital signs during the induction of anesthesia. Furthermore, the state anxiety scores in patients 45 years of age or older were shown to be useful in predicting a 20% change in vital signs during anesthetic induction. Conclusions The state anxiety scores of patients 45 years of age or above could be a useful tool for predicting changes in vital signs during anesthetic induction. Thus, physician should be mindful of preoperative anxiety.
A Combined Codebook Constructing Method for Beamforming on Correlated MIMO Channels

A combined codebook constructing method is proposed for beamforming in correlated Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels, where the codebook is dynamically constructed based on the transmit covariance matrix of the channel. Monte Carlo simulations show performance close to optimal beamforming. Huffman coding is used to further reduce the feedback rate in correlated MIMO system.
Synchronization and Propagation of Global Sleep Spindles

Sleep spindles occur thousands of times during normal sleep and can be easily detected by visual inspection of EEG signals. These characteristics make spindles one of the most studied EEG structures in mammalian sleep. In this work we considered global spindles, which are spindles that are observed simultaneously in all EEG channels. We propose a methodology that investigates both the signal envelope and phase/frequency of each global spindle. By analysing the global spindle phase we showed that 90% of spindles synchronize with an average latency time of 0.1 s. We also measured the frequency modulation (chirp) of global spindles and found that global spindle chirp and synchronization are not correlated. By investigating the signal envelopes and implementing a homogeneous and isotropic propagation model, we could estimate both the signal origin and velocity in global spindles. Our results indicate that this simple and non-invasive approach could determine with reasonable precision the spindle origin, and allowed us to estimate a signal speed of 0.12 m/s. Finally, we consider whether synchronization might be useful as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
Laminar Distribution of Phase-Amplitude Coupling of Spontaneous Current Sources and Sinks

Although resting-state functional connectivity is a commonly used neuroimaging paradigm, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Thalamo-cortical and cortico-cortical circuits generate oscillations at different frequencies during spontaneous activity. However, it remains unclear how the various rhythms interact and whether their interactions are lamina-specific. Here we investigated intra- and inter-laminar spontaneous phase-amplitude coupling (PAC). We recorded local-field potentials using laminar probes inserted in the forelimb representation of rat area S1. We then computed time-series of frequency-band- and lamina-specific current source density (CSD), and PACs of CSD for all possible pairs of the classical frequency bands in the range of 1–150 Hz. We observed both intra- and inter-laminar spontaneous PAC. Of 18 possible combinations, 12 showed PAC, with the highest measures of interaction obtained for the pairs of the theta/gamma and delta/gamma bands. Intra- and inter-laminar PACs involving layers 2/3–5a were higher than those involving layer 6. Current sinks (sources) in the delta band were associated with increased (decreased) amplitudes of high-frequency signals in the beta to fast gamma bands throughout layers 2/3–6. Spontaneous sinks (sources) of the theta and alpha bands in layers 2/3–4 were on average linked to dipoles completed by sources (sinks) in layer 6, associated with high (low) amplitudes of the beta to fast-gamma bands in the entire cortical column. Our findings show that during spontaneous activity, delta, theta, and alpha oscillations are associated with periodic excitability, which for the theta and alpha bands is lamina-dependent. They further emphasize the differences between the function of layer 6 and that of the superficial layers, and the role of layer 6 in controlling activity in those layers. Our study links theories on the involvement of PAC in resting-state functional connectivity with previous work that revealed lamina-specific anatomical thalamo-cortico-cortical connections.
Vector quantization for volume rendering

Volume rendering techniques typically process volumetric data in raw, uncompressed form. As algorithmic and architectural advances improve rendering speeds, however, larger data sets will be evaluated requiring consideration of data storage and transmission issues. In this paper, we analyze the data compression requirements for volume rendering applications and present a solution based on vector quantization. The proposed system compresses volumetric data and then renders images directly from the new data format. Tests on a fluid flow data set demonstrate that good image quality may be achieved at a compression ratio of 17:1 with only a 5 percent cost in additional rendering time.
A local central limit theorem for triangles in a random graph

In this paper, we prove a local limit theorem for the distribution of the number of triangles in the Erdos‐Rényi random graph G(n, p), where p∈(0,1) is a fixed constant. Our proof is based on bounding the characteristic function ψ(t) of the number of triangles, and uses several different conditioning arguments for handling different ranges of t. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 48, 732–750, 2016
Design and Implementation of an IoT Access Point for Smart Home

Network communication and micro-electro-mechanical embedded technologies have attracted much attention in recent years. Through these technologies, the capabilities of sensing, identification, and communication can be embedded in various smart devices. These smart devices can automatically connect to the Internet and form an intelligent network called Internet of Things (IoT). However, these devices are embedded with different wireless communication interfaces such as Wi-Fi and ZigBee. This paper presents the design and implementation of an IoT access point that supports functionalities of coordination of various wireless transmission protocols. Based on the existing Wi-Fi access point, we have embedded a ZigBee module and implemented ZigBee and UPnP protocols into the designed IoT access point, which supports ZigBee communication capabilities over the Internet.
A Novel Embryonic Nestin-Expressing Radial Glia-Like Progenitor Gives Rise to Zonally Restricted Olfactory and Vomeronasal Neurons

Persistent neurogenesis is maintained throughout development and adulthood in the mouse olfactory epithelium (OE). Despite this, the identity and origin of different embryonic OE progenitors, their spatiotemporal induction and contribution to patterning during development, has yet to be delineated. Here, we show that the embryonic OE contains a novel nestin-expressing radial glia-like progenitor (RGLP) that is not found in adult OE, which is antigenically distinct from embryonic CNS radial glia. Nestin-cre-mediated lineage tracing with three different reporters reveals that only a subpopulation of nestin-expressing RGLPs activate “CNS-specific” nestin regulatory elements, and produce spatially restricted olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in zone 1 of the OE, and vomeronasal receptor neurons restricted to the VR1 zone. This dorsal-medial restriction of transgene-activating cells is also seen in the embryonic OE of Nestin-GFP transgenic mice, in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) is found in a subpopulation of GFP+Mash1+ neuronal progenitors, despite the fact that endogenous Nestin expression is found in RGLPs throughout the OE. Embryonic OE progenitors produce three biologically distinct colony subtypes in vitro, a subpopulation of which include nestin-expressing RGLPs during in vitro colony formation. When generated from Nestin-cre/ZEG mice, neurogenic colonies also produce GFP+Mash1+ progenitors and ORNs. We thus identify a novel neurogenic precursor, the RGLP of the OE and vomeronasal organ (VNO), and provide the first evidence for intrinsic differences in the origin and spatiotemporal potential of distinct progenitors during development of the OE and VNO.
Study of Smart Home System Based on Cloud Computing and the Key Technologies

As the development of the Cloud computing and Internet of Things, the standards of material life are continually improved. The requirements of safe, comfortable and convenient are also raised. In recent years, there are huge changes on the concept of family house on people's mind, and the smart home will be the trend of modern house. The research and development of it is about the automatic control, wireless connection and wireless communications study subjects. This article is based on the combined development of the Cloud computing and Internet of Things, with studying the requirement of smart home, especially for the aged person. Based on the technology of the Internet of Things, and knowing that the key technologies include: RFID identify the network technology, sensing technology, M2M and cloud computing ability, this paper designs a new smart home system. Analysis of key technology of intelligent home based on cloud computing and simulation in the experiment environment user data to the cloud-based smart home and general analysis of the processing capabilities of intelligent home and draw relevant conclusions.
Supporting constructivist learning in a multimedia presentation system

The research in presentation production for learning electronically (RIPPLES) group in the Department of Computer Science at UMASS Amherst have developed a course delivery system named multimedia asynchronous networked individualized courseware (MANIC). MANIC uses the approach of "record and playback". While record and playback technologies can be very effective in supporting a constructivist mode of instructional delivery, the technology is not inherently constructivist. In support of a more constructivist mode of instruction, we have implemented advanced indexing and search features in MANIC that makes use of ranking and relevance, and a query expansion technique to generate queries and conduct search over the World Wide Web (WWW) using Google/spl trade/. In this paper we describe initial experiments conducted, and our plans for additional assessment and enhancement of the search mechanism.
High-Frequency Plasmid Transduction by Lactobacillus gasseri Bacteriophage φadh

The temperate bacteriophage φadh mediates plasmid DNA transduction in Lactobacillus gasseri ADH at frequencies in the range of 10-8 to 10-10 transductants per PFU. BglII-generated DNA fragments from phage φadh were cloned into the BclI site of the transducible plasmid vector pGK12 (4.4 kb). Phage φadh lysates induced from Lactobacillus lysogens harboring pGK12 or the recombinant plasmids were used to transduce strain ADH to chloramphenicol resistance. The transduction frequencies of recombinant plasmids were 102- to 105-fold higher than that of native pGK12. The increase in frequency generally correlated with the extent of DNA-DNA homology between plasmid and phage DNAs. The highest transduction frequency was obtained with plasmid pTRK170 (6.6 kb), a pGK12 derivative containing the 1.4- and 0.8-kb BglII DNA fragments of φadh. DNA hybridization analysis of pTRK170-transducing phage particles revealed that pTRK170 had integrated into the φadh genome, suggesting that recombination between homologous sequences present in phage and plasmid DNAs was responsible for the formation of high-frequency transducing phage particles. Plasmid DNA analysis of 13 transductants containing pTRK170 showed that each had acquired intact plasmids, indicating that in the process of transduction a further recombination step was involved in the resolution of plasmid DNA monomers from the recombinant pTRK170::φadh molecule. In addition to strain ADH, pTRK170 could be transduced via φadh to eight different L. gasseri strains, including the neotype strain, F. Gasser 63 AM (ATCC 33323).
Learning strategy fusion to acquire dynamic motion

This paper proposes a method to fuse learning strategies (LSs) in a reinforcement learning framework. In this method, some LSs are integrated for learning a single task of a single robot. The LSs consists of (1) LS-scratch: learning a policy from scratch, (2) LS-accelerating: learning a policy from a previously learned policy by accelerating motion-speed parameters, and (3) LS-freeing: learning a policy from a previously learned policy by increasing the DoF (degree of freedom). The proposed LS fusion method enables (A) in the early stage of learning, LS fusion can select a suitable DoF configuration from a predefined set of DoF configurations, and (B) after a behavior module that learns from scratch converges, the LSs are applied to improve the policy. As a result, a robot can learn a complex task by starting with a simplified configuration, and then transferring the learned behaviors while increasing the difficulty. We introduce WF-DCOB proposed by Yamaguchi et al. for the LSs. We verify the proposed LS fusion method with a crawling task of a humanoid robot. The simulation experiments demonstrate the advantage of the proposed method compared to learning with a single learning module.
Visualization of large-scale atomic interactions during the melting and crystallization process

The visualization and simulation of atomic-scale material model capable of melting, crystallization and amorphization has been developed. The large-scale molecular-dynamics calculations are done to examine crystal growth and defect formation process from the melted silicon based on the ordinary Langevin equations of motion. The developed computer system enables interactive visualization of solid/liquid interface structures responding to the control parameters such as the temperature gradient and pulling speed. The particle objects representing up to 10/sup 4/ atoms, in an interactive 3D environment, model material behaviour. A particle in the proposed dynamic system interacts through attractive covalent forces and short-range repulsion forces. This research was conducted to understand the processes that can control the quality of single-crystal silicon grown from the melt by Czochralski crystal puller.
Governance Mechanisms and Buyer Supplier Relationship:Static and Dynamic Panel Data Evidence from Tunisian Exporting SMEs

This study seeks to understand the effect of transactional and relational governance mechanisms on opportunism induced by the buyer supplier relationship. Using panel data of 386 Tunisian export companies between 2003 and 2008, the analysis shows that transactional as well as relational governance mechanisms are negatively related to the opportunistic behavior of the customer. In order to focus on internal corporate characteristics, the level of debt and the size of the buyer are controlled. This study supports the role of contracts as formal governance tool in reducing inter-firm opportunism which corroborates transaction cost economics. It also confirms some main notions in social exchange theory. The role of trust as relational mechanism in governing the buyer-supplier relationship has been verified. Finally, the findings of this paper sustain the complementarity view toward relational and transactional governance mechanisms. The paper offers insights to executives of companies to govern the buyer-supplier relationship in order to dispel opportunism by using simultaneously transactional and relational mechanisms.
Human Algorithmic Stability and Human Rademacher Complexity

In Machine Learning (ML), the learning process of an algo- rithm given a set of evidences is studied via complexity measures. The way towards using ML complexity measures in the Human Learning (HL) domain has been paved by a previous study, which introduced Human Rademacher Complexity (HRC): in this work, we introduce Human Algo- rithmic Stability (HAS). Exploratory experiments, performed on a group of students, show the superiority of HAS against HRC, since HAS allows grasping the nature and complexity of the task to learn.