Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Parallel HTM Spatial Pooler with Actor Model

The Hierarchical Temporal Memory Cortical Learning Algorithm (HTM CLA) is an algorithm inspired by the biological functioning of the neo-cortex, which combines spatial pattern recognition and temporal sequence learning. It organizes neurons in layers of column-like units built from many neurons such that the units are connected into structures called regions (areas). Layers can be hierarchically organized and can further be connected into more complex networks, which would allow to implement higher cognitive capabilities like invariant representations. However, a complex topology and a potentially high number of neurons would require more computing power than a single machine even with multiple cores or a GPU could provide. This paper aims to improve the HTM CLA by enabling it to run on multiple nodes in a highly distributed system of processors; to achieve this we use the Actor Programming Model. The proposed concept also makes use of existing cloud and server less technology and it enables easy setup and operation of cortical algorithms in a distributed environment. The proposed model is based on a mathematical theory and computation model, which targets massive concurrency. Using this model drives different reasoning about concurrent execution and should enable flexible distribution of cortical computation logic across multiple physical nodes.This work is the first one about the parallel HTM Spatial Pooler on multiple nodes with named computational model. With the increasing popularity of cloud computing and serverless architectures, this work is the first step towards proposing interconnected independent HTM CLA units in an elastic cognitive network. Thereby it can provide an alternative to deep neuronal networks, with theoretically unlimited scale in a distributed cloud environment. This paper specifically targets the redesign of a single Spatial Pooler unit.
Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Tyrosine as Capping and Reducing Agent

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using tyrosine as a capping and reducing agent has been performed. The purpose of this research was to understand the effect of silver nanoparticles on antibacterial activity. AgNPs synthesis was performed by combining silver nitrate solution (AgNO3) as a precursor to amino acid tyrosine and heating it in a boiling water bath until the appearance of a color shift from colorless to yellow. Antibacterial activity test of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed with the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli using the well diffusion method in solution. The well diffusion method was carried out by making a hole in the agar base media with a diameter of 6 mm. TEM characterization showed the formation of AgNPs has been successful. It was also known that the AgNPs have a round shape with an average particle size of 13.628 nm. AgNO 3 solution had antibacterial activity greater than silver nanoparticles. Ag + ions were converted into silver nanoparticles to reduce the toxic properties of Ag + so that it was safe for human health. The antibacterial activity in solution has a stronger effect against Bacillus subtilis (gram-positive) than Escherichia coli (gram-negative). The synthesis was carried out at optimum conditions, namely pH 11 with a reaction time of 30 minutes and producing nanoparticle 12±7 nm. The synthesis of nanoparticles is carried out using different reducing agents and stabilizers, but the chemicals used in the process are often toxic and dangerous to the environment, so they were not suitable for many applications. This creates
Estimating domestic self-supply groundwater use in urban continental Africa

Self-supply of groundwater for domestic use in urban sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is common, but the extent to which it is practiced is unknown. We developed an open data based GIS method for continental Africa (without islands) using groundwater storage, depth to groundwater, aquifer productivity, and population density data. Furthermore, we developed proxies for public supply network coverage and socio-economic status, incorporating restriction measures for groundwater use. Our results indicate that in 2015 about 369 million urban inhabitants (∼79% of the total urban population) of continental Africa could potentially supply themselves with groundwater. However, the likely number of urban inhabitants using groundwater obtained via self-supply was less: about 150 million (∼32% of the total urban population). With the novel GIS based methodology presented here, the urban population using self-supply groundwater for domestic use can be determined, which is essential to inform policy and practice, and to influence public investment.
School Climate as a Link Between High School Black Males’ Math Identity and Outcomes

The association between students’ academic identity and their academic outcomes has been well-established. The importance of a positive school climate has also been widely documented. However, Black males experience factors that uniquely and collectively comprise their school climate. As such, the purpose of this study was to test the extent to which school climate mediated the relationships between math academic identity and math outcomes of Black males. Bootstrapping mediation analyses were conducted in a sample of students in the 11th grade (n = 1,106) using data from the High School Longitudinal Study. Results indicated that students’ math identity was positively associated with math scores. Moreover, partial mediation was established, demonstrating that school climate partially explained the relationship between math identity and student outcomes. Implications of these findings for school administrators, teachers, and counselors are discussed.
Análise do inter-relacionamento entre variáveis macroeconômicas e a exportação brasileira de açúcar e etanol. uso do VAR

The production and exportation of sugar and ethanol are important factors for the advance of the Brazilian economy. The objective of this study is to analyze the interrelationship between the amount of sugar and ethanol exported from January 2000 to October 2019, against the 1 Doutorando em Engenharia de Produção. Laboratório de Análise e Modelagem Estatística LAME. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). renan.mitsuo@hotmail.com 2 Estudante de graduação em Estatística. Laboratório de Análise e Modelagem Estatística LAME. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). valentinawlirio@gmail.com 3 Doutorando em Engenharia de Produção. Laboratório de Análise e Modelagem Estatística LAME. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). cz001097@fahor.com. br 4 Estudante de graduação em Engenharia de Telecomunicações. Laboratório de Análise e Modelagem Estatística LAME. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). tobiasdpf@gmail.com 5 Mestrando em Engenharia de Produção. Laboratório de Análise e Modelagem Estatística LAME. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). martins.tailon@gmail.com 6 Professor Titular do Departamento de Estatística (UFSM). Laboratório de Análise e Modelagem Estatística LAME. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. amsouza.sm@gmail.com Revista ESPACIOS. ISSN: 0798-1015 41(21)2020 https://www.revistaespacios. com 93 macroeconomic variables, through the autoregressive vector model (VAR). The results showed that Brazilian sugar exports are strongly influenced over time by Brazilian ethanol exports and macroeconomic variables.
Characterization of Magnetite and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles bio-synthesized with Snakeweed (Stachytarpheta Indica)

Biosynthesis or green synthesis was employed for the preparation of magnetite and ZnO nanoparticles using non-hazardous solvents and plant extracts of snake weed. The leaf extract has shown to be rich in polyphenols, which facilitated the reduction and capping of the synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles, as indicated by the FTIR spectra. The nano-ZnO particles appeared spherical and agglomerated in structure with particle sizes of about 2-20 nm, while the bio-magnetite particles had a sheet-like layer that appeared clumped and cracked, with an SEM average grain size of 1-4 nm. The crystallite sizes were 3 and 0.026 nm for both ZnO and Iron nanocomplexes. The various elemental components of the particles in their different proportions were confirmed by the EDX spectra. The crystallinity of the nanoparticles was well defined by the very sharp and broad peaks, although capped by the biomolecules of the snake weed extract. Results indicate that the process can be used as an efficient green and economical alternative to the chemical synthesis of the same and its attendant draw-backs.
Dynamics of physical trail construction and of trail usage in the leaf-cutting ant Atta laevigata

Leaf cutting ants of the genus Atta build long lasting physical trails to exploit the vegetation around their nest. In this paper we investigated the dynamics of physical trail construction and usage in the leaf-cutting ant Atta laevigata. We assessed the average duration of physical trail construction in a pasture environment and estimated the impact of the change in the physiognomy of the terrain on ant speed, individual gross transport rate and rate of resource collection by taking into account the effects of confounding variables for each of these parameters. We also examined whether ants are able to adjust their foraging behaviour at the individual or collective level in order to maintain the same rate of vegetation return to their nest along the construction process. We found that a colony of A. laevigata needs between 4½ and 6½ days to complete a physical trail. The construction proceeded in a fairly uniform manner along the trail, suggesting that it is not the result of the coordinated action of a small group of specialized individuals progressing along the trail but rather of the sum of uncoordinated actions of individual workers. Ant speed increased by a 2.6 factor on a cleared trail compared to an uncleared trail and individual gross transport rate nearly doubled. However, there was no significant change along the construction process in traffic intensity, the proportion of ants returning to the nest with a piece of vegetation or the rate of resource delivery to the nest. The main benefit of trail construction is thus to mobilize less foragers on the trail to collect the same amount of food, leaving the possibility for the remaining workers to forage on other trails or to accomplish other tasks.
Performance investigation of a micro-channel flat separated loop heat pipe system for data centre cooling

This paper investigates a novel micro-channel flat separated loop heat pipe system for cooling the information technology equipment in the data centres through theoretical and experimental analysis and by assessing the impact of the inlet water temperature on system performance. A computer model is developed to simulate the steady-state performance of the micro-channel flat separated loop heat pipe system. After comparing the experimental and modelling results, the new and conventional system under the same working conditions, the model is validated yielding high accuracy in predicting the performance of the micro-channel flat separated loop heat pipe system with recorded error being limited to 2.16–8.97%. The new system has better performance than the conventional system. Under the operating conditions of heat load intensity of 1,000 W/m2, water flow rate of 0.28 m3/h, refrigerant filling rate of 30%, ambient air temperature of 26°C, and evaporator and condenser height difference of 0.8 m, the performance of the system has been explored at inlet temperature from 15 to 24°C with increments of 3°C. The system’s averaged heat transfer efficiency was found to decrease with the increase in inlet temperature. This research provides valuable insight into the data centre information technology equipment cooling, which is of great significance for energy saving and environmentally friendly operation of data centres.
Probing Collisional Plasmas with MCRS: Opportunities and Challenges

Since the 1940s, Microwave Cavity Resonance Spectroscopy (MCRS) has been used to investigate a variety of solids, gases, and low-pressure plasmas. Recently, the working terrain of the diagnostic method has been expanded with atmospheric-pressure plasmas. This review discusses the advancements that were required for this transition and implications of studying highly collisional, with respect to the probing frequencies, plasmas. These developments and implications call for a redefinition of the limitations of MCRS, which also impact studies of low-pressure plasmas using the diagnostic method. Moreover, a large collection of recommendations concerning the approach and its potential for future studies is presented.
Positive Youth Development and Being Bullied in Early Adolescence: A Sociocultural Analysis of National Cohort Data

In the current study, we investigated the developmental dynamics between positive youth development, being bullied in adolescence, gender, and sociocultural risk factors. Participants were 3,509 males (49%) and 3,656 females (51%) studied longitudinally across the ages of 9, 13, and 17 years in the Growing Up in Ireland study. Using structural equation modeling, we discovered that being bullied in early adolescence was most strongly predicted by having fewer close friends, higher family poverty, and living in neighborhoods with higher levels of disorder. However, the social disadvantage of a young person’s school did not impact being bullied. More positive reports of connection and caring in early adolescence were negatively predicted by neighborhood disorder and family poverty, and being female had positive association with relationships with teachers. Developing confidence, competence, and character in late adolescence was notably related to having fewer experiences of family trauma and transitions in childhood and to having higher levels of rapport with parents in early adolescence. The results highlight the importance of studying relationships and psychological development in sociocultural context.
Image Inpainting Detection Based on Multi-task Deep Learning Network

ABSTRACT Image inpainting can effectively repair damaged areas, but it can also be a way of image tampering when it is used to remove meaningful content from an image. Therefore, this paper focuses on the research of inpainting forensics, and proposes a multi-task deep learning method. In order to enhance the learning of texture features, the corresponding local binary pattern channels are added to the input of the network. Furthermore, considering that the multi-task object detection network Mask R-CNN cannot fully utilize the features of all scale feature information during the FPN feature extraction phase, the network in this paper combines Feature Pyramid Networks and back connections to extract more features. This network model can detect not only the images tampered by traditional inpainting methods, but also the images inpainted by deep learning methods. Experimental results on two large public data sets demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method.
Face Recognition System Based on Gabor Wavelets Transform, Principal Component Analysis and Support Vector Machine

Face Recognition is a well-known image analysis application in the branches of pattern recognition and computer vision. It utilizes the uniqueness of human facial characteristics for personnel identification and verification. For a long time, the recognition of facial expressions by using computer-based applications has been an active area of study to recognize face scheme through a face image database. It is used in a variety of essential fields of modern life such as security systems, criminal identification, video retrieval, passport and credit cards. In general, face recognition process can be summarized in three distinct steps: preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. At first, histogram equalization and median filter are applied as preprocessing methods. Secondly, Gabor wavelets transform extracts the features of desirable facial characterized by, orientation selectivity, spatial locality, and spatial frequency to keep up the variations caused by the varying of facial expression and illumination. In addition to that, Principal Component Analysis methodology (PCA) is used in dimensionality reduction. At last, Support vector machine (SVM) is applied in classifying the feature of the image according to the classis of every mage. In order to test the approach used in this research, experiments were running on Yale database of 165 images from 15 individuals in MATLAB environment. The results obtained from the experiments confirmed the accuracy and robustness of the proposed system.
Diet and Oral Health Coaching Methods and Models for the Independent Elderly

Health-related behavior based on diet is an important determinant of oral health in independent elderly. Aging impairs senses, mastication, oral status, and function, causing nutritional needs and diet insufficiencies that contribute to a vicious circle of impairment. But the present needs of independent older adults suggest that health research and oral health care should shift from disease management and therapy to integral customized and personal treatment plans, including lifestyle, psychological, nutritional, and oral health coaching approaches. In this paper health coaching approaches in medical and dental settings are valued as to their effectiveness for older adults. Furthermore, coaching approaches for seniors are discussed and coaching models for better senior patient-dentist cooperation on the diet issue are suggested. Diet and oral health coaching is proven to be a modern senior patient-centered approach that needs to be incorporated at all relevant settings. It should aim to empower older adults in co-management of their oral diseases or bad diet habits affecting their oral health. This can be carried out through an incorporated educational plan for dentists either at the postgraduate or professional level since advantages seem to enhance the quality of life of the independent elderly.
Collisions dans un gaz d'hélium métastable au voisinage de la dégénérescence quantique

Cette these presente des resultats obtenues par des methodes originales sur les nuages d'atomes ultra-froids au voisinage de la condensation de Bose-Einstein. Les atomes qui constituent les nuages utilises dans ces experiences sont particuliers du fait de leur metastabilite. Plus precisement, ce sont des atomes d'helium metastable. Grâce a l'energie interne qu'ils possedent, ces atomes peuvent etre detectes electroniquement de facon efficace par une galette de micro-canaux. L'utilisation de l'helium metastable pour l'etude de la degenerescence quantique est egalement particuliere du fait de la presence de collisions ionisantes au sein de l'echantillon atomique. Les ions He+ crees lors d'une collision inelastique peuvent etre detectes "en temps reel", ce qui constitue un diagnostic nouveau et interessant. En particulier, il est possible d'identifier tres precisement le seuil de condensation de Bose-Einstein, c'est-a-dire le moment ou commencent a s'accumuler les atomes dans l'etat quantique fondamental. L'avantage d'utiliser le taux d'ions comme outil d'observation est sa nature "non-invasive". Contrairement a la technique d'observation habituelle qui exige que les atomes soient lâches du piege pour permettre leur observation, la mesure du taux d'ions produits par l'echantillon ne change en rien le comportement naturel du nuage. En utilisant cette methode de diagnostic inhabituelle, une mesure des parametres collisionnels regissant le comportement du nuage a ete obtenue : constantes de collisions ionisantes et longueur de diffusion de l'atome d'helium metastable.
Whole genome sequencing yields the complete mitogenome of Pandalus borealis, an indicator species of the Arctic ecosystem

Abstract Pandalus borealis is an important indicator species to study the state of the Arctic ecosystem. The mitochondrial genome of P. borealis is 15,956 bp in length and encodes 13 protein-coding genes. The phylogenetic tree of eleven shrimps revealed that P. borealis belonged to Pandalidae family and was closely related to C. crassicornis. This mitogenome will be of significance to study the Arctic ecosystem state and perform the resource protection of this species.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP AS STRATEGY TO IMPROVE EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE (CASE OF BANK SYARIAH MANDIRI YOGYAKARTA)

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) phenomena on employee performance, which can be used as an alternative in conducting a strategic issue by the management of sharia banks and also as an addition to the science horizon through the scientific work that researchers examine. The results of this study can then be arranged as a strategic target related to company resources and competitiveness in increasing competition in the financial industry. This research uses descriptive qualitative research using convenience sampling as a technique of collecting data from a total of 13 informants who are employees of PT Bank Syariah Mandiri Area Yogyakarta and its branch offices with different field positions using interviews as the primary data, with questionnaires and observations as supporting data. The results of this study showed that 31% of informants knew details about the capital market and information about Employee Stock Ownership Program, 61% knew partially, and 8% did not know. The majority of informants (employees) as much as 69% were positively enthusiastic about the enactment of the Employee Stock Ownership Program, and 54% of the total informants expressed interest and wanted to own shares of the company where they worked. The researcher also found data that was of a view and mass perspective as much as 77% Employee Stock Ownership Program had a positive effect on employee performance. Keywords: Bank Syariah Mandiri, Cade Study, Employee Performance, Employee Stock, Strategy
Co-occurrence of contrasting life-history strategies in a metapopulation inhabiting temporally variable and stable breeding sites

Life-history theory states that, during the lifetime of an individual, resources are allocated to either somatic maintenance or reproduction. Resource allocation trade-offs determine the evolution and ecology of life-history strategies and determine an organisms’ position along the fast-slow continuum. Theory predicts that environmental stochasticity is an important driver of resource allocation and therefore life-history evolution. Highly stochastic environments are expected to increase uncertainty in reproductive success and select for iteroparity and a slowing down of the life history. To date, most empirical studies have used comparisons among species to examine these theoretical predictions. By contrast, few have investigated how environmental stochasticity affects life-history strategies at the intraspecific level. In this study, we examined how variation in breeding site stochasticity (among-year variability in pond volume and hydroperiod) promotes the co-occurrence of different life-history strategies in a spatially structured population, and determines life-history position along the fast-slow continuum in the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata). We collected mark-recapture data from a metapopulation and used multievent capture-recapture models to estimate survival, recruitment and breeding probabilities. We found higher survival and longer lifespans in populations inhabiting variable sites compared to those breeding in stable ones. In addition, probabilities of recruitment and skipping a breeding event were higher in variable sites. The temporal variance of survival and recruitment probabilities as well as the probability to skip breeding was higher in variable sites. Taken together, these findings indicate that populations breeding in variable sites experienced a slowing down of the life-history. Our study thus revealed similarities in the macroevolutionary and microevolutionary processes shaping life-history evolution.