Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theory, design and applications of linear transforms for information transmission

THEORY, DESIGN AND APPLICATIONS OF LINEAR TRANSFORMS FOR INFORMATION TRANSMISSION by Adil Benyassine T he aim of th is dissertation is to study th e common features of block transform s, subband filter banks, and wavelets, and dem onstrate how discrete uncertain ty can be applied to evaluate these different decom position techniques. In p articu la r, we derive an uncertain ty bound for discrete-tim e functions. I t is shown th a t th is bound is th e sam e as th a t for continuous-tim e functions, if the discrete-tim e functions have a certain degree of regularity. This d issertation also deals w ith spectral m odeling in filter banks. I t is shown, both theoretically and experim entally, tha t subspectral modeling is superior to full spectrum m odeling if perform ed before the ra te change. The price paid for this perform ance im provem ent is an increase of com putations. A few different signal sources were considered in this study. It is shown that, the perform ances of A R and ARMA m odeling techniques are com parable in subspectral modeling. T he first is desired because of its simplicity. As an application of AR m odeling, a coding algorithm of speech, nam ely CELP em bedded in a filter bank stru c tu re was also studied. We found th a t there were no im provem ents of subband CELP technique over the full band one. T he theoretical reasonings of the experim ental results are also given. This d issertation also addresses the problem s of what type of transform to be used and to w hat ex ten t an im age should be decomposed. To this aim , an objective and subjective evaluations of different transform bases were done. We propose a sm art algorithm for the decom position of a channel into its sub-channels in the discrete m ultitone com m unications. This algorithm evaluates the unevenness and energy distribution of th e channel spectrum in order to get its variable adap tive partition ing . It is shown th a t the proposed algorithm leads to a near optim al perform ance of the discrete m ultitone transceiver. This flexible sp litting of th e channel suffers less from the aliasing problem th a t exists in blind decom positions using fixed transform s. This dissertation extends th e discrete m ultitone to th e flexible m ultiband concept which brings significant perform ance im provem ents for digital com m unications. APPROVAL PAGE THEORY, DESIGN AND APPLICATIONS OF LINEAR TRANSFORMS FOR INFORMATION TRANSMISSION Adil Benyassine Dr. Ali N.Akansu Dissertation Advisor Date Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, NJIT Alexander Haimovich, Committee Member Date Associate Professor of Electrical arid Computer Engineering, NJIT Dr. Loran Siveski, Committee Member Date Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, NJIT Dr. Dennis Karvela, Committee Member Date Assistant P ofessor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, NJIT Dr. Russell Hsing, Committee Member Date District Research Manager, Bellcore, Morristown, NJ
Clinal variation in the morph ratio of Black Sparrowhawks Accipiter melanoleucus in South Africa and its correlation with environmental variables

The morph ratio distribution in polymorphic species often varies clinally, with a gradual change in morph ratios across the distributional range of the species. In polymorphic bird populations, clinal variation is rarely quantified. We describe a cline in the morph ratios of Black Sparrowhawks across South Africa, which is principally driven by a higher ratio of dark morph birds in the newly colonized southwest of the country. Across the 1400 km of our cline, the probability of a bird being a dark morph declined from over 80% close to the Cape Peninsula to under 20% in the northeast. Higher frequencies of dark morphs were associated with a higher proportion of rainfall falling during the winter breeding months. Further investigation revealed relationships between the proportion of dark morphs and altitude, amount of rainfall during the breeding months, and an interaction between this variable and temperature. These results provide some support for the suggestion that the higher frequency of dark morphs in the southwest is an adaptive response, rather than the result of a founder effect or genetic drift. These findings also suggest that, in theory, polymorphic species may be better adapted to cope with the challenges of climate change or may be able to expand their ranges more quickly into novel climatic areas, since selection pressure can act on a pre-existing trait that may be beneficial in new conditions.
Fire as Friend and Foe of Amphibians: a Reply

The intermediate disturbance hypothesis (Connell 1978) provides a conceptual model for understanding how prescribed burns restore and maintain biological diversity in fire-adapted ecological communities. It is a rich theory (Roxburgh et al. 2004) that explains how the magnitude and frequency of disturbance, and time since disturbance, affect species richness, evenness, and abundance. In our paper (Schurbon & Fauth 2003), we tested whether diversity of a nontarget taxon—amphibians—was highest in temporary ponds with an intermediate time since last burn. We concluded that in the Francis Marion National Forest (FMNF), South Carolina (U.S.A.), amphibian species richness increased linearly with time since last burn over the 0to 12-year interval we sampled, and we recommended burning every 3–5 years to maintain both the desired plant assemblages and amphibian diversity. Critiques of our paper by Means et al. (2004 [this issue]) and Robertson and Ostertag (2004 [this issue]) provide testable alternative hypotheses to explain the pattern of amphibian diversity we attributed to time since fire (Schurbon 2000; Schurbon & Fauth 2003). Here, we (1) test several of their hypotheses, (2) demonstrate through autecological analyses why longer fire-return intervals increase amphibian species richness, and (3) explain why conservation biologists and restoration ecologists might choose different fire regimes. To make our response complete, we provide information that was not communicated in previous publications (Schurbon 2000; Schurbon & Fauth 2003) and that probably should have been. Past burns were conducted on our study sites from late November to May, which is the prescribed-burn season in the FMNF. Four burns occurred during our study on the following dates: 30 November 1999, 26 February, 10 March, and 12 April 2000. During this interval, amphibian migrations occurred on 15 December 1999 and 6 and 26 January for ambystomatid
Progressive Information Polarization in a Complex-Network Entropic Social Dynamics Model

The advent of social media and technologies augmenting social communication has dramatically amplified the role of rumor spreading in shaping society, via means of misinformation and fact distortion. Existing research commonly utilize contagion mechanisms, statistical mechanics frameworks, or complex-network opinion dynamics models. In this paper, we incorporate information distortion and polarization effects into an opinion dynamics model based on information entropy, modeling imprecision in human memory and communication, and the consequent progressive drift of information toward subjective extremes. Simulation results predict a wide variety of possible system behavior, heavily dependent on the relative trust placed on individuals of differing social connectivity. Mass-polarization toward a positive or negative consensus occurs when a synergistic mechanism between preferential trust and polarization tendencies is sustained; a division of the population into segregated groups of different polarity is also possible under certain conditions. These results may aid in the analysis and prediction of opinion polarization phenomena on social platforms, and the presented agent-based modeling approach may aid in the simulation of complex-network information systems.
The Importance of Opuntia in Mexico and Routes of Invasion and Impact of Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The appearance of the cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum in Florida has roused concern over its possible effects on the Opuntia-rich areas of Mexico and the southwestern United States. In this paper we discuss the economic importance of Opuntia in Mexico and propose a method to predict the invasion of the alien species C. cactorum. In Mexico, the products derived from Opuntia are mainly human food and fodder for livestock. Both cultivated and wild populations of Opuntia are currently used for these two purposes. By using bioclimatic modeling, we predicted the potential distribution of C. cactorum and overlaid this on the actual distribution of Opuntia species. The resulting maps indicate that the possible routes of invasion to Mexico are 1) along the northern border through Texas (most likely) and 2) via southeastern Mexico (less likely). The impacts of an invasion of C. cactorum on Opuntia products could be significant as well as being a threat to endemic species. Bioclimatic modeling can help to predict the areas of highest probability of attack and facilitate planning to mitigate future impacts.
Solvent retention capacities as indirect selection criteria for sugar snap cookie quality in Chinese soft wheats

Development of soft wheat cultivars with high sugar snap cookie quality is one of the most important breeding objectives in south China. Lack of an efficient criterion for selection for soft wheat quality is the main reason slowing genetic progress. Seventeen Chinese soft wheat genotypes grown at three locations in 2000–01 and 2001–02 wheat seasons in the Southern Winter Wheat Region, were used to investigate the potential of solvent retention capacity (SRC) parameters as indirect selection criteria for improving cookie diameter. All traits investigated displayed medium to high broad-sense heritability. Lactic acid SRC and sucrose SRC had the highest heritability, with the estimate being 0.92 and 0.86 on across-environment genotype mean value, while ranging from 0.93 to 0.99 and from 0.95 to 0.99, respectively, in the six individual environments. Sucrose SRC was highly significantly and negatively correlated with cookie diameter on both phenotypic and genotypic levels, with values of –0.86 (P < 0.001) and –0.91 (P < 0.001) on across-environment genotype performance, and ranging from –0.71 (P < 0.01) to –0.86 (P < 0.001) and from –0.79 (P < 0.001) to –0.93 (P < 0.001), respectively, in the six environments. Sucrose SRC was found to be a good selection criterion for improving cookie diameter. When applying the same intensity, genetic progress on cookie diameter achieved through sucrose SRC selection was as efficient as that for cookie diameter itself on across-environment genotype performance, while slightly less efficient on within-environment genotype performance, with the relative selection efficiency ranging from 0.81 to 0.90. Moreover, indirect selection through sucrose SRC was always more efficient than direct selection under the assumption of equivalent cost, with the relative efficiency of 1.52 based on across-environment selection, and ranged from 1.22 to 1.36 on within-environment selection.
Spatial and temporal variation of meiofauna community structure in soft-sediment pools around Moreton Bay, Australia

Abstract. In eastern Australia, small ephemeral soft-sediment pools are common on sheltered sand- and mudflats, and are occupied by the juveniles of fishes of economic and ecological importance. To address the question of whether these pools are merely refugia or whether they constitute a hitherto unrecognised nursery feeding habitat for small obligate meiobenthivorous fishes, we surveyed the meiofaunal communities of ephemeral soft-sediment pools within three intertidal shores of Moreton Bay, Australia. Highest mean meiofaunal abundances occurred at Godwin Beach and differed significantly throughout the year. Nematodes and copepods were the most abundant taxa while all other taxa contributed to <10% of the total meiofaunal abundance. Pool characteristics (i.e. volume and surface area) did not correlate with the abundance of benthic faunal assemblages. Overall, ephemeral soft-sediment pools of Moreton Bay support meiofaunal communities that are likely to provide prey resources for juvenile and small fish that use them as nurseries at low tide.
Three Dimensional Reconstruction Models for Medical Modalities: A Comprehensive Investigation and Analysis.

BACKGROUND Image reconstruction is the mathematical process which converts the signals obtained from the scanning machine into an image. The reconstructed image plays a fundamental role in the planning of surgery and research in the medical field. DISCUSSION This paper introduces the first comprehensive survey of the literature about medical image reconstruction related to diseases, presenting a categorical study about the techniques and analyzing advantages and disadvantages of each technique. The images obtained by various imaging modalities like MRI, CT, CTA, Stereo radiography and Light field microscopy are included. A comparison on the basis of the reconstruction technique, Imaging Modality and Visualization, Disease, Metrics for 3D reconstruction accuracy, Dataset and Execution time, Evaluation of the technique is also performed. CONCLUSION The survey makes an assessment of the suitable reconstruction technique for an organ, draws general conclusions and discusses the future directions.
Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Colorectal Oncogenesis by Food Constituents: Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury and Induced Colitis in Rodents

The enteric microbiota is increasingly implicated as a central factor in the development of intestinal inflammation in humans and experimental animals, and the intestinal environment is considered important in both colorectal cancer development and modulation of mucosal immunity. Diet-induced changes in the different populations of the intestinal microbiota can be achieved by use of probiotic bacteria, dietary fibre and berries rich in phenolic compounds. The present thesis aims to find relevant animal models with clinical similarities and use these models to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of feed supplements. Supplementation of L. plantarum and rose hip in combination decreases lipidperoxidation in caecum independently of the vitamin C content and inhibits the growth of Enterobacteriaceae, in response to ischaemia/reperfusion injury. An attempt was made to understand how the immune system is regulated and responds to variations in the composition of the intestinal microflora during DSS-induced acute colitis. An increased immunological response against LPS, increased populations of regulatory T-cells and higher levels of IL-6, IL-17 and KC were found. The amount of lactobacilli decreased, while that of Akkermansia, the total amount of bacteria and the incidence of Enterobacteriaceae increased. As revealed by T-RFLP patterns, the composition of the bacterial flora changed during induction of colitis and there was a complex close relationship in comparison to multiple immune parameters. Supplementation of probiotics and blueberry husks decreased disease activity, Enterobacteriaceae load, bacterial translocation and inflammation, and increased lactobacilli count and affected bacterial fermentation in the gut. Long-term colonic inflammation promotes carcinogenesis and histological abnormalities of the liver. Two different ways of inducing chronic inflammation and colorectal tumours were investigated and cyclic DSS administration showed similar clinical and histopathological features of both colon and liver. Dysplastic lesions and a continuous mucosal inflammation were observed along with increased Enterobacteriaceae load and liver dysfunction. Also, the SCFAs patterns coincide with clinical findings. Supplementation of probiotics and blueberry husks during cyclic DSS administration delayed carcinogenic development as evaluated by lower numbers of dysplastic lesions. The mucosa was less affected after feed supplementation which may be favourable for SCFA absorption. Enterobacteriaceae load was decreased, especially by the addition of probiotics, and lactobacilli count was increased. Judged by histopathological evaluation, bacterial translocation and the concentration of propionic acid in blood, supplementation of probiotics seemed to moderate the negative liver effects and protect against injury, i.e. the findings indicated the potential of probotics and blueberry husks in prevention of colonic inflammation and tumour development. (Less)
Seed dispersing agents in two regularly flooded river sites.

Aspects of seed dispersal, particularly mobility of viable seeds, were investigated in two sites at the lower river Dalalven, southeastern central Sweden, from 1980 to 1985. Three different approaches were used to assess the seed rain. (i) Seed traps were placed at ground level. This component of the seed rain was dominated by seeds from the local vegetation, particularly Betula spp. A total of 30 species were identified, (ii) Drift material was collected in spring and autumn and the seed content was identified through germination trials. Seeds dispersed by drift mainly belonged to species abundant in the study sites, but included a minor element not represented in the local vegetation. A total of 23 species were identified, of which seeds of Potentilla palustris, Carex canescens, and other Carex spp. were most abundant. In the field, seedlings growing on fresh accumulations of drift were dominated by Potentilla palustris. (iii) Samples of snow were collected and the seed content determined visually. Of t.
PPARγ ligands induce prostaglandin production in vascular smooth muscle cells: indomethacin acts as a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ antagonist

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ and inducible cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) are expressed in atherosclerotic lesions, particularly in the intimal monocytic and vascular smooth muscle cells. We have therefore studied the interaction between PPARγ and inducible cyclo‐oxygenase (COX‐2) in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (RASMC)s. The synthetic PPARγ ligand rosiglitazone induced prostaglandin (PG) release from RASMCs, including that of PGD2, the precursor of the putative endogenous PPARγ ligand 15‐deoxy‐A12,14‐prostaglandin J2. Moreover, rosiglitazone both synergized with IL‐1β to further induce prostaglandin release and affected the expression of phospholipase A2 and COX‐2. Rosiglitazone‐induced prostaglandin release was inhibited by the PPARγ partial agonist GW0072 and the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. Rosiglitazone also induced RASMC apoptosis, an effect not explained as an autocrine effect of the induced‐prostanoids, but on arachidonic acid release, as cell death was unaffected by either the nonselective COX inhibitor piroxicam or the selective COX‐2 inhibitor DFP, but by inhibitors of either secretory or cytosolic phospholipase A2. In contrast, indomethacin, an alternative inhibitor of cyclooxygenase activity, inhibited both rosiglitazone‐induced cell death, and rosiglitazone‐induced PPAR reporter gene activation.
COSEGREGATION OF AVR4 AND AVR6 IN PHYTOPHTHORA SOJAE

The F2 progeny resulting from a cross of Phytophthora sojae race 2 (avirulent on Rps4 and Rps6) and race 7 (virulent on Rps4 and Rps6) were tested for their ability to cause disease on soybean plants carrying the Rps4 or the Rps6 resistance genes. Of 55 F2 progeny analyzed, 41 individuals were avirulent on both of these genes and 14 were virulent on Rps4 and Rps6, indicating that avirulence on Rps4 and Rps6 is dominant and linked. These results support the suggestion that the soybean–Phytophthora relationship is a gene for gene interaction and that the presumptive Avr4 and Avr6 genes are either tightly linked or identical. Keywords: avirulence, genetic mapping, Glycine max, incomplete dominance, Phytophthora megasperma f.sp. glycinea.
Modelling the bacterial growth/no growth interface

A logistic regression model is proposed which enables one to model the boundary between growth and no growth for bacterial strains in the presence of one or more growth controlling factors such as temperature, pH and additives such as salt and sodium nitrite. The form of the expression containing the growth limiting factors may be suggested by a kinetic model, while the response at a given combination of factors may either be presence/absence (i.e. growth/no growth) or probabilistic (i.e. r successes in n trials). The approach described represents an integration of the probability and kinetic aspects of predictive microbiology, and a unification of predictive microbiology and the hurdle concept. The model is illustrated using data for Shigella flexneri.
Data science for social work practice

Data science is merging of several techniques that include statistics, computer programming, hacking skills, and a solid expertise in specific fields, among others. This approach represents opportunities for social work research and intervention. Thus, practitioners can take advantage of data science methods and reach new standards for quality performances at different practice levels. This article addresses key terms of data science as a new set of methodologies, tools, and technologies, and discusses machine learning techniques in order to identify new skills and methodologies to support social work interventions and evidence-based practice. The challenge related to data sciences application on social work practice is the shift on the focus of interventions. Data science supports data-driven decisions to predict social issues, rather than providing an understanding of reasons for social problems. This can be both a limitation and an opportunity depending on context and needs of users and professionals.
Methane emissions from wetlands and their relationship with vascular plants: an Arctic example

This paper investigates the relationship between vascular plant production and CH4 emissions from an arctic wet tundra ecosystem in north‐east Greenland. Light intensity was manipulated by shading during three consecutive growing seasons (1998–2000). The shading treatment resulted in lower carbon cycling in the ecosystem as mean seasonal net ecosystem exchange (NEE) decreased from −336 to −196 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 and from −476 to −212 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 in 1999 and 2000, respectively, and total ecosystem respiration decreased from 125 to 94 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 in 1999 and from 409 to 306 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 in 2000. Seasonal mean CH4 emissions in controls and shaded plots were, respectively, 6.5 and 4.5 mg CH4 m−2 h−1 in 1999 and 8.3 and 6.2 mg CH4 m−2 h−1 in 2000. We found that CH4 emission was sensitive to NEE and carbon turnover, and it is reasonable to assume that the correlation was due to a combined effect of vegetative CH4 transport and substrate quality coupled to vascular plant production. Total above‐ground biomass was correlated to mean seasonal CH4 emission, but separation into species showed that plant‐mediated CH4 transport was highly species dependent. Potential CH4 production peaked at the same depth as maximum root density (5–15 cm) and treatment differences further suggest that substrate quality was negatively affected by decreased NEE in the shaded plots. The concentration of dissolved CH4 decreased in the control plots as the growing season progressed while it was relatively stable in the shaded plots. This suggests that a progressively better developed root system in the controls increased the capacity to transport CH4 from the soil to the atmosphere. In conclusion, vascular plant photosynthetic rate and subsequent allocation of recently fixed carbon to below‐ground structures seemed to influence both vegetative CH4 transport and substrate quality.