Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SpikeForest: reproducible web-facing ground-truth validation of automated neural spike sorters

Spike sorting is a crucial but time-intensive step in electrophysiological studies of neuronal activity. While there are many popular software packages for spike sorting, there is little consensus about which are the most accurate under different experimental conditions. SpikeForest is an open-source and reproducible software suite that benchmarks the performance of automated spike sorting algorithms across an extensive, curated database of electrophysiological recordings with ground truth, displaying results interactively on a continuously-updating website. With contributions from over a dozen participating laboratories, our database currently comprises 650 recordings (1.3 TB total size) with around 35,000 ground-truth units. These data include extracellular recordings paired with intracellular voltages, state-of-the-art simulated recordings, and hybrid synthetic datasets. Ten of the most frequently used modern spike sorting codes are wrapped under a common Python framework and evaluated on a compute cluster using an automated pipeline. SpikeForest validates and documents community progress in automated spike sorting, and guides neuroscientists to an optimal choice of sorter and parameters for a wide range of probes and brain regions.
Preparatory school students attitudes toward social media in learning English

The aim of this study is to analyse the attitude of preparatory school students towards social media in learning English in terms of different variables. In this study, the survey method, which is one of the types of qualitative research, was used. The study group comprised 220 beginner and intermediate-level students studying at the Preparatory School of Near East University. An attitude scale for the attitudes towards social media in learning English, which was devised by the researchers used to collect data for the research. Consequent to the study, it was observed that the students who took part in the study used social media sites frequently in order to improve their foreign language by watching TV programmes, series and videos in English language as well as to find about English words which they are not familiar with. It was also stated that the social media application used most frequently by the students was “Facebook”. It was finally found out that the attitude of the students towards social media in learning English was positive and it is independent of gender, having a social media account and web page, the frequency of using social media environments and the time spent online
Fabrication of Asymmetrical and Gradient Hierarchy Structures of Poly-p-xylylenes on Multiscale Regimes Based on a Vapor-Phase Sublimation and Deposition Process

An elegant and precise method to fabricate asymmetrical structures and/or gradient structures was developed based on a vapor-phased sublimation and deposition process. The fabricated materials exhibited versatility and had advantages such as well-controlled pore structures and functional properties ranging from a asymmetrical distribution to a gradient hierarchy; precisely addressed interface chemistries and properties for the constructed materials; and flexibility to produce the materials at multiple scales. By using a time-dependent customization parameter to control the bulk size and/or the dispersion of molecules, fabrication of the materials was demonstrated, producing particles with hierarchical pore structures and with bulk sizes ranging from >500 µm to submicrons, as well as gradients with both continuously varied porosity and chemical functionality that were demonstrated to be in a controlled direction and varied across multiple scales (centimeter, millimeter, and micrometer). By exploiting chemi.
Assortative mating, sexual selection and their consequences for gene flow in Littorina

When divergent populations are connected by gene flow, the establishment of complete reproductive isolation usually requires the joint action of multiple barrier effects. One example where multiple barrier effects are coupled consists of a single trait that is under divergent natural selection and also mediates assortative mating. Such multiple-effect traits can strongly reduce gene flow. However, there are few cases where patterns of assortative mating have been described quantitatively and their impact on gene flow has been determined. Two ecotypes of the coastal marine snail, Littorina saxatilis, occur in North Atlantic rocky-shore habitats dominated by either crab predation or wave action. There is evidence for divergent natural selection acting on size, and size-assortative mating has previously been documented. Here, we analyze the mating pattern in L. saxatilis with respect to size in intensively-sampled transects across boundaries between the habitats. We show that the mating pattern is mostly conserved between ecotypes and that it generates both assortment and directional sexual selection for small male size. Using simulations, we show that the mating pattern can contribute to reproductive isolation between ecotypes but the barrier to gene flow is likely strengthened more by sexual selection than by assortment.
Branching pattern of sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal arteries in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in a tertiary care hospital

Background: The (SA) sinoatrial node and (AV) atrioventricular nodal blood supply is highly variable and recording of the anatomic variants of the arterial blood supply to the SA node and AN node will help to overcome potential complications following ablation procedures or in valvular surgeries. The objectives were to study the blood supply of the conducting system and its relation with the coronary artery dominance and to find the origins of the major atrial arteries in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods: The study included 300 consecutive patients (104 females, 196 males) admitted for diagnostic coronary angiography at PMSSY, superspeciality hospital, BMC and RI, Bangalore, India. The coronary angiography was done in a conventional manner without any specific views for atrial arteries. The origins of sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal arteries and its relation with the arterial dominance were recorded. Results: The RCA is dominant in 77.20%, LCX is dominant in 18.43% of patients and codominant in 4.37% of the patients. The SA nodal artery arises from the RCA in 57.20% of the patients, by the circumflex branch of the LCA in 40.14% and by both coronary arteries in 2.66% of patients. The AV nodal artery was also commonly arises from the RCA (78.22%) than by the Cx branch of the LCA (18.66%). Conclusions: The data from our study may help the cardiac surgeons, cardiologists and electrophysiologists in their day today practice.
Basement‐controlled deformation of sedimentary sequences, Anadarko Shelf, Oklahoma

Structures rooted in the crystalline basement frequently control the deformation of the host bedrock and the overlying sedimentary sequences. Here, we elucidate the structure of the c. 2‐km deep Precambrian granitic basement in the Anadarko Shelf, Oklahoma, and how the propagation of basement faults deformed the sedimentary cover. Although the basin is foreland in origin, the gently dipping shelf sequences experienced transpressional deformation in the Late Palaeozoic. We analyse a 3‐D seismic reflection data set and basement penetrating well data in an area of 824 km2. We observe: (a) pervasive deformation of the basement by basement‐bounded interconnected mafic sills, and a system of subvertical discontinuity planes (interpreted as faults) of which some penetrate the overlying sedimentary cover; (b) three large (>10 km‐long) through‐going faults, with relatively small (<100 m) vertical separation (Vsep) of the deformed stratigraphic surfaces; (c) upward propagation of the large faults characterized by faulted‐blocks near the basement, and faulted‐monoclines in the deeper sedimentary units that transition into open monoclinal flexures up‐section; (d) cumulative along‐fault deformation of the stratigraphy exhibits systematic trends that varies with offset accrual; (e) two styles of Vsep—Depth distribution which include a unidirectional decrease of Vsep from the basement through the cover rocks (Style‐1) and a bidirectional decrease of Vsep from a deep sedimentary unit towards the basement and shallower sequences (Style‐2). We find that the basement‐driven propagation (Style‐1) shows greater efficiency of driving the fault deformation to shallower depths compared to the intrasedimentary‐driven fault nucleation and propagation (Style‐2). Our study demonstrates an evolution of cumulative Vsep trends with offset accrual on the faults, and the partial inheritance of the heterogeneous intra‐basement deformation by the sedimentary cover. This contribution provides important insight into the upward propagation of basement‐driven faulting associated with structural inheritance in contractional sedimentary basins.
IDIOMS IN ACTION: A CASE OF CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR THEORY VS BLENDING THEORY

This paper addresses the question of how the Conceptual Metaphor Theory with its well-established mechanism of cross-domain conceptual mappings, on the one hand, and the Conceptual Integration Theory, or Blending Theory with its mechanism of combining two or more input spaces into an emergent novel conceptual structure, on the other hand, can be rigorously applied to the cognitive linguistic analysis of idioms, such as damaged goods, for example. Subsequently, the studies done so far in this are examined and the two approaches are directly employed in the idiom analysis. The hypothesis as to whether Blending Theory, as opposed to the Conceptual Metaphor Theory, can be more productive in the idiom analysis in terms of input and output information involved is tested. It is argued that, if contrasted with the Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Blending Theory tentatively provides a more convincing and multifaceted toolkit for the idiom analysis. First, it is metaphorically-based. Second, it involves two or more input spaces for the conceptual structure representation, whereas there is only one cross-domain mapping mechanism put forth in the Conceptual Metaphor Theory. Third, it allows for context-dependent meaning construction. Fourth, it outlines the set of cognitive operations leading up to idiomatic creativity. The article findings affirm these assumptions yet also suggest that cognitive linguistic accounts of idioms will benefit from the combined application of the two approaches, as opposed to their standalone use.
Nanostructured trampoline microcavities for sensing and optomechanics

Microcavities using high mechanical quality suspended thin films as flexible mirrors can be exquisitely sensitive to gas or radiation pressure changes. We demonstrate how to directly pattern thin (200 nm), suspended silicon nitride membranes with subwavelength gratings in order to enhance their reflectivity. We discuss how using such nanostructured trampolines to form ultrashort microcavities may lead to a combination of small modevolume and remarkably narrow linewidth which is interesting for improving the sensitivity of optical sensors or for cavity optomechanics. Using high mechanical quality nanotrampolines to form few-micron long sandwiches we realize squeeze film pressure sensors in which the modifications of their vibrations due to the compression of the gas between them are measured optically and whose state-of-the-art responsitivity and sensitivity are promising for absolute pressure measurements in the free molecular flow regime.
Omics Playground: a comprehensive self-service platform for visualization, analytics and exploration of Big Omics Data

Abstract As the cost of sequencing drops rapidly, the amount of ‘omics data increases exponentially, making data visualization and interpretation—‘tertiary‘ analysis a bottleneck. Specialized analytical tools requiring technical expertise are available. However, consolidated and multi-faceted tools that are easy to use for life scientists is highly needed and currently lacking. Here we present Omics Playground, a user-friendly and interactive self-service bioinformatics platform for the in-depth analysis, visualization and interpretation of transcriptomics and proteomics data. It provides a large number of different tools in which special attention has been paid to single cell data. With Omics Playground, life scientists can easily perform complex data analysis and visualization without coding, and significantly reduce the time to discovery.
Beating the Naïve—Combining LASSO with Naïve Intraday Electricity Price Forecasts

In the last three decades the vast majority of electricity price forecasting (EPF) research has concerned day-ahead markets. However, the rapid expansion of renewable generation—mostly wind and solar—have shifted the focus to intraday markets, which can be used to balance the deviations between positions taken in the day-ahead market and the actual demand and renewable generation. A recent EPF study claims that the German intraday, continuous-time market for hourly products is weak-form efficient, that is, that the best predictor for the so-called ID3-Price index is the most recent transaction price. Here, we undermine this claim and show that we can beat the naïve forecast by combining it with a prediction of a parameter-rich model estimated using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). We further argue, that that if augmented with timely predictions of fundamental variables for the coming hours, the LASSO-estimated model itself can significantly outperform the naïve forecast.
Measuring hotel employee perceived job risk: dimensions and scale development

Purpose – The main purpose of this study was to identify the dimensions of hotel employees’ job risk perceptions and develop a measurement scale for this construct. Design/methodology/approach – Four studies using a mixed-method design were conducted to develop and validate the scale of hotel employees' perceived job risk (HEPJR). Study 1 identified the dimensions and initial items of HEPJR through a literature review and in-depth interviews. In Study 2, an explanatory factor analysis was performed to refine the preliminary items. Study 3 further refined the HEPJR scale through a confirmatory factor analysis. Study 4 confirmed that HEPJR is a 19-item scale through a cross-validation analysis. Findings – A reliable and valid scale was developed to measure the following five dimensions of HEPJR: perceived human, equipment, internal and external environmental, and management risks. HEPJR and its dimensions significantly predict negative safety consequences and negative job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – Employees in medium- and high-star-rated hotels in China were surveyed. Future research should test the HEPJR scale in other types of lodging formats (e.g., budget hotels, homestays, or cruise ships) and different countries or regions. Practical implications – Given the increasingly serious job risks faced by hotel employees, the HEPJR scale can become a benchmark for job risk identification, accident prevention, and safety management. Originality/value – This scale provides a clear conceptualization and an appropriate measurement tool of HEPJR from a risk-source perspective.
Slope Hazard Monitoring Using High-Resolution Satellite Remote Sensing: Lessons Learned from a Case Study

In this study, a highway slope monitoring project for a section of US highway I-77 in Virginia was carried out with the InSAR technique. This paper attempts to provide insights into the complete and practical solution for the monitoring project, including two parts: what to consider for selecting the optimal satellites and configurations for the given area of interest (AoI) and budget; and how to best process the selected data for the monitoring purposes. To answer the first question, the simulated geometric distortion map, cumulative change detection map, intensity map, interferograms and coherence maps from all available historical datasets were generated. The satellite configuration that gives the best coherence and least geometric distortion with the given budget was selected for the monitoring project. For this project, it was the X-band COSMO stripmap with 3 m resolution and eight-days revisit time. To answer the second question, a multi-temporal InSAR (MTInSAR) was applied to retrieve the settlement time series of the slopes along the highway. Several special techniques were applied to increase the level of confidence, i.e., dividing AoI into smaller and independent areas, using a non-linear approach, etc. Finally, fieldwork was carried out for the interpretation and validation of the results. The AoI was overall stable, though some local changes were detected by the SAR signal which were validated by the fieldwork.
A Bidirectional Communicating Power Supply Circuit for Smart Gate Driver Boards

In power circuits, the gate drivers are required to provide an optimal and safe switching of power semiconductor devices. Nowadays, the gate driver boards include more and more features, such as short-circuit detection, soft-shutdown, temperature sensing, on-state voltage monitoring. Research works are in progress on the integration of on-line monitoring features for a predictive maintenance. The instrumentation of the gate drive system supposes the integration of a communication system to transmit the monitoring data. In high-power designs, a galvanic isolation is mandatory on the gate driver board. The parasitic capacitance seen on the isolation barrier is critical in these designs as it can lead to the circulation of common mode currents during the switching. Adding extra optocouplers or transformers on the isolation barrier is, therefore, risky due to electromagnetic interference constraints. In this article, a new bidirectional data transmission method is proposed for gate drivers used for driving 1.2 kV silicon carbide (SiC) power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (mosfets). The proposed method enables the energy transmission and a bidirectional data exchange on a single power supply transformer. The experimental results are provided demonstrating 1 Mb/s for TxD and 16 kb/s for RxD. The targeted application is the health monitoring of SiC power mosfets using the gate driver board.
Nature of the chemical bonding in
 D
 
 3
 h
 
 [MH
 3
 M]
 +
 cations (M = Be, Mg)

Motivated by the particularly short metal-metal distance that has been predicted for the D3h [BeH₃Be]⁺ cation, comparable to those anticipated for triple bonds, we investigate the nature of the bonding interactions in the D3h [MH₃M]⁺ cations (M = Be, Mg). CCSD(T)/cc-pVQZ calculations are used to determine optimized geometries for all of the various species, including those “capped” by He or Ne atoms (as proxies for an inert gas matrix). The primary tools that are then used to investigate the nature of the chemical bonding are spin-coupled generalized valence bond calculations and the analysis of localized natural orbitals and of domain-averaged Fermi holes. The various results for all of the systems considered indicate the presence of highly polar three-center two-electron M─H─M bonding character instead of any significant direct metal-metal bonding.
Massively parallel discovery of human-specific substitutions that alter neurodevelopmental enhancer activity

Genetic changes that altered the function of gene regulatory elements have been implicated in the evolution of the human brain. However, identifying the particular changes that modified regulatory activity during neurodevelopment remains challenging. Here we used massively parallel enhancer assays in human neural stem cells to measure the impact of 32,776 human-specific substitutions on enhancer activity in 1,363 Human Accelerated Regions (HARs) and 3,027 Human Gain Enhancers (HGEs), which include enhancers with novel activities in humans. We found that 31.9% of active HARs and 36.4% of active HGEs exhibited differential activity between human and chimpanzee. This enabled us to isolate the effects of 401 human-specific substitutions from other types of genetic variation in HARs and HGEs. Substitutions acted in both an additive and non-additive manner to alter enhancer activity. Human-specific substitutions altered predicted binding sites for a specific set of human transcription factors (TFs) that were a subset of TF binding sites associated with enhancer activity in our assay. Substitutions within HARs, which are overall highly constrained compared to HGEs, showed smaller effects on enhancer activity, suggesting that the impact of human-specific substitutions may be buffered in enhancers with constrained ancestral functions. Our findings yield insight into the mechanisms by which human-specific genetic changes impact enhancer function and provide a rich set of candidates for experimental studies of regulatory evolution in humans.
Effect of Storage and Poultry Manure Dosage on Soil Nitrate (NO3-) and Ammonium (NH4+) Availability, N-Uptake, and Yield of Head Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa, L.) Grown on Typic Calciaquolls

— The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of storage and poultry manure dosage on soil nitrate (NO 3- ) and ammonium (NH 4+ ) availability, N-uptake, and yield of Head lettuce (Lactuca sativa, L.) grown on Typic Calciaquoll. Data obtained from the experiment of seven treatments with four replications were subjected to Randomized Block Design. The observation conducted in three times i.e. 4 Week After Plant (WAP), 6 WAP, and 8 WAP. The treatments were: (1) without poultry manure (control), (2) dry poultry manure (DPM) with 12,5 g dosage, (3) DPM with 25 g dosage, (4) DPM with 37,5 g dosage, (5) fresh poultry manure (FPM) with 12,5 g dosage, (6) FPM with 25 g dosage, (7) FPM with 37,5 g dosage. The results of experiment showed that there were significantly effects of storage and poultry manure dosage on soil nitrate and ammonium, N-uptake, and yield of head lettuce. The treatment combination of DPM 37,5 g showed the highest value on soil nitrate and ammonium in 4 WAP, N-uptake in 6 and 8 WAP, and the yield of head lettuce in 6 and 8 WAP. The treatment combination of FPM 37,5 g showed the highest value on soil nitrate and ammonium in 6 and 8 WAP, N-uptake in 4 WAP, and the yield of Head lettuce in 4 WAP. Generally, it concluded that the dry poultry manure (DPM) had the better effects than the fresh poultry manure (FPM) on yield of head lettuce.
Routing Protocols for VANETs: A Taxonomy, Evaluation and Analysis

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article history: Received: 21 September, 2019 Accepted: 27 December, 2019 Online: 15 January, 2020 VANET as a subclass of MANET is composed of a set of vehicles equipped with wireless transceivers, to build dynamic networks without the need of any pre-existing infrastructure. Over the last few decades, the area of routing protocols in VANETs has been extensively studied. Nevertheless, this area remains even more challenging due to some features of VANETs, such as the high speed of vehicles, the often-disconnected links and the particular mobility pattern. Routing protocols in VANETs could be splitted into four categories: topology, position, multicast and broadcast-based routing protocols. In this paper, we provide a novel detailed taxonomy of routing protocols in VANETs then we present the advantages and drawbacks of each category. Moreover, we clear up the techniques adopted by each of the most popular routing protocols based on the vehicles’ position and the topology of the networks. To explore the strengths and weaknesses of each routing protocols, basing on their suitability for VANET, we implemented them by using SUMO and NS3 as simulation tools applied on a real street map of Oujda city. We have extracted the used map from Open Street Map (OSM). Finally, we present our future works used for optimizing the greedy forwarding technique that is adopted by some position-based routing protocols in VANETs. Our suggested technique is based on the angle direction and three other important parameters of the relaying node.