Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Temperature Regulation by Field-Active Ectotherms: The Fallacy of the Inappropriate Question

We describe a research protocol for evaluating temperature regulation from data on small field-active ectothermic animals, especially lizards. The protocol requires data on body temperatures (Tb) of field-active ectotherms, on available operative temperatures (Te, "null temperatures" for nonregulating animals), and on the thermoregulatory set-point range (preferred body temperatures, Tset). These data are used to estimate several quantitative indexes that collectively summarize temperature regulation: the "precision" of body temperature (variance in Tb, or an equivalent metric), the "accuracy" of body temperature relative to the set-point range (the average difference between Tb and Tset), and the "effectiveness" of thermoregulation (the extent to which body temperatures are closer on the average to the set-point range than are operative temperatures). If additional data on the thermal dependence of performance are available, the impact of thermoregulation on performance (the extent to which performance is enhanced relative to that of nonregulating animals) can also be estimated. A sample analysis of the thermal biology of three Anolis lizards in Puerto Rico demonstrates the utility of the new protocol and its superiority to previous methods of evaluating temperature regulation. We also discuss several ways in which the research protocol can be extended and applied to other organisms.
Mutation-based genetic neural network

Evolving gradient-learning artificial neural networks (ANNs) using an evolutionary algorithm (EA) is a popular approach to address the local optima and design problems of ANN. The typical approach is to combine the strength of backpropagation (BP) in weight learning and EA's capability of searching the architecture space. However, the BP's "gradient descent" approach requires a highly computer-intensive operation that relatively restricts the search coverage of EA by compelling it to use a small population size. To address this problem, we utilized mutation-based genetic neural network (MGNN) to replace BP by using the mutation strategy of local adaptation of evolutionary programming (EP) to effect weight learning. The MGNN's mutation enables the network to dynamically evolve its structure and adapt its weights at the same time. Moreover, MGNN's EP-based encoding scheme allows for a flexible and less restricted formulation of the fitness function and makes fitness computation fast and efficient. This makes it feasible to use larger population sizes and allows MGNN to have a relatively wide search coverage of the architecture space. MGNN implements a stopping criterion where overfitness occurrences are monitored through "sliding-windows" to avoid premature learning and overlearning. Statistical analysis of its performance to some well-known classification problems demonstrate its good generalization capability. It also reveals that locally adapting or scheduling the strategy parameters embedded in each individual network may provide a proper balance between the local and global searching capabilities of MGNN.
On the mass of a Kerr–anti-de Sitter spacetime in D dimensions

We show how to compute the mass of a Kerr–anti-de Sitter spacetime with respect to the anti-de Sitter background in any dimension, using a superpotential which has been derived from standard Noether identities. The calculation takes no account of the source of the curvature and confirms results obtained for black holes via the first law of thermodynamics.
Epigraphical splitting for solving constrained convex formulations of inverse problems with proximal tools

We propose a proximal approach to deal with a class of convex variational problems involving nonlinear constraints. A large family of constraints, proven to be effective in the solution of inverse problems, can be expressed as the lower level set of a sum of convex functions evaluated over different, but possibly overlapping, blocks of the signal. For such constraints, the associated projection operator generally does not have a simple form. We circumvent this difficulty by splitting the lower level set into as many epigraphs as functions involved in the sum. A closed half-space constraint is also enforced, in order to limit the sum of the introduced epigraphical variables to the upper bound of the original lower level set. In this paper, we focus on a family of constraints involving linear transforms of distance functions to a convex set or $\ell_{1,p}$ norms with $p\in \{1,2,\infty\}$. In these cases, the projection onto the epigraph of the involved function has a closed form expression. The proposed approach is validated in the context of image restoration with missing samples, by making use of constraints based on Non-Local Total Variation. Experiments show that our method leads to significant improvements in term of convergence speed over existing algorithms for solving similar constrained problems. A second application to a pulse shape design problem is provided in order to illustrate the flexibility of the proposed approach.
The Drosophila dCREBA dCREBA dCREBA gene is required for dorsal / ventral patterning of the larval cuticle

We report on the characterization of the first loss-offunction mutation in a Drosophila CREB gene, dCREB-A. In the epidermis, dCREB-A is required for patterning cuticular structures on both dorsal and ventral surfaces since dCREB-A mutant larvae have only lateral structures around the entire circumference of each segment. Based on results from epistasis tests with known dorsal/ventral patterning genes, we propose that dCREB-A encodes a transcription factor that functions near the end of both the DPPand SPI-signaling cascades to translate the corresponding extracellular signals into changes in gene expression. The lateralizing phenotype of dCREB-A mutants reveals a much broader function for CREB proteins than previously thought.
Sensitivity for global shape detection.

In order to understand the nature of the mechanisms responsible for global shape detection, we measured coherence thresholds in a 2IFC task where subjects judged which of two arrays of Gabors contained global circular structure. The stimulus was composed of an array of oriented Gabor patches positioned on a polar grid. Thresholds were obtained for different array parameters (e.g. different area, density, number and positions of elements) as well as for different element parameters (e.g. different carrier spatial frequencies, contrasts, polarities and orientations). Global structure was detected when ~10% of the elements were coherently oriented. Neither the properties of the array (density, area, number or position of elements), nor those of the individual elements (carrier spatial frequency, contrast, polarity) altered coherence thresholds. Varying contrast or carrier spatial frequency within individual arrays also did not alter performance. Sensitivity was invariant to positional perturbations of the array grid. Only jittering the local orientation of elements decreased sensitivity. The underlying mechanisms are broadly tuned for contrast, spatial frequency and the spatial positioning of image samples. Detecting circular structure is a robust process and, in this case, a purely global one. Sensitivity was highest for circular as opposed to radial or spiral shapes.
The Vertical Structure and Ultraviolet Spectrum of X-Ray-irradiated Accretion Disks in Active Galactic Nuclei

Motivated by recent work indicating that the UV continuum in active galactic nuclei may be produced by reradiation of energy absorbed from X-rays irradiating an accretion disk, we present a calculation of the vertical structures and ultraviolet spectra of X-ray-irradiated accretion disks around massive nonrotating black holes. After finding the radial dependence of vertically integrated quantities for these disks, we solve the equations of hydrostatic equilibrium, energy balance, and frequency-dependent radiation transfer as functions of altitude. To solve the last set of equations, we use a variable Eddington factor method. We include electron scattering, free-free and H I, He I, and He II bound-free opacities, and the corresponding continuum cooling processes. The incident X-ray flux heats a thin layer of material 3-4 scale heights above the midplane of the disk. This X-ray-heated skin has two layers: (1) a radiation pressure-supported region in which the UV flux is created, and, immediately above this layer, (2) a warmer zone, optically thin to UV radiation, formed where the X-ray ionization parameter is large. In the lower layer, the gas pressure is nearly independent of altitude, but the temperature increases upward. The fraction of the incident hard X-ray flux that emerges in the UV falls with increasing ṁ (the accretion rate in Eddington units). At frequencies below the Lyman edge, the slope of the continuum (d ln Lν/d ln ν) varies from -1.6 to 0.8 as ṁ/m8 increases from 0.001 to 1. Here m8 is the mass of the central black hole in units of 108 M☉. In all cases examined (0.003≤ṁ≤0.3 and 0.27 ≤ m8 ≤ 27), the Lyman edge appears in emission. The amplitude of the Lyman edge feature increases with m8 but is relatively independent of ṁ. The amplitude of the Lyman edge emission feature increases with disk inclination. Compton scattering in disk coronae can smooth the Lyman edge feature only if τc ≳ 0.5, where τc is the Thomson depth of the coronae. While the overall spectral shape predicted by X-ray irradiation may be compatible with observations, the Lyman edge emission feature it predicts is not. This finding raises questions for many otherwise plausible models in which X-ray irradiation plays a major role.
Solving Open Quasigroup Problems by Propositional Reasoning

There are many open problems in the study of quasigroups. Recently, automated techniques have been employed to attack these open problems. In this paper, we show how a propositional satissability prover is used to solve many open problems in quasigroups. Our success relies on a powerful propositional prover called SATO and a useful technique called the cyclic group construction. We provide detailed solutions to open problems solved by SATO.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES OF KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS – ARE WE APPLYING CONTEMPORARY KNOWLEDGE?

Abstract Professional development of kindergarten teachers is a complex and continuous process that implies developing the competences of kindergarten teachers. It aims to improve work performance and foster the development and achievements of children. For this reason, the importance of a holistic approach in their professional development and lifelong learning is emphasized, as only a comprehensive model of different competences of kindergarten teachers can precede changes and improvements in educational practice. The professional competences of kindergarten teachers require a high level of various abilities and practical actions based on these abilities, which assume mutual synergy of all those involved in or responsible for the quality of the educational practice. The aim of this qualitative research is, therefore, to gain insight into the personal attitudes of kindergarten teachers, professional associates, and principals, and to question group meanings and norms on the possibilities of enhancing professional competences of kindergarten teachers while contemplating existing barriers that can be seen and exist in this area. For the purpose of this research, three focus groups were formed. Thirty-nine participants coming from twenty kindergartens in the area of Zagreb took part in the focus groups. Key words: kindergarten teacher; professional development; social competences. --- Sažetak Profesionalni razvoj odgojitelja složen je i kontinuiran proces koji podrazumijeva razvijanje kompetencija odgojitelja s ciljem kvalitetnijeg obavljanja posla i unapređivanja razvoja i postignuca djece. Zbog toga se naglasava važnost holistickog pristupa u njihovu profesionalnom razvoju i cjeloživotnom obrazovanju, jer samo cjelovit model razlicitih kompetencija odgojitelja može prethoditi mijenjanju i unapređivanju odgojno-obrazovne prakse. Profesionalne kompetencije odgojitelja zahtijevaju visoku razinu raznovrsnih sposobnosti i na njima utemeljene prakticne akcije, sto pretpostavlja sinergiju svih onih koji su ukljuceni u kvalitetu odgojno-obrazovne prakse ili za nju odgovorni. Stoga je cilj ovog kvalitativnog istraživanja dobiti uvid u osobna stajalista odgojitelja, strucnih suradnika i ravnatelja te propitati grupna znacenja i norme o mogucnostima unapređenja profesionalnih kompetencija odgojitelja uz istodobno sagledavanje postojecih barijera koje na tom podrucju opažaju i na koje nailaze. Za potrebe ovoga istraživanja održane su tri fokus grupe u kojima je sudjelovalo trideset devet sudionika iz ukupno dvadeset djecjih vrtica s podrucja grada Zagreba. Kljucne rijeci: odgajatelj; profesionalni razvoj; socijalne kompetencije.
An Investigation into the Use of Hypermutation as an Adaptive Operator in Genetic Algorithms Having Continuous, Time-Dependent Nonstationary Environments

Abstract : Previous studies of Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization in nonstationary environments focus on discontinuous, Markovian switching environment. This study introduces the problem of GA optimization in continuous, nonstationary environments where the state of the environment is a function of time. The objective of the GA in such an environment is to select a sequence of values over time that minimize, or maximize, the time-average of the environmental evaluations. In this preliminary study, we explore the use of mutation as a control strategy for having the GA increase or maintain the time- average best-of-generation performance. Given this context, the paper presents a set of short experiments using a simple, unimodal function. Each generation, the domain value mapping into the optimum changes so that the movement follows a sinusoidal path. In one of the experiments, we demonstrate the use of a simple adaptive mutation operator. During periods where the time-averaged best performance of the GA worsens, the GA enters hypermutation (a large increase in mutation); otherwise, the GA maintains a low level of mutation. (kr)
Novel Location-Constrained Virtual Network Embedding (LC-VNE) Algorithms Towards Integrated Node and Link Mapping

This paper tries to solve the location-constrained virtual network embedding (LC-VNE) problem efficiently. We first investigate the complexity of LC-VNE, and by leveraging the graph bisection problem, we provide the first formal proof of the NP-completeness and inapproximability result of LC-VNE. Then, we propose two novel LC-VNE algorithms based on a compatibility graph (CG) to achieve integrated node and link mapping. In particular, in the CG, each node represents a candidate substrate path for a virtual link, and each link indicates the compatible relation between its two endnodes. Our theoretical analysis proves that the maximal clique in the CG is also the maximum one when the substrate network has sufficient resources. With CG, we reduce LC-VNE to the minimumcost maximum clique problem, which inspires us to propose two efficient LC-VNE heuristics. Extensive numerical simulations demonstrate that compared with the existing ones, our proposed LC-VNE algorithms have significantly reduced time complexity and can provide smaller gaps to the optimal solutions, lower blocking probabilities, and higher time-average revenue as well.
A Proposal on the Exploitation of the Travel Information Dialogues Collected with the Evar System

In this report, an overview is rst presented of the various types of data collected over the 5-year period that the train information spoken dialogue system EVAR (Erkennen-Verstehen-Antworten-R uckfragen) has been operational. This data consists of system and user utterances, their orthographic and semantic representation, and protocols related to system performance and eeciency measures. The only extensive study of this data in order to evaluate the status of EVAR has been to date the one presented in Eckert1995]. A number of criteria were used therein which established, at the very least, the feasibility of the longer-term goals in developing EVAR. In addition, a number of its current shortcomings were identiied, as were directions for future research. On the basis of the observations in Eckert1995] and those collected a year later in the context of the EC Human Capital Mobility project MSDoS (Modelling Spontaneous Dialogues of Speech), a number of modiications were eeected on the various modules of EVAR in order to enhance the robustness and the functionality of the system. More speciically, the Word Recogniser, the Parser, and the Dialogue Manager of EVAR were adapted to treat the problem of words encountered in the user utterance that have not been included in the system's lexicon (OOV words). Moreover, the system was extended to cover 3 languages simultaneously, German, Slovak, and Slovenian in the context of the EC project SQEL (Spoken Queries in European Languages). Finally, EVAR was ported to a new, albeit related domain, that of Underground enquiries for the city of N urnberg. An initial evaluation of the system with the new OOV functionality was carried out in relation with the EUROSPEECH'97 Spoken Dialogue Systems Olympics. This was based on a number of questionnaires lled in by the attendees who tested the system over the phone from Rhodes. Although EVAR attained a medium score on average, it was the only participating system that could deal with unknown words, thereby rendering an absolute comparison with them impossible. The data collected will be exploited further for a more formal and rigourous evaluation based on the PARADISE scheme Walker et al.1997b]. This evaluation scheme could prove very useful both for assessing individual versions of EVAR, e.g. in diierent data collection phases using diierent dialogue strategies, and for estimating their functionality in comparison to one another. Finally, alternative sources of information are enumerated which can be considered in the future in studying the …
Current state of prostate cancer treatment in Jamaica

Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in Jamaica as well as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. One report suggested that Jamaica has the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer in the world, with an age-standardised rate of 304/100,000 per year. The Caribbean region is reported to have the highest mortality rate of prostate cancer worldwide. Prostate cancer accounts for a large portion of the clinical practice for health-care practitioners in Jamaica. The Jamaica Urological Society is a professional body comprising 19 urologists in Jamaica who provide most of the care for men with prostate cancer in collaboration with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and a palliative care physician. The health-care system is structured in two tiers in Jamaica: public and private. The urologist-to-patient ratio is high, and this limits adequate urological care. Screening for prostate cancer is not a national policy in Jamaica. However, the Jamaica Urological Society and the Jamaica Cancer Society work synergistically to promote screening as well as to provide patient education for prostate cancer. Adequate treatment for localised prostate cancer is available in Jamaica in the forms of active surveillance, nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy, external beam radiation, and brachytherapy. However, there is a geographic maldistribution of centres that provide prostate cancer treatment, which leads to treatment delays. Also, there is difficulty in affording some treatment options in the private health-care sectors. Androgen deprivation therapy is available for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer and is subsidised through a programme called the National Health Fund. Second-line hormonal agents and chemotherapeutic agents are available but are costly to most of the population. The infrastructure for treatment of prostate cancer in Jamaica is good, but it requires additional technological advances as well as additional specialist services.
A Survey on Peer-to-Peer Streaming System's Neighbor Number

In this paper, we describe a probability model to analyze the effect of neighbor number size based on two performance metrics: video quality and distribution delay. Some simulation is done to prove the theory model. The theoretical analysis and the simulation both show that increasing the neighbor number size does little to the system video quality when the buffer size is large enough, but can reduce the distribution delay of chunk effectively
ToMAS: a system for adapting mappings while schemas evolve

We demonstrate the Toronto Mapping Adaptation System (ToMAS), a tool for automatically detecting and adapting mappings that have become invalid or inconsistent due to changes in either data semantics or schemas. Due to its modular architecture and its stand-alone nature, ToMAS can easily be applied to numerous scenarios and can interoperate with many other tools. To the best of our knowledge, no other tool can correctly maintain the consistency of the mappings under schema changes at the level of complexity supported by ToMAS.
DNA methylation-based measures of biological age: meta-analysis predicting time to death

Estimates of biological age based on DNA methylation patterns, often referred to as “epigenetic age”, “DNAm age”, have been shown to be robust biomarkers of age in humans. We previously demonstrated that independent of chronological age, epigenetic age assessed in blood predicted all-cause mortality in four human cohorts. Here, we expanded our original observation to 13 different cohorts for a total sample size of 13,089 individuals, including three racial/ethnic groups. In addition, we examined whether incorporating information on blood cell composition into the epigenetic age metrics improves their predictive power for mortality. All considered measures of epigenetic age acceleration were predictive of mortality (p≤8.2×10−9), independent of chronological age, even after adjusting for additional risk factors (p<5.4×10−4), and within the racial/ethnic groups that we examined (non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, African Americans). Epigenetic age estimates that incorporated information on blood cell composition led to the smallest p-values for time to death (p=7.5×10−43). Overall, this study a) strengthens the evidence that epigenetic age predicts all-cause mortality above and beyond chronological age and traditional risk factors, and b) demonstrates that epigenetic age estimates that incorporate information on blood cell counts lead to highly significant associations with all-cause mortality.
A few lines of code, thousands of cores: High-level FPGA programming using vector processor networks

MORA-C++ is a novel, high-efficiency FPGA dataflow programming framework. The framework, which consists of a compile-time configurable network of Vectorized Processors-in-Memory (PIM) cores, is programmed using a high-level C++ API. In this paper we present our work on support for vectorized cores and variable-size data path widths. Measurement results on our implementation for the SGI RC-100 platform show that, by instantiating over a thousand customized cores, the MORA-C++ framework can achieve throughputs very close to the I/O bandwidth of the system for a high-performance DCT application.