Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HyperSpikeASIC: Accelerating Event-Based Workloads With HyperDimensional Computing and Spiking Neural Networks

Today’s machine learning (ML) systems, running workloads, such as deep neural networks, which require billions of parameters and many hours to train a model, consume a significant amount of energy. Due to the complexity of computation and topology, even the quantized models are hard to deploy on edge devices under energy constraints. To combat this, researchers have been focusing on new emerging neuromorphic computing models. Two of those models are hyperdimensional computing (HDC) and spiking neural networks (SNNs), both with their own benefits. HDC has various desirable properties that other ML algorithms lack, such as robustness to noise, simple operations, and high parallelism. SNNs are able to process event-based signal data in an efficient manner. This work develops <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathsf {HyperSpike}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, which utilizes a single, randomly initialized, and untrained SNN layer as a feature extractor connected to a trained HDC classifier. HDC is used to enable more efficient classification as well as provide robustness to errors. We experimentally show that <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathsf {HyperSpike}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is on average <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$31.5\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> more robust to errors than traditional SNNs. On Intel’s Loihi (Davies et al., 2018), <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathsf {HyperSpike}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> faster and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.6\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> more energy efficient over traditional SNN networks. We further develop <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathsf {HyperSpikeASIC}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, a customized accelerator for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathsf {HyperSpike}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. By decoupling the neuron and synapses, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathsf {HyperSpikeASIC}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> skips the inactive neurons and limits the neuron state updating to once per time step at most. <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathsf {HyperSpikeASIC}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$601\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> faster and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3467\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> more energy efficient than <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathsf {HyperSpike}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> running on Intel’s Loihi for SNN acceleration, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$12.2\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> faster and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$211\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> more energy efficient than the state-of-the-art SNN ASIC implementation (Wang et al., 2022).
The most luminous, merger-free AGN show only marginal correlation with bar presence

The role of large-scale bars in the fuelling of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is still debated, even as evidence mounts that black hole growth in the absence of galaxy mergers cumulatively dominates and may substantially influence disc (i.e., merger-free) galaxy evolution. We investigate whether large-scale galactic bars are a good candidate for merger-free AGN fuelling. Specifically, we combine slit spectroscopy and Hubble Space Telescope imagery to characterise star formation rates (SFRs) and stellar masses of the unambiguously disc-dominated host galaxies of a sample of luminous, Type-1 AGN with 0.02 < z < 0.24. After carefully correcting for AGN signal, we find no clear difference in SFR between AGN hosts and a stellar mass-matched sample of galaxies lacking an AGN (0.013 < z < 0.19), although this could be due to small sample size (nAGN = 34). We correct for SFR and stellar mass to minimise selection biases, and compare the bar fraction in the two samples. We find that AGN are marginally (∼1.7σ) more likely to host a bar than inactive galaxies, with AGN hosts having a bar fraction, $f_{\mathrm{bar}}=0.59^{+0.08}_{-0.09}$ and inactive galaxies having a bar fraction, $f_{\mathrm{bar}}=0.44^{+0.08}_{-0.09}$. However, we find no further differences between SFR- and mass-matched AGN and inactive samples. While bars could potentially trigger AGN activity, they appear to have no further, unique effect on a galaxy’s stellar mass or SFR.
Acceptability of a Hypothetical Reduction in Routinely Scheduled Clinic Visits Among Patients With History of a Localized Melanoma (MEL-SELF): Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Background After treatment for a localized melanoma, patients attend routinely scheduled clinics to monitor for new primary or recurrent melanoma. Patient-led surveillance (skin self-examination with patient-performed teledermoscopy) is an alternative model of follow-up that could replace some routinely scheduled visits. Objective This study aims to assess the acceptability of a hypothetical reduction in routinely scheduled visits among participants of the Melanoma Self Surveillance (MEL-SELF) pilot randomized clinical trial of patient-led surveillance (intervention) versus usual care (control). Methods Patients previously treated for localized melanoma in New South Wales who were participating in the MEL-SELF pilot randomized clinical trial were asked to respond to a web-based questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months on trial. We used mixed methods to analyze the data. The main outcome of interest was the acceptability of a hypothetical reduction in routinely scheduled visits for melanoma surveillance. Results Of 100 randomized participants, 87 answered the questionnaire at baseline, 66 answered the questionnaire at 6 months, and 79 provided a free-text explanation at either time point. At 6 months, 33% (17/51) of the control group and 35% (17/49) of the intervention group indicated that a hypothetical reduction in routinely scheduled visits with all melanoma doctors was at least slightly acceptable (difference in proportions –1%, 95% CI –20% to 17%; P=.89). Participants suggested that prerequisites for a reduction in routinely scheduled visits would include that sufficient time had elapsed since the previous diagnosis without a new primary melanoma or recurrence, an unscheduled appointment could be made at short notice if the patient noticed something concerning, their melanoma doctor had suggested reducing their clinic visit frequency, and patients had confidence that patient-led surveillance was a safe and effective alternative. Participants suggested that a reduction in routinely scheduled visits would not be acceptable where they perceived a very high risk of new or recurrent melanoma, low self-efficacy in skin self-examination and in the use of technologies for the patient-led surveillance intervention, and where they had a preference for clinician-led surveillance. Some patients said that a partial reduction to once a year may be acceptable. Conclusions Some patients may be receptive to a reduction in routinely scheduled visits if they are assured that patient-led surveillance is safe and effective. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001716459; https://www.anzctr. org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx? id=371865&isReview=true; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03581188; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03581188 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1001/jamadermatol.2021. 4704
PROXIMAL POINT ALGORITHM FOR THE GENERALIZED P0 VARIATIONAL INEQUALITIES PROBLEMS

This paper studies the proximal point algorithm for the class of generalized 0 P variational inequalities. By using the upper semicontinuity result establishing the class of weakly univalent operators, we show that the iterative sequence generated by the algorithm is bounded, approaches to the solution set of the initial problem, and each of its accumulation points is a solution to the problem, provided that the solution set is bounded. We also give an example to show the necessity of boundedness
Identification and direct digital stochastic control of a continuous stirred tank process

Several aspects associated with the identification and direct digital stochastic control of a steam-jacketed continuous stirred tank process are investigated. Using data collected under closed-loop conditions by an on-line mini-computer, statistical modelling procedures are used to identify, fit and check a discrete dynamic-stochastic model for the process and its disturbances. Based on these models an optimal stochastic feedback controller is implemented using the minicomputer. A practical modification of this optimal controller is suggested and the modified stochastic controller is implemented and its performance is evaluated. On a etudie plusieurs aspects relatifs a l'identification et au contrǒle stochastique direct et numerique d'un procede impliquant un reservoir garni d'une chemise a vapeur et soumis a une agitation constante. En employant les donnees recueillies dans des conditions de boucle fermee, au moyen d'un miniordinateur arrange “en groupe”, on a utilise les techniques relatives aux modeles statistiques pour identifier, adapter et verifier un modele stochastique dynamique et discontinu pour ledit processus et ses perturbations. En se basant sur les modeles en question, on a mis en application, au moyen du miniordinateur, un contrǒleur optimal, stochastique et a retroaction. On suggere une modifition pratique dudit controleur; on a mis en application le controleur stochastique ainsi modifie et verifie sa performance.
Extracellular Vesicles and Their Membranes: Exosomes vs. Virus-Related Particles

Cells produce nanosized lipid membrane-enclosed vesicles which play important roles in intercellular communication. Interestingly, a certain type of extracellular vesicle, termed exosomes, share physical, chemical, and biological properties with enveloped virus particles. To date, most similarities have been discovered with lentiviral particles, however, other virus species also frequently interact with exosomes. In this review, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between exosomes and enveloped viral particles, with a focus on events taking place at the vesicle or virus membrane. Since these structures present an area with an opportunity for interaction with target cells, this is relevant for basic biology as well as any potential research or medical applications.
Sparse variational regularization for visual motion estimation

The computation of visual motion is a key component in numerous computer vision tasks such as object detection, visual object tracking and activity recognition. Despite extensive research effort, efficient handling of motion discontinuities, occlusions and illumination changes still remains elusive in visual motion estimation. The work presented in this thesis utilizes variational methods to handle the aforementioned problems because these methods allow the integration of various mathematical concepts into a single energy minimization framework. This thesis applies the concepts from signal sparsity to the variational regularization for visual motion estimation. The regularization is designed in such a way that it handles motion discontinuities and can detect object occlusions. The first part of this thesis estimates visual motion between two consecutive video frames by mapping co-visible scene points. This mapping is commonly known as optical flow. The accurate handling of motion discontinuities is essential for a better visual perception and quality of the estimated optical flow. To this end, the discontinuity preserving and sparsity promoting robust l1 norm is investigated in the context of variational regularization. A sparse variational regularizer is proposed which exploits the sparsity of the gradient field of optical flow. The signal sparsity enables us to recover a signal from a few measurements; thus, by utilizing this regularizer, the problem of recovering optical flow from a small set of linear measurements is also investigated. It is found that exploiting the sparsity of partial derivatives of optical flow results in a decrease in the computational complexity and memory requirements.
Student Perceptions of Instructor-Student Rapport and Motivation In Hybrid Courses During COVID-19

The relationship between instructors and their students is essential for developing a classroom climate where students feel motivated to learn. The current study surveyed 658 undergraduate students to examine the relationship between instructor-student rapport and motivation in online and face-to-face classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicated (1) students experienced more rapport with their instructors during face-to-face classes compared to their online classes, (2) students perceived their motivation was greater during face-to-face classes than in online classes, and (3) there was a significant positive relationship between instructor-student rapport and student motivation in both online and face-to-face classes. This study’s findings lend further support to research that emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community in online classes, where students feel connected to their instructors and, consequently, motivated to learn. KEYWORDS: Instructor-Student Rapport; Motivation; Hybrid Courses; COVID-19; Online Learning
A Cross-Sectional, Retrospective, and Comparative Study between Delirium and Non-Delirium Psychiatric Disorders in a Psychogeriatric Inpatient Population Referred to Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Unit

Background and objectives: Delirium is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in inpatient older people. Its presence is associated with higher rates of institutionalization, functional disability and mortality. This study aims to evaluate delirium in a hospitalized psychogeriatric population, focusing on which factors predict the appearance of delirium, the impact it generates and the diagnostic concordance between non-psychiatric physicians and psychiatrists. Material and methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and comparative study. We obtained data from a sample of 1017 patients (≥65 years) admitted to general hospital and referred from different services to the consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) unit. Logistic regression was performed using delirium as the dependent variable. To estimate the concordance of the diagnoses, the Kappa coefficient was used. To assess the impact of delirium, an ordinal regression, Wilcoxon median test and Fisher’s test were performed. Results: Delirium is associated with a higher number of visits, OR 3.04 (95% CI 2.38–3.88), longer length of stay and mortality, OR 2.07 (95% CI, 1.05 to 4.10). The model to predict delirium shows that being >75 years old has an OR of 2.1 (95% CI, 1.59–2.79), physical disability has an OR of 1.66 (95% CI, 1.25–2.20), history of delirium has an OR of 10.56 (95% CI, 5.26–21.18) and no use of benzodiazepines has an OR of 4.24 (95% CI, 2.92–6.14). The concordance between the referring physician’s psychiatric diagnosis and the psychiatrist CLP unit showed a kappa of 0.30. When analysing depression and delirium, the concordance showed Kappa = 0.46. Conclusions: Delirium is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder, but it is still underdiagnosed, with low diagnostic concordance between non-psychiatric doctors and psychiatrists from CLP units. There are multiple risk factors associated with the appearance of delirium, which must be managed to reduce its appearance.
Hydrodiplomacy and Climate Change: An Assessment of the Transboundary River Basins of Greece

: Hydrodiplomacy is the emerging framework where legal acts, based on technical data and information, aim to support commonly accepted solutions to water-related tensions among states with transboundary waters. In this research, hydrodiplomacy components in relation to (a) policy, (b) preventive, (c) cooperative, and (d) technical aspects are considered together with climate change, which is bound to destabilize the core element of hydrodiplomacy, i.e., water. The study area is composed of the ﬁve transboundary river basins of Greece. The coupling of all these different nature elements is conducted with the use of the AHP multicriteria method, and the results of a normalized output that quantiﬁes water transboundary cooperation in the climate crisis era are given.
Nigella sativa-Floral Honey and Multi-Floral Honey versus Nigella sativa Oil against Testicular Degeneration Rat Model: The Possible Protective Mechanisms

The male reproductive function, particularly the testes, and the related hormones are sensitive to various xenobiotics. This work aimed for the first time to assess Nigella sativa floral honey (NS floral honey) and multi-floral honey (M-floral honey) versus Nigella sativa oil (NS oil) against rat testicular degeneration induced with azathioprine (AZA). A total of 40 male Wister rats were assigned into 5 groups: (1) control, (2) 15 mg/kg of AZA, (3) AZA + 1.4 mL/kg of M-floral honey, (4) AZA + 1.4 mL/kg of NS floral honey, and (5) AZA + 500 mg/kg of NA oil. Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), free androgen index (FAI), gonadotrophins, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), apoptosis markers, and redox status were assessed to clarify the possible protective mechanisms. Pituitary–testicular axis disruption, apoptosis markers, poor redox status, and sperm quality (count, viability, and motility) were set with AZA. Serum TT, SHBG, and absolute and relative testis weight were significantly restored in the NS oil and NS floral honey groups. Meanwhile, the NS oil group exhibited a significant elevation in FT and FAI. Serum gonadotrophins increased significantly in the NS floral honey (p < 0.01) and M-floral honey and NS oil (p < 0.05) groups. Testicular caspase-3, caspase-9, and nitric oxide showed significant improvement in the NS floral honey and NS oil groups. NS oil supplementation significantly normalized redox status (p < 0.05), whereas NS floral honey improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity. Sperm quality exhibited a significant improvement in the NS oil group (p < 0.05). M-floral honey did not show reliable results. Although NS floral honey could protect against testicular damage, it did not upgrade to the level of improvement achieved with NS oil. We claim that further clinical studies are essential for focusing on the quality and quantity of bioactive constituents.
Vacuum field fluctuations and spontaneous emission in the vicinity of a dielectric surface

The electromagnetic field is quantized on the basis of the classical spatial modes of a system geometry in which half of space is filled by a dielectric of constant refractive index and the other half of space is empty. The vacuum field fluctuations and spontaneous emission rates are evaluated as functions of position and polarization both inside and outside the dielectric. Particular attention is given to the variations of these quantities in the vicinity of the interface. The source-field operator is derived for emission by atoms inside and outside the dielectric, in the direction perpendicular to the interface.
Collaborative Contrastive Learning for Hyperspectral and LiDAR Classification

Using single-source remote sensing (RS) data for classification of ground objects has certain limitations; however, multimodal RS data contain different types of features, such as spectral features and spatial features of hyperspectral image (HSI) and elevation information of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, which can be used to extract and fuse high-quality features to improve the classification accuracy. Nevertheless, the existing fusion techniques are mostly limited by the number of labeled samples due to the difficulty of label collection in the multimodal RS data. In this article, a fusion method of collaborative contrastive learning (CCL) is proposed to tackle the abovementioned issues for HSI and LiDAR data classification. The proposed CCL approach includes two stages of pretraining (CCL-PT) and fine-tuning (CCL-FT). In the CCL-PT stage, a collaborative strategy is introduced into contrastive learning (CL), which can extract features from HSI and LiDAR data separately and achieve the coordinated feature representation and matching between the two-modal RS data without labeled samples. In the CCL-FT stage, a multilevel fusion network is designed to optimize and fuse the unsupervised collaborative features, which are extracted in the CCL-PT stage for the classification tasks. Experimental results on three real-world datasets show that the developed CCL approach can perform excellently on the small sample classification tasks, and CL is feasible for the fusion of multimodal RS data.
Online Media Trends on Political Party Sentiment Ahead of the 2024 Election in Indonesia

: The purpose of this study is to /ind out the tendencies of Indonesian online media on political party sentiment before the 2024 election in Indonesia. Online media is a communication tool for political parties in providing narratives and brief descriptions of the maneuvers of the political parties themselves and the candidates they carry. This study uses a qualitative type, the method used is qualitative data analysis software (QDAS). 72 news documents from detik.com, tribunnews.com, pikiranrakyat.com, and kompas.com as the data sources for this research, news documents published from May to October 2022. Data analysis used the NVivo 12 plus device including sentiment analysis. The results of data analysis show that online media tends towards several political parties in Indonesia, including the tendency of political parties towards their presidential candidates, and /ive types of sentiment have their nominations. The results of this study state that a very positive type of sentiment is shown in Ganjar Pranowo. In addition, in the four online media, PDI P appears more frequently than the other 8 political parties. However, detik.com tends toward the KIB party, and thoughts of people.com tend toward the democratic party.
Finite element approximation of dielectrophoretic force driven flow problems

In this paper, we propose a full discretization scheme for the instationary thermal-electro- hydrodynamic (TEHD) Boussinesq equations. These equations model the dynamics of a non-isothermal, dielectric fluid under the influence of a dielectrophoretic (DEP) force. Our scheme combines an H 1 - conformal finite element method for spatial discretization with a backward differentiation formula (BDF) for time stepping. The resulting scheme allows for a decoupled solution of the individual parts of this multi-physics system. Moreover, we derive a priori convergence rates that are of first and sec- ond order in time, depending on how the individual ingredients of the BDF scheme are chosen and of optimal order in space. In doing so, special care is taken of modeling the DEP force, since its original form is a cubic term. The obtained error estimates are verified by numerical experiments.