Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environment, antecedents and climate change: lessons from the study of temperature physiology and river migration of salmonids

Summary Animal distributions are shaped by the environment and antecedents. Here I show how the temperature dependence of aerobic scope (the difference between maximum and minimum rates of oxygen uptake) is a useful tool to examine the fundamental temperature niches of salmonids and perhaps other fishes. Although the concept of aerobic scope has been recognized for over half a century, only recently has sufficient evidence accumulated to provide a mechanistic explanation for the optimal temperature of salmonids. Evidence suggests that heart rate is the primary driver in supplying more oxygen to tissues as demand increases exponentially with temperature. By contrast, capacity functions (i.e. cardiac stroke volume, tissue oxygen extraction and haemoglobin concentration) are exploited only secondarily if at all, with increasing temperature, and then perhaps only at a temperature nearing that which is lethal to resting fish. Ultimately, however, heart rate apparently becomes a weak partner for the cardiorespiratory oxygen cascade when temperature increases above the optimum for aerobic scope. Thus, the upper limit for heart rate may emerge as a valuable, but simple predictor of optimal temperature in active animals, opening the possibility of using biotelemetry of heart rate in field situations to explore properly the full interplay of environmental factors on aerobic scope. An example of an ecological application of these physiological discoveries is provided using the upriver migration of adult sockeye salmon, which have a remarkable fidelity to their spawning areas and appear to have an optimum temperature for aerobic scope that corresponds to the river temperatures experienced by their antecedents. Unfortunately, there is evidence that this potential adaptation is incompatible with the rapid increase in river temperature presently experienced by salmon as a result of climate change. By limiting aerobic scope, river temperatures in excess of the optimum for aerobic scope directly impact upriver spawning migration and hence lifetime fecundity. Thus, use of aerobic scope holds promise for scientists who wish to make predictions on how climate change may influence animal distributions.
Automatic Arabic pronunciation scoring for computer aided language learning

Automatic articulation scoring makes the computer able to give feedback on the quality of pronunciation and eventually detect some phonemes on miss-pronunciation. Computer-assisted language learning has evolved from simple interactive software that access the learner's knowledge in grammar and vocabulary to more advanced systems that accept speech input as a result of the recent development of speech recognition. Therefore many computer based self teaching systems have been developed for several languages such as English, Deutsch and Chinese, however for Arabic; the research is still in its infancy. This study is part of the “Arabic Pronunciation improvement system for Malaysian Teachers of the Arabic language” project which aims at developing computer based systems for standard Arabic language learning for Malaysian teachers of the Arabic language. The system aims to help teachers to learn the Arabic language quickly by focusing on the listening and speaking comprehension (receptive skills) to improve their pronunciation. In this paper we addressed the problem of giving marks for Arabic pronunciation by using a Automatic Speech Recognizer (ASR) based on Hidden Markov Models (HMM). Therefore, our methodology for pronunciation assessment is based on the HMM log-likelihood probability, however our main contribution was to train the system using both native and non native speakers. This resulted on improving the system's accuracy from 87.61% to 89.69%.
Cortical Processing of Human Somatic and Visceral Sensation

Somatic sensation can be localized precisely, whereas localization of visceral sensation is vague, possibly reflecting differences in the pattern of somatic and visceral input to the cerebral cortex. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the cortical processing of sensation arising from the proximal (somatic) and distal (visceral) esophagus in six healthy male subjects. Esophageal stimulation was performed by phasic distension of a 2 cm balloon at 0.5 Hz. For each esophageal region, five separate 30 sec periods of nonpainful distension were alternated with five periods of similar duration without distension. Gradient echoplanar images depicting bold contrast were acquired using a 1.5 T GE scanner. Distension of the proximal esophagus was localized precisely to the upper chest and was represented in the trunk region of the left primary somatosensory cortex. In contrast, distension of the distal esophagus was perceived diffusely over the lower chest and was represented bilaterally at the junction of the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices. Different activation patterns were also observed in the anterior cingulate gyrus with the proximal esophagus being represented in the right midanterior cingulate cortex (BA 24) and the distal esophagus in the perigenual area (BA32). Differences in the activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cerebellum were also observed for the two esophageal regions. These findings suggest that cortical specialization in the sensory-discriminative, affective, and cognitive areas of the cortex accounts for the perceptual differences observed between the two sensory modalities.
Multi-camera calibration based on coplanar projection of points

To solve the problem of multi-camera calibration, an algorithm is brought forward based on coplanar projection of points. A coordinate system is unified between world coordinates and projective plane ones. After feature patterns projected onto a planar screen and corners extracted from images, each camera is calibrated respectively, from which it can obtain internal parameters and relative poses among cameras. Initial values of spatial points are derived from projective transformation. Then it finds out corresponding points of each image pair by epipolar geometry constraint and calculates spatial points in terms of triangle principle again. Root mean square error between initial values and estimation values are calculated. Furthermore, it eliminates points until errors of all spatial points within threshold. The experimental analyses indicate that the algorithm can reduce computational complexity and manual intervention. Calibration accuracy can meet the need.
On queue provisioning , network efficiency and TCP : A framework for Adaptive AIMD Congestion Control

In this paper we study an adaptive additive-increase multiplicative-decrease congestion control strategy that supports small network queues while utilising the available network bandwidth efficiently. This is achieved without adversely affecting the manner in which bandwidth is shared amongst competing flows (network fairness), or the rate at which flows acquire their share of available bandwidth (the rate of network convergence). We develop a number of analytic tools to study the dynamic properties of the adaptive algorithm. In particular we give conditions, in both deterministic and stochastic contexts, for the existence of a unique fixed point for such networks and demonstrate that this equilibrium is globally exponentially stable. Finally, simulation and experimental results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Teacher education for the sustainability of rural cultural environment in Latvia.

In order to ensure a balanced and sustainable development of the varied environment of Latvian schools, the prospective teachers should be ready to integrate into the varied cultural environment of Latvian schools. The education of prospective teachers should be based on ecological approach, which ensures the ecological perspective and an opportunity for students to develop their ecological competence. Ecological competence is one of the most important components for the teachers’ readiness for their professional activities. In the study year 2008/2009 there was a pilot research performed on a separate case (case study) within a framework of a particular programme “Home Environment and Information Technologies in Education” with the participation of the 4th (final) study-year students of pedagogy studying at the Institute of Education and Home Economics (IMI) at the Latvia University of Agriculture (LLU). The aim of the research was to find out the choice of students as prospective teachers regarding their future workplace in the cultural environment of a rural/urban school, as well as to identify the factors influencing this choice. A questionnaire was developed where the respondents had to answer questions related to the choice of the environment for their future professional activities on the basis of their previously obtained experience. The research showed that LLU IMI’s prospective teachers, having acquainted themselves with the cultural environment of urban and rural schools, are ready to work in the cultural environment of any school where a new teacher is welcomed, taking into consideration the specificity of the particular cultural environment.
TR5 The Sim360 trial: innovating simulation training with the use of a ‘flipped’ 360-degree virtual reality video. A feasibility RCT

Introduction Simulation is a widely-employed teaching method in undergraduate medical education, providing a safe and supportive experiential learning experience.1 However, for inexperienced students, it can often be a stressful and daunting prospect with technical aspects of the SimMan® impeding learning. Production of a low-cost virtual reality (VR) resource has the potential to provide an appealing, immersive learning experience for the millennial learner, increasing preparedness and enhancing the learning potential of formal sessions. Methods We created a 360-degree 3D video titled ‘Introduction to SimMan® and calculation of the Early Warning Score (EWS) using a simulated patient’. This was based on content covered in the first simulation teaching session attended by first-year medical students at our institution. Twenty-nine first-year students were independently randomised to one of three groups: (1) viewing the video on their smartphone using a VR headset (n=9); (2) viewing the video on a desktop computer screen (n=10); or (3) not viewing the video at all i.e. the control group (n=10). One hour was allocated for students to watch the video prior to their first simulation teaching session. We assessed student performance in an OSCE-style simulation station and evaluated subjective experience using a survey, including the use of a validated assessment of students’ motivation². Results All participants completed the survey following the intervention. Provisional results using intention-to-treat analysis show that students who watched the virtual reality video felt significantly more prepared for their simulation teaching session compared to controls (p=0.03). Participants viewing the video using a VR headset reported higher median ratings of immersion and engagement compared to those viewing on a desktop monitor. Discussion and conclusions VR has the potential to revolutionise the future of simulation training in medical schools, resulting in the production of immersive, low-cost, accessible resources for technology-enhanced learning. Our results suggest that students see the potential of this technology, feeling more engaged, immersed and prepared for their simulation session following exposure to the VR content. References Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Medical errors: the scope of the problem 2009. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Loorbach N, Peters O, Karreman J, Steehounder M. Validation of the instructional materials motivation survey (IMMS) in a self-directed instructional setting aimed at working with technology. British Journal of Educational Technology2015;46:204–18.
Two models of retrieval with probabilistic indexing

We describe two retrieval models for probabilistic indexing. The binary independence indexing (BII) model is a generalized version of the Maron & Kuhns indexing model. In this model, the indexing weight of a descriptor in a document is an estimate of the probability of relevance of this document with respect to queries using this descriptor. The retrieval-with-probabilistic-indexing (RPI) model is suited to different kinds of probabilistic indexing. Therefore we assume that each indexing model has its own concept of 'correctness' to which the probabilities relate. The concept of correctness is not necessarily identical with the concept of relevance, it is only required to depend on relevance. In addition to the probabilistic indexing weights, the RPI model provides the possibility of relevance weighting of search terms. Both retrieval models are compared in experiments, showing equally good results.
High-quality sub-function construction in the information-driven circuit synthesis with gates

The opportunities created by modern microelectronic technology cannot effectively be exploited, because of weaknesses in traditional circuit synthesis methods used in today's CAD tools. In this paper, a new information-driven circuit synthesis method is discussed that targets combinational circuits implemented with gates. The synthesis method is based on our original information-driven approach to circuit synthesis, bottom-up general functional decomposition and theory of information relationship measures, and considerably differs from all other known methods. The discussion is focused on various sub-function construction methods used during the synthesis. The experimental results from the automatic circuit synthesis tool that implements the method show that the developed by us specific sub-function construction methods targeted to the gate-based circuits deliver much better circuits than the other methods and demonstrate that the information-driven general decomposition produces very fast and compact gate-based circuits.
Overcoming research challenges for CMOS scaling: industry directions

The development of silicon technology has been, and will continue to be, driven by system needs. The continuous and systematic increase in transistor density and performance, guided by CMOS scaling theory (Dennard et al., 1974) and described in "Moore's Law" (Moore, 1975), has been a highly successful process for the development of silicon technology for the past 40 years. As the silicon industry moves into the 45 nm node and beyond, significant technology challenges are imposed by silicon CMOS device scaling. Two of the most important challenges are the growing standby power dissipation and the increasing variability in device characteristics. These complaints are the embodiments of CMOS approaching atomistic and quantum-mechanical physics boundaries. They are frequently cited as the reason Moore's Law is "broken", or why CMOS scaling is coming to an end. Industry directions for addressing these challenges are developing along three primary extending silicon scaling through innovations in materials and device structure; expanding the level of integration through three-dimensional structures comprised of silicon through-via holes and chip stacking in order to enhance functionality and parallelism; and exploring post-silicon CMOS innovation with new nano-devices based on distinctly different principles of physics, new materials, and new processes, such as spintronics, carbon nanotubes, nanowires, or molecular systems
Accelerating Foreign-Key Joins using Asymmetric Memory Channels

Indexed Foreign-Key Joins expose a very asymmetric access pattern: the Foreign-Key Index is sequentially scanned whilst the Primary-Key table is target of many quasi-random lookups which is the dominant cost factor. To reduce the costs of the random lookups the fact-table can be (re-) partitioned at runtime to increase access locality on the dimension table, and thus limit the random memory access to inside the CPU’s cache. However, this is very hard to optimize and the performance impact on recent architectures is limited because the partitioning costs consume most of the achievable join improvement [3]. GPGPUs on the other hand have an architecture that is well suited for this operation: a relatively slow connection to the large system memory and a very fast connection to the smaller internal device memory. We show how to accelerate Foreign-Key Joins by executing the random table lookups on the GPU’s VRAM while sequentially streaming the Foreign-Key-Index through the PCI-E Bus. We also experimentally study the memory access costs on GPU and CPU to provide estimations of the benefit of this technique.
PV module-integrated single-switch DC/DC converter for PV energy harvest with battery charge capability

This paper proposes a novel PV module integrated system with energy storage capability. The topology is based on the Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) System, where Distributed Renewable Energy Resources (DRER) comprised by a single power stage, are responsible for the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of each PV module and also the charging method of a centralized battery pack. Due to the characteristics of the PV module and the DC-bus, the single power stage must provide low current ripple in the input and output terminals, must operate with output current and voltage regulation and present a high voltage conversion ratio. To achieve such features, this paper proposes a novel boost-Zeta integrated converter. The analysis of the operation of this converter is carried out in details. The MPPT algorithm and the charging method are discussed in detail. The DC-DC converter is designed to ensure low ripple and limited charging current, as well as voltage regulation when the batteries are fully charged. In this version of the paper, simulation results are presented for the converters confirming the theoretical analysis. In final version of the paper, experimental results will be presented.
Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of xenon in intubated swine.

BACKGROUND The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) is a traditional index of the hypnotic potency of an inhalational anaesthetic. To investigate the anaesthetic as well as the unwanted effects of xenon (Xe) in a swine model, it is useful to know MAC(Xe). METHODS The study was performed using ten swine (weight 27.8-35.4 kg) anaesthetized with halothane and Xe 0, 15, 30, 40, 50 and 65% in oxygen. With each Xe concentration, various concentrations of halothane were administered in a step-by-step design. For each combination, a supramaximal pain stimulus (claw clamp) was applied and the appearance of a withdrawal reaction was recorded. The MAC(Xe) with halothane was calculated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS During stable ventilation, haemodynamics and temperature, MAC(Xe) value was determined as 119 vol. % (95% confidence limits 103-135). CONCLUSION MAC(Xe) in swine was calculated by extrapolation of a logistic regression model. Its theoretical value is 119 vol. %.
Room Layout Estimation with Object and Material Attributes Information Using a Spherical Camera

In this paper we propose a pipeline for estimating 3D room layout with object and material attribute prediction using a spherical stereo image pair. We assume that the room and objects can be represented as cuboids aligned to the main axes of the room coordinate (Manhattan world). A spherical stereo alignment algorithm is proposed to align two spherical images to the global world coordinate system. Depth information of the scene is estimated by stereo matching between images. Cubic projection images of the spherical RGB and estimated depth are used for object and material attribute detection. A single Convolutional Neural Network is designed to assign object and attribute labels to geometrical elements built from the spherical image. Finally simplified room layout is reconstructed by cuboid fitting. The reconstructed cuboid-based model shows the structure of the scene with object information and material attributes.
On the Design and Implementation of the Multidimensional C UBE Store Storage Manager

CUBEStore is a storage manager designed within the CUBESTAR project to fit the special needs of multidimensional applications as found in the area of Statistical and Scientific DataBases (SSDB). Some of the goals being achieved within this project were built-in support for multiple dimensions and good performance for range queries regardless of the dimensionality of the data. The general characteristics of SSDB-applications, the derived requirements with regard to a storage management system and the specific open architecture as well as the reference implementation of CUBEStore are described in this paper.
Glowworm swarm optimization and heuristic algorithm for rectangle packing problem

With the background of satellite module layout, This paper combines heuristic strategy with the glowworm swarm optimization for the problem of rectangle layout optimization with equilibrium constraint. We use heuristic strategy to divide the circular container into four sub-regions, which are layout synchronously. When the rectangle layout area has been decided, the bottom left fill strategy is used to layout the rectangle. On the basis of the heuristic strategy, glowworm swarm optimization algorithm is applied to search for the optimal placing order, and finally the optimal layout is obtained. The simulation numerical results show that this paper algorithm is more effective than the existing algorithms.
Telementoring in Global Organizations: Computer Mediated Communication Technologies and Mentoring Networks

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies, such as Instant Messaging (IM), the cell phone, and email have exploded, thus, creating fertile ground for innovative methods of communication. In this global environment, it is evident that innovative techniques must be employed to foster and sustain the mentor/protege relationship. Using PLS as the analysis technique, we investigate the impact of e-mail-delivered mentoring messages on protege’ perceptions of the relationship, trust in the mentor, and social influence on commitment to the profession. We extend and integrate multiple threads of mentoring and CMC research, resulting in a theoretical model that positions CMC as a mediator between social and career support. The hypothesized model was confirmed, thus demonstrating the important role that CMC plays in effecting expectations and relationship sustainability. These results are important as global organizations promote the development and research of systems that enhance the telementoring relationship through CMC methods.