Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concept learning using complexity regularization

We apply the method of complexity regularization to learn concepts from large concept classes. The method is shown to automatically find the best balance between the approximation error and the estimation error. In particular, the error probability of the obtained classifier is shown to decrease as 0(/spl radic/(log n/n)) to the achievable optimum, for large nonparametric classes of distributions, as the sample size n grows. In pattern recognition, or concept learning, the value of a {0,1}-valued random variable Y is to be predicted based upon observing an R/sup d/-valued random variable X.
Quality Improvement, Research, and the Institutional Review Board

&NA; Is an activity quality improvement (QI), or is it research? And why does the distinction make a difference? While national leaders deliberate on how to answer these questions, healthcare organizations must act to ensure patient safety in both QI and research activities. The current system used by researchers for more than 30 years has not always protected human subjects. The result has been patient injuries and even death. Could QI activities result in patient injuries and death? This article offers healthcare quality professionals information that will better equip them to ensure safe practice and protect human subjects.
LDPC Codes in Communications and Broadcasting

SUMMARY Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are one of the most powerful error correcting codes and are attracting much attention these days. LDPC codes are promising for communications and broadcasting as well where the use of error correcting codes are essential. LDPC codes have been standardized in some communication standards, such as, IEEE802.16e, DVB-S2, IEEE802.3an (10BASE-T), and so on. The performance of LDPC codes largely depend on their code structure and decoding algorithm. In this paper, we present the basics of LDPC codes and their decoding algorithms. We also present some LDPC codes that have good performance and are receiving much attention particularly in communication systems. We also overview some standardized LDPC codes, the LDPC codes standardized in DVB-S2 and the IEEE802.16e standard LDPC codes. Moreover, we present some research on LDPC coded MIMO systems and HARQ using LDPC codes.
Magnetic light and forbidden photochemistry: the case of singlet oxygen

Most optical processes occurring in nature are based on the well-known selection rules for optical transitions between electronic levels of atoms, molecules, and solids. Since in most situations the magnetic component of light has a negligible contribution, the dipolar electric approximation is generally assumed. However, this traditional understanding is challenged by nanostructured materials, which interact strongly with light and produce very large enhancements of the magnetic field in their surroundings. Here we report on the magnetic response of different metallic nanostructures and their influence on the spectroscopy of molecular oxygen, a paradigmatic example of dipole-forbidden optical transitions in photochemistry.
Experience report: scheme in commercial web application development

Over the past year Untyped has developed some 40'000 lines of Scheme code for a variety of web-based applications, which receive over 10'000 hits a day. This is, to our knowledge, the largest web-based application deployment of PLT Scheme. Our experiences developing with PLT Scheme show that deficiencies in the existing infrastructure can be easily overcome, and we can exploit advanced language features to improve productivity. We conclude that PLT Scheme makes an excellent platform for developing web-based applications, and is competitive with more mainstream choices.
Playing off the curve - testing quantitative predictions of skill acquisition theories in development of chess performance

Learning curves have been proposed as an adequate description of learning processes, no matter whether the processes manifest within minutes or across years. Different mechanisms underlying skill acquisition can lead to differences in the shape of learning curves. In the current study, we analyze the tournament performance data of 1383 chess players who begin competing at young age and play tournaments for at least 10 years. We analyze the performance development with the goal to test the adequacy of learning curves, and the skill acquisition theories they are based on, for describing and predicting expertise acquisition. On the one hand, we show that the skill acquisition theories implying a negative exponential learning curve do a better job in both describing early performance gains and predicting later trajectories of chess performance than those theories implying a power function learning curve. On the other hand, the learning curves of a large proportion of players show systematic qualitative deviations from the predictions of either type of skill acquisition theory. While skill acquisition theories predict larger performance gains in early years and smaller gains in later years, a substantial number of players begin to show substantial improvements with a delay of several years (and no improvement in the first years), deviations not fully accounted for by quantity of practice. The current work adds to the debate on how learning processes on a small time scale combine to large-scale changes.
Decimation filter with Common Spatial Pattern and Fishers Discriminant Analysis for motor imagery classification

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) system converts thoughts into commands for driving external device with Electroencephalography (EEG). This paper presents the use of decimation filters for filtering the EEG signal. Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) technique is used to transform the filtered signal to a new time series in order to have optimal variance for the discrimination of different tasks. Fishers Discriminant Analysis (FDA) is applied to the CSP features and the FDA scores are fed to a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. The method is evaluated on BCI Competition III Dataset IVa and compared with other related state-of-the-art approaches. The results show that our method outperforms all other approaches in terms of average classification error rate. Compared to best performing method that uses only CSP features, the results obtained in this research offer on average a reduction of 1.07% in the classification error rate.
A new control system for space robot based on Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are a new way that can enable information exchange without any movement but just through the mind. This technology improves the communication and control capabilities of human beings with the outside world, which often uses to help disabled people. In recent years, BCIs begin to be explored to assist people in some extreme conditions such as in space to control space robot. However, it is still not very clear that how to operate space robots robustly and flexibly in complex conditions. Furthermore, in order to control space robots more effectively, the combination of multi bio-signals has been rarely reported up to now. This paper introduced a new biological sensing system of space robot based on brain-computer interactive control. We combined multi bio-signals which were electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG) and voice to send the mission control command for the space robot. In the system, biological dry electrode sensors and a microprocessor module were utilized to collect or analyze these bio-signals. The simulating space experiments indicated the reliability, safety and low-power consumption of the space robot control system. Undoubtedly, to the aim of space robot controlling, this study explores a novel way for astronauts getting along with space robots in the outer space.
Large load friction stir welding of Mg–6Al–0.4Mn–2Ca magnesium alloy

ABSTRACT Friction stir welded (FSW) magnesium alloys usually exhibit a lower yield strength and elongation compared with base materials. In this study, large load FSW associated with an extremely low welding speed and rotation rate were applied to a non-combustive Mg–6Al–0.4Mn–2Ca magnesium alloy to modify the microstructure and texture in the weld zone and improve the mechanical properties of the joint. The twin structure in the stir zone provided adequate barriers for dislocation motion for strengthening and created more local sites for nucleating and accommodating dislocations, thereby elevating ductility and strain hardening in the transverse tensile test. The results showed that the yield strength and elongation of the joint were enhanced to 98% and 126% of the base material levels, respectively.
Moderate alcohol consumption and coronary heart disease: a review

Consumption of alcoholic beverages has been a prominent feature of many cultures since the ancient civilisations. Throughout history, the pros and cons of alcohol have been debated. Although the original debates stemmed from the public perception of intoxication, current research has convincingly demonstrated the permanent physiological damage due to prolonged overconsumption. However, the effect of “moderate” alcohol consumption on overall health remains controversial. The beneficial effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system have been touted since the 18th century, but the bulk of scientific research has accumulated over the last few decades. The majority of the literature suggests that alcohol in moderation is beneficial on the cardiovascular system, and excess is detrimental to overall health. The deleterious effects of heavy alcohol consumption on health are numerous: aerodigestive cancers; haemorrhagic stroke and cardiomyopathy; hepatic cirrhosis; fetal alcohol syndrome; fatal car crashes, and suicides. However, these effects have not been documented among light to moderate drinkers. #### Key messages Although the risks substantially outweigh the benefits for heavy consumption, the burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) has tipped the scale in favour of moderate alcohol consumption for overall health. …
Comparison of three instruments used in the assessment of dementia in Sri Lanka

Background: Dementia is poorly recognized even by physicians. This study compares three instruments used to assess dementia in a community setting in Sri Lanka. Method: Translated and culturally adapted versions of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) were administered to 363 individuals selected by stratified random sampling in a periurban community in Sri Lanka. The results on the three instruments were compared with the independent psychiatric evaluation done on a concentrated sample of 37 individuals from the study population. Results: Culturally adapted MMSE, IQCODE and CDR can be used to screen dementia in Sri Lanka. IQCODE is the best among the three instruments with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 82.6% when 3.5 is the cut-off. In addition, IQCODE is culturally acceptable, easy to administer and can be used in those with a low level of literacy as well as in those with hearing or visual impairment. Conclusion: IQCODE was found to be more effective and culturally acceptable as a screening tool for dementia in Sri Lanka, compared with MMSE and CDR.
Identifying the Relative Contributions of Climate and Grazing to Both Direction and Magnitude of Alpine Grassland Productivity Dynamics from 1993 to 2011 on the Northern Tibetan Plateau

Alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau are claimed to be sensitive and vulnerable to climate change and human disturbance. The mechanism, direction and magnitude of climatic and anthropogenic influences on net primary productivity (NPP) of various alpine pastures remain under debate. Here, we simulated the potential productivity (with only climate variables being considered as drivers; NPPP) and actual productivity (based on remote sensing dataset including both climate and anthropogenic drivers; NPPA) from 1993 to 2011. We denoted the difference between NPPP and NPPA as NPPpc to quantify how much forage can be potentially consumed by livestock. The actually consumed productivity (NPPac) by livestock were estimated based on meat production and daily forage consumption per standardized sheep unit. We hypothesized that the gap between NPPpc and NPPac (NPPgap) indicates the direction of vegetation dynamics, restoration or degradation. Our results show that growing season precipitation rather than temperature significantly relates with NPPgap, although warming was significant for the entire study region while precipitation only significantly increased in the northeastern places. On the Northern Tibetan Plateau, 69.05% of available alpine pastures showed a restoration trend with positive NPPgap, and for 58.74% of alpine pastures, stocking rate is suggested to increase in the future because of the positive mean NPPgap and its increasing trend. This study provides a potential framework for regionally regulating grazing management with aims to restore the degraded pastures and sustainable management of the healthy pastures on the Tibetan Plateau.
The Power Distance between Users of Information Technology and Experts and Satisfaction with the Information System: Implication for Cross Cultural Transfer of IT

There is a need for research into Information Technology (IT) transfer from one culture to another. Two of the more important cultural factors which affects IT transfer are power distance and uncertainty avoidance. The IT expert, by virtue of specialized knowledge is in a position of power. The user of information technology may or may not accept the authority of the IT professional. When the user and the expert is in agreement on the issue of power-distance the IT systems provided will be viewed in a more positive light. This hypothesis is tested and confirmed in the present study. A list of twelve statements expressing special IT knowledge and authority was constructed and a sample of IT experts and users were asked to rate their level of agreement with these on a scale 0 to 5. The simple sum of respondent rating was used as a measure of acceptance of IT authority and power. Users were also asked to rate their level of satisfaction with the progress of a new Hospital Information System been implemented. The IT acceptance score of users who were satisfied with implementation progress did not differ from IT personnel but differed significantly from users who were not satisfied with progress. This study has implications for cross culture transfer of IT.
Functional evolutionary history of the mouse Fgf gene family

Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) are polypeptides with diverse activities in development and physiology. The mammalian Fgf family can be divided into the intracellular Fgf11/12/13/14 subfamily (iFGFs), the hormone‐like Fgf15/21/23 subfamily (hFGFs), and the canonical Fgf subfamilies, including Fgf1/2/5, Fgf3/4/6, Fgf7/10/22, Fgf8/17/18, and Fgf9/16/20. However, all Fgfs are evolutionarily related. We propose that an Fgf13‐like gene is the ancestor of the iFgf subfamily and the most likely evolutionary ancestor of the entire Fgf family. Potential ancestors of the canonical and hFgf subfamilies, Fgf4‐, Fgf5‐, Fgf8‐, Fgf9‐, Fgf10‐, and Fgf15‐like, appear to have derived from an Fgf13‐like ancestral gene. Canonical FGFs function in a paracrine manner, while hFGFs function in an endocrine manner. We conclude that the ancestral Fgfs for these subfamilies acquired this functional diversity before the evolution of vertebrates. During the evolution of early vertebrates, the Fgf subfamilies further expanded to contain three or four members in each subfamily. Developmental Dynamics 237:18–27, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post-processing clustering to reduce XCS variability

XCS is a stochastic algorithm, so it does not guarantee to produce the same results when run with the same input. When interpretability matters, obtaining a single, stable result is important. We propose an algorithm to join the rules produced from many XCS runs, based on a measure of distance between rules. We also suggest a general definition for such a measure, and show the results obtained on a complex data set.
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Sialorrhea

Objectives Botulinum toxin has emerged as an effective approach for the management of sialorrhea. This study presents a critical literature review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of botulinum toxin on drooling severity in patients with sialorrhea. Data Sources Ovid MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases. Review Methods The above sources were searched to identify studies examining botulinum toxin for the treatment of sialorrhea. Included studies were randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Excluded studies failed to report quantifiable outcome measures of drooling severity at 4 weeks postintervention. Results Eight studies involving 181 patients (83 placebo; 98 active) were included in the analysis. Botulinum toxin was found to significantly decrease the severity of drooling in patients with sialorrhea (standardized mean difference [SMD], −1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.05 to −1.04; P = .06; I2 = 48%) when compared with placebo control using random effects models. The effect was significant in both adult (SMD, −1.29; 95% CI, −1.88 to −0.71) and pediatric (SMD, −1.84; 95% CI, −2.67 to −1.00) populations. Both botulinum toxin A (SMD, −1.53; 95% CI, −2.27 to −0.79) and B (SMD, −1.56; 95% CI, −2.32 to −0.79) produced similar effects. Botulinum toxin doses greater than 50 U (SMD, −3.81; 95% CI, –6.19 to −1.43) produced much stronger effects compared with doses less than or equal to 50 U (SMD, −1.32; 95% CI, −2.28 to −0.36). Conclusion Botulinum toxin is a clinically effective therapy that improves drooling severity in patients with sialorrhea. Future studies will need to further evaluate the technique and examine dosages required to achieve optimal outcomes.
Contemporary Internet of Things platforms

This document regroups a representative, but non-exhaustive, list of contemporary IoT platforms. The platforms are ordered alphabetically. The aim of this document is to provide the a quick review of current IoT platforms, as well as relevant information. Platform 1: AirVantage TM (https://airvantage.net/) AirVantage TM is a proprietary cloud-based M2M dedicated platform that provides end-to-end solutions to connect wireless enabled devices to their platform. From an user viewpoint, the platform proposes interactive dashboards for device management, and big data storage. The platform uses open source M2M dedicated development tools such as the framework m2m.eclipse. org 1 . Platform 2: Arkessa (http://www.arkessa.com/) Arkessa is a proprietary cloud-based M2M management architecture and IoT platform. It includes the MOSAIC platform that enables devices to be easily connected to many applications. Privacy with third-party applications is done in similar way than Facebook or Linkedin. Ownership of the data remains to the end-user. Arkessa provide a ecosystem of devices and applications providing high flexibility to the end-user. Platform 3: Axeda R (http://www.axeda.com/) Axeda is a proprietary cloud-based platform to enable machine-to-machine (M2M) communication of businesses. Axeda requires the use of a proprietary messaging protocol: Axeda Wireless Protocol (AWP). The platform provide SOAP and RESTful web services that facilitate the development of applications. The platform also provides a Groovy scripting engine to further support the application development. A variety of tools facilitates the mashup of assets’ data and ease the visualization of this data with web-based applications (widgets) within a dashboard.
A Functional Genomics Approach Identifies Candidate Effectors from the Aphid Species Myzus persicae (Green Peach Aphid)

Aphids are amongst the most devastating sap-feeding insects of plants. Like most plant parasites, aphids require intimate associations with their host plants to gain access to nutrients. Aphid feeding induces responses such as clogging of phloem sieve elements and callose formation, which are suppressed by unknown molecules, probably proteins, in aphid saliva. Therefore, it is likely that aphids, like plant pathogens, deliver proteins (effectors) inside their hosts to modulate host cell processes, suppress plant defenses, and promote infestation. We exploited publicly available aphid salivary gland expressed sequence tags (ESTs) to apply a functional genomics approach for identification of candidate effectors from Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), based on common features of plant pathogen effectors. A total of 48 effector candidates were identified, cloned, and subjected to transient overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana to assay for elicitation of a phenotype, suppression of the Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP)–mediated oxidative burst, and effects on aphid reproductive performance. We identified one candidate effector, Mp10, which specifically induced chlorosis and local cell death in N. benthamiana and conferred avirulence to recombinant Potato virus X (PVX) expressing Mp10, PVX-Mp10, in N. tabacum, indicating that this protein may trigger plant defenses. The ubiquitin-ligase associated protein SGT1 was required for the Mp10-mediated chlorosis response in N. benthamiana. Mp10 also suppressed the oxidative burst induced by flg22, but not by chitin. Aphid fecundity assays revealed that in planta overexpression of Mp10 and Mp42 reduced aphid fecundity, whereas another effector candidate, MpC002, enhanced aphid fecundity. Thus, these results suggest that, although Mp10 suppresses flg22-triggered immunity, it triggers a defense response, resulting in an overall decrease in aphid performance in the fecundity assays. Overall, we identified aphid salivary proteins that share features with plant pathogen effectors and therefore may function as aphid effectors by perturbing host cellular processes.
Improved Cache Trace Attack on AES and CLEFIA by Considering Cache Miss and S-box Misalignment

This paper presents an improved Cache trace attack on AES and CLEFIA by considering Cache miss trace information and S-box misalignment. In 2006, O. Aciicmez et al. present a trace driven Cache attack on AES first two rounds, and point out that if the Cache element number of the Cache block is 16, at most 48-bit of AES key can be obtained in the first round attack. Their attack is based on the ideal case when S-box elements are perfected aligned in the Cache block. However, this paper discovers that, the S-box elements are usually misaligned, and due to this feature and by considering Cache miss trace information, about 200 samples are enough to obtain full 128-bit AES key within seconds. In 2010, Chester Rebeiro et al. present the first trace driven Cache attack on C LEFIA by considering Cache hit information and obtain 128bit key with 2 CLEFIA encryptions. In this paper, we present a new attack on CLEFIA by considering Cache miss information and S-box misalignment features, finally successfully obtain CLEFIA-128 key for about 220 samples within seconds.