Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: Guide to Bird & Nature Photography

Examining the range of cameras available, this book advises on the features and accessories which are most useful to both the snap-happy nature rambler or dedicated wildlife photographer. It explains the basics of using the equipment, more advanced and creative photographic techniques, and the field skills which are essential to putting all this knowledge effectively into practice. This includes knowing how to cope with adverse weather conditions, stalking or baiting your subject, remote control photography, and working from a vehicle. The author's own photographs illustrate the book throughout, including colour shots of wild flowers and butterflies, detailed close-ups, atmospheric landscapes, creative abstracts, dramatic black-and-whites, rare mammals, trees, rivers, fungi, and birds seen at rest and in flight. Laurie Campbell was "BBC Wildlife"'s Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 1992.
Statistica Sinica Preprint No: SS-2020-0287

: In semi-supervised learning, a training sample is comprised of both labeled and unla-2 beled instances from each class under consideration. In practice, an important yet challenging 3 issue is the detection of novel classes that may be absent from the training sample. In this article, 4 we focus on a binary situation in which labeled instances come from the positive class whereas 5 unlabeled instances from both classes. Particularly, we propose a semi-supervised large margin 6 classiﬁer to learn the negative (novel) class based on pseudo-data iteratively generated using 7 an estimated model. Numerically, we employ an eﬃcient algorithm to implement the proposed 8 method with the hinge-loss and ψ -loss functions. Theoretically, we derive a learning theory for 9 the new classiﬁer to quantify the misclassiﬁcation error. Finally, numerical analysis demonstrates 10 that the proposed method compares favorably on simulated examples and is highly competitive 11 against its competitors on benchmark examples. 12
Solving Random Quadratic Systems of Equations Is Nearly as Easy as Solving Linear Systems

We consider the fundamental problem of solving quadratic systems of equations in yi=|〈ai,x〉|2, i=1,…,m , and x∈ℝn is unknown. We propose a novel method, which starts with an initial guess computed by means of a spectral method and proceeds by minimizing a nonconvex functional as in the Wirtinger flow approach [13]. There are several key distinguishing features, most notably a distinct objective functional and novel update rules, which operate in an adaptive fashion and drop terms bearing too much influence on the search direction. These careful selection rules provide a tighter initial guess, better descent directions, and thus enhanced practical performance. On the theoretical side, we prove that for certain unstructured models of quadratic systems, our algorithms return the correct solution in linear time, i.e., in time proportional to reading the data {ai} and {yi} as soon as the ratio m/n between the number of equations and unknowns exceeds a fixed numerical constant. We extend the theory to deal with noisy systems in which we only have yi≈|〈ai,x〉|2 and prove that our algorithms achieve a statistical accuracy, which is nearly unimprovable. We complement our theoretical study with numerical examples showing that solving random quadratic systems is both computationally and statistically not much harder than solving linear systems of the same size—hence the title of this paper. For instance, we demonstrate empirically that the computational cost of our algorithm is about four times that of solving a least squares problem of the same size. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward Convective-Scale Prediction within the Next Generation Global Prediction System

The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) has developed a new variable-resolution global model with the ability to represent convective-scale features that serves as a prototype of the Next Generation Global Prediction System (NGGPS). The goal of this prediction system is to maintain the skill in large-scale features while simultaneously improving the prediction skill of convectively driven mesoscale phenomena. This paper demonstrates the new capability of this model in convective-scale prediction relative to the current operational Global Forecast System (GFS). This model uses the stretched-grid functionality of the Finite-Volume Cubed-Sphere Dynamical Core (FV3) to refine the global 13-km uniform-resolution model down to 4-km convection-permitting resolution over the contiguous United States (CONUS), and implements the GFDL single-moment 6-category cloud microphysics to improve the representation of moist processes. Statistics gathered from two years of simulations by the GFS and select configurations of the FV3-based model are carefully examined. The variable-resolution FV3-based model is shown to possess global forecast skill comparable with that of the operational GFS while quantitatively improving skill and better representing the diurnal cycle within the high-resolution area compared to the uniform mesh simulations. Forecasts of the occurrence of extreme precipitation rates over the southern Great Plains are also shown to improve with the variable-resolution model. Case studies are provided of a squall line and a hurricane to demonstrate the effectiveness of the variable-resolution model to simulate convective-scale phenomena.
Design and Evaluation of an Antenna Applicator for a Microwave Colonoscopy System

This paper presents a design of a compact antenna applicator for a microwave colonoscopy system. Although colonoscopy is the most effective method for colorectal cancer detection, it suffers from important visualization restrictions that limit its performance. We recently reported that the contrast between healthy mucosa and cancer was 30%–100% for the relative permittivity and conductivity, respectively, at 8 GHz, and the complex permittivity increased proportionally to the degeneration rate of polyps (cancer precursors). The applicator is designed as a compact cylindrical array of eight antennas attached at the tip of a conventional colonoscope. The design presented here is a proof-of-concept applicator composed by one transmitting and one receiving cavity-backed U-shaped slot antenna elements fed by an L-shaped microstrip line. The antennas are low profile and present a high isolation at 8 GHz. The antenna performance is assessed with simulations and experimentally with a phantom composed by different liquids.
Sovereign debt with adverse selection : a quantitative approach

We construct a dynamic equilibrium model to quantitatively study sovereign debt with contingent services and country risk spreads such that the benefits of defaulting are tempered by higher interest rates in the future. For a wide range of parameters, the only equilibrium of the model is one in which the sovereign defaults in all states, unless defaulting incurs additional costs. Due to the adverse selection problem, some countries choose to delay default in order to reduce reputation loss. Although equilibria with no default imply in greater welfare levels, they are not sustainable in the highly indebted and volatile countries. * We thank Rafael Di Tella, Julio Rotemberg and Samuel Pessoa for valuable comments and suggestions. ** Harvard Business School, Boston, MA 02163; Tel: 617-495-7981; Fax: 617-496-5985; E-mail: lalfaro@hbs.edu ** FEA/USPDept Economics, Univ. of Sao Paulo. Tel: (011) 55-818-5915. Fax: (011) 55-818-6073. E-mail: kanczuk@usp.br.
Negotiating Meaning: How Spanish-Speaking Mothers Make Sense of the Construct of Parental Involvement

Parental involvement has been at the forefront of many studies leading to the conclusion that increased parental involvement improves academic achievement. Despite findings suggesting the benefits of parental involvement, research reveals a lack of parental involvement among Spanish-speaking parents. The overarching objective of this qualitative case study was to explore how Spanish-speaking mothers make sense of the construct of parental involvement. This qualitative study was comprised of three cases: one Guatemalan mother and two Honduran mothers each with children attending elementary school. My methodology allowed me to explore and depict historical and sociocultural factors that influence how the mothers view their role in their children‟s education. I collected data through semi-structured interviews, informal observations, and extensive fieldnotes and I conducted on-going analysis on these data. Data provide evidence that the mothers in the study hold a different perspective of parental involvement from that of school personnel. Their views stem directly from their own historical and cultural knowledge, which differs from that of middle-class, White Americans. They are involved in their children‟s overall education in ways not acknowledged by educators.
Perspectives on Theory U: Insights from the Field

This contribution focuses on the connection between Scharmer’s Theory U and individual coaching. How can Theory U be used in coaching for supporting transformational learning in coachees? First, the authors present an approach called Core Reflection. In this approach, Theory U is linked to specific levels of reflection and awareness, described by the so-called “onion model. ” Through the use of Core Reflection, the personal and professional aspects of both inner processes and performance become connected. Two research studies on the use of coaching based on Core Reflection with teachers show its strong impact on practitioners, clarifying how it can promote deep learning and strengths-based performance, even in situations experienced by the coachee as problematic. The authors conclude that the Core Reflection approach is a practical and effective method for helping people move through Scharmer’s U model and for transformational learning. The research also sheds light on an overlooked area within Theory U: The illumination of people’s core qualities. Fred A. J. Korthagen Utrecht University, The Netherlands Annemarieke Hoekstra Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada Paulien C. Meijer Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Malware Capability Assessment using Fuzzy Logic

Abstract The recent spike in malware dissemination rate in various striving organizations necessitate the stringent demand for the establishment of suitable counter-measures for safeguarding Information Technology assets against customized malware attacks. The Anti-virus (AV) communities perform a vital role in the threat management of such dissemination by detecting new malware in the wild and assigning labels to them. However during an extensive study conducted on malware, a huge heterogeneity in their categorization has been observed. It adversely affects research communities, business organizations, and AV companies as this creates confusion and difficulty to study malicious programs. Thus, there is an immediate need of a system where malware is determined not on the basis of their ‘confusing’ names given by AV vendors but by its activities so that its damage potential on the victim machine can be determined. This paper presents malware naming conventions being used by AV vendors and characterizes malware capabilities on the basis of their characteristic features obtained after performing static and dynamic malware analysis. It proposes a novel technique, an initiative to solve the issue of inconsistencies that will assess the level of different capabilities of a malware using Fuzzy logic paradigm. This approach would remove the misunderstandings and confusion that arises due to inconsistent naming convention and improve clarity towards their mature and new attributes. The proposed approach is tested on a set of well-known real malware samples and the results obtained are compared with that of fuzzy clustering.
Assessment of the psychometric properties of the AQoL-4D questionnaire in Kannada language for use with adults with hearing loss

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to validate the translated (Kannada language) version of the Assessment of Quality of Life-4 Dimensions (AQoL-4D) questionnaire for use in Kannada speaking adults with hearing loss. Design: The study involved a cross-sectional survey design. The original (English) and the translated versions of the AQoL-4D questionnaire along with two other questionnaires, that is, the Hearing Handicap Questionnaire and the Participation Scale were self-administered by the study participants. The Kannada AQoL-4D was filled in twice by roughly 50% of the study sample in two sessions that were 15 d apart. Study sample: In total, 103 Kannada–English biliterate adults with hearing loss participated in the study. Results: Overall analysis involved testing the factor structure and various psychometric properties including the internal consistency, discriminant validity, convergent validity and possible floor/ceiling effects. The factor analysis indicated a four-factor structure, and the overall results showed acceptable psychometric properties of the scores of the full scale. However, poor internal consistency was obtained for three out of the four subscales extracted from the questionnaire. Conclusion: Based on the internal consistency of the subscales, we recommend using either the full scale or only the first subscale in Kannada speaking adults with hearing loss.
Experimental Study on Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Dry and Saturated Basalt Columnar Joints under Uniaxial Compression and Tensile Damage

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of dry and saturated basalt columnar joints under uniaxial compression and tensile damage by using the TAW-2000 rock experiment system and SH-IIAE system for the whole loading. The results show that the softening coefficient of uniaxial compressive strength and the tensile strength was 0.78 and 0.68, respectively, and water increases the sample complexity and has a strong effect on its strength. The dry sample under uniaxial compression at the beginning of loading produced a large number of AE signals, and the AE signal showed steady growth as the load increased, but the sample destruction occurred during the blank period, which can be used as a precursor of instability. From the amplitude-time-energy diagram, it can be found that as amplitude increases with hit, energy decreases, which shows an obvious triangle relation. From the uniaxial compression damage AE location map, we can find that AE events exist disorderly and show scattered distribution in each area. From the failure modes and sections of tension and uniaxial compression tests, it is found that there are many layers and fissures in rock samples, which are consistent with AE location.
DEPARTMENT OF DECISION SCIENCES AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (KBI)

This paper describes a combinatorial auction design for real-estate markets where floor space (in a multi-storeyed building) is to be allocated to various interested parties. Our design is based on lab experiments that provide guidance in choices regarding pricing, feedback, and activity rules. In addition, the allocation needs to satisfy several municipal and building regulations. We show how these regulations can be included in an integer program that is used to solve the winner determination problem, and discuss its computational complexity. Finally, we report on a practical application of this design, where over one hundred bidders took part in the first combinatorial auction for housing space, in a newly erected building in Amsterdam (the Netherlands).
Critical review of the follow-up protocol for head and neck cancer patients

Abstract Objective Head and neck cancer follow-up length, interval and content are controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the follow-up protocol after curative treatment in head and neck cancer patients. Method Clinical data of 456 patients with new malignancy of the head and neck from a tertiary care centre district from 1999 to 2008 were analysed. Time from treatment, symptoms and second-line treatment outcomes of patients with recurrent disease were evaluated. Results A total of 94 (22 per cent) patients relapsed during the 5-year follow-up period; 90 per cent of recurrences were found within 3 years. Fifty-six per cent of the patients had subjective symptoms indicating a recurrence of the tumour. All recurrent tumours found during routine follow-up visits without symptoms were found within 34 months after completion of treatment. Conclusion Routine follow up after three years is questionable; recurrent disease beyond this point was detected in only 2 per cent of patients. In this study, all late tumour recurrences had symptoms of the disease. Easy access to extra follow-up visits when symptoms occur could cover the need for late follow up.
Optimal location and sizing of distributed generation units for maximum loss reduction using Teaching Learning Based Optimization through Matlab GUI

Optimal placement of distributed generation in a distribution system is a problem which involves the optimization of both discrete and continuous variables. In radial distribution network, distributed generation (DG) plays a crucial role in satisfying the demands of electrical energy. It is a small generating plant which supports the distribution network by minimizing system power losses, improving the stability and voltage of the network. In this paper, Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) technique is used for finding optimal DG locations and sizes simultaneously. The main goal is to achieve substantial improvement in the voltage profile and significant reduction in network power losses. The TLBO is inspired by the influence of the teaching by the teacher on the students in a class. In this paper, GUI is developed in Matlab to perform load flow and to also obtain optimal locations and capacities of DG units. The proposed method was tested on IEEE 15 bus, 33 bus and 69 bus systems and the results were discussed.
Six Thinking Hats

YOUR SUCCESS IN BUSINESS DEPENDS ON HOW WELL YOU THINK Six Thinking Hats can help you think better-with its practical and uniquely positive approach to making decisions and exploring new ideas. It is an approach that thousands of business managers, educators, and government leaders around the world have already adopted with great success. "The main difficulty of thinking is confusion," writes Edward de Bono, long recognized as the foremost international authority on conceptual thinking and on the teaching of thinking as a skill. "We try to do too much at once. Emotions, information, logic, hope, and creativity all crowd in on us. It is like juggling with too many balls. " The solution? De Bono unscrambles the thinking process with his "six thinking hats": * WHITE HAT: neutral and objective, concerned with facts and figures * RED HAT: the emotional view * BLACK HAT: careful and cautious, the "devil's advocate" hat * YELLOW HAT: sunny and positive * GREEN HAT: associated with fertile growth, creativity, and new ideas * BLUE HAT: cool, the color of the sky, above everything else-the organizing hat Through case studies and real-life examples, Dr. de Bono reveals the often surprising ways in which deliberate role playing can make you a better thinker. He offers a powerfully simple tool that you-and your business, whether it's a start-up or a major corporation-can use to create a climate of clearer thinking, improved communication, and greater creativity. His book is an instructive and inspiring text for anyone who makes decisions, in business or in life.
Synchronization in dynamic network using threshold control approach

Synchronization in time-varying (i.e., dynamic) network has been explored using different types of couplings during the last two decades. In this paper, we consider a dynamic network where the spatial position of each node decides the number of nodes with which it interacts. We analytically derive the density-dependent threshold of coupling strength for synchrony using linear stability analysis and numerically verify the obtained results. We use two paradigmatic chaotic systems, namely the Rössler and Lorenz models to affirm our claims.
Association between Subcortical Lesions and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Background/Aims: The most devastating features of Alz-heimer's disease (AD) are often the behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD). There is controversy as to whether subcortical lesions contribute to BPSD. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BPSD and subcortical lesions (white-matter lesions and lacunes) in AD. Methods: CT or MRI from 259 patients with mild-to-moderate AD were assessed with the Age-Related White Matter Changes scale. Linear measures of global and temporal atrophy and Mini-Mental State Examination scores were used to adjust for AD pathology and disease severity in logistic regression models with the BPSD items delusions, hallucinations, agitation, depression, anxiety, apathy and irritability. Results: Lacunes in the left basal ganglia were asso-ciated with delusions (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.21-5.48) and hallucinations (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.38-8.01) and lacunes in the right basal ganglia were associated with depression (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.01-4.51). Conclusion: Lacunes in the basal ganglia resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of delusions, hallucinations and depression, when adjusting for cognition and atrophy. This suggests that basal ganglia lesions can contribute to BPSD in patients with AD, independently of the AD process.
Estimation and Classification through Regression with Variable Selection amongst Features Extracted from Multi-Spectral Images - Estimation of moisture content in sand & Identification of Penicillium fungi

This report deals with identification of three different species of Penicillium fungi and estimation of moisture content in sand used to make concrete. Multi-spectral images of 9 or 18 bands are used to analyze samples of sand and fungi, respectively. The project covers the image acquisition of the samples, the identification of Regions Of Interest (ROIs) in the images, the feature extraction from the ROIs, and classification or es-timation based on the extracted features. The number of features extracted is much larger than the number of observations and the dimensionality is therefore a big issue in the analysis of the data. Traditional multivariate, statistical methods for variable selection, decomposition, classification, and regression are compared to newer methods that select variables and/or perform coefficient shrinkage within the regression. Dummy variables are constructed to use the newer methods for classification.
Evaluation of different methods for spatial analysis of Cobalt fractions in the Indo-Gangetic Alluvial Plains

Surface samples from 72 locations at a grid of 10 km x 10 km, from a part of the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain of Rohtak district were collected and analysed for exchangeable cobalt (Exch-Co), and carbonate cobalt (Carb-Co) having CY values 37 and 61 per cent, respectively. Both the forms of cobalt were normally distributed. The semivariograms were unbounded and expressed by power function regression models with r=0.893 (Exch-Co) and r=0.807 (Carb-Co). The isorithmic (con­ tour) maps prepared by block kriging were smoother than the point kriged maps. The estimation variance and sample size by block kriging was lower than classical and point kriging models.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0

W3C published the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 (WCAG 1.0) as a Recommendation in May 1999. This Working Draft for version 2.0 builds on WCAG 1.0. It has the same aim: explain how to make Web content accessible to people with disabilities. Incorporating feedback on WCAG 1.0, this Working Draft of version 2.0 focuses on checkpoints. It attempts to apply checkpoints to a wider range of technologies and to use wording that may be understood by a more varied audience.