Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reusability Strategy Based on Dynamic Reusability Object Oriented Metrics

As incredibly expanding our software market scale in diverse areas, reusability is indispensable to rapidly develop good quality of software. Several researches were focusing on model/object/service/product among reusable maturity levels. Most of these researches are based on static analysis. Our approach considers how to enhance reusability on both static & dynamic analysis. To do this, we propose dynamic reusability metrics (DRM), and apply code visualization to identify reusability maturity level of method/class/class-object with inheritance/associations on a software system. On developing a new project with any reusable codes within the legacy software, we expect to reduce time and cost of development, and to enhance productivity of software. Keywords— Reusable unit level; Reusability metrics; Dynamic analysis; Reusability strategy; Code visualization
Soil moisture estimation in Ferlo region ( Senegal ) using radar ( ENVISAT / ASAR ) and optical

The sensitivity of the radar signal to the seasonal dynamics in the Sahel region is a considerable asset for monitoring surface parameters including soil moisture. Given the sensitivity of the radar signal to vegetation mass production, roughness and soil moisture, the main problem has been to estimate the contribution of these three parameters to the signal. This study aims to circumvent this problem by combining radar with optical data. The DMP (Dry Mater Product) extracted from SPOT data allowed to estimate vegetation mass production. Surface roughness was estimated from radar data during the dry season. Because during the dry season, radar signal is only conditioned by soil roughness in this region a Radiative Transfer Model (RTM) was used: it consists in a microwave scattering model of layered vegetation based on the first-order solution of the radiative transfer equation and it accounts for multiple scattering within the canopy, surface roughness of the soil, and the interaction between canopy surface and soil. This model was designed to account for the branch size distribution, leaf orientation distribution, and branch orientation distribution for each size. In this study, the RTM has been calibrated with ESCAT (European Radar Satellite Scatterometer) data, and has been used in order to estimate soil moisture. The results obtained have allowed to track the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil moisture on the one hand, and on the other hand the influence of geology and morphopedology on the spatial dynamics of the soil moisture variability. These results are promising despite the fact that the inversed RTM often faces difficulties to interpret the signal for saturated soils, giving an aberrant value of soil moisture more often than not. 2017 National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncnd/4.0/).
Estimating the Impact of Physician Incentives on Healthcare Utilization : A Structural Misclassification Error M odel

The over-utilization of medical procedures is currently under big debate in the USA . It is well recognized that in the agency relationship between physicians and patie nts, informational advantages give doctors an incentive to deviate from the right treat ment for patients, incurring overor underutilization. However, the empirical consequenc e of this problem has not been adequately considered. In particular, if physicians may alt er the truly required treatment, the observed clinical choice will be misclassi fied, with consequences for unbiasedness and consistency of estimators. In general, empiric al literature that does not consider the misclassification error understates the impact of nonclinical factors on healthcare utilization. Econometric literature has f ocused mainly on the correction for random misclassification, but the measurement error created within the physician-patient relationship is clearly non-random. This paper proposes a structural misclassification error model in which the ph ysician behavior is modeled to characterize the structure of the mismeasurement err or. The model captures the interaction between physician's incentives and patient's he alth status, and returns unbiased and consistent estimators. It also lets us identify the degr ee of physician's incentives to deviate from the true treatment choice (miscla ssific tion probability), and to compute risk-adjusted utilization rates based uniquely on clini cal factors. We apply our model to the cesarean section deliveries in the state of N ew Jersey for the years 1999-2002. Under this particular setup the model tests demand inducement of c-sections. Our results show a moderate but growing degree of inducement of around 3.2%. We estimate that the rapid growth of the c-section rate in New Jersey ove r these years is explained mainly by physician inducement.
Experimental Comparison of MOSFET and JFET 1 . 1 μm Pitch Jots in

This paper reports on the design, characterization, and comparison of MOSFET and (for the first time) JFET-based QIS readout. Each type of specialized pixel (or “jot”) was realized in a 1Mjot array, and 20 different 1Mjot arrays were fabricated together on one stacked BSI chip (20Mjot total).
Cognition on Landscape Spatial Pattern and Landscape Intention of Taikoo Li Commercial Block

Taking Taikoo Li commercial block in Chengdu as the cognitive object, this paper studies the landscape spatial pattern and spatial intention of the block. The results show that the layout of Taikoo Li commercial block is staggered grid, with the lane structure of crisscross space of streets and alleys. The block landscape is rich in picture esthetic sense. Most pedestrians memorize the images in this block through the spatial sequence of the landscape; space nodes with large areas and the symbolic sculptures, fountains and the Ziku tower are the identification points in people’s memory. The integration of traditional western Sichuan dwellings and the modern materials provide people with the impression of the block environment. The research results can provide a reference for the design of outdoor landscape space of commercial blocks.
Can nonbiological brains have real minds of their own ?

From How to Create a Mind by Ray Kurzweil. Copyright © 2012, Ray Kurzweil. Reprinted by arrangement with Viking, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Can nonbiological brains have real minds of their own? In this article, drawn from his latest book, futurist/inventor Ray Kurzweil describes the future of intelligence— artificial and otherwise. T he mammalian brain has a distinct aptitude not found in any other class of animal. We are capable of hierarchical thinking, of understanding a structure composed of diverse elements arranged in a pattern, representing that arrangement with a symbol, and then using that symbol as an element in a yet more elaborate configuration. This capability takes place in a brain structure called the neocortex, which in humans has achieved a threshold of sophistication and capacity such that we are able to call these patterns ideas. We are capable of building ideas that are ever more complex. We call this vast array of recursively linked ideas knowledge. Only Homo sapiens have a knowledge base that itself evolves, grows exponentially, and is passed down from one generation to another.
Privatizing Monopolies in the Telecom Sector-Lessons from the Employee Job Satisfaction Perspective

This paper reports on the results of a study done to find out the impact of privatization on the job satisfaction of 50 full time employees of a public sector telecom company in Oman. The primary data was collected using a job satisfaction questionnaire consisting of 25 questions that were scaled on a five-point Likert-type scale. Overall employee satisfaction was also assessed with a one-item statement. The empirical validation of the employee satisfaction scale was performed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The relationships between the quality dimensions and the dependent variables were examined by means of regression analysis. For each quality dimension we used summed-score measures of their corresponding items. All extracted quality dimensions have a strong significant impact on an overall satisfaction levels, explaining 61% of its variance. The study indicates that most of the respondents are satisfied with their jobs after the privatization of Omantel, as compared to the situation when Omantel was a public sector organization. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that in Oman, there is now a renewed interest in the performance level of the public sector, as they face a more competitive global environment. Future research could look into the impact of privatization on the other variables like tardiness, absenteeism, productivity and customer satisfaction.
Study of Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease [ NAFLD ] by Non Invasive Diagnostic Criteria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are the most common causes of liver disease in western countries. Prevalence of NAFLD is increasing even in developing countries mainly due to the increasing numbers of people with obesity or with metabolic syndrome and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: A total of 50 type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients were evaluated for detailed history, demographic profile, anthropometric measurements, microvascular complications of type 2 DM, routine blood investigations, and tests for current glycemic status (FBS, PP2BS, HbA1C). Patients underwent ultrasonography to detect NAFLD. Serum transaminses (ALT and AST) levels were measured in all patients and ratio of AST/ALT was calculated to see sensitivity and specificity of same in comparision to ultrasonography. Result: NAFLD was found in 32 (64%) patients out of 50 patients of type 2 DM by ultrasonography. Obesity and dyslipidemia, two important components of metabolic syndrome were found to have statistically significant association with occurrence of NAFLD in type 2 DM patients (p value: <0.01). Most of the patients (87.5%) in NAFLD type 2 DM group were having diabetes for more than 5 years so it seems likely that long duration of diabetes is at higher risk to develop NAFLD. There was highly statistically significant inverse relation between metformin therapy and development of NAFLD, (p value:< 0.001). It was noted that uncontrolled HbA1C level has association with increase prevalence of NAFLD (93.75%). type 2 DM patients with microvascular complications are at increased risk of developing NAFLD (p <0.005). Increased ALT levels (Sensitivity 59.38%, and Specificity 94.44%) and AST/ALT ratio less than one (Sensitivity 96.87% and Specificity 77.78%) were observed more frequently in NAFLD patients as compared to AST (Sensitivity 0 and Specificity 100%), so increased ALT and AST/ALT ratio can be used as biochemical marker to detect chronic liver disease such as NAFLD. Conclusion: High prevalence of NAFLD is seen in Indian type 2 DM population. In our study we demonstrated the association between elements of metabolic syndrome, duration of diabetes, increase HbA1C level and microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus with occurrence of NAFLD. Metformin therapy may have protective role in development of NAFLD especially in type 2 DM. Our study also highlighted importance of evaluation of aminotransferases level in type 2 DM, which can be used as marker for chronic liver disease, like NAFLD in type 2 DM.
Three-dimensional optical holography using a plasmonic

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Code Structure Visualization with A ToolChain Method

It is an important issue to deliver high-quality software products with huge-scale codes and shorter time-tomarket. While developers still focus on code-based development across the board, the domestic software industry is witnessing a shift to development/testing process and maturity measurement as a means of implementing highquality software. Yet, the challenging issues of software quality remain rarely addressed, e. g. , invisibility, increasing complexity and unfavorable development environment in small businesses, which impedes proper software quality management. More importantly, existing legacy systems fail to preserve their original design, while their code complexity increases due to more patching of the original codes. To address these problems, we adopted a code visualization technique that substantially reduces the code complexity between modules. To do this, we suggest a tool chaining method based on the existing open source software tools, which extend NIPA’s Software Visualization techniques. More specifically, the proposed technique serves two purposes: 1) rectifying overall bad development habits, and 2) maintaining software codes with visualization with no need for design-related specification and documentation. This paper presents how to visualize the inner structure of codes and how to improve the quality of software codes using the proposed Tool-Chain. In addition, refactoring is used to fix bad coupling of the quality measurement indicators in code visualization. As a result, it is possible to quantitatively analyze source codes and rectify developers’ bad smells. Ultimately, the proposed method is conducive to delivering high-quality software products.
Distinct Cell Cycle Timing Requirements for Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signaling Pathways in Somatic Cell Mitosis

ABSTRACT Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways are necessary for cell cycle progression into S phase; however the importance of these pathways after the restriction point is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the regulation and function of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and PI3K during G2/M in synchronized HeLa and NIH 3T3 cells. Phosphorylation and activation of both the MAP kinase kinase/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways occur in late S and persist until the end of mitosis. Signaling was rapidly reversed by cell-permeable inhibitors, indicating that both pathways are continuously activated and rapidly cycle between active and inactive states during G2/M. The serum-dependent behavior of PI3K/Akt versus ERK pathway activation indicates that their mechanisms of regulation differ during G2/M. Effects of cell-permeable inhibitors and dominant-negative mutants show that both pathways are needed for mitotic progression. However, inhibiting the PI3K pathway interferes with cdc2 activation, cyclin B1 expression, and mitotic entry, whereas inhibiting the ERK pathway interferes with mitotic entry but has little effect on cdc2 activation and cyclin B1 and retards progression from metaphase to anaphase. Thus, our study provides novel evidence that ERK and PI3K pathways both promote cell cycle progression during G2/M but have different regulatory mechanisms and function at distinct times.
Daily torpor and hibernation in birds and mammals

Many birds and mammals drastically reduce their energy expenditure during times of cold exposure, food shortage, or drought, by temporarily abandoning euthermia, i.e. the maintenance of high body temperatures. Traditionally, two different types of heterothermy, i.e. hypometabolic states associated with low body temperature (torpor), have been distinguished: daily torpor, which lasts less than 24 h and is accompanied by continued foraging, versus hibernation, with torpor bouts lasting consecutive days to several weeks in animals that usually do not forage but rely on energy stores, either food caches or body energy reserves. This classification of torpor types has been challenged, suggesting that these phenotypes may merely represent extremes in a continuum of traits. Here, we investigate whether variables of torpor in 214 species (43 birds and 171 mammals) form a continuum or a bimodal distribution. We use Gaussian‐mixture cluster analysis as well as phylogenetically informed regressions to quantitatively assess the distinction between hibernation and daily torpor and to evaluate the impact of body mass and geographical distribution of species on torpor traits. Cluster analysis clearly confirmed the classical distinction between daily torpor and hibernation. Overall, heterothermic endotherms tend to be small; hibernators are significantly heavier than daily heterotherms and also are distributed at higher average latitudes (∼35°) than daily heterotherms (∼25°). Variables of torpor for an average 30 g heterotherm differed significantly between daily heterotherms and hibernators. Average maximum torpor bout duration was >30‐fold longer, and mean torpor bout duration >25‐fold longer in hibernators. Mean minimum body temperature differed by ∼13°C, and the mean minimum torpor metabolic rate was ∼35% of the basal metabolic rate (BMR) in daily heterotherms but only 6% of BMR in hibernators. Consequently, our analysis strongly supports the view that hibernators and daily heterotherms are functionally distinct groups that probably have been subject to disruptive selection. Arguably, the primary physiological difference between daily torpor and hibernation, which leads to a variety of derived further distinct characteristics, is the temporal control of entry into and arousal from torpor, which is governed by the circadian clock in daily heterotherms, but apparently not in hibernators.
Quality Evaluation for Visual Localization

A variety of end-user devices involving keypointbased mapping systems are about to hit the market e.g. as part of smartphones, cars, robotic platforms, or virtual and augmented reality applications. Thus, the generated map data requires automated evaluation procedures that do not require experienced personnel or ground truth knowledge of the underlying environment. A particularly important question enabling commercial applications is whether a given map is of sufficient quality for localization. This paper proposes a framework for predicting localization performance in the context of visual landmark-based mapping. Specifically, we propose an algorithm for predicting performance of vision-based localization systems from different poses within the map. To achieve this, a metric is defined that assigns a score to a given query pose based on the underlying map structure. The algorithm is evaluated on two challenging datasets involving indoor data generated using a handheld device and outdoor data from an autonomous fixedwing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Using these, we are able to show that the score provided by our method is highly correlated to the true localization performance. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the predicted map quality can be used within a belief based path planning framework in order to provide reliable trajectories through high-quality areas of the
Clean Teacher model Future target and associated clean data Transfer Learning Student data including Infected Student Model Latent Backdoor trigger Teacher Training Student Training Latent Backdoor Injected Live Backdoor Activated Backdoor Injection Progress Infected Teacher Model

Recent work has proposed the concept of backdoor attacks on deep neural networks (DNNs), where misbehaviors are hidden inside “normal” models, only to be triggered by very specific inputs. In practice, however, these attacks are difficult to perform and highly constrained by sharing of models through transfer learning. Adversaries have a small window during which they must compromise the student model before it is deployed. In this paper, we describe a significantly more powerful variant of the backdoor attack, latent backdoors, where hidden rules can be embedded in a single “Teacher” model, and automatically inherited by all “Student” models through the transfer learning process. We show that latent backdoors can be quite effective in a variety of application contexts, and validate its practicality through real-world attacks against traffic sign recognition, iris identification of lab volunteers, and facial recognition of public figures (politicians). Finally, we evaluate 4 potential defenses, and find that only one is effective in disrupting latent backdoors, but might incur a cost in classification accuracy as tradeoff.
Transcription activator‐like effector nuclease (TALEN)‐mediated female‐specific sterility in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Engineering sex‐specific sterility is critical for developing transgene‐based sterile insect technology. Targeted genome engineering achieved by customized zinc‐finger nuclease, transcription activator‐like effector nuclease (TALEN) or clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats/Cas9 systems has been exploited extensively in a variety of model organisms; however, screening mutated individuals without a detectable phenotype is still challenging. In addition, genetically recessive mutations only detectable in homozygotes make the experiments time‐consuming. In the present study, we model a novel genetic system in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, that results in female‐specific sterility by combining transgenesis with TALEN technologies. This system induces sex‐specific sterility at a high efficiency by targeting the female‐specific exon of the B. mori doublesex (Bmdsx) gene, which has sex‐specific splicing isoforms regulating somatic sexual development. Transgenic animals co‐expressing TALEN left and right arms targeting the female‐specific Bmdsx exon resulted in somatic mutations and female mutants lost fecundity because of lack of egg storage and abnormal external genitalia. The wild‐type sexual dimorphism of abdominal segment was not evident in mutant females. In contrast, there were no deleterious effects in mutant male moths. The current somatic TALEN technologies provide a promising approach for future insect functional genetics, thus providing the basis for the development of attractive genetic alternatives for insect population management.
A New Type of Combination Synchronization among Multiple Chaotic Systems

Based on former combination synchronization studies, a new type of combination synchronization approach is developed in this research, with the consideration of parallel combination of drive systems. This new synchronization approach is referred to as combination synchronization-II. As a representative case, the combination synchronization-II between three drive systems and one response system is studied. Applying Lyapunov stability theorem and active backstepping design, sufficient conditions for the proposed combination synchronization approach are derived. Numerical simulations are performed to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach. Based on the investigation in this research, the proposed approach provides an applicable method for designing universal combination synchronization among multiple chaotic systems.
Isolation of Halotolerant Thermus spp. from Submarine Hot Springs in Iceland

Thermophilic, aerobic bacteria of the genus Thermus were isolated from submarine alkaline hot springs in Iceland. Five submarine hot springs were sampled, and all had viable counts of Thermus spp. of about 103 CFU/ml. All submarine strains grew in the presence of NaCl at 3% or higher, but no strains from terrestrial hot springs would grow at concentrations higher than 1% NaCl. The growth rate of submarine Thermus strains was not stimulated by NaCl and was reduced at NaCl concentrations higher than 1%. The pattern of growth of these isolates on single carbon sources was similar to that of terrestrial isolates.