Deep Machine Learning with Spatio-Temporal Inference

Deep Machine Learning (DML) refers to methods which utilize hierarchies of more than one or two layers of computational elements to achieve learning. DML may draw upon biomemetic models, or may be simply biologically-inspired. Regardless, these architectures seek to employ hierarchical processing as means of mimicking the ability of the human brain to process a myriad of sensory data and make meaningful decisions based on this data. In this dissertation we present a novel DML architecture which is biologically-inspired in that (1) all processing is performed hierarchically; (2) all processing units are identical; and (3) processing captures both spatial and temporal dependencies in the observations to organize and extract features suitable for supervised learning. We call this architecture Deep Spatio-Temporal Inference Network (DeSTIN). In this framework, patterns observed in pixel data at the lowest layer of the hierarchy are organized and fit to generalizations using decomposition algorithms. Subsequent spatial layers draw upon previous layers, their own temporal observations and beliefs, and the observations and beliefs of parent nodes to extract features suitable for supervised learning using standard classifiers such as feedforward neural networks. Hence, DeSTIN is viewed as an unsupervised feature extraction scheme in the sense that rather than relying on human engineering to determine features for a particular problem, DeSTIN naturally constructs features of interest by representing salient regularities in the patterns observed. Detailed discussion and analysis of the DeSTIN framework is provided, including focus on its key components of generalization through online clustering and temporal inference. We present a variety of implementation details, including static and dynamic learning formulations, and function approximation methods. Results on standardized datasets of handwritten digits as well as face and optic nerve detection are presented, illustrating the efficacy of the proposed approach

Binding of cytohesin 2 to the plasma membrane and its relationship with the EGFR

Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalized by lipid membranes to achieve the spatial separation of biological processes and signaling pathways. Controlled trafficking of proteins between these compartments as well as the recruitment of proteins to the membranes themselves are crucial for trouble-free function of the cell. Previous research has revealed several possibilities for interaction between proteins and membranes. Phosphoinositides can specifically interact with certain protein domains, anionic lipids attract positively charged protein domains by electrostatic force and lipids can even be attached to proteins post-translationally to enable integration into the membrane. This work focuses on the guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARNO, a multidomain protein that activates small GTPases like Arf6 and therefore is directly involved in the vesicle trafficking machinery of the cell. In its autoinhibited form, ARNO is localized in the cytoplasm, whereas recruitment to the plasma membrane is a prerequisite for its activation of Arf. So far, research has been centered on the interaction of the PH-domain and the PBR-domain of ARNO with artificial membrane systems. To expand these findings and account for the enormous complexity of the inner leaflet of the cellular plasma membrane, in this study, membrane sheets are employed. The ability of a variety of protein constructs consisting of different ARNO domains to bind to these sheets is analyzed. It seems that the different domains of ARNO aid to the interaction with the membrane in a cooperative manner. While the PH-domain is absolutely required for association with the membrane, it is not sufficient for sequestration of ARNO in the membrane. Moreover, its interaction with the phosphoinositides could be altered by the concentration of calcium in the binding buffer. Hypothetically, this might be due to the formation of PIP-bridges permitted by the crosslinking of individual PIP molecules by the Ca2+ ions. This results in a loss of accessibility of the PIPs for binding by the ARNO PH-domain. In this work, binding studies of the other ARNO domains conclusively show that the PBR-domain, the Sec7-domain as well as the coiled-coil domain participate in plasma membrane binding. Moreover, dimerization of ARNO also improves its binding ability, most probably by an increase of the local avidity. Once bound to the plasma membrane, ARNO proteins form clusters. Brightfield as well as STED microscopy reveals that these overlap with clusters of the endogenous EGFR to a non-random degree. Having observed this colocalization, a possible biological relationship between ARNO and the EGFR is assessed. Overexpression of ARNO in HeLa cells results in a tendency towards increased activation of the EGFR after stimulation with EGF. Upon activation, the EGFR can be translocated to the nucleus by retrograde endosomal trafficking. Its JM-domain of the EGFR has been proposed as a possible binding partner for ARNO in previous studies and contains the nuclear localization signal of the EGFR. This work explores in how far overexpression or inhibition of ARNO influences the nuclear translocation of the EGFR. However, this does not seem to be the case

The impact of rehabilitation on the functioning of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study

Background. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurologic disorder during which results in a progressive deterioration of motor function. Rehabilitation is one of the elements of symptomatic treatment in patients with ALS. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of rehabilitation on the functioning of ALS patients in terms of daily living activities. Material and methods. Ten ALS patients participated in this pilot study. The study involved completing a questionnaire by the patient. The questionnaire consisted of 5 parts: general information of the patient, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS), the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale — Modified Version (HADS-M) and the part assessing the impact of rehabilitation on the patient’s functioning. Results. Most patients reported that rehabilitation was helping them breathe, reduced pain and improved sleep quality. An improvement in mental state was also observed in most patients. According to the responses provided by the patients, the treatment often led to hardly any or no improvement at all in terms of such activities as: walking, walking up and down the stairs, writing or preparing meals. Conclusions. Rehabilitation should be an element of symptomatic treatment provided to patients with ALS, at least because it has been shown to improve their mental state, although in many cases therapy has very little effect overall. The information provided in this paper may be of value for carers and physiotherapists working with the patients, as it may enable them to increase the effectiveness of their decisions to improve the patients’ comfort and quality of life.Background. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurologic disorder during which results in a progressive deterioration of motor function. Rehabilitation is one of the elements of symptomatic treatment in patients with ALS. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of rehabilitation on the functioning of ALS patients in terms of daily living activities. Material and methods. Ten ALS patients participated in this pilot study. The study involved completing a questionnaire by the patient. The questionnaire consisted of 5 parts: general information of the patient, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS), the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale — Modified Version (HADS-M) and the part assessing the impact of rehabilitation on the patient’s functioning.Results. Most patients reported that rehabilitation was helping them breathe, reduced pain and improved sleep quality. An improvement in mental state was also observed in most patients. According to the responses provided by the patients, the treatment often led to hardly any or no improvement at all in terms of such activities as: walking, walking up and down the stairs, writing or preparing meals. Conclusions. Rehabilitation should be an element of symptomatic treatment provided to patients with ALS, at least because it has been shown to improve their mental state, although in many cases therapy has very little effect overall. The information provided in this paper may be of value for carers and physiotherapists working with the patients, as it may enable them to increase the effectiveness of their decisions to improve the patients’ comfort and quality of life

Identity masking effectiveness and gesture recognition: Effects of eye enhancement in seeing through the mask

Face identity masking algorithms developed in recent years aim to protect the privacy of people in video recordings. These algorithms are designed to interfere with identification, while preserving information about facial actions. An important challenge is to preserve subtle actions in the eye region, while obscuring the salient identity cues from the eyes. We evaluated the effectiveness of identity-masking algorithms based on Canny filters, applied with and without eye enhancement, for interfering with identification and preserving facial actions. In Experiments 1 and 2, we tested human participants' ability to match the facial identity of a driver in a low resolution video to a high resolution facial image. Results showed that both masking methods impaired identification, and that eye enhancement did not alter the effectiveness of the Canny filter mask. In Experiment 3, we tested action preservation and found that neither method interfered significantly with driver action perception. We conclude that relatively simple, filter-based masking algorithms, which are suitable for application to low quality video, can be used in privacy protection without compromising action perception.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figure

News Sharing in Social Media: A Review of Current Research on News Sharing Users, Content, and Networks

This article provides a review of scientific, peer-reviewed articles that examine the relationship between news sharing and social media in the period from 2004 to 2014. A total of 461 articles were obtained following a literature search in two databases (Communication & Mass Media Complete [CMMC] and ACM), out of which 109 were deemed relevant based on the study’s inclusion criteria. In order to identify general tendencies and to uncover nuanced findings, news sharing research was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Three central areas of research—news sharing users, content, and networks—were identified and systematically reviewed. In the central concluding section, the results of the review are used to provide a critical diagnosis of current research and suggestions on how to move forward in news sharing research

Effect of Ti Nspire on Resource Algebra Students’ Mathematics Achievement and Attitude

The use of the calculator in a mathematics class has been studied and debated since the calculator was first introduced into the classroom. As the technology of calculators have evolved into interactive learning tools, little research could be found about the effects of an interactive calculator on the mathematical achievement and attitudes of students with disabilities. To determine if the TI Nspire handheld calculator is effective in increasing mathematical achievement and attitudes of students with disabilities, a qualitative-dominant mixed method approach was used. Interviews with an Algebra I teacher of students with disabilities were held to determine the teacher’s perception of teaching with the TI Nspire. Interviews with students in Resource Algebra I classes were held to ascertain the mathematical attitudes of the students while pre- and post-test scores from students at the beginning and end of the course were analyzed quantifiably. Pre- and post-tests from the control group were administered during the second half of their Algebra I course. The intervention group were administered the pre- and post-tests during the first half of their Algebra I course with an additional pre-test given at the beginning of the second half of their Algebra I course. Analysis resulted in no statistically significant differences; however, with effect sizes of Cohen’s d between 0.121 and 0.541, a level of practical significance was found. Interviews with six students from the control group and eight students from the intervention group were held to ascertain student attitudes towards mathematics. Statements from the interviews were coded as positive, negative, and neutral. Results determined the overall statements provided by the intervention group contained 6% more positive than negative statements. Statements provided by the control group were more negative than positive by 2%. A pre-intervention and post-intervention interview was conducted with the teacher of the Algebra I classes. Statements provided by the teacher were coded as positive, negative, neutral, and example. The teacher’s attitude toward the use of the TI Nspire as a teaching tool became more positive as evidenced by the increase in positive statements from the pre-intervention to post-intervention interview

Quality Assessment of Retinal Fundus Images using Elliptical Local Vessel Density

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world. The World Health Organisation estimates that 135 million people have diabetes mellitus worldwide and that the number of people with diabetes will increase to 300 million by the year 2025 (Amos et al., 1997). Timely detection and treatment for DR prevents severe visual loss in more than 50% of the patients (ETDRS, 1991). Through computer simulations is possible to demonstrate that prevention and treatment are relatively inexpensive if compared to the health care and rehabilitation costs incurred by visual loss or blindness (Javitt et al., 1994). The shortage of ophthalmologists and the continuous increase of the diabetic population limits the screening capability for effective timing of sight-saving treatment of typical manual methods. Therefore, an automatic or semi-automatic system able to detect various type of retinopathy is a vital necessity to save many sight-years in the population. According to Luzio et al. (2004) the preferred way to detect diseases such as diabetic retinopathy is digital fundus camera imaging. This allows the image to be enhanced, stored and retrieved more easily than film. In addition, images may be transferred electronically to other sites where a retinal specialist or an automated system can detect or diagnose disease while the patient remains at a remote location. Various systems for automatic or semi-automatic detection of retinopathy with fundus images have been developed. The results obtained are promising but the initial image quality is a limiting factor (Patton et al., 2006); this is especially true if the machine operator is not a trained photographer. Algorithms to correct the illumination or increase the vessel contrast exist (Chen & Tian, 2008; Foracchia et al., 2005; Grisan et al., 2006;Wang et al., 2001), however they cannot restore an image beyond a certain level of quality degradation. On the other hand, an accurate quality assessment algorithm can allow operators to avoid poor images by simply re-taking the fundus image, eliminating the need for correction algorithms. In addition, a quality metric would permit the automatic submission of only the best images if many are available. The measurement of a precise image quality index is not a straightforward task, mainly because quality is a subjective concept which varies even between experts, especially for images that are in the middle of the quality scale. In addition, image quality is dependent upon the type of diagnosis being made. For example, an image with dark regions might be considered of good quality for detecting glaucoma but of bad quality for detecting diabetic retinopathy. For this reason, we decided to define quality as the 'characteristics of an image that allow the retinopathy diagnosis by a human or software expert'. Fig. 1 shows some examples of macula centred fundus images whose quality is very likely to be judged as poor by many ophthalmologists. The reasons for this vary. They can be related to the camera settings like exposure or focal plane error (Fig. 1.(a,e,f)), the camera condition like a dirty or shuttered lens (Fig. 1.(d,h)), the movements of the patient which might blur the image (Fig. 1.(c)) or if the patient is not in the field of view of the camera (Fig. 1.(g)). We define an outlier as any image that is not a retina image which could be submitted to the screening system by mistake. Existing algorithms to estimate the image quality are based on the length of visible vessels in the macula region (Fleming et al., 2006), or edges and luminosity with respect to a reference image (Lalonde et al., 2001; Lee & Wang, 1999). Another method uses an unsupervised classifier that employs multi-scale filterbanks responses (Niemeijer et al., 2006). The shortcomings of these methods are either the fact that they do not take into account the natural variance encountered in retinal images or that they require a considerable time to produce a result. Additionally, none of the algorithms in the literature that we surveyed generate a 'quality measure'. Authors tend to split the quality levels into distinct classes and to classify images in particular ones. This approach is not really flexible and is error prone. In fact human experts are likely to disagree if many categories of image quality are used. Therefore, we think that a normalized 'quality measure' from 0 to 1 is the ideal way to approach the classification problem. Processing speed is another aspect to be taken into consideration. While algorithms to assess the disease state of the retina do not need to be particularly fast (within reason), the time response of the quality evaluation method is key towards the development of an automatic retinopathy screening system

Climate challenges and financial institutions : an overview of the Polish banking sector’s practices

Purpose: The article aims to present the key European Union activities aimed at transforming the economy and the resulting challenges for businesses, as well as examples of international initiatives to assist businesses in meeting these challenges. Design/Methodology/Approach: Unfortunately, advances in technology and the resulting growth of the global economy have had a significant and negative impact on the global environment. Increasing demand for energy produced by burning fossil fuels has led to such non-renewable raw materials becoming more and more limited and directly translated into increased emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. Data cited by Our World in Data [2020] shows that the global consumption of energy generated through fossil fuel combustion has increased by as much as 170% over 50 years (1969-2019) – from 50 to 136 TWh. The amount of carbon dioxide generated from fuel combustion and cement manufacturing has increased by 165% over the same period – from nearly 14 billion to 36 billion tonnes annually. The main part of the article is a review of the market practices of Polish financial institutions and their methods of responding to these challenges in the first quarter of 2021. Findings: The Task Force for Climate Disclosure recommendations emphasize that disclosures should be prepared according to the seven principles for effective disclosure, which outline the minimum disclosure standard, Relevance, Specificity and completeness, Clarity and balance, Comparability between reporting periods, Comparability with disclosures of other entities, Reliability, objectivity, verifiability, Cyclicality. Practical Implications: Economic development has made it possible to improve the quality of life for people in many parts of the world. This was – and still is – thanks to constant technical progress, which began in earnest with the English Industrial Revolution, but only gained full momentum in the 20th century. Originality/Value: The study is a detailed presentation of procedures, directives and decisions related to climate challenges in the Polish banking sector.peer-reviewe