An Open Source Pattern Recognition Toolbox for MATLAB

Pattern recognition and machine learning are becoming integral parts of algorithms in a wide range of applications. Different algorithms and approaches for machine learning include different tradeoffs between performance and computation, so during algorithm development it is often necessary to explore a variety of different approaches to a given task. A toolbox with a unified framework across multiple pattern recognition techniques enables algorithm developers the ability to rapidly evaluate different choices prior to deployment. MATLAB is a widely used environment for algorithm development and prototyping, and although several MATLAB toolboxes for pattern recognition are currently available these are either incomplete, expensive, or restrictively licensed. In this work we describe a MATLAB toolbox for pattern recognition and machine learning known as the PRT (Pattern Recognition Toolbox), licensed under the permissive MIT license. The PRT includes many popular techniques for data preprocessing, supervised learning, clustering, regression and feature selection, as well as a methodology for combining these components using a simple, uniform syntax. The resulting algorithms can be evaluated using cross-validation and a variety of scoring metrics to ensure robust performance when the algorithm is deployed. This paper presents an overview of the PRT as well as an example of usage on Fisher's Iris dataset

PROFILE: Airfoil Geometry Manipulation and Display

This report provides user information for program PROFILE, an aerodynamics design utility for plotting, tabulating, and manipulating airfoil profiles. A dozen main functions are available. The theory and implementation details for two of the more complex options are also presented. These are the REFINE option, for smoothing curvature in selected regions while retaining or seeking some specified thickness ratio, and the OPTIMIZE option, which seeks a specified curvature distribution. Use of programs QPLOT and BPLOT is also described, since all of the plots provided by PROFILE (airfoil coordinates, curvature distributions, pressure distributions)) are achieved via the general-purpose QPLOT utility. BPLOT illustrates (again, via QPLOT) the shape functions used by two of PROFILE's options. These three utilities should be distributed as one package. They were designed and implemented for the Applied Aerodynamics Branch at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California. They are all written in FORTRAN 77 and run on DEC and SGI systems under OpenVMS and IRIX

Progeria: Translational insights from cell biology

Cell biologists love to think outside the box, pursuing many surprising twists and unexpected turns in their quest to unravel the mysteries of how cells work. But can cell biologists think outside the bench? We are certain that they can, and clearly some already do. To encourage more cell biologists to venture into the realm of translational research on a regular basis, we would like to share a handful of the many lessons that we have learned in our effort to develop experimental treatments for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), an endeavor that many view as a “poster child” for how basic cell biology can be translated to the clinic

Succinate dehydrogenase subunit B mutation presenting with spermatic cord and neck paraganglioma

Objective: Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors often associated with hypersecretion of catecholamines, and are found along the sympathetic chains or parasympathetic paraganglia. PGLs can occur in the context of hereditary syndromes and commonly with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex gene mutations. PGLs of the spermatic cord or testes are extremely rare and reports of synchronous spermatic cord and neck PGLs have not been reported before. In previous cases of spermatic cord PGLs, screening for an underlying genetic cause was not performed apart from 1 case where the patient was positive for a SDH subunit D mutation. Methods: We present a case report and a review of the literature using the PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. Results: We report the case of a 55-year-old man with a 1-year history of dysphonia resulting in radiological diagnosis of a right vagal PGL treated with radiation. Laboratory investigations excluded a secretory PGL. Simultaneously he was diagnosed with a positron emission tomography-avid testicular mass. An orchidectomy histologically confirmed a spermatic cord PGL. Genetic testing was positive for a heterozygous germline variant c.380T>G, p.(IIe127Ser) within exon 4 of the SDH subunit B gene which has not been reported with spermatic cord PGL before. Conclusion: This case reports the synchronous occurrence of spermatic cord and neck PGLs with SDH subunit B mutation. It highlights the necessity for clinicians to screen patients with PGLs for an underlying genetic etiology, even if found in unusual locations, as this has significant implications for future treatment, screening, and family planning

Do you speak digital? – A literature review on language and digital competences in tourism education

Purpose – As tourism has become a prominent industry, there has been a growing demand for skilled professionals, who are able to adapt to technology-laden markets. In this setting, digital development and communication take on an important role, making it necessary to reshape the way tourism education is approached, focusing on the skills required of today’s graduates. English is currently the most important global language and it is ranked as a crucial skill for tourism workers. The main goal of this study is to collect, analyse and cross-reference evidence as to the development of language and digital competences in Tourism Education and how they are leveraging digital transformation. Methodology –The methodology used was based on a literature review focusing on digital technology in the scope of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The data retrieved was analysed as to outline key concepts and best practices within tourism education. Findings – As the market requires tourism graduates to possess transversal skills, being fluent in English is decisive. Research shows that tourism students need more exposure to technical jargon and quality resources, as there are still significant gaps when it comes to using specific terminology and vocabulary. With technology playing a pivotal role, it is important that tourism education keeps up with current technological developments and changes. Contribution – Tourism professionals should be proficient English users, capable of interacting, understanding and communicating relevant information. Leveraged by digital technology, this study makes a contribution towards the on-going discussion on the need to reshape tourism education and update the curricula.publishe

Meta-simulation for the Automated Design of Synthetic Overhead Imagery

The use of synthetic (or simulated) data for training machine learning models has grown rapidly in recent years. Synthetic data can often be generated much faster and more cheaply than its real-world counterpart. One challenge of using synthetic imagery however is scene design: e.g., the choice of content and its features and spatial arrangement. To be effective, this design must not only be realistic, but appropriate for the target domain, which (by assumption) is unlabeled. In this work, we propose an approach to automatically choose the design of synthetic imagery based upon unlabeled real-world imagery. Our approach, termed Neural-Adjoint Meta-Simulation (NAMS), builds upon the seminal recent meta-simulation approaches. In contrast to the current state-of-the-art methods, our approach can be pre-trained once offline, and then provides fast design inference for new target imagery. Using both synthetic and real-world problems, we show that NAMS infers synthetic designs that match both the in-domain and out-of-domain target imagery, and that training segmentation models with NAMS-designed imagery yields superior results compared to na\"ive randomized designs and state-of-the-art meta-simulation methods

Source Water Protection Planning for Ontario First Nations Communities: Case Studies Identifying Challenges and Outcomes

After the Walkerton tragedy in 2000, where drinking water contamination left seven people dead and many suffering from chronic illness, the Province of Ontario, Canada implemented policies to develop Source Water Protection (SWP) plans. Under the Clean Water Act (2006), thirty-six regional Conservation Authorities were mandated to develop watershed-based SWP plans under 19 Source Protection Regions. Most First Nations in Ontario are outside of these Source Protection Regions and reserve lands are under Federal jurisdiction. This paper explores how First Nations in Ontario are attempting to address SWP to improve drinking water quality in their communities even though these communities are not part of the Ontario SWP framework. The case studies highlight the gap between the regulatory requirements of the Federal and Provincial governments and the challenges for First Nations in Ontario from lack of funding to implement solutions to address the threats identified in SWP planning. This analysis of different approaches taken by Ontario First Nations shows that the Ontario framework for SWP planning is not an option for the majority of First Nations communities, and does not adequately address threats originating on reserve lands. First Nations attempting to address on-reserve threats to drinking water are using a variety of resources and approaches to develop community SWP plans. However, a common theme of all the cases surveyed is a lack of funding to support implementing solutions for the threats identified by the SWP planning process. Federal government initiatives to address the chronic problem of boil water advisories within Indigenous communities do not recognize SWP planning as a cost-effective tool for improving drinking water quality