CONSTANT GROWTH INVESTMENT STRATEGIES FOR US LARGE CAP COMPANIES

Research Project (M.B.A.) - Simon Fraser Universit

Counting Like Transformers: Compiling Temporal Counting Logic Into Softmax Transformers

Deriving formal bounds on the expressivity of transformers, as well as studying transformers that are constructed to implement known algorithms, are both effective methods for better understanding the computational power of transformers. Towards both ends, we introduce the temporal counting logic $\textbf{K}_\text{t}$[#] alongside the RASP variant $\textbf{C-RASP}$. We show they are equivalent to each other, and that together they are the best-known lower bound on the formal expressivity of future-masked soft attention transformers with unbounded input size. We prove this by showing all $\textbf{K}_\text{t}$[#] formulas can be compiled into these transformers. As a case study, we demonstrate on paper how to use $\textbf{C-RASP}$ to construct simple transformer language models that, using greedy decoding, can only generate sentences that have given properties formally specified in $\textbf{K}_\text{t}$[#]

Masked Hard-Attention Transformers and Boolean RASP Recognize Exactly the Star-Free Languages

We consider transformer encoders with hard attention (in which all attention is focused on exactly one position) and strict future masking (in which each position only attends to positions strictly to its left), and prove that the class of languages recognized by these networks is exactly the star-free languages. Adding position embeddings increases the class of recognized languages to other well-studied classes. A key technique in these proofs is Boolean RASP, a variant of RASP that is restricted to Boolean values. Via the star-free languages, we relate transformers to first-order logic, temporal logic, and algebraic automata theory

Milton assembles large mitochondrial clusters, mitoballs, to sustain spermatogenesis

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo frequent remodeling to accommodate developmental needs. Here, we describe a striking organization of mitochondria into a large ball-like structure adjacent to the nucleus in premeiotic Drosophila melanogaster spermatocytes, which we term “mitoball”. Mitoballs are transient structures that colocalize with the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, and the fusome. We observed similar premeiotic mitochondrial clusters in a wide range of insect species, including mosquitos and cockroaches. Through a genetic screen, we identified that Milton, an adaptor protein that links mitochondria to microtubule-based motors, mediates mitoball formation. Flies lacking a 54 amino acid region in the C terminus of Milton completely lacked mitoballs, had swollen mitochondria in their spermatocytes, and showed reduced male fertility. We suggest that the premeiotic mitochondrial clustering is a conserved feature of insect spermatogenesis that supports sperm development

Muscleblind1, but Not Dmpk or Six5, Contributes to a Complex Phenotype of Muscular and Motivational Deficits in Mouse Models of Myotonic Dystrophy

Assessment of molecular defects that underlie cognitive deficits observed in mendelian disorders provides a unique opportunity to identify key regulators of human cognition. Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy 1 (cDM1), a multi-system disorder is characterized by both cognitive deficits and a spectrum of behavioral abnormalities, which include visuo-spatial memory deficits, anxiety and apathy. Decreased levels of DMPK (Dystrophia Myotonica-protein kinase), SIX5, a transcription factor or MBNL1 (Muscleblind-like 1), an RNA splice regulator have been demonstrated to contribute to distinct features of cDM1. Mouse strains in which either Dmpk, Six5 or Mbnl1 are inactivated were therefore studied to determine the relative contribution of each gene to these cognitive functions. The open field and elevated plus maze tasks were used to examine anxiety, sucrose consumption was used to assess motivation, whereas the water maze and context fear conditioning were used to examine spatial learning and memory. Cognitive and behavioral abnormalities were observed only in Mbnl1 deficient mice, which demonstrate behavior consistent with motivational deficits in the Morris water maze, a complex visuo-spatial task and in the sucrose consumption test for anhedonia. All three models of cDM1 exhibit normal spatial learning and memory. These data identify MBNL1 as a potential regulator of emotional state with decreased MBNL1 levels underlying the motivational deficits observed in cDM1

Reducing Wireless Harmonics using Dynamic Spread Spectrum Clocking and Dynamic Adaptation of MIPI Frequency

Harmonics of digital signals generated by components of a mobile device can get coupled to useful signals via the device antenna and appear as noise and desensitize the receiver. This disclosure describes techniques of dynamic spread spectrum clocking (SSC) and dynamic MIPI (mobile industry processor interface) frequency adjustment to arrest the degradation of receiver/antenna performance caused by harmonics generated by device components. Examples of device components include the camera, the MIPI serial interface of the display, the DDIC (display driver integrated circuit) oscillator, etc. Problematic frequency ranges, e.g., frequency ranges of communication channels rich in harmonics generated by components, are identified. SSC is selectively enabled or disabled to reduce or eliminate interference. The MIPI frequency is adjusted such that MIPI harmonics do not fall in presently used communication channels

Computational and Systems Biology Advances to Enable Bioagent-Agnostic Signatures

Enumerated threat agent lists have long driven biodefense priorities. The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic demonstrated the limitations of searching for known threat agents as compared to a more agnostic approach. Recent technological advances are enabling agent-agnostic biodefense, especially through the integration of multi-modal observations of host-pathogen interactions directed by a human immunological model. Although well-developed technical assays exist for many aspects of human-pathogen interaction, the analytic methods and pipelines to combine and holistically interpret the results of such assays are immature and require further investments to exploit new technologies. In this manuscript, we discuss potential immunologically based bioagent-agnostic approaches and the computational tool gaps the community should prioritize filling

The contributions of rubber plantation to the socio-economic development: a case study on Kanibongan project-rubber smallholders community in Pitas, Sabah

Sabah is recognized as the poorest state in Malaysia, whilst having numerous rural communities categorized as a hardcore poor especially in the rural district, Pitas. The Kanibongan project involving rubber smallholders in the Pitas district has been developed by the State Government for the purpose of socio-economic development. The main objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of the project implementation in addressing the poverty level in the area involved; and to determine the factors driving the smallholders to participate in the project and the problems faced by these smallholders. This study involved five villages, namely, Kampung Masin, Kampung Kutoyon, Kampung Sulakulong, Kampung Simpang Empat and Kampung Simpang. Data was collected with 100% sampling comprising of 195 respondents by using questionnaires and interviews. Based on the results of this study, the average monthly income of the smallholders showed significant improvement up to 30% since its implementation. The main driven factors for smallholder participation in this project were self motivation (94.3%), subsidy incentives programme by LIGS (93.3%), poverty level (92.9%), good rubber prices (90.3%), and family encouragement (88.2%). Whereas the main problems faced by the smallholders were the unstable price of rubber (84.6%) and theft of latex (74.4%). The Kanibongan rubber planting project is considered successful in reducing poverty among the smallholders involved

Growth performance of paraserianthes falcataria (batai) planted in bioplastic pots title

Paraserianthes falcataria, a fast growing tree species was evaluated for 180 days planted in bioplastic pots. Six different ratios of newspaper and bioplastic mixture (N100:B0, N90:B10, N70:B30, N50:B50, N30:B70 and N10:B90) were used for pot making. The heights of the seedlings were measured together with root penetrations through the bioplastic pots at the end of evaluation period. Results showed that the seedlings planted in 100% fully newspaper pot had the highest percentage of mean height 4964.94% meanwhile the N30:B70 had the lowest percentage of height 4396.65%. No significant difference between the height and the ratio of bioplastic mixing at the p≤0.05 for the seedlings and negative impact to the plant growth. From the observation also, the number of seedling roots penetrated through the bioplastic pots were more than 10 roots where the root systems were able to break through the pot wall