Exploring the operation of a neural network using the example of handwritten digits recognition in an advanced informatics course using the python 3.8 programming language

The article discusses the possibility of including artificial intelligence topics in the informatics course at the level of secondary general education on the demonstration example of handwritten digits recognition using the Python 3.8 programming language and the TensorFlow package. A hands-on example of a classification problem using the classic MNIST (Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology) training example set is dealt with step-by-step.Most of the tools required for the work (language interpreter, basic libraries, and shell) are downloaded in the form of a single software distribution kit of Anaconda. The network is trained using different methods. When the model is trained, the optimization method, the loss function, and the metric for estimation are specified. Image processing by convolutional nets containing special layers, which "convolve" the image the way a bitmap filter does, is also demonstrated

Landslide Susceptibility Assessment Tools v1.0.0b – Project Manager Suite: A new modular toolkit for landslide susceptibility assessment

This paper introduces the Landslide Susceptibility Assessment Tools – Project Manager Suite (LSAT PM), an open-source, easy-to-use software written in Python. Primarily developed to conduct landslide susceptibility analyses (LSA), it is not limited to this issue and applies to any other research dealing with supervised spatial binary classification. With its standardized project framework, LSAT PM provides efficient interactive data management supported by handy tools. The application utilizes standard data formats ensuring data transferability to all geographic information systems. LSAT PM has a modular structure allowing to extend the existing toolkit by additional analyses. The LSAT PM v1.0.0b implements heuristic and data-driven methods such as the analytical hierarchy process, weights of evidence, logistic regression, and artificial neural networks. The software was developed and tested over the years in different projects dealing with landslide susceptibility assessment. The emphasis on model uncertainties and statistical model evaluation makes the software a practical modeling tool. Also, it provides the possibility to explore and evaluate different LSA models, even those not created with LSAT PM. The software distribution package includes comprehensive documentation. A dataset for testing purposes of the software is available. LSAT PM is subject to continuous further development.

Probabilistic one-time programs using quantum entanglement

Quantum technology allows for unparalleled levels of data and software protection. Probabilistic one-time programs harness these capabilities for quantum-assisted classical computations by encoding classical software in small quantum states resulting in computer programs that can be used only once. Such self-destructing one-time programs facilitate a variety of applications reaching from software distribution to one-time delegation of signature authority. Whereas previous experiments demonstrated the feasibility of such schemes, the practical applications were limited. Here we present an improved protocol for one-time programs that resolves major drawbacks of previous schemes, by employing entangled qubit pairs. This results in four orders of magnitude higher count rates and the ability to execute a program long after the quantum information exchange has taken place. We implement a one-time delegation of signature authority over an underground fiber link between university buildings in downtown Vienna, emphasizing the compatibility of our scheme with prepare-and-measure quantum internet networks.

Engineering and Geocryological Conditions of the Elginsky Deposit

The paper analyses engineering and geocryological conditions of the Elginsky coal deposit in terms of their impact on the development technology. Based on the analysis of the temperature and humidity conditions of rocks at the Elginsky deposit, it was established that the blasted rocks may re-freeze during the drilling and blasting stage, which is also confirmed by practical experience. Groundwater is present throughout the field, and the water content of the lower levels in the central part of the deposit may impede mining operations and require advance measures to lower the water table. Isomorphic maps of permafrost and glacial sediments in the northwestern part of the Elginsky coal field were created using the Mineframe software. Distribution patterns of these zones were established within the rock mass along the strike and in depth, which will make it possible to make reasonable adjustments to the field development technology.

The mwtab Python Library for RESTful Access and Enhanced Quality Control, Deposition, and Curation of the Metabolomics Workbench Data Repository

The Metabolomics Workbench (MW) is a public scientific data repository consisting of experimental data and metadata from metabolomics studies collected with mass spectroscopy (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. MW has been constantly evolving; updating its ‘mwTab’ text file format, adding a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) file format, implementing a REpresentational State Transfer (REST) interface, and nearly quadrupling the number of datasets hosted on the repository within the last three years. In order to keep up with the quickly evolving state of the MW repository, the ‘mwtab’ Python library and package have been continuously updated to mirror the changes in the ‘mwTab’ and JSONized formats and contain many new enhancements including methods for interacting with the MW REST interface, enhanced format validation features, and advanced features for parsing and searching for specific metabolite data and metadata. We used the enhanced format validation features to evaluate all available datasets in MW to facilitate improved curation and FAIRness of the repository. The ‘mwtab’ Python package is now officially released as version 1.0.1 and is freely available on GitHub and the Python Package Index (PyPI) under a Clear Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) license with documentation available on ReadTheDocs.

Software Distribution in E-Form: the Problem of Choosing a Contractual Model

The paper is devoted to the analysis of peculiarities of legal support of distribution of “boxless” versions of foreign software distributed exclusively in e-form in Russia. In the conditions of digitalization of economic relations, a significant part of the difficulties, Russian software distributors face with, are associated with the imperfection of contractual work in companies rather than with the current legislation. The author highlights the specifics of contractual relations (their prerequisites and content) between the distributer (reseller) and right-holder (vendor) as factors influencing the choice of a contract concluded between the software distributor and purchaser, as well as availability or lack of a tangible (material) medium as an objective form of existence of computer software. The author elucidates such prerequisites for establishing contractual relationships as substantial inequality of negotiating positions, the predetermined choice of applicable law and transformation of classical distributor's perception. Regarding their content, contracts between the vendor and reseller are often characterized by an outright prohibition of sublicensing and the assignment of duties on the reseller to perform a whole set of actions. In turn, a fundamental lack of software versions on tangible media at the vendor calls into question the feasibility of concluding a contract between the reseller and the user of the contract of sale widely used in Russian contractual practice. The analysis of the whole set of these factors with due regard to the Russian law enforcement practice, allows us to draw a conclusion about the advantages of an intermediary model of distribution using the agency contract. This model is the least vulnerable in the context of intellectual rights infringement at all stages of distribution and provides appropriate expert support to the end user of the software.

Distribution of Dockerfiles: Who is responsible for FOSS Licence Compliance?

The deployment of Docker is becoming increasingly popular as container technology allows for a unified software distribution that is largely independent of the target system. This raises new questions of FOSS license compliance. The reason is that in addition to the complete software distribution as a “Docker image”, so-called Dockerfiles can be used, which - similar to a script - contain a kind of construction manual for the software which may include downloads from third party repositories. Such form of decentralized distribution raises the question of responsibility for compliance with the license conditions. This article sheds light on the concept of “distribution” under European copyright law as a starting point for the interpretation of free licenses. In the course of the study, it is shown that physical distribution and distribution in the meaning of copyright law do not always have to be congruent. This article was created in collaboration with and funded by the Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL) eG (www.osadl.org).