LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of a rotating transverse flux motor (TFM) with permanent magnets in rotor

An optimal design procedure, based on Hooke-Jeeves method, applied to a permanent magnet transverse flux motor (PMTFM) is presented in the paper. Different objective functions, as minimum cost, minimum cogging torques and maximum efficiency were considered. The results obtained for a low power sample PMTFM are given and commented.
Resource Allocation for Cloud-Assisted Mobile Applications

Mobile devices such as netbooks, smartphones, and tablets have made computing ubiquitous. However, such battery powered devices often have limited computing power for the benefit of an extended runtime. Nevertheless, despite the reduced processing power, users expect to perform the same types of operations as they could do using their desktop or laptop computers. We address mobile devices's lack of computing power by leveraging cloud computing resources. We present a middleware that relocates computing-intensive parts of Java applications to cloud re-sources. Consequently, our middleware enables the execution of computing-intensive applications on mo-bile devices. We present a case study on which we adapt Sunflow, an open-source ray tracing application, to use our middleware and show the results obtained by deploying it on Amazon EC2. We show, via simulations, a cost analysis of using the different resource allocation strategies available on our solution.
Rover localization results for the FIDO rover

This paper describes the development of a two-tier state estimation approach for NASA/JPL’s FIDO Rover that utilizes wheel odometry, inertial measurement sensors, and a sun sensor to generate accurate estimates of the rover’s position and attitude throughout a rover traverse. The state estimation approach makes use of a linear Kalman filter to estimate the rate sensor bias terms associated with the inertial measurement sensors and then uses these estimated rate sensor bias terms to compute the attitude of the rover during a traverse. The estimated attitude terms are then combined with the wheel odometry to determine the rover’s position and attitude through an extended Kalman filter approach. Finally, the absolute heading of the vehicle is determined via a sun sensor which is then utilized to initialize the rover’s heading prior to the next planning cycle for the rover’s operations. This paper describes the formulation, implementation, and results associated with the two-tier state estimation approach for the FIDO rover.
Dynamic Virtual Machine Migration in a vehicular cloud

Vehicular clouds are formed by incorporating cloud-based services into vehicular ad hoc networks. Amongst the several challenges in a vehicular cloud network, virtual machine migration (VMM) may be one of the most crucial issues that need addressing. In this paper, a novel solution for VMM in a vehicular cloud is presented. The vehicular cloud is modeled as a small corporate data center with mobile hosts, equipped with limited computational and storage capacities. The proposed scheme is called Vehicular Virtual Machine Migration (VVMM). The VVMM aims to achieve efficient handling of frequent changes in the data center topology, host heterogeneity, all while doing so with minimum Roadside Unit (RU) intervention. Three modes of VVMM are studied. The first mode, VVMM-U uniformly selects the destinations for VM migrations, which will take place shortly prior to a vehicle's departure from the coverage of the RU. The second mode, VVMM-LW aims at migrating the VM to the vehicle with the least workload, and the third mode, VVMM-MA incorporates mobility awareness by migrating the VM to the vehicle with the least workload and forecasted to be within the geographic boundaries of the vehicular cloud. We evaluate the performance of our proposed framework through simulations. Simulation results show that VVMM-MA introduces significant reduction in unsuccessful migration attempts and results in an increased fairness in vehicle capacity utilization across the vehicular cloud system.
Computational thinking and tinkering: Exploration of an early childhood robotics curriculum

By engaging in construction-based robotics activities, children as young as four can play to learn a range of concepts. The TangibleK Robotics Program paired developmentally appropriate computer programming and robotics tools with a constructionist curriculum designed to engage kindergarten children in learning computational thinking, robotics, programming, and problem-solving. This paper documents three kindergarten classrooms’ exposure to computer programming concepts and explores learning outcomes. Results point to strengths of the curriculum and areas where further redesign of the curriculum and technologies would be appropriate. Overall, the study demonstrates that kindergartners were both interested in and able to learn many aspects of robotics, programming, and computational thinking with the TangibleK curriculum design. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Knowledge Graph Embedding with Diversity of Structures

In recent years, different web knowledge graphs, both free and commercial, have been created. Knowledge graphs use relations between entities to describe facts in the world. We engage in embedding a large scale knowledge graph into a continuous vector space. TransE, TransH, TransR and TransD are promising methods proposed in recent years and achieved state-of-the-art predictive performance. In this paper, we discuss that graph structures should be considered in embedding and propose to embed substructures called “one-relation-circle” (ORC) to further improve the performance of the above methods as they are unable to encode ORC substructures. Some complex models are capable of handling ORC structures but sacrifice efficiency in the process. To make a good trade-off between the model capacity and efficiency, we propose a method to decompose ORC substructures by using two vectors to represent the entity as a head or tail entity with the same relation. In this way, we can encode the ORC structure properly when apply it to TransH, TransR and TransD with almost the same model complexity of themselves. We conduct experiments on link prediction with benchmark dataset WordNet. Our experiments show that applying our method improves the results compared with the corresponding original results of TransH, TransR and TransD.
Introducing HIV/AIDS education into the electrical engineering curriculum at the University of Pretoria

This paper describes how HIV/AIDS education is being introduced into the curriculum of the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering at the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Third- and fourth-year students were provided with an HIV/AlDS Educational CD developed at the university. Their knowledge of the subject was tested via two quizzes-one written before they were exposed to the material on the CD and one after. In addition, a mathematical HIV/AIDS model is being incorporated into a third-year control systems course. This model is used to illustrate standard control systems engineering concepts, such as linearization, system stability, feedback, and dynamic compensation. This paper is an example of how topical nonengineering material can effectively be made part of a high-level undergraduate engineering course. Students benefit not only from the topical nature of the subject, but also from an improved understanding of control engineering concepts which can be applied to many different fields.
Using a discourse-intensive pedagogy and android's app inventor for introducing computational concepts to middle school students

Past research on children and programming from the 1980s called for deepening the study of the pedagogy of programming in order to help children build better cognitive models of foundational concepts of CS. More recently, computing education researchers are beginning to recognize the need to apply the learning sciences to develop age- and grade-appropriate curricula and pedagogies for developing computational competencies among children. This paper presents the curriculum of an exploratory workshop that employed a discourse-intensive pedagogy to introduce middle school children to programming and foundational concepts of computer science through programming mobile apps in App Inventor for Android (AIA).
Estimates of Insulin Sensitivity Using Glucose and C-Peptide From the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Glucose Tolerance Test

OBJECTIVE To determine if glucose and C-peptide values obtained as part of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study could be used to estimate insulin sensitivity during late pregnancy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 78 women enrolled in the HAPO study were recruited for this ancillary study. Venous plasma samples were drawn after an 8- to 10-h fast (time 0) and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after a 75-g glucose challenge, which was performed at 24-32 weeks' gestation. Samples were analyzed for plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide. Insulin sensitivity was estimated using the established Matsuda and DeFronzo insulin sensitivity index for oral glucose tolerance tests (IS(OGTT)). Insulin sensitivity was also calculated from two other commonly used indexes of insulin sensitivity (that for homeostasis model assessment [IS(HOMA)] and that for quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [IS(QUICKI)]). A new insulin sensitivity index was calculated using the glucose and C-peptide concentrations at 0 and 60 min to derive IS(HOMA C-pep), IS(QUICKI C-pep), and IS(OGTT C-pep). These indexes were then correlated with insulin sensitivity estimated from the IS(OGTT). RESULTS The strongest correlation with the IS(OGTT) was obtained for IS(OGTT C-pep) (r = 0.792, P < 0.001). Further, the correlations of IS(HOMA) (C-pep) and IS(QUICKI C-pep) with IS(OGTT) were also significant (r = 0.676, P < 0.001 and r = 0.707, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that calculated IS(OGTT C-pep) is an excellent predictor of insulin sensitivity in pregnancy and can be used to estimate insulin sensitivity in over 25,000 women participating in the HAPO study.
Policy Evaluation with Temporal Differences: A Survey and Comparison (Extended Abstract)

All references are available in the full journal article. Also at Technische Universität Darmstadt, Karolinenplatz 5, Darmstadt, Germany. Proceedings of the Twenty-Fifth International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling
Can we predict the failure of electrical cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation? The FinCV study.

BACKGROUND
Data on predictors of failure of electrical cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation are scarce.


METHODS
We explored 6,906 electrical cardioversions of acute (<48 hours) atrial fibrillation in 2,868 patients in a retrospective multicenter study.


RESULTS
The success rate of electrical cardioversion was 94.2%. In 26% of unsuccessful cardioversions, the cardioversion was performed successfully later. Antiarrhythmic drug therapy, short (<12 hours) duration of atrial fibrillation episode, advanced age, permanent pacemaker, history of atrial fibrillation episodes within 30 days before cardioversion, and β-blockers were independent predictors of unsuccessful electrical cardioversion. In the subgroup of patients with cardioversion of the first atrial fibrillation episode (N = 1,411), the short duration of episode (odds ratio [OR] = 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-3.90, P = 0.003) and advanced age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.02-1.05, P < 0.001) were the only independent predictors of unsuccessful cardioversion. After successful cardioversion, the rate of early (<30 days) clinical recurrence of atrial fibrillation was 17.3%. The index cardioversion being performed due to the first atrial fibrillation episode was the only predictor of remaining in the sinus rhythm.


CONCLUSION
A short (<12 hours) duration of acute atrial fibrillation is a significant predictor of unsuccessful cardioversion, especially during the first attack. First atrial fibrillation episode was the only predictor of remaining in the sinus rhythm.
A one-year longitudinal study of English and Japanese vowel production by Japanese adults and children in an English-speaking setting

The effect of age of acquisition on first- and second-language vowel production was investigated. Eight English vowels were produced by Native Japanese (NJ) adults and children as well as by age-matched Native English (NE) adults and children. Productions were recorded shortly after the NJ participants' arrival in the USA and then one year later. In agreement with previous investigations [Aoyama, et al., J. Phon. 32, 233-250 (2004)], children were able to learn more, leading to higher accuracy than adults in a year's time. Based on the spectral quality and duration comparisons, NJ adults had more accurate production at Time 1, but showed no improvement over time. The NJ children's productions, however, showed significant differences from the NE children's for English "new" vowels /ɪ/, /ε/, /ɑ/, /ʌ/ and /ʊ/ at Time 1, but produced all eight vowels in a native-like manner at Time 2. An examination of NJ speakers' productions of Japanese /i/, /a/, /u/ over time revealed significant changes for the NJ Child Group only. Japanese /i/ and /a/ showed changes in production that can be related to second language (L2) learning. The results suggest that L2 vowel production is affected importantly by age of acquisition and that there is a dynamic interaction, whereby the first and second language vowels affect each other.
Modelling Exchange Rate Volatility using GARCH Models: Empirical Evidence from Arab Countries

This paper considers the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic approach in modelling exchange rate volatility in a panel of nineteen of the Arab countries using daily observations over the period of 1 January 2000 to 19 November 2011. The paper applies both symmetric and asymmetric models that capture most common stylized facts about exchange rate returns such as volatility clustering and leverage effect. Based on the GARCH(1,1) model, the results show that for ten out of nineteen currencies the sum of the estimated persistent coefficients exceed one, implying that volatility is an explosive process, in contrast, it is quite persistent for seven currencies, a result which is required to have a mean reverting variance process. Furthermore, the asymmetrical EGARCH (1,1) results provide evidence of leverage effect for majority of currencies, indicating that negative shocks imply a higher next period volatility than positive shocks. Finally, the paper concludes that the exchange rates volatility can be adequately modelled by the class of GARCH models.
Slower progression of atherosclerosis in vein grafts harvested with 'no touch' technique compared with conventional harvesting technique in coronary artery bypass grafting: an angiographic and intravascular ultrasound study.

OBJECTIVES
In a long-term randomised coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) study, the patency rate using a new 'no touch' (NT) vein-graft preparation technique was superior to the conventional (C) technique. This cineangiographic and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) substudy examined possible mechanisms.


METHODS
A total of 45 patients (118 grafts) in the NT group and 46 patients (112 grafts) in the C group had patent grafts at short-term follow-up after 18 months. Thirty-seven patients (91 grafts) in the NT group and 37 patients (77 grafts) in the C group had patent grafts at long-term follow-up after 8.5 years, and were evaluated on a scale from 0 (normal) to 2 (significant stenosis) by cineangiogram. IVUS was performed in 15 NT grafts and 14 C grafts in the short-term follow-up, and 27 NT grafts and 26 C grafts in the long-term follow-up, in grafts considered normal by the cineangiogram. The grafts were evaluated with respect to lumen volume, intimal thickness, incidence of plaque and plaque components.


RESULTS
In the short-term follow-up, the cineangiogram showed more normal grafts (89.0% in the NT group compared with 75.0% in the C group), and the number of grafts with stenosis was 11.0% in the NT group compared with 25.0% in the C group (p=0.006). IVUS showed less mean intimal thickness (0.43 (0.07)mm vs 0.52 (0.08)mm; p=0.03), less grafts with considerable intimal hyperplasia (≥ 0.9 mm; 20% vs 78.6%; p=0.011) and fewer patients with considerable hyperplasia (≥ 0.9 mm; 25% vs 100%; p=0.007). In the long-term follow-up, the cineangiogram showed more normal grafts, with 91.2% in the NT group compared with 83.1% in the C group; there were fewer grafts with significant stenosis, with 7.7% in the NT group compared with 15.6% in the C group (p=0.14). IVUS showed fewer grafts containing multiple plaques (14.8% vs 50%; p=0.008), less advanced plaque with lipid (11.8% vs 63.9%; p=0.0004) and less maximal plaque thickness (1.04 (0.23)mm vs 1.32 (0.25)mm; p=0.02) in the NT group compared with the C group.


CONCLUSION
The superior long-term patency rate using the NT vein-graft technique at CABG could be explained by a significantly slower progression of atherosclerosis.
What's the difference? Learning collaboratively using iPads in conventional classrooms

Since its release in 2010, Apple's iPad has attracted much attention as an affordable and flexible learning tool for all levels of education. A number of trials have been undertaken exploring the device's efficacy for specific purposes, such as improving delivery of course content and learning resources at tertiary level, and the performance of apps for meeting specialised learning needs. However, with increased mainstreaming of these devices through iPad-supported modern learning environment (MLE) and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programmes, data are becoming available that provides insight into how these devices function as part of regular classroom environments. This article reports an analysis of data collected over almost 3 years from nearly 100 New Zealand primary (elementary) students of different ages, who used iPads daily for most curriculum tasks. Specifically, it uses different data sources to explore how observed and recorded device design and app attributes, affected the students' ability to work collaboratively. Results suggest fundamental differences exist between iPads and other digital devices that helped these students collaborate, and that when combined with cloud-based apps and services such as Google Docs, extended this collaboration to much wider audiences well beyond the school gate. It concludes that beyond the hype and rhetoric, exciting potential exists for this tool to support a ‘blurring in the line’ between learning in formal school and informal environments. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Regulation of Mitochondrial Genome Inheritance by Autophagy and Ubiquitin-Proteasome System: Implications for Health, Fitness, and Fertility

Mitochondria, the energy-generating organelles, play a role in numerous cellular functions including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, cellular homeostasis, and apoptosis. Maternal inheritance of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is universally observed in humans and most animals. In general, high levels of mitochondrial heteroplasmy might contribute to a detrimental effect on fitness and disease resistance. Therefore, a disposal of the sperm-derived mitochondria inside fertilized oocytes assures normal preimplantation embryo development. Here we summarize the current research and knowledge concerning the role of autophagic pathway and ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent proteolysis in sperm mitophagy in mammals, including humans. Current data indicate that sperm mitophagy inside the fertilized oocyte could occur along multiple degradation routes converging on autophagic clearance of paternal mitochondria. The influence of assisted reproductive therapies (ART) such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), mitochondrial replacement (MR), and assisted fertilization of oocytes from patients of advanced reproductive age on mitochondrial function, inheritance, and fitness and for the development and health of ART babies will be of particular interest to clinical audiences. Altogether, the study of sperm mitophagy after fertilization has implications in the timing of evolution and developmental and reproductive biology and in human health, fitness, and management of mitochondrial disease.
Context-awareness and the smart grid: Requirements and challenges

New intelligent power grids (smart grids) will be an essential way of improving efficiency in power supply and power consumption, facilitating the use of distributed and renewable resources on the supply side and providing consumers with a range of tailored services on the consumption side. The delivery of efficiencies and advanced services in a smart grid will require both a comprehensive overlay communications network and flexible software platforms that can process data from a variety of sources, especially electronic sensor networks. Parallel developments in autonomic systems, pervasive computing and context-awareness (relating in particular to data fusion, context modelling, and semantic data) could provide key elements in the development of scalable smart grid data management systems and applications that utilise a multi-technology communications network. This paper describes: (1) the communications and data management requirements of the emerging smart grid, (2) state-of-the-art techniques and systems for context-awareness and (3) a future direction towards devising a context-aware middleware platform for the smart grid, as well as associated requirements and challenges. Smart grids will transform the methods of generating electric power and the monitoring and billing of consumption. The drivers behind the development of smart grids include economic, political and technical elements. Major initiatives have been launched in Europe by the EU Commission [1] and the European Electricity Grid Initiative [2]. In the US, overall policies are set out by the National Science and Technology Council [3] while grid modernisation is specifically described in a report by the GridWise Alliance [4]. The main policy drivers for power grid development are as follows: Promote the integration of distributed renewable power sources (e.g. wind, solar, wave and tidal power, geothermal, biofuel); Provide significant reductions in carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions through the phasing-out of fossil fuel power plants. This is to help meet agreed world targets in reducing greenhouse gases and combatting climate change; Promote the use of electric vehicles as an alternative to fossil fuelled transport systems; Renew and upgrade older grid transmission infrastructure to provide greater efficiency and security of supply; Introduce two-way ''smart'' metering to facilitate both power saving and power production by consumers; Apart from these policy drivers, power production and distribution will also have to operate in an increasingly deregulated and competitive market environment.