Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ontological models and the interpretation of contextuality

Studying the extent to which realism is compatible with quantum mechanics teaches us something about the quantum mechanical universe, regardless of the validity of such realistic assumptions. It has also recently been appreciated that these kinds of studies are fruitful for questions relating to quantum information and computation. Motivated by this, we extend the ontological model formalism for realistic theories to describe a set of theories emphasizing the role of measurement and preparation devices by introducing `hidden variables' to describe them. We illustrate both the ontological model formalism and our generalization of it through a series of example models taken from the literature. Our extension of the formalism allows us to quantitatively analyze the meaning contextuality (a constraint on successful realistic theories), finding that - taken at face-value - it can be realized as a natural interaction between the configurations of a system and measurement device. However, we also describe a property that we call deficiency, which follows from contextuality, but does not admit such a natural interpretation. Loosely speaking, deficiency breaks a symmetry between preparations and measurements in quantum mechanics. It is the property that the set of ontic states which a system prepared in quantum state psi may actually be in, is strictly smaller than the set of ontic states which would reveal the measurement outcome psi with certainty.
An evaluation of the relationship between the production and use of energy and atmospheric methane emissions

The purpose of this document is to examine the role energy plays in the emission of CH{sub 4} to the atmosphere. We begin with an overview of the CH{sub 4} cycle, briefly discussing the current understanding of sources and sinks for CH{sub 4}. We then proceed to a detailed discussion of the energy-related sources of CH{sub 4} to the atmosphere. These include coal mining, natural gas production and distribution, combustion of traditional biomass, and landfill methane (the rightmost four categories of figure 1.1). This examination will then be used to develop estimates of the total global energy-related emissions of CH{sub 4}. 55 refs., 26 figs., 7 tabs.
General alpha-Wiener bridges

An alpha-Wiener bridge is a one-parameter generalization of the usual Wiener bridge, where the parameter alpha>0 represents a mean reversion force to zero. We generalize the notion of alpha-Wiener bridges to continuous functions $\alpha:[0,T)\to R$. We show that if the limit $\lim_{t\uparrow T}\alpha(t)$ exists and is positive, then a general alpha-Wiener bridge is in fact a bridge in the sense that it converges to 0 at time T with probability one. Further, under the condition $\lim_{t\uparrow T}\alpha(t)\ne 1$ we show that the law of the general alpha-Wiener bridge can not coincide with the law of any non time-homogeneous Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type bridge. In case $\lim_{t\uparrow T}\alpha(t)=1$ we determine all the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type processes from which one can derive the general alpha-Wiener bridge by conditioning the original Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type process to be in zero at time T.
Examining the Relationship between Pes Planus Degree, Balance and Jump Performances in Athletes

The foot absorbs shocks with its arches, muscles, ligaments and joints, and bodyweight transmission and it pushes the body forward during all movement patterns. Pes planus is more important in sports activities that include balance and sports performance, such as walking, running, jumping, or transferring weight to a single lower limb. This study, conducted with this information in mind, aims to examine the effects of pes planus deformity on balance and vertical jump performance. Fifty athletes were included in the study. The presence of pes planus was evaluated according to the Feiss line. Balance measurements were performed with a Balance System SD Biodex. Vertical jump performance was recorded using an Omegawave jumping mat. The relationship between the pes planus grades of the participants and their balance and jump performances was analyzed using the Spearman correlation method. Vertical jump and Limit of stability (LOS) was significantly correlated with pes planus.
Estimating the colour of the illuminant using specular reflection and exemplar-based method

In this thesis, we propose methods for estimation of the colour of the illuminant. First, we investigate the effects of bright pixels on several current colour constancy algorithms. Then we use bright pixels to extend the seminal Gamut Mapping Colour Constancy algorithm. Here we define the White-Patch Gamut as a new extension to this method, comprising the bright pixels of the image. This approach adds new constraints to the standard constraints and improved estimates. Motivated by the effect of bright pixels in illumination estimation, we go on to incorporate consideration of specular reflection per se, which tends to generate bright pixels. To this effect we present a new and effective physics-based colour constancy representation, called the Zeta-Image, which makes use of a novel log-relative-chromaticity planar constraint. This method is fast and requires no training or tunable parameters; moreover, and importantly, it can be useful for removing highlights. We then go on to present a new camera calibration method aimed at finding a straight-line locus, in a special colour feature space, that is traversed by daylights and approximately by specular points. The aim of the calibration is to enable recovering the colour of the illuminant. Finally, we address colour constancy in a novel approach by utilizing unsupervised learning of a model for each training surface in training images. We call this new method Exemplar-Based Colour Constancy. In this method, we find nearest-neighbour models for each test surface and estimate its illumination based on comparing the statistics of nearest-neighbour surfaces and the target surface. We also extend our method to overcome the multiple illuminant problem.
Domino model in geodynamo

Using Lagrangian formalism we consider evolution of the ensemble of interacting magnetohydrodynamic cyclones governed with Langevin type equations in the rotating medium. This problem is relevant to the planetary cores where the Rossby numbers are small and geostrophic balance takes place. We show that variations of the heat flux at the outer boundary of the spherical shell modulates frequency of the reversals of the mean magnetic field that is in accordance with the 3D dynamo simulations. Two scenarios of reversals were observed. Either the axial dipole decreases in favour of quadrupole and then grows in opposite direction or the mean dipole tilts and reverses without decrease of its amplitude.
L2 d-bar cohomology groups of some singular complex spaces

Let X be a pure n-dimensional (n>1) complex analytic set in C^N with an isolated singularity at 0. In this paper we express the L2-(0,q)-d-bar-cohomology groups for all q with 0<q<n+1, of a sufficiently small deleted neighborhood of the singular point, in terms of resolution data. We also obtain identifications of the L2-(0,q)-d-bar-cohomology groups of the smooth points of X in terms of resolution data, when X is either compact or an open relatively compact complex analytic subset of a reduced complex space with finitely many isolated singularities.
The Sociology of Cartels

Traditional economic theory of collusion assumed that cartels are inherently unstable, and yet some manage to operate for years or even decades. While the literature has presented several determinants of cartel stability, the vast majority focuses on ﬁrms as entities, even though cartels are typically formed between individuals who need to develop structures that allow them to establish trust and ensure cooperation. We analyze 15 German cartels, focusing on the individual participants, the communication and internal structures within the cartels as well as their breakup. Our results indicate that cartel members are highly homogeneous and often rely on existing networks within the industry. Most impressively, only two of the 156 individuals involved in these 15 cartels were female, suggesting that gender also plays a role for cartel formation. We further identify various forms of communication and divisions of responsibilities and show that leniency programs are a powerful tool in breaking up cartels. Based on these results we discuss implications for competition policy and further research.
Blood Microbiota and Cancer: Cell Wall-Deficient L-Forms of Bacteria and Fungi as Cancer-Promoting Environment

In recent years, valuable experience and insights have been gained into L-forms (cell-wall-deficient variants) of bacteria and fungi and their dis-ease-trigger potential in cases with chronic infections, autism spectrum dis-orders, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Based on the concept of “internal” blood microbiota, consisting of L-forms and its relevance to health and disease, the current study aims to outline the profile of dysbiotic disord-ers in three cancer patients (with endometrial cancer, breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia), all in a phase before chemotherapy. Venous blood samples from the patients and from one control healthy person, were microbiologically studied. The used novel methodology of blood microbiota assessment was based on the following phases: isolation of L-forms, development and propagation, cultivation and conversion of L-forms into classical bacteria and fungi, as well as their identification with MALDI-TOF method. From the patients were isolated L-forms of opportunistic bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Esherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans) and fungi such as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucorales. In conclusion, the common feature found for the three cancer patients was the isolation from the blood of highly associated communities consisting of morphologically indistinguishable L-bodies, which through reversion in broth, were identified
High capacitance density metal-insulator-metal structure based on Al2O3-HfTiO nanolaminate stacks

The authors describe metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors comprising a five layer Al2O3–HfTiO nanolaminate stack with a total thickness of ∼29nm. At room temperature they demonstrate a capacitance density of ∼14fF∕μm2, a leakage current density of ∼1×10−6A∕cm2 at 1V, a temperature capacitance coefficient of 380ppm∕°C as well as corresponding linear and quadratic voltage coefficients of 350ppm∕V and 570ppm∕V2, respectively. They compare the structure to a MIM capacitor having a uniform HfTiO insulator film. That device exhibits a larger capacitance density (∼28fF∕μm2) but its electrical properties are found to be poorer than those of the structures utilizing the nanolaminate stack.
Towards Perceived Playfulness and Adoption of Hearables in Smart Cities of China

'Hearables' have become important in the aging population. This study investigates whether smart technologies help middle-aged and elderly people accept hearing aid devices in smart cities of China. The authors adopt the PLS-SEM framework to analyze the factors that affect behavioral intention towards adopting hearing aids in smart cities. In order to avoid common method bias, Harman's single factor method is also carried out to make sure the instrument does not introduce a bias. The findings suggest that perceived playfulness and perceived usefulness are principal determinants of hearing aids adoption. In contrast, perceived ease of use, a factor always stressed in literature, does not matter significantly. The results reveal that smart technologies enable patients to access professional services and instructions playfully, which reduces obstacles to adopt hearing aids. This study provides novel insights for policymakers and manufacturers to expand hearing aid adoption by facilitating smart infrastructure and technologies.
Reduction and Hamiltonian structures on duals of semidirect product Lie algebras

With the heavy top and compressible flow as guiding examples, this paper discusses the Hamiltonian structure of systems on duals of semidirect product Lie algebras by reduction from Lagrangian to Eulerian coordinates. Special emphasis is placed on the left-right duality which brings out the dual role of the spatial and body (i.e. Eulerian and convective) descriptions. For example, the heavy top in spatial coordinates has a Lie-Poisson structure on the dual of a semidirect product Lie algebra in which the moment of inertia is a dynamic variable. For compressible fluids in the convective picture, the metric tensor similarly becomes a dynamic variable. Relationships to the existing literature are given.
Divisibility of great webs and reducible Dehn surgery

We use the combinatorial techniques of graphs of intersection to study reducible Dehn surgeries on knots in the three-sphere. In particular, in the event that a reducible surgery on a knot K in the three-sphere of slope r produces a manifold with more than two connected summands, we show that r is bounded in absolute value by the bridge number of K. As a consequence, this possibility is ruled out for knots with bridge number at most five and for positive braid closures.
Fundamental Groups of Random Clique Complexes

Clique complexes of Erd\H{o}s-R #x27;{e}nyi random graphs with edge probability between $n^{-{1\over 3}}$ and $n^{-{1\over 2}}$ are shown to be aas not simply connected. This entails showing that a connected two dimensional simplicial complex for which every subcomplex has fewer than three times as many edges as vertices must have the homotopy type of a wedge of circles, two spheres and real projective planes. Note that $n^{-{1\over 3}}$ is a threshold for simple connectivity and $n^{-{1\over 2}}$ is one for vanishing first $\F_2$ homology.
Winner Takes All! What Are Race Models, and Why and How Should Psychologists Use Them?

Interest in the processes that mediate between stimuli and responses is at the heart of most modern psychology and neuroscience. These processes cannot be directly measured but instead must be inferred from observed responses. Race models, through their ability to account for both response choices and response times, have been a key enabler of such inferences. Examples of such models appeared contemporaneously with the cognitive revolution, and since then have become increasingly prominent and elaborated, so that psychologists now have a powerful array of race models at their disposal. We showcase the state of the art for race models and describe why and how they are used.
Gradual Improvements Observed in Learners' Perception and Production of L2 Sounds Through Continuing Shadowing Practices on a Daily Basis

Shadowing was proposed originally in psycholinguistics to investigate listeners’ process of perceiving speech, and now it is used widely in language education in Japan as a training method for learners to acquire a better skill in perceiving and producing L2 sounds. Recently, a shadowing-based assessment method was proposed to quantify learners’ skill in perception and production. By integrating the two methods, this study aims at tracking gradual improvements of learners’ skill during shadowing practices. We held a special program of 42-day Shadowing Marathon, where Japanese learners of English participated in shadowing practices every day for six weeks. Four new oral passages were presented daily, each of which was shadowed repeatedly. From the obtained data, we analyzed gradual improvements in learners’ perception and production of both segments and prosody through repeating shadowing within a day, and through continuing the shadowing practices over 42 days. The results of analysis showed that, while learners’ perception of segments and prosody improved signiﬁcantly even with no explicit instructions, their production did not show signiﬁcant improvement in a self-learning condition. The data also showed in what way learners depend on written input and auditory input when they learn perception and production of L2 sounds.
SOFTI: intermediate results of long term irradiation and thermal ageing tests of photonic components

This paper presents the first results of long term experiments conducted within the SOFTI (Study of Optical Fibres and components under Thermal ageing and Irradiation) project. This on-going 6-years study is intended to determine the effects of ageing on the behaviour of optical fibres and their fibre-end components submitted to harsh environments, with respect to the safety of nuclear facilities. The test program consists of irradiations at low dose rates with different thermal constraints and spool radius. After completion, these tests will enable us to write a guideline for qualification procedures related to future fibre-optic systems, for their applications in nuclear facilities. The observations of these first results show a clear dependence of the radius of curvature for the radiation induced loss. To our knowledge, it is the first time that this was experimentally verified for a radius of curvature superior to 6 cm.
Establish time-temperature-transformation diagram based on dilatometry results and microstructural evolutions in an AISI 1010 steel

A time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagram has been constructed using dilation results. The phase transformations have been confirmed through microstructural changes of AISI 1010 steel. The strength of this steel has been improved for various applications using heat treatments. Experiments for a series of steel samples have been conducted between 310-730°C isothermal temperature range using a thermo-mechanical simulator Gleeble ® 3800. The austenitised microstructure of the steel has been transformed into a combination of ferrite, pearlite, widmanstätten ferrite, massive ferrite, upper and lower bainite, and martensite, etc., when held at different isothermal temperatures. Ferrite along with pearlite have been observed at higher isothermal temperatures while bainite with martensite have been observed at lower isothermal temperatures. Two C-curves have been observed in pearlite and bainite transformation regions.
Evaluating Global Atmospheric Inversions of Terrestrial Net Ecosystem Exchange CO2 Over North America on Seasonal and Sub‐Continental Scales

Atmospheric inversion estimates of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 are increasingly relevant to climate policy. We evaluated sub‐continental, seasonal estimates of CO2 NEE from nine global inversion systems that participated in the Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐2 model intercomparison project (OCO‐2 v9 MIP), using 98 research flights conducted over the central and eastern United States from 2016 to 2018 as part of the Atmospheric Carbon and Transport ‐ America mission. We found that the seasonal amplitude of NEE in the central and eastern United States is underestimated in these models and model‐data biases are largest for those inversions with the smallest seasonal flux amplitudes. These results were independent of whether the inversions used satellite or in situ data. The largest NEE biases were observed in the Midwest croplands and eastern forests. Future experiments are needed to determine the causes of the persistent biases and if they are associated with biases in annual flux estimates.
Reflective Lullaby Writing with two mother-infant dyads who recently experienced an admission to a neonatal intensive care unit

ABSTRACT Introduction Having a premature baby is a complex experience for parents, especially where an admission to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after birth is required. Regardless of length of admission, parents likely confront mixed emotions related to their concerns for their baby’s physical health and development, which are often still present in the months and years after their baby’s discharge. Supporting parents to emotionally process their experience presents unique challenges, and a deeper understanding of how to facilitate this process is needed. Method The purpose of this research project was to explore parents’ experiences of engaging in individualised parent--infant music therapy in their home setting after their baby’s discharge from a NICU setting. Interviews were conducted with two mothers and descriptive phenomenology guided the immersive process of data analysis and explicating the prominent themes. Results Four shared themes were identified. Songwriting was experienced as being distinctly therapeutic, and mothers described the value of intentionally creating lyrics which captured what they wanted to remember about their NICU and parenting journey. Both mothers valued reconnecting with aspects of their previous selves from before their NICU experience. Discussion The composition of a personal song using therapeutic techniques offered mothers the opportunity to reflect on, and to begin to process their parenting experiences. Reflective Lullaby Writing is articulated as a novel approach to support post-NICU families. The findings of this pilot study will inform future studies in this area of practice which has not yet been well-established in the current discourse.
Positional Encoding for Capturing Modality Specific Cadence for Emotion Detection

Emotion detection from a single modality, such as an audio or text stream, has been known to be a challenging task. While encouraging results have been obtained by using joint evidence from multiple streams, combining such evidence in optimal ways is an open challenge. In this paper, we claim that although the multi-modalities like audio, phoneme sequence ids and word sequence ids are related to each other, they also have their individual local ‘cadence’, which is important to be modelled for the task of emotion recognition. We model the lo-cal cadence by using separate ‘positional encodings’ for each modality in a transformer architecture. Our results show that emotion detection based on this strategy is better than when the modality specific cadence is ignored or normalized out by us-ing a shared positional encoding. We also find that capturing the modality interdependence is not as important as is capturing of the local cadence of individual modalities. We conduct our experiments on the IEMOCAP and CMU-MOSI datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for combining multi-modal evidence.
Quick on the Draw: Line Adjustment and Draw Behavior in Failing Banks

Using a proprietary set of transaction-level HELOC data from five banks, we explore whether banks actively manage HELOCs for periods prior to and during bank distress. Banks are more likely to revoke credit lines that exhibit potentially problematic characteristics at origination and time-varying borrower “early warning signals” of risk. In the three months before each bank’s staggered failure date, when bank capital constraints and incentives to strategically deploy that capital increase, our findings grow in magnitude. In contrast, during this time, we find that, on average, borrowers do not increase HELOC drawdown rates. The existing literature focuses on how bank relationships can be valuable during periods of economic or borrower stress. To our knowledge, we are the first paper to examine the value of lending as well as deposit relationships during bank stress. Before the bank becomes distressed, we find that existing relationships have no adverse effects on banks’ decision to revoke credit. As failure approaches, however, borrowers with other lending relationships are more likely to have their HELOCs cut, suggesting that lending relationships do not benefit borrowers during times of bank stress. We contribute to a growing literature that explores how contractions in the supply of credit and deteriorating bank financial health affect bank and borrower behavior.