Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time Difference Estimation with Sub-sample Interpolation

Estimates of time difference of arrival (TDoA) can be used in audio (and radio) for localization, positioning and navigation. Such estimates are typically obtained from one or several microphone (or antenna) pairs. In this paper we demonstrate that better TDoA estimates can be obtained by using sub-sample correlation. The main idea is to first obtain an initial estimate of the TDoA estimate and then refining these using a local optimization over sub-sample shifts. For a sub-sample shift one calculates the interpolated signal and evaluates the correlation criterion and the derivatives of the correlation with respect to sub-sample shifts. These are then used in an efficient implementation of determining optimal TDoA estimates using a local optimization of the correlation criterion. The method has been implemented and tested on real data, where it is demonstrated that using the improved TDoA estimates in a system for simultaneously estimating microphone and sound source positions gives better precision and lower residuals in the results.
New minimal supersymmetric GUT emergence and sub-Planckian renormalization group flow

Consistency of trans-unification renormalization group (RG) evolution is used to discuss the domain of definition of the New Minimal Supersymmetric SO(10)GUT (NMSGUT). We define the 1-loop RGE beta functions, simplifying generic formulae using constraints of gauge invariance and superpotential structure. We also calculate the 2 loop contributions to the gauge coupling and gaugino mass and indicate how to get full 2 loop results for all couplings. Our method overcomes combinatorial barriers that frustrate computer algebra based attempts to calculate SO(10) beta functions involving large irreps. Use of the RGEs identifies a perturbative domain Q < M-E, where M-E < M-planck is the scale of emergence where the NMSGUT, with GUT compatible soft supersymmetry breaking terms emerges from the strong UV dynamics associated with the Landau poles in gauge and Yukawa couplings. Due to the strength of the RG flows the Landau poles for gauge and Yukawa couplings lie near a cutoff scale A(E) for the perturbative dynamics of the NMSGUT which just above M- (E). SO(10) RG flows into the IR are shown to facilitate small gaugino masses and generation of negative Non Universal Higgs masses squared needed by realistic NMSGUT fits of low energy data. Running the simple canonical theory emergent at M-E through M-x down to the electroweak scale enables tests of candidate scenarios such as supergravity based NMSGUT with canonical kinetic terms and NMSGUT based dynamical Yukawa unification.
Anisotropic propagation of Galactic cosmic-rays and spectral hardening in the Galactic Center

Spatial diffusion under the influence of the Galactic magnetic field (GMF) plays a crucial role in the transport of cosmic-ray protons. The standard assumption is that the GMF is purely azimuthal and the diffusion process can be considered to be uniform and isotropic all across the Galaxy. However, this picture might be inaccurate, since both theoretical arguments and numerical simulations predict that diffusion might exhibit different features, depending on its being parallel or perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. This might have a large impact in the Galactic Center region, where the GMF presents a strong out-of-plane component. In particular, an anisotropic diffusion could contribute in determining the non-uniform density and energy distribution of cosmic-ray protons that is inferred from the measurements of the gamma-ray emissivity along the Galactic plane. In this talk we discuss how anisotropic cosmic-ray diffusion can be implemented within a realistic model of cosmic-rays transport. In particular, we investigate how the various features in the modelling of the GMF can impact the spatial and energetic distribution of cosmic-ray protons and we illustrate how this can be related to the most recent gamma-ray observations.
The merger of geophysical vortices at finite Rossby and Froude number

We investigate the merger of two co-rotating geophysical vortices at finite Rossby and Froude number. The initial conditions consist of two uniform potential vorticity vortices in near-equilibrium and in a nearly ‘balanced’ state (i.e. with negligible emission of inertia–gravity wave radiation). We determine the critical merger distance between the two vortices. This distance is found to increase with the magnitude of the Rossby number: intense cyclones or intense anticyclones are able to merge from further apart compared to weaker cyclones and anticyclones. Note that the Froude number is proportional to the Rossby number for the near-equilibrium initial conditions considered. The critical merging distance also depends on the sign of the potential vorticity anomaly, which is positive for ‘cyclones’ and negative for ‘anticyclones’. We show that ageostrophic motions occurring at finite Rossby number tend to draw cyclones together but draw anticyclones apart. On the other hand, we show that anticyclones tend to deform more, in particular when subject to vertical shear (as when the vortices are vertically offset). These two effects compete. Overall, nearly aligned cyclones tend to merge from further apart than their anticyclonic counterparts, while vertically offset anticyclones merge from further apart than cyclones.
The Union of Quantum Field Theory and Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics

Quantum field theory is the language used to describe nature at its most fundamental scales; while thermodynamics is a framework to describe the collective behavior of macroscopic systems. Recent advances in non-equilibrium thermodynamics have enabled this framework to be applied to smaller systems operating out of thermal equilibrium. This thesis is concerned with both quantum field theory and non-equilibrium thermodynamics independently and with their intersection. First, a purely phenomenological application of quantum field theory is explored in the context of the upcoming Mu2E experiment. This experiment will look for rare decays which would indicate the presence of physics beyond the Standard Model. Using the language of effective field theories, a next-to-leading order analysis of the conversion rate is performed. The focus then shifts to an apparent paradox in the Bayesian interpretation of statistical mechanics. For a Bayesian observer making measurements of an open system, the Shannon entropy decreases, in apparent violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. It is shown that rather than utilizing the entropy, which can decrease under Bayesian updates, the Second Law for a Bayesian observer can be rephrased in terms of a cross-entropy which is always non-negative. Finally, the intersection of quantum field theory and non-equilibrium thermodynamics is examined. Using quantum work fluctuation theorems, an investigation of how these frameworks can be applied to a driven quantum field theory is performed. For a time-dependent variant of λφ4 , analytic expressions for the work distribution functions at one-loop order are derived. These expressions are shown to satisfy the quantum Jarzynski equality and Crooks fluctuation theorem.
Preparation of flavored candy from central core of banana pseudostem

In addition to fruit production, huge quantity of biomass is (pseudostem, leaves, suckers etc.) is generated in banana. Developing edible products from banana central core was one of the activities envisaged in the National Agricultural Innovation Project sanctioned in consortium mode with Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari as lead centre. Further, in Gujarat, consumption of central core is not commonly observed. In past few scientists prepared candy from central core and registered patent of it. In order to popularize candy consumption and to gain acceptability among people, it was prepared by using different artificial flavors. Present Experiment was conducted in the year 2010 and banana pseudostem centre core (cv., Grand Naine) was obtained from Soil and Water Management Research Unit Farm, Navsari Agricultural University Navsari. The four flavors as treatments viz; lemon, mango, orange and pineapple were used for flavoring banana central core candy. Flavoring was done during the steeping of banana centre core candy at 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th days. The candy was organoleptically evaluated by 9 point hedonic scale and results show that flavoring of banana pseudostem central core candy could be done successfully with mango, pineapple, orange and lemon flavors. However mango flavor was fount most acceptable with 7th day of flavoring.
On the measurement of optical scattering and studies of background rejection in the SNO+ detector

SNOp is a liquid scintillator experiment designed to study a wide range of neutrino-related physics goals, such as solar neutrinos, reactor and geo-neutrinos, and neutrinoless double beta decay. The success of the experiment depends in part on the ability to accurately characterise the detector's optical properties, and also develop effective methods to suppress contributions from unwanted backgrounds. This thesis presents one of the central calibration systems which will be used to make measurements of the detector's optical scattering properties. The hardware and its integration into the wider detector will be discussed. A simplifed analysis of simulated water data is also presented, in order to show that the scattering properties can be accurately measured. The reconstruction of photons' scattering position, length and angles can be achieved to a high degree of accuracy, with a small reconstruction bias and resolution in comparison to the scale of the detector itself. This thesis also presents a study into the rejection of two important radioactive backgrounds that will be encountered during the scintillator phases of SNOp: the ( 212 Bi p 212 Po) and ( 214 Bi p 214 Po) beta-alpha chains, where both components of each chain occur within a single detector trigger window, creating what is known as a BiPo pileup event. Two methods have been considered: one using a comparison between the cumulative time residual distributions of BiPo pileup and double-beta signal events, and the other using a log-likelihood difference method. Both methods perform extremely well, with the first being capable of rejecting G 95p of BiPo pileup events for a 1p loss of signal, and the second rejecting G 97p of backgrounds for the same signal loss.
Three dimensional reconstruction using a lenslet light field camera

A novel method is proposed in this paper to accurately reconstruct the three-dimensional scenes by using a passive single-shot exposure with a lenslet light field camera. This method has better performance of 3D scenes reconstruction with both defocus and disparity depth cues captured by light field camera. First, the light field data is used to refocus and shift viewpoints to get a focal stack and multi-view images. In refocusing procedure, the phase shift theorem in the Fourier domain is first introduced to substitute shift in spatial domain, and sharper focal stacks can be obtained with less blurriness. Thus, 3D scenes can be reconstructed more accurately. Next, through multi-view images, disparity depth cues are obtained by performing correspondence measure. Then, the focal stack is used to compute defocus depth cues by focus measure based on gray variance. Finally, the focus cost is built to integrate both defocus and disparity depth cues, and the accurate depth map is estimated by using Graph Cuts based on the focus cost. Using this accurate depth map and all-in-focus image, the 3D structure in real world are accurately reconstructed. Our method is verified by a number of synthetic and real-world examples captured with a dense camera array and a Lytro light field camera.
Monitoring means and covariances of multivariate non linear time series with heavy tails

ABSTRACT In this paper, the focus is on sequential analysis of multivariate financial time series with heavy tails. The mean vector and the covariance matrix of multivariate non linear models are simultaneously monitored by modifying conventional control charts to identify structural changes in the data. The considered target process is a constant conditional correlation model (cf. Bollerslev, 1990), an extended constant conditional correlation model (cf. He and Teräsvirta, 2004), a dynamic conditional correlation model (cf. Engle, 2002), or a generalized dynamic conditional correlation model (cf. Capiello et al., 2006). For statistical surveillance we use control charts based on residuals. Further, the procedures are constructed for t-distribution. The detection speed of these charts is compared via Monte Carlo simulation. In the empirical study, the procedure with the best performance is applied to log-returns of the stock market indices FTSE and CAC.
Experimental Simulation of Meteorite Ablation during Earth Entry Using a Plasma Wind Tunnel

Three different types of rocks were tested in a high enthalpy air plasma flow. Two terrestrial rocks, basalt and argillite, and an ordinary chondrite, with a 10 mm diameter cylindrical shape were tested in order to observe decomposition, potential fragmentation, and spectral signature. The goal was to simulate meteoroid ablation to interpret meteor observation and compare these observations with ground based measurements. The test flow with a local mass-specific enthalpy of 70 MJ kg−1 results in a surface heat flux at the meteorite fragment surface of approximately 16 MW m−2. The stagnation pressure is 24 hPa, which corresponds to a flight condition in the upper atmosphere around 80 km assuming an entry velocity of 10 km s−1. Five different diagnostic methods were applied simultaneously to characterize the meteorite fragmentation and destruction in the ground test: short exposure photography, regular video, high-speed imaging with 10 kHz frame rate, thermography, and Echelle emission spectroscopy. This is the first time that comprehensive testing of various meteorite fragments under the same flow condition was conducted. The data sets indeed show typical meteorite ablation behavior. The cylindrically shaped fragments melt and evaporate within about 4 s. The spectral data allow the identification of the material from the spectra which is of particular importance for future spectroscopic meteor observations. For the tested ordinary chondrite sample a comparison to an observed meteor spectra shows good agreement. The present data show that this testing methodology reproduces the ablation phenomena of meteoritic material alongside the corresponding spectral signatures.
Current Challenges in Understanding and Predicting Transport and Exchange in the Atmosphere over Mountainous Terrain

Coupling of the earth’s surface with the atmosphere is achieved through an exchange of momentum, energy, and mass in the atmospheric boundary layer. In mountainous terrain, this exchange results from a combination of multiple transport processes, which act and interact on different spatial and temporal scales, including, for example, orographic gravity waves, thermally driven circulations, moist convection, and turbulent motions. Incorporating these exchange processes and previous studies, a new definition of the atmospheric boundary layer in mountainous terrain, a mountain boundary layer (MBL), is defined. This paper summarizes some of the major current challenges in measuring, understanding, and eventually parameterizing the relevant transport processes and the overall exchange between the MBL and the free atmosphere. Further details on many aspects of the exchange in the MBL are discussed in several other papers in this issue.
An adaptive multigrid conjugate gradient method for the inversion of a nonlinear convection-diffusion equation

Abstract This paper considers the problem of estimating the permeability in a nonlinear convection-diffusion equation. To overcome the large calculation burden of conventional methods, we apply an adaptive multigrid conjugate gradient method to solve this inverse problem. This new method combines the multigrid multiscale idea with the conjugate gradient method, and adopts the necessary condition that the optimum solution should be the fixed point of the multigrid inversion method. Some numerical results verify that the proposed method both dramatically reduces the required computations and improves the inversion quality.
Academic Performance of Students with Disabilities in Higher Academic Performance of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education: Insights from a Study of One Catholic College Education: Insights from a Study of One Catholic College

The purpose of this study was to determine if students with disabilities perform comparably to students without disabilities academically at a small Catholic liberal arts college. Quantitative results were gathered through the comparison of end of semester and cumulative grade point averages for students with disabilities and students without disabilities (n=56). The t test for independent means and a 2-way analysis of variance were used to test hypotheses. Students without disabilities had significantly higher academic performances than students with disabilities as measured by grade point averages. Female students without disabilities outperformed female students with disabilities as measured by end-of-semester and cumulative grade point averages. However, male students without disabilities did not outperform male students with disabilities. Further research should evaluate why females with disabilities seem to fare worse when compared to female students in the comparison group and why male students did not demonstrate the same pattern.
Scaling and modelling of turbulence in variable property channel flows

We derive an alternative formulation of the turbulent kinetic energy equation for flows with strong near-wall density and viscosity gradients. The derivation is based on a scaling transformation of the Navier–Stokes equations using semi-local quantities. A budget analysis of the semi-locally scaled turbulent kinetic energy equation shows that, for several variable property low-Mach-number channel flows, the ‘leading-order effect’ of variable density and viscosity on turbulence in wall bounded flows can effectively be characterized by the semi-local Reynolds number. Moreover, if a turbulence model is solved in its semi-locally scaled form, we show that an excellent agreement with direct numerical simulations is obtained for both low- and high-Mach-number flows, where conventional modelling approaches fail.
Physics of nonradiative energy transfer in the complex media of 0D, 2D and 3D materials

PHYSICS OF NONRADIATIVE ENERGY TRANSFER IN THE COMPLEX MEDIA OF 0D, 2D AND 3D MATERIALS Aydan Yeltik Ph.D. in Physics Advisor: Hilmi Volkan Demir July 2016 Quantum-confined colloidal nanostructures with strong excitonic properties have emerged as promising light harvesting components in photonics and optoelectronics over the past 20 years. With their favorable photophysical characteristics, three-dimensional-confined colloidal quantum dots and 2D-confined colloidal quantum wells have garnered great attention in the fields ranging from biology and chemistry to physics and engineering. It is technologically significant to utilize the key characteristics of these brightly luminescent nanomaterials through hybridizing and/or interfacing with various technological materials including 3D bulk silicon, graphene based 2D structures such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, and 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenides such as molybdenum disulphide. Compelling partnership of these appealing materials can be achieved through the nonradiative energy transfer (NRET), which is a phenomenon involving both the exciton and charge transfer mechanisms. Along with the hybrids of low dimensional particles with the conventional bulk materials, the closely interacting structures of these colloidal and layered nanomaterials have widespread interest at both the fundamental science and application levels. From these physical and technological points of view, in this thesis, we addressed important scientific problems and proposed innovative solutions including both the experimental and theoretical approaches in interfacing complex media of 0D, 2D and 3D materials and showing strong NRET interactions. Our key achievements include high excitonic enhancement in silicon and graphene based materials with the integration of nanoparticles, comprehensive photophysical investigation of the newly emerging nanomaterials and successful tailoring of the colloidal nanostructures to the next-generation optoelectronic applications.
Modulating Thermal Mass Behavior Through Surface Figuration

This research builds upon a previous body of work focused on the relationship between surface geometry and heat transfer coefficients in thermal mass passive systems. It argues for the design of passive systems with higher fidelity to multivariable space between performance and perception. Rooted in the combination of form and matter, the intention is to instrumentalize design principles for the choreography of thermal gradients between buildings and their environment from experiential, spatial and topological perspectives (Figure 1). Our work is built upon the premise that complex geometries can be used to improve both the aesthetic and thermodynamic performance of passive building systems (Cupkova and Azel 2015) by actuating thermal performance through geometric parameters primarily due to convection. Currently, the engineering-oriented approach to the design of thermal mass relies on averaged thermal calculations (Holman 2002), which do not adequately describe the nuanced differences that can be produced by complex three-dimensional geometries of passive thermal mass systems. Using a combination of computational fluid dynamic simulations with physically measured data, we investigate the relationship of heat transfer coefficients related to parameters of surface geometry. Our measured results suggest that we can deliberately and significantly delay heat absorption re-radiation purely by changing the geometric surface pattern over the same thermal mass. The goal of this work is to offer designers a more robust rule set for understanding approximate thermal lag behaviors of complex geometric systems, with a focus on the design of geometric properties rather than complex thermal calculations.
Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: From Its Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Practice

With the increasing use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), for the treatment of malignancies, cases of ICI-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (ICI-T1DM) have been reported globally. This review focuses on the features and pathogenesis of this disease. T1DM is an immune-related adverse event that occurs following the administration of anti-PD-1 or anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) alone or in combination with anti-CTLA-4. More than half of the reported cases presented as abrupt-onset diabetic ketoacidosis. The primary mechanism of ICI-T1DM is T-cell stimulation, which results from the loss of interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1 in pancreatic islet. The similarities and differences between ICI-T1DM and classical T1DM may provide insights into this disease entity. ICI-T1DM is a rare but often life-threatening medical emergency that healthcare professionals and patients need to be aware of. Early detection of and screening for this disease is imperative. At present, the only known treatment for ICI-T1DM is insulin injection. Further research into the mechanisms and risk factors associated with ICI-T1DM development may contribute to a better understanding of this disease entity and the identification of possible preventive strategies.