Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Traffic flow forecasting based on wavelet neural network optimized by GA

In the complex urban traffic system, real-time and accurate traffic flow forecasting is the key to achieve the traffic control and guidance system. Based on the basic theory of wavelet neural network (WNN), the paper introduces the genetic algorithm (GA) with global search capability and establishes the traffic flow forecasting model of wavelet neural network optimized by genetic algorithm (GA-WNN), which will search the global optimal solutions of parameters in wavelet neural network and avoid the shortcoming of falling into local minimum of gradient descent learning algorithm. To compare the forecasting effect and network performance, the paper also establishes the traffic flow forecasting models of BP neural network optimized by genetic algorithm (GA-BP) and WNN. Simulation results have demonstrated that the proposed method has better generalization and higher forecasting precision, and it is applicable to traffic flow forecasting.
Morphological traits: predictable responses to macrohabitats across a 300 km scale

Species traits may provide a short-cut to predicting generalities in species turnover in response to environmental change, particularly for poorly known taxa. We ask if morphological traits of assemblages respond predictably to macrohabitats across a large scale. Ant assemblages were collected at nine paired pasture and remnant sites from within three areas along a 300 km distance. We measured ten functional morphological traits for replicate individuals of each species. We used a fourth corner model to test associations between microhabitat variables, macrohabitats (pastures and remnants) and traits. In addition, we tested the phylogenetic independence of traits, to determine if responses were likely to be due to filtering by morphology or phylogeny. Nine of ten traits were predicted by macrohabitat and the majority of these traits were independent of phylogeny. Surprisingly, microhabitat variables were not associated with morphological traits. Traits which were associated with macrohabitats were involved in locomotion, feeding behaviour and sensory ability. Ants in remnants had more maxillary palp segments, longer scapes and wider eyes, while having shorter femurs, smaller apical mandibular teeth and shorter Weber’s lengths. A clear relationship between traits and macrohabitats across a large scale suggests that species are filtered by coarse environmental differences. In contrast to the findings of previous studies, fine-scale filtering of morphological traits was not apparent. If such generalities in morphological trait responses to habitat hold across even larger scales, traits may prove critical in predicting the response of species assemblages to global change.
Volcanic passive continental margin beneath Maitri station in central DML, East Antarctica: constraints from crustal shear velocity through receiver function modelling

ABSTRACT Dronning Maud Land (DML) in East Antarctica is considered to be a key area for the reconstruction of the Gondwana supercontinent. We investigate the crustal shear wave velocity (Vs) model beneath the Maitri station, situated in the central DML of East Antarctica, through receiver function modelling. The analysis shows an average crustal thickness of 38.50 ± 0.5 km and a Vp/Vs ratio of 1.784 ± 0.002. The obtained Vs structure suggests that the topmost ca. 2.5 km of the crust contains ice and sediments with low Vs (1.5–2.0 km/s). This layer is underlain by a thick (ca. 12.5 km) layer of Vs = 2.25–2.6 km/s, suggestive of an extrusive igneous rock (rhyolite) at this depth range. Between 16 and 28 km depth, the Vs increases from 2.9 to 3.4 km/s. In the lower crust, a 7 km thick layer of Vs = 3.9 km/s is followed by 6 km thick underplated layer (Vs = 4.1 km/s) at the crust–mantle boundary. The uppermost mantle Vs is ca. 4.3 km/s. With the observation of underplated material in the lowermost crust, extrusive volcanic rocks in the upper crust, seaward dipping reflectors in the surrounding and a general paucity of seismicity, we believe the crust beneath the Maitri station represents a volcanic passive continental margin. We also believe that after its origin in the Precambrian and during its subsequent evolution it might have been affected by the post-Precambrian tectono-thermal event(s) responsible for the Gondwana supercontinent break-up.
Learning query and document similarities from click-through bipartite graph with metadata

We consider learning query and document similarities from a click-through bipartite graph with metadata on the nodes. The metadata contains multiple types of features of queries and documents. We aim to leverage both the click-through bipartite graph and the features to learn query-document, document-document, and query-query similarities. The challenges include how to model and learn the similarity functions based on the graph data. We propose solving the problems in a principled way. Specifically, we use two different linear mappings to project the queries and documents in two different feature spaces into the same latent space, and take the dot product in the latent space as their similarity. Query-query and document-document similarities can also be naturally defined as dot products in the latent space. We formalize the learning of similarity functions as learning of the mappings that maximize the similarities of the observed query-document pairs on the enriched click-through bipartite graph. When queries and documents have multiple types of features, the similarity function is defined as a linear combination of multiple similarity functions, each based on one type of features. We further solve the learning problem by using a new technique called Multi-view Partial Least Squares (M-PLS). The advantages include the global optimum which can be obtained through Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and the capability of finding high quality similar queries. We conducted large scale experiments on enterprise search data and web search data. The experimental results on relevance ranking and similar query finding demonstrate that the proposed method works significantly better than the baseline methods.
The Traveling Salesman Problem for Lines, Balls, and Planes

We revisit the traveling salesman problem with neighborhoods (TSPN) and propose several new approximation algorithms. These constitute either first approximations (for hyperplanes, lines, and balls in Rd, for d ⩾ 3) or improvements over previous approximations achievable in comparable times (for unit disks in the plane). (I) Given a set of n hyperplanes in Rd, a traveling salesman problem (TSP) tour whose length is at most O(1) times the optimal can be computed in O(n) time when d is constant. (II) Given a set of n lines in Rd, a TSP tour whose length is at most O(log 3n) times the optimal can be computed in polynomial time for all d. (III) Given a set of n unit balls in Rd, a TSP tour whose length is at most O(1) times the optimal can be computed in polynomial time when d is constant.
Regulation of T cell autocrine growth. T4+ cells become refractory to interleukin 2

During the course of investigating the regulation of IL-2-dependent T cell proliferation, we found that the subset of human T cells expressing the T4 surface glycoprotein become refractory to IL-2 growth promotion earlier than T8+ cells. Since T4+ cells proliferate in an autocrine fashion to endogenous IL-2, whereas most T8+ cells respond in a paracrine fashion to IL-2 derived from T4+ cells, we thought it likely that a unique mechanism was operative to restrict T4+ cell IL-2- dependent autocrine proliferation. Moreover, we anticipated that the T4+ cell IL-2-refractory state related either to suppression by T8+ cells, or to expression of T4+ cell IL-2-R. However, several experimental approaches did not support either of these mechanisms as being responsible for the loss of T4+ cell IL-2 responsiveness. Isolated T4+ cells ceased to respond to IL-2 well before T8+ cells, and before the disappearance of adequate levels of IL-2-R. Moreover, a detailed comparison of IL-2-R expression by T4+ vs. T8+ cells revealed no differences in the number, affinity, rate of expression, or functional activity of high-affinity IL-2-R expressed by the two subsets. Accordingly, T4+ cell autocrine IL-2 responsiveness is restricted by a mechanism that is independent of IL-2-R, and which ultimately results in cessation of both T4+ and T8+ cell IL-2-dependent clonal expansion.
Efficient computation of fixpoints that arise in complex program analysis

This paper proposes a model for studying the computation of xpoints that arise in complex program analysis based on abstract interpretation, and presents an e cient algorithm for computing xpoints based on the model. Abstract interpretation provides a uni ed framework for handling interprocedural analysis of programs with unrestricted pointer manipulation, higher-order functions, and continuations. In the general case, the structure of the xpoint computation is not known before analysis; that is, the ow graph cannot be determined from the syntax of a program. Abstract interpretation handles this situation easily. In our algorithm, the entailment graph, representing the structure of the xpoint computation, is developed during analysis. The strategies for determining the evaluation order, which underlie the algorithm, are described. Based on the strategies, local knowledge of the entailment graph at each node is exploited to determine dynamically an e ective order of evaluation. The algorithm behaves like those based upon interval analysis of a ow graph, but without requiring the interprocedural control ow graph to be given a priori. The algorithm has been implemented, and experiments have been conducted to compare it to other iterative algorithms for solving such problems. The results show that the algorithm is exible, e cient, and consistently better than the others.
Clinical depression and HIV risk-related sexual behaviors among African-American adolescent females: Unmasking the numbers

Abstract Clinically depressed and nondepressed African-American adolescent females aged 13–19 years (N=131) were interviewed and surveyed to determine the relationship between depression and HIV risk-related sexual behaviors. Narratives indicate that the psychopathology of depression may create situations where the target population could become exposed to HIV. Specifically, depressed participants described feelings of loneliness, isolation, and wanting somebody to “comfort them” as aspects of depression that affect the decisions they make about sex and relationships. In essence, sex was viewed as a stress reliever, an anti-depressant and a way to increase self-esteem. They shared that even if they did not feel like having sex, they might just “git it over wit” so their partners would stop asking. Some also discussed financial and emotional stability offered by older, more sexually experienced partners. These age-discordant relationships often translated into trusting that their partners knew what was best for their sexual relationships (i.e., having unprotected sex). Sixty-nine percent (n=88) of the sample reported engaging in sexual activity. Given their mean age (16±1.9 years) participants had been sexually active for 2±1.8 years. The adolescents reported an average of 2±1.8 sexual partners within the past three months. Depressed participants reported a higher frequency of having ever had sex (78% vs. 59%, χ2=5.236, p=0.022), and had a higher mean number of sexual partners (2 vs. 1, t=–2.023, p= 0.048) and sexual encounters under the influence of drugs and alcohol (8 vs. 2, t=–3.078, p=0.005) in the past three months. The results of this study can guide the modification and/or development of tailored HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention programs. The findings provide explicit, psychologically and culturally relevant information regarding the interaction between depression, self-medicating behaviors and risk for HIV/STIs among clinically depressed African-American adolescent females.
Optimal geographic caching in cellular networks with linear content coding

We state and solve a problem of the optimal geographic caching of content in cellular networks, where linear combinations of contents are stored in the caches of base stations. We consider a general content popularity distribution and a general distribution of the number of stations covering the typical location in the network. We are looking for a policy of content caching maximizing the probability of serving the typical content request from the caches of covering stations. The problem has a special form of monotone sub-modular set function maximization. Using dynamic programming, we find a deterministic policy solving the problem. We also consider two natural greedy caching policies. We evaluate our policies considering two popular stochastic geometric coverage models: the Boolean one and the Signal-to-Interference-and-Noise-Ratio one, assuming Zipf popularity distribution. Our numerical results show that the proposed deterministic policies are in general not worse than some randomized policy considered in the literature and can further improve the total hit probability in the moderately high coverage regime.
11E-2 Review and Comparison of Bulk Acoustic Wave FBAR, SMR Technology

Since FBAR (free-standing bulk acoustic resonator) and solidly mounted resonator SMR-BAW devices came onto the scene as serious competition to the entrenched SAW technology (for cell phone applications), there has been much speculation and discussion as to which of these two "disruptive" technologies is the superior one. The one fundamental difference between SMR-BAWs and FBARs, is the means by which the acoustic energy is trapped. For FBAR the air/crystal interface on both faces of the resonator ensures that the main mode of interest (the thickness extensional mode, TE1) is appropriately trapped In the SMR-BAW, Bragg reflectors underneath the resonator, effectively trap this mode. This addition of a Bragg reflector will degrade the effective coupling coefficient as well as creating additional Q loss mechanisms. The science of improving Q must focus on the edges of the resonator for FBAR, while for SMR devices, both the edges and the vertical design of the Bragg reflector must be optimized. That said, compared to conventional SAW technology, both BAW and FBAR provide temperature stability, power handling capability, good ESD (electro-static discharge), and -most important-high Q's. One of the key drivers for the success (in terms of high Q and coupling coefficients) of both BAW and FBAR was the exploitation of AlN as the piezoelectric material and high acoustic impedance, electrode materials such as molybdenum, tungsten or ruthenium. These are the technology differentiators that create the inherent superiority of BAW/FBAR over both the conventional SAW technology and the newer and enhanced flavors of SAW. The need for large coupling coefficients and high Q's becomes an important value proposition as one considers the proliferation of new bands and services.
Derivation of exemption formulas for air quality regulatory applications

The regulatory agencies and the industries have the responsibility for assessing the environmental impact from the release of air pollutants, and for protecting environment and public health. The simple exemption formula is often used as a criterion for the purpose of screening air pollutants. That is, the exemption formula is used for air quality review and to determine whether a facility applying for and described in a new, modified, or revised air quality plan is exempted from further air quality review. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) air quality regulations are used to regulate air emissions and air pollutants released from the oil and gas facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. If a facility is not exempt after completing the air quality review, a refined air quality modeling will be required to regulate the air pollutants. However, at present, the scientific basis for BOEM’s exemption formula is not available to the author. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide the theoretical framework and justification for the use of BOEM’s exemption formula. In this paper, several exemption formulas have been derived from the Gaussian and non-Gaussian dispersion models; the Gaussian dispersion model is a special case of non-Gaussian dispersion model. The dispersion parameters obtained from the tracer experiments in the Gulf of Mexico are used in the dispersion models. In this paper, the dispersion parameters used in the dispersion models are also derived from the Monin-Obukhov similarity theory. In particular, it has been shown that the total amount of emissions from the facility for each air pollutant calculated using BOEM’s exemption formula is conservative. Implications: The operation of offshore oil and gas facilities under BOEM’s jurisdiction is required to comply with the BOEM’s regulations. BOEM’s air quality regulations are used to regulate air emissions and air pollutants released from the oil and gas facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. The exemption formulas have been used by BOEM and other regulatory agencies as a screening tool to regulate air emissions emitted from the oil and gas and other industries. Because of the BOEM’s regulatory responsibility, it is important to establish the scientific basis and provide the justification for the exemption formulas. The methodology developed here could also be adopted and used by other regulatory agencies.
A Component-Based Architecture for Multi-Agent Systems

A multi-agent system (MAS) is an open distributed system of agents. The agents in a MAS may form certain specific groups, where agents in each group jointly engage in solving a specific problem. Since problem solving in a specific domain requires agents to have the BDI set that is specific to that application domain, and several groups of agents with each group inheriting one set of BDI, may exist in a large system, the MAS is not only heterogeneous but also has a heavy overhead on the system execution. This complexity must be resolved at the architecture level so that in an implementation the complexity does not arise. In this paper we introduce a formal multi- layered component-based architecture towards developing a dependable MAS. Agent communication and configurations are also discussed. To illustrate our approach, we discuss a solution to a travel planning example using the techniques presented in this paper.
The praxis of community mapping in developing countries

This thesis takes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the characteristics, quality and production of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI), through examining the emergent method of Community Mapping in developing countries. While a good understanding exists of the nature of the characteristics, quality and production of VGI in developed countries there is little covering developing countries. This thesis reviews the state of the art and theoretical approaches in Geography, Human Factors and Geographic Information Science. Research methods of Human Factors, specifically Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) and geospatial quality assessment are also discussed. Through a mixed methods approach, the characteristics of Community Mapping are examined and contrasted against those in developed countries. Consequently the quality of data produced and its mode of production are examined, enabled through the construction of a CWA to situate and explore constraints of the developing world case. By discussing the results and conclusions of these studies, this thesis provides an agenda for the understanding geospatial data quality in developing countries and, specifically, informal urban areas known by their more colloquial moniker of `slums'. By involving the community in data production and decision making it adheres to the CWA principles and ethics of respectful, user centric design. In assessing the quality of the data produced and the needs of community members around tools we create design guidelines for the development of future tools. Finally, this thesis considers how the characteristics of Community Mapping could and should be considered in the use and reuse of spatial data by its integration into Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI). In conclusion, a conceptual framework for the development of VGI in developing countries is produced, alongside other avenues for further work for the theories, software and communities nurtured as part of this thesis.
Sliding mode control of pitch angle for direct driven PM Wind turbine

The power generated by wind turbines appears to be instable at high rate speed due to the stochastic nature of wind speed, system lagging and nonlinearities, and involving time-variable parameters. To improve the dynamic performance in the operation region of constant power output, a sliding mode variable structure controller based on the analysis of the features model of the variable pitch and the speed wind turbine generator system is proposed. Moreover, to eliminate the chattering problem caused by the sign function in the traditional controllers, a quasi-sliding mode controller within the boundary layer is introduced. The pitch control model of a 2MW permanent magnet direct-drive wind power system is built and simulated. The simulation results show that the sliding mode control with quasi sliding mode can cope with traditional chattering problems in variable structure systems, and has such advantages as strong robustness to changes in parameters and fast response.
Cerebral Microstructural Alterations after Radiation Therapy in High-Grade Glioma: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Based Study

Objective To investigate radiation therapy-induced microstructural damage of white matter in patients with high-grade glioma by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods DTI was performed in 18 patients with high-grade glioma (WHO grades III and IV) and 13 healthy controls. DTI images were cross-sectionally aligned for the calculation of baseline fractional anisotropy (FA). Interhemispheric FA values in patients with high-grade glioma before or without brain radiation therapy were compared with the interhemispheric FA values in patients after radiation therapy and in healthy controls. In a subgroup without any clinical or diagnostic evidence of tumor progression, serial DTI data (5–11 scans) before and after radiation therapy were collected and longitudinal interhemispheric FA changes were assessed and compared to longitudinal data from the control group.In addition, interhemispheric axial, mean, and radial diffusivity was assessed. Results Global interhemispheric FA reductions could be detected cross-sectionally in patients after radiation therapy; these were significantly different from global interhemispheric FA differences both in patients without radiation and in healthy controls. Longitudinal scans in patients with radiation therapy confirmed these findings and revealed progressive microstructural white matter damage after partial brain radiotherapy. The additional DTI metrics axial diffusion, mean diffusivity, and radial diffusion confirmed interhemispheric differences in patients without or before radiation therapy, which were lower than the differences in patients after radiation therapy, although not reaching significance. Conclusion Interhemispheric global FA differences could potentially serve as a biological marker for irradiation-induced microstructural white matter damage.