Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heat waves in Finland: present and projected summertime extreme temperatures and their associated circulation patterns

The number and intensity of individual hot days affecting Finland in the current and future climate is investigated together with the circulation patterns associated with the hot days. In addition, the number, length and intensity of heat waves lasting at least 3 days is also considered. ERA‐Interim reanalysis data and both direct model output and bias‐corrected data for historical and future climate [representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) scenario] simulations from 17 global climate models are analysed. Three intensities of heat waves and hot days are defined based on daily mean temperature thresholds of 20, 24 and 28 °C. The percentage of summertime days which exceed these temperature thresholds is shown to increase in the future. In ERA‐Interim, 24% of summertime days in southern Finland exceed the lowest temperature threshold while none exceed the highest temperature threshold. Under the RCP4.5 scenario these values increase to 47 and 1%, respectively. Larger relative changes occur in northern Finland. Heat waves are also longer in the RCP4.5 simulations than in the historical simulations. In southern Finland, the mean length of a heat wave where the 20 °C daily mean temperature is exceeded is 6.1 days in the historical simulations but increases to 9.4 days in the RCP4.5 simulations. The hot days in both northern and southern Finland are associated with a statistically significant positive pressure anomaly over Finland and to the east to Finland and a statistically significant negative pressure anomaly over Russia between 90 and 120°E. These pressure anomalies were evident for all intensities of hot days in the current climate and the future climate. The magnitude of the pressure anomalies increases as the daily mean temperature threshold increases. However, for hot days which exceed the same daily mean temperature threshold, the pressure anomalies are weaker in the RCP4.5 simulations than in the historical or ERA‐Interim data.
Numerical Simulation of Parabolic Profile of Longshore Currents

ABSTRACT Chun, H. and Suh, K. -D. , 2018. Numerical simulation of parabolic profile of longshore currents. In: Shim, J.-S. ; Chun, I. , and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 941–945. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The three-dimensional nearshore currents model well predicted the typical profile of undertow, i.e. the shoreward near-surface currents and the seaward flow below the wave trough level. Meanwhile, the measurements showed that the longshore currents were logarithmically or parabolically distributed over the depth, but the parabolic profile had not been reproduced by the numerical models (Newberger and Allen, 2007b; Uchiyama et al., 2010). However, Chun and Suh (2017) have shown that the wave-current interaction term in the surface wave stress was attributed to the parabolic profile of longshore currents, and then reproduced the profile of longshore currents in DUCK94. In order to see the parabolic profile of longshore currents in other cases, Chun and Suh's (2017) nearshore current model has been applied to Hamilton et al.'s (2001) laboratory experiment in the present study. Then the numerical results were compared with the measurements including the vertical profiles of longshore currents and undertow.
Systolic-array 3D wave-digital beam filters

3D IIR beam/cone filter-banks are derived from beam transfer functions of 2D/3D LC-ladder low-pass networks. Such filters are obtained using 3D frequency-planar filters as building blocks, and lead to highly-selective RF beamforming capabilities over wide bandwidths. High computational complexity necessitates high-performance computational hardware for useful throughput. A massively-parallel systolic-array hardware architecture is proposed for the FPGA-based hardware acceleration of arbitrary-order spatial frequency-planar beam broadband digital filters. The proposed architecture is based on multidimensional wave-digital-filters, and leads to a synchronous systolic-array of locally interconnected parallel processing core modules (PPCMs), which enable 3D beam filtering at a throughput of one frame per clock cycle. An example using a Xilinx Virtex-4 Sx35 FPGA, for a 6×6 array of PPCMs, is described.
Comparison of tree encoding schemes for Biobjective Minimum Spanning Tree problem

Minimum Spanning Trees (MST) problem is a classical problem in operation research and network design problem is an important application of it. Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) problem can be solved efficiently, but its Biobjective versions are NP hard. In this paper, we compare three tree encoding schemes using Biobjective evolutionary algorithm. Three different tree encoding methods in the evolutionary algorithms are being used to solve three different instances of Biobjective Minimum Spanning Tree problem; comparative study of the tree encoding schemes used is done on the basis of Pareto optimal front obtained. Our approach involves Biobjective Minimum Spanning Tree problem using Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGAII). We compare Edge Set encoding, Prüfer encoding, Characteristic Vector encoding using evolutionary algorithm for Biobjective Minimum Spanning Tree, we find that edge sets encoding performs better than Prüfer and Characteristic Vector for Biobjective Minimum Spanning Tree problem while we are solving Biobjective Minimum Spanning Tree problem using Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGAII).
Bargaining-Based Mobile Data Offloading

The unprecedented growth of mobile data traffic challenges the performance and economic viability of today's cellular networks and calls for novel network architectures and communication solutions. Data offloading through third-party WiFi or femtocell access points (APs) can effectively alleviate the cellular network congestion in low operational and capital expenditure. This solution requires the cooperation and agreement of mobile cellular network operators (MNOs) and AP owners (APOs). In this paper, we model and analyze the interaction among one MNO and multiple APOs (for the amount of MNO's offloading data and the respective APOs' compensations) by using thew Nash bargaining theory. Specifically, we introduce a one-to-many bargaining game among the MNO and APOs and analyze the bargaining solution (game equilibrium) systematically under two different bargaining protocols: 1) sequential bargaining, where the MNO bargains with APOs sequentially, with one APO at a time, in a given order; and 2) concurrent bargaining, where the MNO bargains with all APOs concurrently. We quantify the benefits for APOs when bargaining sequentially and earlier with the MNO, and the losses for APOs when bargaining concurrently with the MNO. We further study the group bargaining scenario where multiple APOs form a group bargaining with the MNO jointly and quantify the benefits for APOs when forming such a group. Interestingly, our analysis indicates that grouping of APOs not only benefits the APOs in the group but may also benefit some APOs not in the group. Our results shed light on the economic aspects and the possible outcomes of the MNO/APOs interactions and can be used as a roadmap for designing policies for this promising data offloading solution.
Near-Real-Time Parameter Estimation of an Electrical Battery Model With Multiple Time Constants and SOC-Dependent Capacitance

A modified particle swarm optimization algorithm for conducting near-real-time parameter estimation of an electrical model for lithium batteries is presented. The model comprises a dynamic capacitance for characterizing the nonlinear relationship between the battery electromotive force and the state-of-charge, and a resistor-capacitor network for characterizing the static and transient responses. The algorithm is confirmed by successfully determining all parameters in a predefined simulation model. It is also evaluated on a hardware test bed with two samples of 3.3-V, 40-Ah, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery driven under six different loading patterns. The intrinsic parameters are estimated by first processing 15-min samples of the battery terminal voltage and current. The whole process takes 2 min. Then, the voltage-current characteristics in the following 15 min are predicted. Results show that the extracted parameters can fit the first 15-min voltage samples with a maximum error of 16 mV and an average error of 3.8 mV. With the extracted parameters, the electrical model can predict voltage-current characteristics in the following 15 min with a maximum error of 31 mV and an average error of 15 mV. The algorithm is further verified by successfully determining the emulated variation of the output resistance.
Elliptic equations with transmission and Wentzell boundary conditions and an application to steady water waves in the presence of wind

In this paper, we present results about the existence and uniqueness of solutions of elliptic equations with transmission and Wentzell boundary conditions. We provide Schauder estimates and existence results in Holder spaces. As an application, we develop an existence theory for small-amplitude two-dimensional traveling waves in an air-water system with surface tension. The water region is assumed to be irrotational and of finite depth, and we permit a general distribution of vorticity in the atmosphere.
Why aren't protein residue networks smaller worlds?

In this paper, in silico experiments are performed to investigate why protein residue networks (PRNs), i.e. networks induced by spatial contacts between amino acid residues of a protein, do not have shorter average path lengths (APLs) in spite of their importance to protein folding. We find that shorter average inter-nodal distances does not necessarily imply better search performance, i.e. more successful protein folding. Search performance of a zero-temperature Metropolis style hill-climber was not significantly improved by randomizing only the longrange links of PRNs even though such randomization significantly reduces APLs of PRNs while retaining much of the clustering and positive degree-degree correlation inherent in PRNs. However, this result is contingent upon the optimization function. We found that the optimization function which places PRNs in a favorable spot in the space of possible network configurations considered in this paper parallels an existing view in protein folding theory that neither short-range nor longrange interactions dominate the protein folding process. These findings suggest the existence of explanations, other than the excluded volume argument, beneath the topological limits of PRNs.
Eurographics/siggraph Symposium on Computer Animation (2003) Flexible Automatic Motion Blending with Registration Curves

Many motion editing algorithms, including transitioning and multitarget interpolation, can be represented as instances of a more general operation called motion blending. We introduce a novel data structure called a registration curve that expands the class of motions that can be successfully blended without manual input. Registration curves achieve this by automatically determining relationships involving the timing, local coordinate frame, and constraints of the input motions. We show how registration curves improve upon existing automatic blending methods and demonstrate their use in common blending operations.
Analysis of posterior deltoid function one year after surgical restoration of elbow extension.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to measure the extent and timing of elbow extension torque recovery after posterior deltoid-to-triceps tendon transfer. METHODS Elbow extension moment was measured in 40 limbs from 23 patients who underwent surgical restoration using the posterior deltoid-to-triceps tendon transfer at times ranging from 8 weeks to 1 year after surgery. For comparison purposes, elbow extension moment also was measured in healthy controls and persons with C7 spinal cord injuries. RESULTS Maximum extension moment was 5.89 +/- 0.24 Nm (mean +/- standard error of mean, n = 40), which corresponds to approximately 65% of the predicted posterior deltoid force and provided an adequate moment to oppose gravity. Based on the shape of the moment-joint angle curve and using a biomechanical model, it was predicted that posterior deltoid was inserted at a relatively short muscle length of 123.1 mm and thus operated exclusively on the ascending limb of the length-tension relationship. CONCLUSIONS These observations support an evolving model of muscle architecture in which connective tissue septa restrict muscle fiber elongation during surgical tensioning of the tendon transfer. This relatively short length would result in a significant force loss should any of the repair sites slip or stretch during rehabilitation. These data have implications for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of this patient population.
SYLPH: A Platform for Integrating Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks in Ambient Intelligence Systems

The significance that Ambient Intelligence (AmI) has acquired in recent years requires the development of innovative solutions. In this sense, the development of AmI-based systems requires the creation of increasingly complex and flexible applications. The use of context-aware technologies is an essential aspect in these developments in order to perceive stimuli from the context and react upon it autonomously. This paper presents SYLPH, a novel platform that defines a method for integrating dynamic and self-adaptable heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). This approach facilitates the inclusion of context-aware capabilities when developing intelligent ubiquitous systems, where functionalities can communicate in a distributed way. A WSN infrastructure has been deployed for testing and evaluating this platform. Preliminary results and conclusions are presented in this paper.
Fast collision detection scheme by recursive decomposition of a manipulator workspace

This paper explains a simple method for fast collision detection in manipulator tasks. We show from examples taken in the literature that solutions to this problem can be chosen among a continuum of schemes, according to the method selected for representing the workspace and the robot, and the amount of computations performed before testing a particular trajectory. We then describe a method based on a recursive decomposition of the workspace, also referred to as an octree model, as a good tradeoff for a class of applications.
On Heterogeneous Database Retrieval: A Cognitively Guided Approach

Retrieving information from heterogeneous database systems involves a complex process and remains a challenging research area. We propose a cognitively guided approach for developing an information-retrieval agent that takes the user's information request, identifies relevant information sources, and generates a multidatabase access plan. Our work is distinctive in that the agent design is based on an empirical study of how human experts retrieve information from multiple, heterogeneous database systems. To improve on empirically observed information-retrieval capabilities, the design incorporates mathematical models and algorithmic components. These components optimize the set of information sources that need to be considered to respond to a user query and are used to develop efficient multidatabase-access plans. This agent design, which integrates cognitive and mathematical models, has been implemented using Soar, a knowledge-based architecture.
Diverse isoforms of colony‐stimulating factor‐1 have different effects on the development of stroma‐dependent hematopoietic cells

Maintenance and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are controlled by complex interactions with the stroma microenvironment. Stroma–cell interactions can be supported by locally expressed membrane‐spanning cell‐surface (cs) growth factors. CSF‐1 is expressed by stroma as a soluble glycoprotein, as proteoglycan, or as a membrane‐spanning cs glycoprotein. CSF‐1 regulates the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of mononuclear phagocytes. Whereas the biological role of soluble CSF‐1 is well characterized, the function of the membrane‐spanning cell‐surface CSF‐1 (csCSF‐1) remains unclear. To analyze the biological significance of csCSF‐1 in vitro, we used an epithelial cell line to ectopically express the different CSF‐1 isoforms. In co‐cultures of CSF‐1 transduced epithelial cells with primary, early hematopoietic progenitor cells we examined whether interaction between csCSF‐1 and its receptor mediates cell proliferation, self‐renewal, or differentiation. csCSF‐1 induces long‐lasting proliferation of stimulated cells and furthermore supports self‐renewal. Ectopic secretion of soluble CSF‐1 does not permit long‐term growth of progenitor cells but induces differentiation of monocytes into macrophages. Previously, we showed that the soluble and cs isoforms of stroma‐encoded SCF differently affect the development of hematopoietic cells. Cell‐surface SCF (csSCF) promotes self‐renewal of stimulated cells whereas soluble SCF causes clonal extinction. These results and those presented here for CSF‐1 provide evidence for diverse functions of the isoforms of the ligands SCF and CSF‐1 for two tyrosine kinase receptors of the subclass III both regulating hematopoiesis on stroma. J. Cell. Physiol. 204: 247–259, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of Blended Learning Model based on the Perceptions of Students at Higher Education Institutes in Oman

a traditional and rich society like in Oman, higher education offers several unique circumstances that suggest that, curriculum delivery using blended learning is a rational choice. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting blended learning adoption and whether learning process was predictive in its adoption process at College of Applied Sciences (CAS) in Oman. The present study adopted quantitative approach that was aimed to examine the effect of students learning process and students learning style on blended learning. The findings of this study revealed that in particular, the Competitive and Facilitator style significantly mediated the relationship of User Acceptance of Technology and Blended Learning adoption. Further, the demographic factors like student's gender, age and computer experience does also significantly influenced the blended learning adoption. Blended learning design in the theoretical framework may enhance the interactions in learning environment and effective learning can be promoted through greater flexibility which may also allow the use of various learning styles.
A Two-Phase Log-Based Fault Recovery Mechanism in Master/Worker Based Computing Environment

The Master/worker pattern is widely used to construct the cross-domain, large scale computing infrastructure. The applications supported by this kind of infrastructure usually features long-running, speculative execution etc. Fault recovery mechanism is significant to them especially in the wide area network environment, which consists of error prone components. Inter-node cooperation is urgent to make the recovery process more efficient. The traditional log-based rollback recovery mechanism which features independent recovery cannot fulfill the global cooperation requirement due to the waste of bandwidth and slow application data transfer which is caused by the exchange of a large amount of logs. In this paper, we propose a two-phase log-based recovery mechanism which is of merits such as space saving and global optimization and can be used as a complement of the current log-based rollback recovery approach in some specific situations. We have demonstrated the use of this mechanism in the Drug Discovery Grid environment, which is supported by China National Grid. Experiment results have proved efficiency of this mechanism.
Automatic Regulation of the Information Flow in the Control Loops of a Web Teleoperated Robot

The use of the World Wide Web for robot teleoperation is growing in the last years due mainly to the pervasiveness of Internet and Web browsers, although Web interfaces usually use Ethernet networks that exhibit time unpredictability. Most recent research in the area has been focused on improving time predictability of the network under delays, jitter, and no guaranteed bandwidth. However, we believe that: i) not only the network, but every component in the interfaced system exhibit time unpredictability; and ii) improving time predictability is not the only solution: adapting the interfaced system to unpredictable conditions is also a possibility. In this paper we consider a Web interfaced robot as a set of control loops and describe and implement a hysteresis controller for regulating the flow of information through the loops as a method to satisfy the system time requirements under some unpredictable and varying conditions. For demonstrating the goodness of our algorithm, we: a) compare it with a near-optimal one automatically generated through reinforcement learning, and b) show an implementation of the algorithm for the direct teleoperation of a service mobile robot, obtaining a better behavior than the same system without flow regulation.
Sidewall effects and sand trap efficiency in a large wind tunnel

Aeolian sand transport is a widespread physical phenomenon on the surface of Earth, as well as on Mars and Titan. Accurate measurements of the components of the transport system are necessary if we are to understand the nature of the physical processes. Sand traps are typically used to measure sediment transport rates, and issues associated with the sampling efficiency of traps and the development of reliable traps have received considerable attention in recent decades. In this study, we measured aeolian transport rate at five distances from a wind tunnel sidewall using a vertically‐segmented sand trap. Total transport rates were determined by weighing the bed sediment before and after each experiment, and with and without a trap installed. The following results were obtained: (1) sand transport increased linearly with the distance away from the sidewall, and the appropriate location to measure maximum transport is within the central 20% of the wind tunnel; (2) current methods overestimate the sampling efficiency of sand traps when comparing trap data to transport rate data obtained by weighing sand moved through the entire tunnel because the effects of the sidewalls in decreasing total transport are neglected; (3) the efficiency of the vertically‐segmented trap that we tested ranged from 11.57% to 31.68% using our revised methods, whereas standard methods caused efficiency to be overestimated by 32–72% of the efficiency; (4) using either method, the efficiency of the trap increased exponentially with shear velocity for the range we used. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grasp Interaction Using Physiological Sensor Data

The way we grasp an object depends on several factors, for example the intended goal or the hand's anatomy. Therefore, a grasp can convey meaningful information about its context. Inferring these factors from a grasp allows us to enhance interaction with tools and artifacts. Previous research on grasp interaction has focused on capturing grasps with grasp-sensitive surfaces. However, one may also capture the grasp a person applies by measuring physiological properties of the person. This paper provides an overview of sensing techniques and physiological properties that can be utilized for determining how a person grasps on object.