Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting creditworthiness in retail banking: a comparison of cascade correlation neural networks, CART and logistic regression scoring models

The preoccupation with modelling credit scoring systems including their relevance to forecasting and decision making in the financial sector has been with developed countries whilst developing countries have been largely neglected. The focus of our investigation is the Cameroonian commercial banking sector with implications for fellow members of the Banque des Etats de L’Afrique Centrale (BEAC) family which apply the same system. We investigate their currently used approaches to assessing personal loans and we construct appropriate scoring models. Three statistical modelling scoring techniques are applied, namely Logistic Regression (LR), Classification and Regression Tree (CART) and Cascade Correlation Neural Network (CCNN). To compare various scoring models’ performances we use Average Correct Classification (ACC) rates, error rates, ROC curve and GINI coefficient as evaluation criteria. The results demonstrate that a reduction in terms of forecasting power from 15.69% default cases under the current system, to 3.34% based on the best scoring model, namely CART can be achieved. The predictive capabilities of all three models are rated as at least very good using GINI coefficient; and rated excellent using the ROC curve for both CART and CCNN. It should be emphasised that in terms of prediction rate, CCNN is superior to the other techniques investigated in this paper. Also, a sensitivity analysis of the variables identifies borrower’s account functioning, previous occupation, guarantees, car ownership, and loan purpose as key variables in the forecasting and decision making process which are at the heart of overall credit policy.
OOFDM Signal Transmission Using a Single Optical Broadband Source

In this letter, optical OFDM signal transmission is demonstrated by using a broadband optical source over a 10 km fiber link. OFDM signal transmission usually employs lasers to generate the optical carrier since the chromatic fiber dispersion prevents the use of broadband optical sources. However, an interferometric system is introduced to allow signal transmission at a given RF band when a broadband optical source is employed. Optical sources with different optical bandwidths have been employed to explore the limitations of the system. OFDM transmission at 2 Gb/s using both QPSK and 16QAM modulation is demonstrated over 10 km.
Characterization and Modeling of the Thermal Properties of Photopolymers for Material Jetting Processes

One emerging application of additive manufacturing is building parts with embedded electronics, but the thermal management of these assemblies is a potential issue. Electrical components have efficiency losses, and a significant portion of that lost energy is converted into heat. Embedding electronics in PolyJetTM parts is of particular interest since material jetting additive manufacturing has the ability to deposit multiple, functionally graded materials on a pixel by pixel basis. Although there is existing literature on other PolyJetTM material properties, there is limited research on their thermal characterization. The goal of this work is to determine the thermal conductivities of select PolyJetTM photopolymers (VeroWhitePlus, TangoBlackPlus, and Grey60) by using the heat flow meter method. The resulting thermal conductivities are then applied in finite element analysis (FEA) simulations to model the thermal distribution of heated PolyJetTM parts. Two FEA models of one-dimensional conduction in PolyJetTM parts are defined and compared to a corresponding physical model to verify the thermal conductivity measurements; one simulation expresses thermal conductivity as a function of temperature and the other uses an average value of thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivities were determined for a range of temperatures, and the average values were 0.2376 W/(m·K), 0.2307 W/(m·K), and 0.2272 W/(m·K) for VeroWhitePlus, TangoBlackPlus, and Grey60, respectively. When applying the thermal conductivity results to an FEA model, it was concluded that defining thermal conductivity as a function of temperature (as opposed to a constant value), reduced the average error in the predicted temperatures by less than 1%.
Straw-like user interface: virtual experience of the sensation of drinking using a straw

The Straw-like User Interface is a novel interface system that allows us to virtually experience the sensations of drinking. These sensations are created based on referencing sample data of actual pressure, vibration and sound produced by drinking from an ordinary straw attached to the system. This research of presenting virtual drinking sensations to mouth and lips is the first in the world to have been attempted, and comes with high academic expectations. Moreover, due to the high sensitivity of the mouth and lips when used as a sensor, it is possible to develop many unique interfaces and so this could facilitate an extension of research fields in both interactive arts and entertainment.
Analysis of V/Q-matching—a safety “biomarker” in pulmonary drug development?

Ventilation (V′)/perfusion (Q′) mismatch (VQM) is the single most important reason for gas-exchange abnormalities in pulmonary diseases. Pharmacological approaches can further aggravated VQM and its assessment is important to avoid hypoxemia. A theoretical framework for VQM, its relevance in clinical trials, and a stepwise evaluation approach is outlined. This assessment should entail stratification of patients- and mechanisms-at-risk for VQM. Also, its boundary conditions (e.g. cardiac output, perfusion pressure, hemoglobin concentration, changes in ventilation) need to be taken into consideration. Ultimately, VQM assessment requires invasive approaches. VQM evaluation is an important safety “biomarker” to avoid negative study outcome due to gas-exchange abnormalities.
The Use of Aeration for Arch and Pipe Collapse in the Discharge of Cohesive Powders from a Silo

Arching and piping can occur during silo discharge of cohesive powders. This happens in general when the outlet size is too small. To achieve proper flow of cohesive materials flow aid devices, such as aeration pads are commonly used in industry. No design criteria, however, are presently available for such kind of devices and, in particular, for the intensity of aeration to be used to avoid such phenomena. Aim of this work is the evaluation of the limiting aeration conditions to produce the collapse of established arches and pipes. Experimental tests are carried out in an aerated flat bottom silo. A simple model is proposed to assess on the prevailing physical phenomena.
Modeling Documents with Event Model

Currently deep learning has made great breakthroughs in visual and speech processing, mainly because it draws lessons from the hierarchical mode that brain deals with images and speech. In the field of NLP, a topic model is one of the important ways for modeling documents. Topic models are built on a generative model that clearly does not match the way humans write. In this paper, we propose Event Model, which is unsupervised and based on the language processing mechanism of neurolinguistics, to model documents. In Event Model, documents are descriptions of concrete or abstract events seen, heard, or sensed by people and words are objects in the events. Event Model has two stages: word learning and dimensionality reduction. Word learning is to learn semantics of words based on deep learning. Dimensionality reduction is the process that representing a document as a low dimensional vector by a linear mode that is completely different from topic models. Event Model achieves state-of-the-art results on document retrieval tasks.
Atomic force microscopy investigation of phase morphology correlated with adhesive properties for modified telechelic natural rubber based-pressure sensitive adhesive

Abstract Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique to determine phase morphology and surface mechanical properties of materials. In this research natural rubber was degraded and grafted by malelic anhydride before modification with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole to obtain modified telechelic natural rubber or modified TNR. It was then blended with cumarone-indene resin at 10, 30, and 50 phr, acting as tackifier. Phase morphology and surface topography were investigated by intermitted AFM. The results showed that tackifier enriched domains were clearly observed in modified TNR matrix after added 30 and 50 phr and the domain sizes were approximately to be the order of micrometer (5–10 µm) which it increased with increasing tackifier content. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction between tackifier and modified TNR was observed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The adhesive properties (loop tack, peel, and shear strength) were governed by the size of tackifier enriched domains, surface mean roughness and compatibility or interaction between modified TNR rubber and cumarone-indene tackifier resin.
New Constructive Aspects of the Lovasz Local Lemma

The Lov\'{a}sz Local Lemma (LLL) is a powerful tool that gives sufficient conditions for avoiding all of a given set of ``bad'' events, with positive probability. A series of results have provided algorithms to efficiently construct structures whose existence is non-constructively guaranteed by the LLL, culminating in the recent breakthrough of Moser \& Tardos. We show that the output distribution of the Moser-Tardos algorithm well-approximates the \emph{conditional LLL-distribution} – the distribution obtained by conditioning on all bad events being avoided. We show how a known bound on the probabilities of events in this distribution can be used for further probabilistic analysis and give new constructive and non-constructive results. We also show that when an LLL application provides a small amount of slack, the number of resamplings of the Moser-Tardos algorithm is nearly linear in the number of underlying independent variables (not events! ), and can thus be used to give efficient constructions in cases where the underlying proof applies the LLL to super-polynomially many events. Even in cases where finding a bad event that holds is computationally hard, we show that applying the algorithm to avoid a polynomial-sized ``core'' subset of bad events leads to a desired outcome with high probability. We demonstrate this idea on several applications. We give the first constant-factor approximation algorithm for the Santa Claus problem by making an LLL-based proof of Feige constructive. We provide Monte Carlo algorithms for acyclic edge coloring, non-repetitive graph colorings, and Ramsey-type graphs. In all these applications the algorithm falls directly out of the non-constructive LLL-based proof. Our algorithms are very simple, often provide better bounds than previous algorithms, and are in several cases the first efficient algorithms known. As a second type of application we consider settings beyond the critical dependency threshold of the LLL: avoiding all bad events is impossible in these cases. As the first (even non-constructive) result of this kind, we show that by sampling from the LLL-distribution of a selected smaller core, we can avoid a fraction of bad events that is higher than the expectation. MAX $k$-SAT is an example of this.
Wheels within Wheels: Making Fault Management Cost-Effective

Local design and optimization of the components of a fault-manage- ment system results in sub-optimal decisions. This means that the target system willlikelynot meet its objectives (under-performs)or cost too much if conditions, objectives, or constraints change. We can fix this by applying a nested, manage- ment system for the fault-management system itself. We believe that doing so will produce a more resilient, self-aware, system that can operate more effec- tively across a wider range of conditions, and provide better behavior at closer to optimal cost. 1
Analysis of clinically important factors on the performance of advanced hydraulic, microprocessor-controlled exo-prosthetic knee joints based on 899 trial fittings

AbstractThe objective of this work is to evaluate whether clinically important factors may predict an individual's capability to utilize the functional benefits provided by an advanced hydraulic, microprocessor-controlled exo-prosthetic knee component.This retrospective cross-sectional cohort analysis investigated the data of above knee amputees captured during routine trial fittings. Prosthetists rated the performance indicators showing the functional benefits of the advanced maneuvering capabilities of the device. Subjects were asked to rate their perception. Simple and multiple linear and logistic regression was applied.Data from 899 subjects with demographics typical for the population were evaluated. Ability to vary gait speed, perform toileting, and ascend stairs were identified as the most sensitive performance predictors. Prior C-Leg users showed benefits during advanced maneuvering. Variables showed plausible and meaningful effects, however, could not claim predictive power. Mobility grade showed the largest effect but also failed to be predictive.Clinical parameters such as etiology, age, mobility grade, and others analyzed here do not suffice to predict individual potential. Daily walking distance may pose a threshold value and be part of a predictive instrument. Decisions based solely on single parameters such as mobility grade rating or walking distance seem to be questionable.
Analysis of 3D face forms for proper sizing and CAD of spectacle frames

Three-dimensional morphological variations in the human face were analysed using digital models of the human face, and the usefulness of such analysis in designing industrial products was demonstrated by validating spectacle frame designs based on an original sizing system developed based on the analysis. A normalized model of the three-dimensional face form was made for each of 56 young adult Japanese males. The morphological distances between subjects were defined, and subjects were divided into four groups based on analysis of the distance matrix. A prototype spectacle frame was designed for the average form of each of the four groups. Tightening force of the prototype frames was adjusted using the materialized average forms with soft material placed at the nasal bridge and side of the head. Four prototype frames as well as a conventional frame were evaluated using sensory evaluation and physical measurement of the pressure and slip in 38 young adult male subjects. For each of the 38 subjects, prototype frames were ranked according to the morphological similarity of the subjects and the average form of the four groups: the frame designed for the average form of the group most similar to the subject was #1, the frame designed for the average form of the next most similar group was #2, and so on. For the groups with smaller or narrower faces, new frame #1 was most preferred and had the best overall fit, smallest slip sensation and largest pressure sensation. The groups with larger or wider faces preferred tighter frames than new frame #1, because they were concerned that the frames might slip, although the frames did not. Most of the subjects habitually wore spectacles, and the reason that groups with larger or wider faces preferred tighter frames was thought to be that they were accustomed to tighter fitting frames.
A magnetorheological damper-based prosthetic knee (MRPK) and sliding mode tracking control method for an MRPK-based lower limb prosthesis

Based on a two-bar linkage and a magnetorheological damper (MRD) with a double-ended structure and shearing operation mode of the magnetorheological fluid, an MRD-based prosthetic knee (MRPK) is realized. Utilizing the developed MRPK, an MRD-based lower limb prosthesis (MRLLP) is developed, modeled, and simulated in this paper, to analyse the effects of hysteresis of the integrated MRD on the swing angle of the shank of the MRLLP. Based on this, a sliding mode tracking control (SMTC) method for controlling the swing angle of the shank of the MRLLP is proposed to suppress hysteresis, along with a robustness analysis. Utilizing the SMTC method, co-simulations on controlling the swing angle of the shank of the MRLLP are carried out in ADAMS and Simulink. The simulation results show that the root mean square error (RMSE) of the swing angle of the shank of the MRLLP produced by the SMTC method is 80% less than that from the computed torque plus PD (CT+PD) control method. Therefore, the SMTC method is effective in suppressing hysteresis of the MRD. Furthermore, when the MRLLP is disturbed, the RMSE of the swing angle of the shank of the MRLLP produced by the SMTC method is 67% less than that from the CT+PD control method. Therefore, the SMTC method has strong robustness to random disturbance. A rapid control prototype of the MRLLP system and a corresponding experimental test system are established. On the established experimental test system, experiments are carried out on control of the swing angle of the shank of the MRLLP via the SMTC method. The results are compared with those from the ON/OFF and the CT+PD control methods. The experimental results show that the MRPK has controllable joint torque, and can be used to imitate the natural swing of a human knee joint. Additionally, the RMSE of the controlled swing angle of the shank of the MRLLP produced by the SMTC method is 34% less than that produced by the CT+PD control method and is 37% less than that from the ON/OFF control method.
Automatic Reassembly of Document Fragments via Data Compression

Reassembly of fragmented objects from a collection of randomly mixed fragments is a common problem in classical forensics. In this paper we address the digital forensic equivalent, i.e., reassembly of document fragments, using statistical modelling tools applied in data compression. We propose a general process model for automatically analyzing a collection fragments to reconstruct the original document by placing the fragments in proper order. Probabilities are assigned to the likelihood that two given fragments are adjacent in the original using context modelling techniques in data compression. The problem of finding the optimal ordering is shown to be equivalent to finding a maximum weight Hamiltonian path in a complete graph. Heuristics are designed and explored and implementation results provided which demonstrate the validity of the proposed technique.
A Novel Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-3 Activator Leads to Adult Salivary Stem Cell Enrichment In Vivo

Purpose: To assess aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) expression in adult human and murine submandibular gland (SMG) stem cells and to determine the effect of ALDH3 activation in SMG stem cell enrichment. Experimental Design: Adult human and murine SMG stem cells were selected by cell surface markers (CD34 for human and c-Kit for mouse) and characterized for various other stem cell surface markers by flow cytometry and ALDH isozymes expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Sphere formation and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporation assays were used on selected cells to confirm their renewal capacity and three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix culture was applied to observe differentiation. To determine whether ALDH3 activation would increase stem cell yield, adult mice were infused with a novel ALDH3 activator (Alda-89) or with vehicle followed by quantification of c-Kit+/CD90+ SMG stem cells and BrdUrd+ salispheres. Results: More than 99% of CD34+ huSMG stem cells stained positive for c-Kit, CD90 and 70% colocalized with CD44, Nestin. Similarly, 73.8% c-Kit+ mSMG stem cells colocalized with Sca-1, whereas 80.7% with CD90. Functionally, these cells formed BrdUrd+ salispheres, which differentiated into acinar- and ductal-like structures when cultured in 3D collagen. Both adult human and murine SMG stem cells showed higher expression of ALDH3 than in their non–stem cells and 84% of these cells have measurable ALDH1 activity. Alda-89 infusion in adult mice significantly increased c-Kit+/CD90+ SMG population and BrdUrd+ sphere formation compared with control. Conclusion: This is the first study to characterize expression of different ALDH isozymes in SMG stem cells. In vivo activation of ALDH3 can increase SMG stem cell yield, thus providing a novel means for SMG stem cell enrichment for future stem cell therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(23); 7265–72. ©2011 AACR.
Genomic Organization, Expression Analysis, and Chromosomal Localization of the Mouse PEX3 Gene Encoding a Peroxisomal Assembly Protein

Abstract The peroxin Pex3p has been identified as an integral peroxisomal membrane protein in yeast where pex3 mutants lack peroxisomal remnant structures. Although not proven in higher organisms, a role of this gene in the early peroxisome biogenesis is suggested. We report here the cDNA cloning and the genomic structure of the mouse PEX3 gene. The 2 kb cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 372 amino acids (42 kDa). The gene spans a region of 30 kb, contains 12 exons and 11 introns and is located on band A of chromosome 10. The putative promoter region exhibits characteristic housekeeping features. PEX3 expression was identified in all tissues analyzed, with the strongest signals in liver and in testis, and could not be induced by fenofibrate. The data presented may be useful for the generation of a mouse model defective in PEX3 in order to clarify the yet unknown functional impact of disturbances in early peroxisomal membrane assembly.
The PERSEUS Project: Creating Personalized Multimedia News Portal

This paper describes the Perseus project, which is devoted to developing techniques and tools for creating personalized multimedia news portals. The purpose of a personalized multimedia news portal is to provide relevant information, selected from newswire sites on the Internet and augmented by video clips automatically extracted from TV broadcasts, based on the user's preferences. To create such an intelligent information system several techniques related to textual information retrieval, audio and video segmentation, and topic detection should be developed to work in accord. The approaches to event mining and tracking on the Internet, commercial detection and recognition in video and audio streams, and selection of relevant news video fragments, based on closed captioning and audio transcripts, are described.
Preparation of Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Energy Storage Aggregate: A Case Study

The phase change energy storage aggregate was prepared with the eutectic mixture of capric acid (CA) and stearic acid (SA) as phase change energy storage material (PCM) and waste autoclaved aerated concrete as skeleton. The results showed that the appropriate mass ratio of CA to SA is 9:1, with melting temperature 26.8°Cand latent heat of 96.4 J/g. The optimal load of PCM on waste autoclaved aerated concrete was 55%. In order to reduce leakage and increase strength of the aggregate, slag-water glass-gypsum binder was used for encapsulation, which also helped increase the compatibility with the main building materials. The simulation test showed that the phase change energy storage aggregate possesses good temperature control and energy storage performance.