Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Bounds on the Dot Product under Random Projection and Random Sign Projection

Dot product is a key building block in a number of data mining algorithms from classification, regression, correlation clustering, to information retrieval and many others. When data is high dimensional, the use of random projections may serve as a universal dimensionality reduction method that provides both low distortion guarantees and computational savings. Yet, contrary to the optimal guarantees that are known on the preservation of the Euclidean distance cf. the Johnson-Lindenstrauss lemma, the existing guarantees on the dot product under random projection are loose and incomplete in the current data mining and machine learning literature. Some recent literature even suggested that the dot product may not be preserved when the angle between the original vectors is obtuse. In this paper we provide improved bounds on the dot product under random projection that matches the optimal bounds on the Euclidean distance. As a corollary, we elucidate the impact of the angle between the original vectors on the relative distortion of the dot product under random projection, and we show that the obtuse vs. acute angles behave symmetrically in the same way. In a further corollary we make a link to sign random projection, where we generalise earlier results. Numerical simulations confirm our theoretical results. Finally we give an application of our results to bounding the generalisation error of compressive linear classifiers under the margin loss.
Selective Sorption of Dissolved Organic Carbon Compounds by Temperate Soils

Background Physico-chemical sorption onto soil minerals is one of the major processes of dissolved organic carbon (OC) stabilization in deeper soils. The interaction of DOC on soil solids is related to the reactivity of soil minerals, the chemistry of sorbate functional groups, and the stability of sorbate to microbial degradation. This study was conducted to examine the sorption of diverse OC compounds (D-glucose, L-alanine, oxalic acid, salicylic acid, and sinapyl alcohol) on temperate climate soil orders (Mollisols, Ultisols and Alfisols). Methodology Equilibrium batch experiments were conducted using 0–100 mg C L−1 at a solid-solution ratio of 1∶60 for 48 hrs on natural soils and on soils sterilized by γ-irradiation. The maximum sorption capacity, Qmax and binding coefficient, k were calculated by fitting to the Langmuir model. Results Ultisols appeared to sorb more glucose, alanine, and salicylic acid than did Alfisols or Mollisols and the isotherms followed a non-linear pattern (higher k). Sterile experiments revealed that glucose and alanine were both readily degraded and/or incorporated into microbial biomass because the observed Qmax under sterile conditions decreased by 22–46% for glucose and 17–77% for alanine as compared to non-sterile conditions. Mollisols, in contrast, more readily reacted with oxalic acid (Qmax of 886 mg kg−1) and sinapyl alcohol (Qmax of 2031 mg kg−1), and no degradation was observed. The reactivity of Alfisols to DOC was intermediate to that of Ultisols and Mollisols, and degradation followed similar patterns as for Ultisols. Conclusion This study demonstrated that three common temperate soil orders experienced differential sorption and degradation of simple OC compounds, indicating that sorbate chemistry plays a significant role in the sorptive stabilization of DOC.
Formant centralization ratio: a proposal for a new acoustic measure of dysarthric speech.

PURPOSE The vowel space area (VSA) has been used as an acoustic metric of dysarthric speech, but with varying degrees of success. In this study, the authors aimed to test an alternative metric to the VSA-the formant centralization ratio (FCR), which is hypothesized to more effectively differentiate dysarthric from healthy speech and register treatment effects. METHOD Speech recordings of 38 individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and dysarthria (19 of whom received 1 month of intensive speech therapy [Lee Silverman Voice Treatment; LSVT LOUD]) and 14 healthy control participants were acoustically analyzed. Vowels were extracted from short phrases. The same vowel-formant elements were used to construct the FCR, expressed as (F2u + F2a + F1i + F1u) / (F2i + F1a), the VSA, expressed as ABS([F1i x (F2a - F2u) + F1a x (F2u - F2i) + F1u x (F2i - F2a)] / 2), a logarithmically scaled version of the VSA (LnVSA), and the F2i /F2u ratio. RESULTS Unlike the VSA and the LnVSA, the FCR and F2i/F2u ratio robustly differentiated dysarthric from healthy speech and were not gender sensitive. All metrics effectively registered treatment effects and were strongly correlated with each other. CONCLUSION Albeit preliminary, the present findings indicate that the FCR is a sensitive, valid, and reliable acoustic metric for distinguishing dysarthric from unimpaired speech and for monitoring treatment effects, probably because of reduced sensitivity to interspeaker variability and enhanced sensitivity to vowel centralization.
Effect of skin thickness on target motion during needle insertion into soft-tissue phantoms

Small breast lesions are increasingly detected by medical imaging modalities. However, a biopsy of the lesion is required to make a definitive diagnosis. During the biopsy, displacement of the target (lesion) occurs as the needle indents and punctures the skin layer, and penetrates further into the breast soft tissue. Target displacement during the needle insertion process makes it difficult to reach the lesion. In this study, the elastic properties of a soft-tissue phantom were estimated, and the effects of skin thickness on target motion and insertion force during needle insertion were investigated. The elastic properties of the target, skin, and the surrounding tissue were estimated in vivo using an ultrasound-based approach which uses “Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse” technique to determine the elastic moduli of tissue. Ultrasound images were used to track target motion during needle insertion into soft-tissue phantoms. Target displacement was computed using digital image correlation. The experimental results show that the insertion force rate increases by 90.2% and the rate of target displacement increases by 275.9%, when the skin thickness is increased from 0 mm to 2.5 mm. Studying the effect of skin thickness on the target motion during needle insertion will help in pre-operative planning and thus, improve the clinical outcomes of the biopsy procedure.
Polarization singularities in the clear sky

Ideas from singularity theory provide a simple account of the pattern of polarization directions in daylight. The singularities (two near the Sun and two near the anti-Sun) are points in the sky where the polarization line pattern has index +1/2 and the intensity of polarization is zero. The singularities are caused by multiple scattering that splits into two each of the unstable index +1 singularities at the Sun and anti-Sun, which occur in the single-dipole scattering (Rayleigh) theory. The polarization lines are contours of an elliptic integral. For the intensity of polarization (unnormalized degree), it is necessary to incorporate the strong depolarizing effect of multiple scattering near the horizon. Singularity theory is compared with new digital images of sky polarization, and gives an excellent description of the pattern of polarization directions. For the intensity of polarization, the theory can reproduce not only the zeros but also subtle variations in the polarization maxima. It is not one of the least wonders of terrestrial physics, that the blue atmosphere which overhangs us, exhibits in the light which it polarises phenomena somewhat analogous to those of crystals with two axes of double refraction Brewster D 1863 Trans. R. Soc. Ed. 23 205–10
Analysis, Modeling and Simulation of Workload Patterns in a Large-Scale Utility Cloud

Understanding the characteristics and patterns of workloads within a Cloud computing environment is critical in order to improve resource management and operational conditions while Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees are maintained. Simulation models based on realistic parameters are also urgently needed for investigating the impact of these workload characteristics on new system designs and operation policies. Unfortunately there is a lack of analyses to support the development of workload models that capture the inherent diversity of users and tasks, largely due to the limited availability of Cloud tracelogs as well as the complexity in analyzing such systems. In this paper we present a comprehensive analysis of the workload characteristics derived from a production Cloud data center that features over 900 users submitting approximately 25 million tasks over a time period of a month. Our analysis focuses on exposing and quantifying the diversity of behavioral patterns for users and tasks, as well as identifying model parameters and their values for the simulation of the workload created by such components. Our derived model is implemented by extending the capabilities of the CloudSim framework and is further validated through empirical comparison and statistical hypothesis tests. We illustrate several examples of this work's practical applicability in the domain of resource management and energy-efficiency.
Error analysis for high data rate applications using Welch's power spectral by Cognitive radio users

In this paper the Bit Error Rate (BER) is considered for Cognitive radio users using spectrum sensing algorithms. The proposed modified algorithm shows a substantial improvement in BER for high data rate applications of CR. The algorithms are exclusively made for Cognitive transmitters. All the simulations are been performes using real time signal using NI-USRP 2920. The energy is beinf found using Welche's power spectral density and Probability of detection and probability of false alarm are being compared using FFT/NFFT conventional Periodogram and then the BER is compared with the Welch's Periodogram which is modified. The BER performance analysis has been evaluated and compared with standard error function for binary FSK. Simulation results show that the substantial improve in bit error rate for high data rate cognitive radio users.
Tip-over stability examination of a compliant anthropomimetic mobile robot

This paper presents a wheeled humanoid robot as a structure composed by upper human-like body and mobile platform. The cart construction is supported by two driving wheels and one caster wheel and subjected to nonholonomic kinematic constraints. The real system configuration of the upper body and its model are represented as a fully anthropomimetic, compliant robot with antagonistic coupled drives. In order to ensure stability of the robot position, the robust control is evaluated. In this paper the focus is not on synthesis of local controllers, but the goal is examination of the limits of the adopted robot control strategy and robot handling with disturbance following from the cart motion (analysis of tip-over stability). In order to avoid tipping over and relying on the Zero Moment Point calculation and control algorithm, the appropriate construction (dimensions) of the cart is adopted. Finally, some simulations are carried out and the influence of different cart movements on the robot balance is analyzed by comparing different cases.
Exploration of cultural values as a moderator of the relationship between emotion suppression and risky behaviors

The present study examined the relationship between emotion suppression, cultural values, and engagement in risky behaviors. The literature supports that emotion suppression is related to engagement in a variety of risky behaviors, but this may vary as a function of cultural values. That is, emotion suppression is relatively normative in certain cultures and may therefore not predict involvement in risky behavior for individuals from such groups. Therefore, the present study aimed to understand how emotion suppression and cultural values may interact in terms of their relationship with engagement in risky behaviors. The study also sought to investigate how engaging in risky behaviors affects psychological well-being. Furthermore, the study also sought to investigate the correlation between risky behaviors and cognitive reappraisal. Finally, for more exploratory purposes the study sought to examine correlations between risky behaviors and ethnic identity and collectivism. The study included a sample of 565 college students aged 18 and older, enrolled at Eastern Michigan University. The mean age was 21.09 ± 5.36. The student sample was predominately female (72.6%) and White (65.5%). The present study found significant negative correlations between engagement in risky behaviors and collectivism, cognitive reappraisal, and psychological well-being; as well as, a significant positive correlation between engagement in risky behaviors and emotion suppression. Furthermore, a positive trend between European American values, emotion suppression, and involvement in risk behaviors was discovered. Limitations and implications for treatment and further research are discussed. Degree Type Open Access Senior Honors Thesis Department Psychology First Advisor Karen K. Saules Second Advisor Tamara Loverich Third Advisor Natalie Dove
FUZZY -LOGIC ADAPTIVE QUEUING FOR A HEURISTIC TCP PERFORMANCE IN MOBILE WIRELESS NETWORKS

In this paper, we propose a new Fuzzy-Logic Adaptive Queuing controller (FLAQ) based on a classical Random Early Detection (RED) algorithm in wireless cellular network. The controller predicts dynamically the packet dropping rate and the corresponding average queue length. It relies on the average queue length at the base station router and the packet loss rate caused by the channel variations in mobile environment; assuming there is no buffer overflow due to the congestion. Using this model, a heuristic TCP performance can be estimated over a time-varying channel under different conditions of user’s mobility. The results show a significant improvement in TCP throughput performance when the user’s mobility is below 5 m/s; and becomes constant (i.e., close to i.i.d) beyond this speed especially at 5% of predefined packet error rate.
Robust mixed noise removal with non-parametric Bayesian sparse outlier model

This paper proposes a novel non-parametric Bayesian framework for solving mixed noise removal problem. In order to removing unstable effects of outlier noise such as salt-and-pepper in the training data, we decompose the observed data model into three components terms of ideal data, Gaussian noise and sparse outlier. And the proposed model employs spike-slab sparse prior to find the sparser coefficients of desired data term and outlier noise. Note that the proposed non-parametric Bayesian model can infer the noise statistics from the training data and have been robust to the mixed noise without tuning of model parameters. Experimental results demonstrate our proposed algorithm performs well with mixed noise and achieves better performance over other state-of-the-art methods.
Use of a New High Resolution Melting Method for Genotyping Pathogenic Leptospira spp.

Background Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis that is endemic in tropical areas, such as Reunion Island. The species Leptospira interrogans is the primary agent in human infections, but other pathogenic species, such as L. kirschner and L. borgpetersenii, are also associated with human leptospirosis. Methods and Findings In this study, a melting curve analysis of the products that were amplified with the primer pairs lfb1 F/R and G1/G2 facilitated an accurate species classification of Leptospira reference strains. Next, we combined an unsupervised high resolution melting (HRM) method with a new statistical approach using primers to amplify a two variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) for typing at the subspecies level. The HRM analysis, which was performed with ScreenClust Software, enabled the identification of genotypes at the serovar level with high resolution power (Hunter-Gaston index 0.984). This method was also applied to Leptospira DNA from blood samples that were obtained from Reunion Island after 1998. We were able to identify a unique genotype that is identical to that of the L. interrogans serovars Copenhageni and Icterohaemorrhagiae, suggesting that this genotype is the major cause of leptospirosis on Reunion Island. Conclusions Our simple, rapid, and robust genotyping method enables the identification of Leptospira strains at the species and subspecies levels and supports the direct genotyping of Leptospira in biological samples without requiring cultures.
The listening room: a speech-based interactive art installation

In this paper we will present The Listening Room, an interactive audio installation that holds more or less meaningful conversations with up to three people at any one time. Conceived as an artwork that explores the boundaries between virtual and 'real world' experience, The Listening Room incorporates a number of speech technologies. This paper will give an account of the conceptual framework for The Listening Room and will describe the technologies employed in its realisation. To give context to the ideas behind The Listening Room we will describe the work with reference to two previous interactive works by the authors - Face Value(2000) and Alter Ego (2005).
Using Proper Names to Cluster Documents

Proper Names are a frequent occurrence in all types of natural language text. However, the treatment of proper names is an area under-researched by Natural Language Processing. One particular problem is how to link information about the same entity referred to by possibly different proper names in several documents. In this paper we describe a prototype system which first pre-processes individual documents using a simple name-conflation algorithm and then uses an adaptation of Schutze's context-group discrimination algorithm to cluster documents that are judged to contain references to the same named entity. We use this system to assess the potential utility of different contextual cues to the task.
Assessing Corporate Perceptions of a Human Factors Lab using Thematic Text Analysis

To assess and increase the organizational maturity of a new human factors lab in a distributed, multi-disciplinary company, a briefing on lab capabilities, goals, and available resources was given to employees at a business meeting. An open-ended survey question was posed to employees pre- and post-briefing to assess corporate perceptions of the human factors lab. Thematic text analysis was used to assess the overall corporate perception of the lab, as well as any differences in the pre- and post-brief perceptions, and differences in perceptions across both technical and managerial personnel. Three major themes emerged from employee responses (the lab as a corporate mechanism, actions performed by the lab, and technical domains of the lab), which did not differ in prevalence across pre- and post-brief responses. Technical personnel had a larger proportion of their mental model attributed to the actions performed by the lab than did the managerial personnel.
Quantification of phase and runtime errors in finite differen ce approximations of railway catenary systems

Summary. The numeric simulation of distributed-parameter systems involving wave propagation typically suffers from dispersion errors. This work considers the wave equation and the Euler-Bernoulli beam equations that appear in the modeling and simulation of railway catenary systems. A versatile phase error criterion is develope d based on phase/group velocity errors due to a Finite Difference discretization. The error criterion is validated by data measured from simu lation test cases including parameter studies. Finally, the validation results are discussed and interpreted for the criterion’s applica bility in simulation practice.
High-Resolution Diffusion Tensor Spinal Cord MRI Measures as Biomarkers of Disability Progression in a Rodent Model of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Disease in the spinal cord is a major component of disability in multiple sclerosis, yet current techniques of imaging spinal cord injury are insensitive and nonspecific. This study seeks to remove this major impediment to research in multiple sclerosis and other spinal cord diseases by identifying reliable biomarkers of disability progression using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a magnetic resonance imaging technique, to evaluate the spinal cord in a model of multiple sclerosis, i.e. the Theiler’s Murine Encephalitis Virus-Induced Demyelinating Disease (TMEV-IDD). Mice with TMEV-IDD with varying levels of clinical disease were imaged using a 9.4T small animal MRI scanner. Axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy were calculated. Disability was assessed periodically using Rotarod assay and data were expressed as a neurological function index. Correlation was performed between DTI measurements and disability scores. TMEV-IDD mice displayed significant increased neurological deficits over time when compared with controls (p<0.0001). Concurrently, the values of fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity were both decreased compared to controls (both p<0.0001), while radial diffusivity was increased (p<0.0001). Overall, fractional anisotropy changes were larger in white matter than in grey matter and differences were more pronounced in the ventral region. Lower disability scores were associated with decreased fractional anisotropy values measured in the ventral (r = 0.68; p<0.0001) and ventral-lateral (r = 0.70; p<0.0001) regions of the white matter. These data demonstrate that DTI measures of the spinal cord contribute to strengthening the association between neuroradiological markers and clinical disability, and support the use of DTI measures in spinal cord imaging in MS patients.
Optimizing the location of base transceiver stations in mobile communication network planning: case study of the Nairobi central business district, Kenya

Optimal signal coverage has always been a fundamental issue for cellular network operators. Other issues related to capacity, quality of service and cost efficiency are also rapidly gaining prominence. In order to determine signal coverage, network engineers usually rely mainly on two dimensional (2D) terrain maps and rather simple empirical propagation-prediction models. In this study a framework which provides a more efficient and cost effective network coverage optimization for a dense urban environment was investigated. 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) of the study area was developed. The signal propagation-prediction tool based on ray-tracing coupled with the 3D geo-information was used to model the radio signal coverage for the Base Transceiver Stations for one of the mobile phone operators licensed to provide mobile phone services in Kenya. To determine the best locations of the BTSs for optimal signal coverage of the study area, spatial analysis tools in GIS were employed. Comparing the proposed methodology with classical methods demonstrates that this spatial analysis approach can be used to optimize mobile signal coverage in any dense urban environment without resorting to lengthy field measurements thus minimizing on costs of wireless network planning.