Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust estimation of the memory parameter of Gaussian time series using wavelets

We propose in this paper robust estimators of the memory parameter d of a (possibly) non stationary Gaussian time series with generalized spectral density f. This generalized spectral density is characterized by the memory parameter d and by a function f∗ which specifies the short-range dependence structure of the process. The memory parameter d is estimated by regressing the logarithm of the estimated variance of the wavelet coefficients at different scales. The two robust estimators of d that we consider are based on robust estimators of the variance of the wavelet coefficients, namely the square of the scale estimator proposed by [1] and the median of the square of the wavelet coefficients. We establish a Central Limit Theorem for these robust estimators as well as for the estimator of d based on the classical estimator of the variance proposed by [2]. The properties of these estimators are also compared on publicly available Internet traffic packet counts data.
Leaving an Unknown Maze with One-Way Roads

We consider the problem of escaping from an unknown polygonal maze under limited resources. The maze may have passages that can be traversed in only one direction. It is well-known that in a setting without ’one-way roads’, the Pledge algorithm always finds a path out of an unknown maze provided that such a path exists. We extend the Pledge algorithm for our type of environments and show the correctness of our solutions. Apart from the maze-leaving application, we introduce a new type of scenes that combines the advantages of both polygonal scenes (i.e., modelling the geometric shape of the environment) and directed graphs (i.e., modelling the connectivity of several parts in the environment). This type might be interesting to consider in other motion-planning tasks such as exploration and search.
Augmenting Genetic Algorithms with Memory to Solve TravelingSalesman

This paper explores the feasibility of augmenting genetic algorithms with a long term memory. During a genetic algorithm run, we periodically store individuals in a database. When confronted with a new problem , instead of starting from scratch, we inject the solutions to previously solved similar problems (from the database) into the initial population of the genetic algorithm. We evaluate the performance of the genetic algorithm with such a long term memory on a set of benchmark traveling salesman problems. In addition, we compare the performance of these augmented genetic algorithms when trained on traveling salesman problems of varying similarity. Preliminary results indicate that we can always get better performance with injection of previous solutions to similar problems.
A stability analysis of discrete-time interconnected systems with mixed passivity, negative-imaginary and small-gain properties

A stability analysis of discrete-time interconnected systems with mixed passivity, negative-imaginary and small-gain properties is briefly presented in this paper. These results are analogous to previously established continuous-time case. Nowadays most of the control design is done in discrete-time. Hence, this paper provides a foundation for discretization of mixed system with passivity, negative-imaginary and small-gain properties. Numerical example and practical plant model example with simulation results substantiate the usefulness of the proposed stability analysis.
MULTI-GOAL PATH PLANNING FOR INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS

A new problem for the automated off-line programming of industrial robot application is investigated. The Multi-Goal Path Planning is to find the collision-free path connecting a set of goal poses and minimizing e.g. the total path length. Our solution is based on an earlier reported path planner for industrial robot arms with 6 degrees-of-freedom in an on-line given 3D environment. To control the path planner, four different goal selection methods are introduced and compared. While the Random and the Nearest Pair Selection methods can be used with any path planner, the Nearest Goal and the Adaptive Pair Selection method are favorable for our planner. With the latter two goal selection methods, the Multi-Goal Path Planning task can be significantly accelerated, because they are able to automatically solve the simplest path planning problems first. Summarizing, compared to Random or Nearest Pair Selection, this new Multi-Goal Path Planning approach results in a further cost reduction of the programming phase.
Implications of blood type for ovarian reserve.

BACKGROUND We explored the relevance of blood type to ovarian reserve, as reflected by early follicular phase FSH levels. METHODS For this cross-sectional observational study, early follicular phase serum levels of FSH (mIU/ml) and estradiol (E2, pg/ml), and information on blood type (A, B, AB and O) and patient age were procured for female patients, ≤ 45 years age (n= 544), who were undergoing fertility evaluation at one of two tertiary care facilities. Serum FSH > 10 mIU/ml was taken to reflect diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Data distribution for FSH and age was analyzed and non-parametric tests used for comparisons across blood groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined the relationship between elevated FSH and respective blood types after adjusting for age and study site. RESULTS Prevalence of blood types according to order of frequency was: O (45%), A (35%), B (16%) and AB (5%). After adjusting for age and study site, patients with blood type O were twice as likely to exhibit FSH > 10 mIU/ml compared with those with A or AB blood types [odds ratio (OR) 2.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-4.41; P= 0.007], and three times as likely to manifest FSH > 12 m IU/ml (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.46-7.32, P= 0.004). The B blood group antigen failed to exhibit any relationship with ovarian reserve as reflected by baseline FSH (P> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The A blood group antigen appears to be protective for ovarian reserve, whereas blood type O appears to be associated with DOR, in a relationship that is independent of advancing age. Further studies are needed to establish causality and identify the underlying mechanisms for the association.
The Canada-UK Deep Submillimeter Survey: First Submillimeter Images, the Source Counts, and Resolution of the Background

We present the first results of a deep unbiased submillimeter survey carried out at 450 and 850 μm. We detected 12 sources at 850 μm at greater than the 3 σ level, giving a surface density of sources with S850μm>2.8 mJy of 0.49 ± 0.16 arcmin-2. If replicated over the sky, our sources would generate a background at 850 μm of 9.6 × 10−11 W m-2 sr-1, which is ≃20% of the value measured by the Far-Infrared Absolute Spectrophotometer (FIRAS) and a significant fraction of the total background radiation produced by stars. This implies, through the connection between metallicity and background radiation, that a significant fraction of all the stars that have ever been formed were formed in objects like those detected here. The combination of their large contribution to the background radiation and their extreme bolometric luminosities makes these objects excellent candidates for being proto-elliptical galaxies. Optical astronomers have recently shown that the UV luminosity density of the universe increases by a factor of ≃10 between z=0 and z=1-2 and then decreases again at higher redshifts. Using the results of a parallel submillimeter survey of the local universe, we show that both the submillimeter source density and background radiation (as detected by FIRAS) can be explained if the submillimeter luminosity density evolves in a similar way to the UV luminosity density. Thus, if these sources are elliptical galaxies in the process of formation, they are probably forming at relatively modest redshifts.
Real-time implementation of a novel detail enhancement algorithm for thermal imager

This paper presents real time implementation of a new detail enhancement algorithm to effectively visualize High Dynamic Range (HDR) InfraRed (IR) images on Low Dynamic Range (LDR) display with reduced noise amplification. Rendering real world IR images on state of the art display devices requires compression of HDR IR images without losing the perceptibility of details. The proposed algorithm is a combination of preprocessing module for detail enhancement and Dynamic Range Compression(DRC) for LDR display. In the preprocessing module, the base and detail components of input HDR image are obtained using bilateral filtering. The detail component of IR image is scaled and added back to its base component and then the resultant is compressed using DRC method for display on LDR monitors. MATLAB simulation and Real-Time implemented results show a significant improvement in the results obtained when a given DRC method is preceded by the proposed preprocessing module. The DRC algorithms referred here are AGC, classical Histogram Equalization, Histogram Projection and Adaptive Plateau Equalization. The real time implementation procedure of current proposed algorithm using xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA is explained.
Bridging the gap between biomedical and traditional health practitioners in South Africa

Traditional health practitioners (THPs) in South Africa are increasingly acknowledged as essential providers of health care and the National Department of Health is taking firm steps towards the formal regulation of THPs. However, tensions continue to dominate the landscape of research and policy debates on the role and practices of THPs, particularly with respect to historical injustices, gaps in scientific evidence, mistrust on the part of biomedical practitioners and toxicity of medicines. In this chapter, we report on the findings of a study of peer reviewed and grey literature related to THPs up to 2015 and argue that the world view of the biomedical paradigm is very different from that of the healing paradigm as the former uses a scientific knowledge lens while the latter uses an indigenous knowledge lens. We argue that in subscribing to indigenous knowledge systems, the merging of biomedical and traditional healing paradigms provides for a complementary system of plural health care, which could offer patients a truly holistic and comprehensive form of care. The current body of evidence demonstrates much progress in the way that traditional healing is perceived in South Africa, having shifted from a derogatory 'witchcraft paradigm' supported by the Witchcraft Suppression Act (3 of 1957), to a more tolerant, and in some instances reconciliatory, discourse of a 'healing paradigm' now protected under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act (22 of 2007).
Statistical Analysis of Microarray Data with Replicated Spots: A Case Study with Synechococcus WH8102

Until recently microarray experiments often involved relatively few arrays with only a single representation of each gene on each array. A complete genome microarray with multiple spots per gene (spread out spatially across the array) was developed in order to compare the gene expression of a marine cyanobacterium and a knockout mutant strain in a defined artificial seawater medium. Statistical methods were developed for analysis in the special situation of this case study where there is gene replication within an array and where relatively few arrays are used, which can be the case with current array technology. Due in part to the replication within an array, it was possible to detect very small changes in the levels of expression between the wild type and mutant strains. One interesting biological outcome of this experiment is the indication of the extent to which the phosphorus regulatory system of this cyanobacterium affects the expression of multiple genes beyond those strictly involved in phosphorus acquisition.
Evaluation of intervention measures for respiratory disease transmission on cruise ships

Respiratory diseases are common infectious illnesses on cruise ships. This study integrated an individual-to-individual probability model, a susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered epidemic model at the individual scale, and an onboard indoor social contact network model for evaluating the infection risk on a typical cruise ship voyage. The integrated model was validated by data from a previous influenza outbreak and was able to simulate the infection spreading. The model was used to assess the effects of various intervention measures on controlling influenza on a cruise ship with one index passenger. The results show that individuals in crew cabins and restaurants faced the highest infection risk. Increasing the air change rate in some or all locations could reduce the infection risk to some extent. High-efficiency particulate air filters and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation devices in ventilation systems were the most effective measures. Surgical masks worn by crew members or a quarantine of the index passenger and his/her roommate could reduce the attack rate only to a moderate extent.
Enabling custom application content through semantic web filters

Understanding user intent is critical as we move towards provisioning next generation services. Towards this goal, we have developed a mobile in-device framework that mines user consumed content for inferring custom user interest. We build custom filters from user content that has wide ranging applications including filtering content automatically from applications employing web based data backend. Our framework is based on latent extraction of content based on a hybrid supervised and unsupervised topic modeling process. The extracted filters are coupled to popular web based services for search and retrieval of content backed by a unique UX applicable for mobile systems. Our trial results show a subjective satisfaction score of over 80% for filter results along with 94% precision score for supervised latent topic-based content inference.
Effects of Ambient Conditions on Helicopter Rotor Source Noise Modeling

A phenomenological noise-modeling method called Fundamental Rotorcraft Acoustic Modeling from Experiments is used to demonstrate the changes in rotor harmonic noise generation of a helicopter operating at different ambient conditions. The method is based upon a nondimensional representation of the governing acoustic and performance equations of a single-rotor helicopter. Measured external noise is used together with parameter-identification techniques to develop a model of helicopter external noise that is a hybrid between theory and experiment. The method is used to evaluate the main rotor harmonic noise of a Bell 206B3 helicopter operating at different altitudes. The variation with altitude of blade–vortex interaction noise, known to be a strong function of the helicopter’s advance ratio, depends upon which definition of airspeed is used. If normal flight procedures are followed and indicated airspeed is held constant, the true airspeed of the helicopter increases with altitude. This causes an increase .
Review of Passive and Active Circuits for Power Factor Correction in Single Phase, Low Power AC-

The increasing growth in the use of electronic equipment in recent years has resulted in a greater need to ensure that the line current harmonic content of any equipment connected to the ac mains is limited to meet regulatory standards. This requirement is usually satisfied by incorporating some form of Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits to shape the input phase currents, so that they are sinusoidal in nature and are in phase with the input phase voltages. There are multiple solutions in which line current is sinusoidal. This paper provides a concise review of the most interesting passive and active circuits of power factor correction, for single phase and low power applications.The major advantages and disadvantages are highlighted.
Cartilage and bone macromolecules in knee joint synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis: relation to development of knee or hip joint destruction

OBJECTIVE To examine the hypothesis that aggrecan, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and bone sialoprotein (BSP) concentrations in synovial fluid could provide information on variations of progression of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS Aggrecan, COMP, and BSP were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays in longitudinally collected knee joint synovial fluid samples of patients rapidly developing destruction in knees or hips, the “destructive” group, n = 18, and in patients slowly developing destruction, the “non-destructive” group, n = 25. RESULTS The aggrecan concentrations decreased from initially high levels (P << 0.001), and the BSP concentrations increased (P << 0.001) over time in the destructive group, whereas levels of both markers were low and did not change in the non-destructive group. The COMP levels did not change in any of the groups. The aggrecan concentrations were initially highest in the group developing destructions (P << 0.001), whereas no difference between the groups was found regarding levels of COMP or BSP in the first sample. CONCLUSIONS A destructive group was characterised by higher initial aggrecan concentrations and rising BSP concentrations in synovial fluid with time. Quantification of cartilage and bone derived macromolecules contributes to the assessment of extent of tissue destruction and may help in the early identification of patients at risk of rapidly progressing destruction.
A general domain CMOS companding integrator

This work presents a new architecture of companding integrator for application in CMOS current-mode filters. Since MOS transistors can operate in the whole inversion region, this circuit can be classified either as log-domain or as square-root domain. Due to the higher bias currents allowed, signal-to-noise(distortion) ratio is improved in comparison to the log-domain counterparts. Circuit complexity is intermediate between log-domain and square-root domain companding integrators.
A True Spatiotemporal Approach for Activation Detection in Functional MRI

A goal in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data analysis is determining whether a certain region of brain is activated by presented temporal stimuli. Since the fMRI data is a sequence of images, spatiotemporal models are needed and spatially and temporally correlated noise plays a crucial role in the models. Until very recently, most attention has focussed on temporally correlated but spatially independent models. And spatial correlation has been dealt with in an ad hoc fashion. We develop, for the first time, a properly formulated true spatiotemporal detection statistic based on a spatially and temporally correlated noise model. Additionally, we develop a theoretical performance analysis method for comparing different test statistics through asymptotic relative efficiency (ARE) for the first time in fMRI. We perform simulations for the comparison of new test statistic with a standard statistic as well
A novel compound heterozygous mutation in the GJB2 gene causing non-syndromic hearing loss in a family

Mutations in the GJB2 gene are responsible for up to 50% of cases of non-syndromic recessive hearing loss, with c.35delG, c.167delT and c.235delC being the predominant mutations in many world populations. However, a large number of rare mutations in this gene may also contribute to hearing loss. The aim of the present study was to conduct a clinical and molecular characterization of a Chinese family with non-syndromic hearing loss. Sequence analysis of the GJB2 gene led to the identification of a novel compound heterozygous mutation c.257C>G (p.T86R)/c.605ins46 in two profoundly deaf siblings whose hearing parents were each heterozygous, either for the c.257C>G (paternal) or for the c.605ins46 (maternal) mutations. Both c.257C>G and c.605ins46 are rare GJB2 mutations that have previously been reported to segregate with autosomal recessive hearing loss exclusively in East Asian populations. To study the pathogenic effect of the compound heterozygous mutation, a three-dimensional model was constructed and Anolea mean force potential energy was predicted for a bioinformatic structural analysis. HEK293 cells were used to study the pathogenic effect of mutant connexin 26 proteins. The results suggested that the c.257C>G (p.T86R)/c.605ins46 mutations in the GJB2 gene provides a novel molecular explanation for the role of the GJB2 gene in hearing loss.
An Integrated Risk Management Framework: Measuring the Success of Organizational Knowledge Protection

Organizational risk management should not only rely on protecting data and information but also on protecting knowledge which is underdeveloped in many cases or measures are applied in an uncoordinated, dispersed way. Therefore, we propose a consistent top-down translation from the organizational risk management goals to implemented controls to overcome these shortcomings. Our approach adopted from the domain of IT security management allows to measure how well knowledge protection is actually pursued in organizations. This affects organizations' abilities to prove compliance to risk management standards, laws, guidelines, or frameworks and creates transparency throughout the whole knowledge protection processes. After introducing our integrated risk management framework, we demonstrate how the technical part of the framework can be implemented by using process mining in a case study of an Italian aerospace company.
The spatial distribution of OB 5 stars in the solar neighborhood as measured by Hipparcos 1

We have developed a method to calculate the fundamental parameters of the vertical structure of the Galaxy in the solar neighborhood from trigonometric parallaxes alone. The method takes into account Lutz-Kelker-type biases in a self-consistent way and has been applied to a sample of O-B5 stars obtained from the Hipparcos catalog. We find that the Sun is located 24.2 ± 1.7 (random) ± 0.4 (systematic) pc above the galactic plane and that the disk O-B5 stellar population is distributed with a scale height of 34.2 ± 0.8 (random) ± 2.5 (systematic) pc and an integrated surface density of (1.62 ± 0.04 (random) ± 0.14 (systematic)) · 10 −3 stars pc −2. A halo component is also detected in the distribution and constitutes at least ≈ 5% of the total O-B5 population. The O-B5 stellar population within ∼ 100 pc of the Sun has an anomalous spatial distribution, with a less-than-average number density. This local disturbance is probably associated with the expansion of Gould's belt.
On Contextually Embedded Choices

Starting from Amartya Sen’s works on rational behaviour, in this essay a contextually-embedded choice theory is presented. Using concepts and tools from poset mathematics, we show how to inject in rational choice theory cultural and social effects. Specifically, we define some choice super-structures seen as choice sets’ transformations imposed by accepted external consistency of choice requirements. As we will argue, these applications can be of some help in explaining preference changes within different contexts of choice. Hence, using the same analytical framework, some well-known results about maximizing and optimizing behaviour may be confirmed as well as some insights on intransitive choices phase out.