Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and characterisation of gyrotron-based Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy at 9 Tesla

The Dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results presented in this thesis demonstrate the functionality of a tunable and switchable gyrotron operating at 260 GHz with a 9 T spectrometer. This gyrotron was designed at the Swiss Plasma Center. Millimeter wave passive components were built by the startup company SwissTo12. Monochromatic as well as frequency swept cross effect DNP experiments validate the basic functioning and frequency tunability of the gyrotron. High power operation is tested on systems exhibiting the Overhauser and solid effects with the aid of a novel planar probe designed to mitigate dielectric heating. Microwave polarisation control using a Matching Optics Unit is verified using cross effect DNP. Continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements performed on a home built quasi-optical spectrometer operating at 260 GHz on the same sample space as the NMR spectrometer are also presented. EPR spectra of hyperpolarising agents measured on this spectrometer are used to prepare for and subsequently analyse the DNP experiments. Preliminary studies on surface modified titanium dioxide nanopowders using EPR at 9 GHz, displaying significant g-factor shifts are reported.
MEASUREMENTS OF THE RATE OF TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE AT REDSHIFT ≲0.3 FROM THE SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY II SUPERNOVA SURVEY

We present a measurement of the volumetric Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) rate based on data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey II (SDSS-II) Supernova Survey. The adopted sample of supernovae (SNe) includes 516 SNe Ia at redshift z ≲ 0.3, of which 270(52%) are spectroscopically identified as SNe Ia. The remaining 246 SNe Ia were identified through their light curves; 113 of these objects have spectroscopic redshifts from spectra of their host galaxy, and 133 have photometric redshifts estimated from the SN light curves. Based on consideration of 87 spectroscopically confirmed non-Ia SNe discovered by the SDSS-II SN Survey, we estimate that 2.04+1.61−0.95% of the photometric SNe Ia may be misidentified. The sample of SNe Ia used in this measurement represents an order of magnitude increase in the statistics for SN Ia rate measurements in the redshift range covered by the SDSS-II Supernova Survey. If we assume an SN Ia rate that is constant at low redshift (z < 0.15), then the SN observations can be used to infer a value of the SN rate of rV = (2.69+0.34+0.21−0.30−0.01)×10−5 SNe yr−1 Mpc−3 (H0/(70 km s−1 Mpc−1))3 at a mean redshift of ∼0.12, based on 79 SNe Ia of which 72 are spectroscopically confirmed. However, the large sample of SNe Ia included in this study allows us to place constraints on the redshift dependence of the SN Ia rate based on the SDSS-II Supernova Survey data alone. Fitting a power-law model of the SN rate evolution, rV(z) = Ap × ((1 + z)/(1 + z0))ν, over the redshift range 0.0 < z < 0.3 with z0 = 0.21, results in Ap = (3.43+0.15−0.15) × 10−5 SNe yr−1 Mpc−3 (H0/(70 km s−1 Mpc−1))3 and ν = 2.04+0.90−0.89.
TRANSITIVE PERMUTATION GROUPS AND IRREDUCIBLE LINEAR GROUPS

IT was proved by M. F. Newman and the second author that there is a constant c such that each nilpotent transitive permutation group of degree d>2 can be generated by [cd/Vlogd] elements. Later J. D. Dixon and the second author showed that, for each field F which has finite degree over its prime subfield, there is a constant cr such that each finite nilpotent irreducible linear group of degree d over F can be generated by [cFd/Vlogd] elements. For a finite group G, let R(G) denote the product of the soluble radical and the generalized Fitting subgroup. Here we extend both results from nilpotent groups to the much wider class of all finite G such that R(G) = G. The proof easily reduces to dealing with groups that are either soluble or quasinilpotent. The soluble case involves a result of independent interest: there is a constant b such that, given a module of dimension a (over an arbitrary field) for a subgroup of index d in a finite soluble group, each submodule of the induced module can be generated by [abdlVlog d] elements. One of the steps towards the quasinilpotent case is the following theorem,' which we prove using the classification of finite simple groups. If G is any finite group and n is the composition length of the quotient of the generalized Fitting subgroup of G modulo the Frattini subgroup of R(C), then G can be generated by 5n elements.
Trade-in-Goods and Trade-in-Tasks: An Integrating Framework

Our paper integrates results from trade-in-task theory into mainstream trade theory by developing trade-in-task analogues to the four famous theorems (Heckscher-Ohlin, factor price equalisation, Stolper-Samuelson, and Rybczynski) and showing the standard gains-from-trade theorem does not hold for trade-in-tasks. We show trade-in-tasks creates intraindustry trade in a Walrasian economy, and derive necessary and sufficient conditions for analyzing the impact of trade-in-tasks on wages and production. Extensions of the integrating framework easily accommodate monopolistic competition and two-way offshoring/trade-in-tasks.
Mathematical Modeling 1 Mathematical Modeling

Explanations of human behavior are most often presented in a verbal form, as theories. Psychologists can also harness the power and precision of mathematics by explaining behavior quantitatively. This chapter introduces the reader to how this is done and the advantages of doing so. It begins by contrasting mathematical modeling with hypothesis testing to highlight how the two methods of knowledge acquisition differ. The many styles of modeling are then surveyed, along with their advantages and disadvantages. This is followed by an in-depth example of how to create a mathematical model and fit it to experimental data. Issues in evaluating models are discussed, including a survey of quantitative methods of model selection. Particular attention is paid to the concept of generalizability and the trade-off of model fit with model complexity. The chapter closes by describing some of the challenges for the discipline in the years ahead.
Coral reef detection using SAR/RADARSAT-1 images at Costa dos Corais, PE/AL, Brazil

The present work aimed to examine the potentials of SAR RADARSAT-1 images to detect emergent coral reefs at the Environmental Protection Area of "Costa dos Corais". Multi-view filters were applied and tested for speckle noise reduction. A digital unsupervised classification based on image segmentation was performed and the classification accuracy was evaluated by an error matrix built between the SAR image classification and a reference map obtained from a TM Landsat-5 classification. The adaptative filters showed the best results for speckle suppression and border preservation, especially the Kuan, Gamma MAP, Lee, Frost and Enhanced Frost filters. Small similarity and area thresholds (5 and 10, respectively) were used for the image segmentation due to the reduced dimensions and the narrow and elongated forms of the reefs. The classification threshold of 99% had a better user's accuracy, but a lower producer's accuracy because it is a more restrictive threshold; therefore, it may be possible that it had a greater omission on reef classification. The results indicate that SAR images have a good potential for the detection of emergent coral reefs.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks in the Estimation of Mechanical Properties of Materials

In today's industry, it is imperative that a thorough knowledge of the mechanical properties of materials be known to the designer in order to come up with a design of parts, tools, or instruments that will meet the highly competitive industrial requirements. It is well known that mechanical properties of various materials are in turn highly affected by the manner in which they are subjected to loadings of both static and fatigue types, and by its manufacturing process, in particular the heat treatment the material receives during its manufacturing. This further makes it required to perform the proper experiments and laboratory tests with regard to fatigue in the field of fatigue mechanics in order to obtain the necessary knowledge for the material properties for design purposes. It is emphasized that such properties obtained from monotonic tests are of no value and by no means recommended. To this end, on one hand metallurgical engineers often attempt to obtain their desired material properties and efficiencies by making variations in the parameters governing the manufacturing process. On the other hand, yet, the high costs of fatigue tests as compared with those of the simple monotonic tests, as well as the need for complex testing equipment are the major drawbacks in the way of such tests, encouraging the use of approximate and empirical mathematical models based on the data obtained from the monotonic tests. This has been quite evident among researchers and industry alike, as indeed indicated by the variety of ongoing articles published in the field. In the area of materials engineering as well, the knowledge of the effect of different manufacturing processing parameters on the material properties in view of the highly expensive nature of the tests are also of particular interest. Use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models is considered as a less expensive, less tedious, more efficient, and highly reliable alternative means for the estimation of the material fatigue properties using the data obtained from the monotonic tests. In addition, the ANN methodology was also employed for the parameter estimation related to the manufacturing process of materials. The method was also used to investigate and infer the manner in which such material properties are affected by variations in the parameters that are the main governing elements of these properties. Many researchers have indeed pursued such applications in their studies (Bucar et al., 2006; Genel, 2004; Han, 1995; Lee et al., 1999; Liao et al., 2008; Malinov et al., 2001; Mathew et al., 2007; Mathur et al. 2007; Park & Kang, 2007; Pleune & Chopra, 2000; Srinivasan et al., 2003;
Does tax simplification yield more equity and efficiency ? An empirical analysis for Germany

This paper investigates the impact of tax simpli cation on various indicators of the e¢ ciency of the tax system and on the distribution of income. The analysis is based on a simulation model (FiFoSiM) using German income tax and household survey microdata. We model tax simpli cation as the abolition of a set of deductions from the tax base included in the German income tax system. We nd that this form of tax base simpli cation leads to a reduction in the use of professional tax advice, a more equitable income distribution and an increase in tax revenue. If these measures are combined with a reduction of income tax rates to preserve revenue neutrality, the e¤ects depend on the type of rate schedule adjustment. The combination with a at rate tax implies redistribution in favour of very high incomes, and an overall increase in income inequality. E¢ ciency e¤ects in terms of changes in marginal tax rates and labor supply e¤ects are mixed. The combination with a rate schedule adjustment which preserves the directly progressive rate schedule yields a tax reform which reduces the inequality of after tax incomes. We conclude that tax simpli cation may improve the e¢ ciency of the tax system without increasing inequality of after tax income. JEL Codes: D3, H2, J22 Keywords: Income distribution, polarisation, tax simpli cation, at tax Acknowledgement: The authors would like to thank Christian Bergs, Axel Schmidt and the participants of the 8th Nordic Seminar on Microsimulation Models for their helpful contributions. The usual disclaimer applies.
Real time and conventional PCR for characterization of Salmonella sp. from imported meat to Egypt.

Received: Revised: Accepted: 2014–02–16 2014–03–05 2014–03–09 This study was aimed to detect Salmonella spp. in imported frozen beef and buffalo meat cuts from India, Brazil, Australia and Newzeland. One hundred frozen meat samples were collected from supermarkets located at Alexandria province and from Alexandria port. Salmonella was biochemically identified in 18/100 (18%) samples. Serologically, S. paratyphi A and S. typhi were detected in 10/18 (55.56%) and 8/18 (44.44%) positive samples, respectively. Using conventional PCR, 18/18 (100%) were confirmed to be pathogenic by specific primer to rfbS gene of the pathogenic strains of Salmonella responsible for the most food poisoning while all of these pathogenic isolates 18/18 (100 %) were also confirmed by real time PCR amplifying the invA gene of Salmonella spp. All copyrights reserved to Nexus® academic publishers
The uncertain reasoner: Bayes, logic, and rationality

Abstract Human cognition requires coping with a complex and uncertain world. This suggests that dealing with uncertainty may be the central challenge for human reasoning. In Bayesian Rationality we argue that probability theory, the calculus of uncertainty, is the right framework in which to understand everyday reasoning. We also argue that probability theory explains behavior, even on experimental tasks that have been designed to probe people's logical reasoning abilities. Most commentators agree on the centrality of uncertainty; some suggest that there is a residual role for logic in understanding reasoning; and others put forward alternative formalisms for uncertain reasoning, or raise specific technical, methodological, or empirical challenges. In responding to these points, we aim to clarify the scope and limits of probability and logic in cognitive science; explore the meaning of the “rational” explanation of cognition; and re-evaluate the empirical case for Bayesian rationality.
Photon-Limited Information in High Resolution Laser Ranging

Abstract : This project is an effort under the Information in a Photon (InPho) program at DARPA\DSO. Its purpose is to investigate experimentally and theoretically the fundamental physical and information theoretic limits to laser ranging and imaging using bits of information per received photon (bpp) as a metric. This project emphasizes the use of non-brief-pulse transmit waveforms and in particular Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) ladar based on active linearization of tunable laser chirp sources developed by MSU-Spectrum Lab, Synthetic Aperture Ladar 2D imaging with same source, and compressive laser ranging and imaging techniques. Additionally, this project investigated the use of quantum mechanically entangled biphotons in the form of down converted chirp photons for ranging. Experimental activities have included: Demonstration of a compressive ranging technique that utilizes pseudorandom waveforms to sense a sparse range scene with few measurements. Extensive collection of FMCW ladar data with a strong and weak local oscillator (LO) powers showing excellent agreement with theoretical statistics and information theoretic calculations. Demonstration of quantum optical fourth order interference from a Type II KTP waveguide Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion (SPDC) source. Demonstration of single pixel imaging with pseudo-random projected waveforms at 1500 nm and detection with single photon counting InGaAs avalalanche photodiodes. Theoretical assistance was provided in first half of the project by Dr. Baris Erkmen of JPL who was funded through a separate channel
Will my numbers add up correctly if I round them?

I recently wrote a solution to a student problem. The answers were the probabilities for four possible outcomes. As a check on the calculations, I wanted to say ‘As expected, these probabilities add up to 1. ’ However, they didn't! Because of rounding, the probabilities (which I was quoting to four decimal places) only added up to 0.9999. To rescue the situation I tried rounding to 3DP or 5DP instead, but these didn't add up correctly either.
Navigating the Pre-Tenure Review Process: Experiences of a Self-Study Researcher

This Book Chapter is brought to you for free and open access by the Teaching & Learning at ODU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of ODU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@odu.edu. Repository Citation Butler, Brandon, "Navigating the Pre-Tenure Review Process: Experiences of a Self-Study Researcher" (2016). Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications. 65. https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/teachinglearning_fac_pubs/65
Cross-Border Price Differentials and Goods Market Integration in East Asia

As cross-border movements of goods, capital, and labor are intensifying, it is likely that goods markets in East Asia will become increasingly integrated. This study investigates the current state of goods market integration in East Asia by measuring the extent of cross-border price differentials. Specifically, this study shows that compared with the European Union, East Asian markets are neither sufficiently integrated nor are they showing any price convergence over time.
Cross-language plagiarism detection over continuous-space representations of language

Cross-language (CL) plagiarism detection aims at detecting plagiarised fragments of text among documents in different languages. In this work we perform a comparison of different methods that make use of continuous-space representations of language to perform the task of CL plagiarism detection. We also present continuous word alignment-based similarity analysis, a new model to estimate similarity between text fragments. In addition, we study the combination of our continuous representations with the knowledge-based similarity analysis model. We compare the aforementioned approaches with several state-of-the-art models and studied their performance in detecting different length and obfuscation types of plagiarism cases. We conduct experiments over Spanish-English and German-English datasets. Experimental results show that continuous representations allow the continuous word alignment-based similarity analysis model to obtain competitive results and the knowledge-based similarity analysis model to outperform existing stateof-the-art in CL plagiarism detection.
Benchmarking API Costs of Network Sampling Strategies

Online social media contain valuable quantitative and qualitative data, necessary to advance complex social systems studies. However, these data vaults are often behind a wall: the owners of the media sites dictate what, when, and how much data can be collected via a mandatory interface (called Application Program Interface: API). To work with such restrictions, network scientists have designed sampling methods, which do not require a full crawl of the data to obtain a representative picture of the underlying social network. However, such sampling methods are usually evaluated only on one dimension: what strategy allows for the extraction of a sample whose statistical properties are closest to the original network? In this paper we go beyond this view, by creating a benchmark that tests the performance of a method in a multifaceted way. When evaluating a network sampling algorithm, we take into account the API policies and the budget a researcher has to explore the network. By doing so, we show that some methods which are considered to perform poorly actually can perform well with tighter budgets, or with different API policies. Our results show that the decision of which sampling algorithm to use is not monodimensional. It is not enough to ask which method returns the most accurate sample, one has also to consider through which API constraints it has to go, and how much it can spend on the crawl.
Asynchronous stochastic approximation with differential inclusions

The asymptotic pseudo-trajectory approach to stochastic approximation of Benaim, Hofbauer and Sorin is extended for asynchronous stochastic approximations with a set-valued mean field. The asynchronicity of the process is incorporated into the mean field to produce convergence results which remain similar to those of an equivalent synchronous process. In addition, this allows many of the restrictive assumptions previously associated with asynchronous stochastic approximation to be removed. The framework is extended for a coupled asynchronous stochastic approximation process with set-valued mean fields. Two-timescales arguments are used here in a similar manner to the original work in this area by Borkar. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated through learning in a Markov decision process.
EMG Control of Prosthetic Ankle Plantar Flexion by

Similar to biological human ankle, today's commercially available powered ankle-foot prostheses can vary impedance and deliver net positive ankle work. These commercially available prostheses are intrinsically controlled. Users cannot intuitively change ankle controller's behavior to perform movements that are not part of the repetitive walking gait cycle. For example, when transition from level ground walking to descending stairs, user cannot intuitively initiate or control the amount of ankle angle deflexion for a more normative stair descent gait pattern. This paper presents a hybrid controller that adds myoelectric control functionality to an existing intrinsic controller. The system employs input from both mechanical sensors on the ankle as well as myoelectric signals from gastrocnemius muscle of the user. This control scheme lets the user to modulate the gain of command ankle torque upon push off during level ground walking and stair ascent. It also allows the user to interrupt level ground walking control cycle and initiate ankle plantar flexion during stair descent. As a preliminary study, ankle characteristics such as ankle angle and torque were measured and compared to biological ankle characteristics. Results show that the proposed hybrid controller can maintain existing controller's biomimetic characteristics. In addition, it can also recognize to a qualitative extent the intended command torque for ankle push off and user's desire to switch between control modalities for different terrains. The study shows that it is possible and desirable to use neural signals as control signals for prosthetic leg controllers. Keyword: Myoelectric control, powered prosthesis, proportional torque control Thesis Supervisor: Hugh Herr Title: Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences Associate Professor of Health, Sciences and Technology Thesis Supervisor: Ed Boyden Title: Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences Associate Professor of Biological Engineering