Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Final Program Report Theoretical Foundations of Big Data Analysis (Fall 2013)

The phenomenon of “Big Data” has become a central focus in a wide range of fields, including the physical sciences, the social sciences, the biological sciences and the inferential and computational sciences. The goal of the Simons Institute program on Big Data was to carve out a theoretical perspective on the topic. In what ways do the core ideas of complexity theory and the theory of algorithms need to be augmented or changed so as to address the inferential problems inherent in discussions of Big Data? How can computational ideas be integrated into the inferential theories of frequentist and Bayesian statistics? What role do theoretical ideas from mathematical disciplines such as optimization, combinatorics, signal processing, information theory and numerical linear algebra have to play? A distinctive aspect of the program was the inclusion of leading researchers from each of these disciplines in the context of an overall focus on theoretical computer science. Indeed, while there have been many workshops bridging pairs of fields, the Simons program was perhaps the first in which major contingents of theoretical computer scientists, mathematical statisticians and optimization theorists have been brought together into a single program. The Simons program was able to build on a decade or more of research in which ideas such as sampling, sketching, streaming and sparsity have been used to develop data analysis methodology that is increasingly scalable and robust. This backdrop provided many natural paths along which to proceed. For example, in what ways are sampling, sketching, streaming and sparsity complementary, so that their combination can be particularly useful for problems at large scale? How do we take into account emerging architectural constraints, particularly those associated with large-scale distributed computing? What kind of criteria does one use to assess efficiency in the setting of large-scale data analysis? In particular, how can we combine notions of time and space efficiency with statistical notions of risk and sample complexity? In the next three sections of this report, we review some of the main themes that the program addressed, from the perspectives of the three major constituencies present in the program: theoretical computer science, statistics and optimization. We then turn to a review of selected concrete research outcomes to emerge from the program, focusing on collaborative efforts that arose during the program itself.
Radiative Thermal Runaway Due to Negative-Differential Thermal Emission Across a Solid-Solid Phase Transition

Thermal runaway occurs when a rise in system temperature results in heat generation rates exceeding dissipation rates. Here we demonstrate that thermal runaway occurs in thermal radiative systems, given a sufficient level of negative differential thermal emission. By exploiting the insulator-to-metal phase transition of vanadium dioxide, we show that a small increase in heat generation (e.g., 10 nW/mm2) can result in a large change in surface temperature (e.g., ~35 K), as the thermal emitter switches from high emissivity to low emissivity. While thermal runaway is typically associated with catastrophic failure mechanisms, detailed understanding and control of this phenomenon may give rise to new opportunities in infrared sensing, camouflage, and rectification.
Pore-scale modeling of phase change in porous media

The combination of high-resolution visualization techniques and pore-scale ﬂow modeling is a powerful tool used to understand multiphase ﬂow mechanisms in porous media and their impact on reservoir-scale processes. One of the main open challenges in pore-scale modelingisthedirectsimulationofﬂowsinvolvingmulticomponentmixtureswithcomplex phasebehavior. Reservoirﬂuidmixturesareoftendescribedthroughcubicequationsofstate, which makes diffuse-interface, or phase-ﬁeld, theories particularly appealing as a modeling framework. What is still unclear is whether equation-of-state-driven diffuse-interface models can adequately describe processes where surface tension and wetting phenomena play important roles. Here we present a diffuse-interface model of single-component two-phase ﬂow (a van der Waals ﬂuid) in a porous medium under different wetting conditions. We propose a simpliﬁed Darcy-Korteweg model that is appropriate to describe ﬂow in a Hele-Shaw cell or a micromodel, with a gap-averaged velocity. We study the ability of the diffuse-interface model to capture capillary pressure and the dynamics of vaporization-condensation fronts and show that the model reproduces pressure ﬂuctuations that emerge from abrupt interface displacements (Haines jumps) and from the breakup of wetting ﬁlms.
Comparing Multiple MATLAB/Simulink Models Using Static Connectivity Matrix Analysis

Model-based languages such as MATLAB/Simulink are crucial for the development of embedded software systems. To adapt to changing requirements, engineers commonly copy and modify existing systems to create new variants. Commonly referred to as clone-and-own, this reuse strategy is easy to apply and beneficial in the short term, but it entails severe maintenance and consistency issues in the long term, leading to a huge amount of redundant and similar assets. Moreover, a later transition towards structured reuse such as with software product lines inevitably requires the comparison of all existing variants prior to the actual migration. However, current work mostly revolves around the comparison of only two systems and despite approaches proposed that can cope with more, such are not applicable to embedded software systems such as MATLAB/Simulink. In this paper, we bridge this gap and propose Static Connectivity Matrix Analysis (SCMA), a novel comparison procedure that allows for the evaluation of multiple MATLAB/Simulink model variants at once. In particular, we transform models into a matrix form which is used to compare all models and to identify all similar structures between them, even with model parts being completely relocated during clone-and-own. We allow engineers to tailor results and to focus on any arbitrary variant subset, enabling individual reasoning prior to migration. We provide a feasibility study from the automotive domain, showing our matrix representation to be suitable and our technique to be fast and precise.
On n/p-Asymptotic Distribution of Vector of Weighted Traces of Powers of Wishart Matrices

The joint distribution of standardized traces of $\frac{1}{n}XX'$ and of $\Big(\frac{1}{n}XX'\Big)^2$, where the matrix $X:p\times n$ follows a matrix normal distribution is proved asymptotically to be multivariate normal under condition $\frac{{n}}{p}\overset{n,p\rightarrow\infty}{\rightarrow}c>0$. Proof relies on calculations of asymptotic moments and cumulants obtained using a recursive formula derived in Pielaszkiewicz et al. (2015). The covariance matrix of the underlying vector is explicitely given as a function of $n$ and $p$.
Engaging Men in Prenatal Health via eHealth: Findings From a National Survey

Background Pregnancy outcomes in the United States rank among the worst of countries with a developed health care system. Although traditional prenatal health primarily focuses on women, promising findings have emerged in international research that suggest the potential of including men in prenatal health interventions in the United States. eHealth apps present a promising avenue to reach new and expectant fathers with crucial parenting knowledge and healthy, supportive behaviors. Objective The aim was to explore the perceived role of men in prenatal health, acceptability of eHealth to positively engage men during pregnancy, and participant-suggested ways of improving a prenatal health app designed for new and expectant fathers. Methods A nationally representative sample of adult males (N=962) was recruited through an online survey panel. A third-party market research and digital data collection agency managed the recruitment. The sample had a mean age of 30.2 (SD 6.3) years and included both fathers (413/962, 42.9%) and non-fathers (549/962, 57.1%). Nearly 12.0% (115/962) of participants had a partner who was pregnant at the time of the survey. Results Despite perceived barriers, such as time constraints, financial burdens, and an unclear role, men believe it is important to be involved in pregnancy health. The majority of participants (770/944, 81.6%) found the site to contain useful and interesting information. Most substantially, more than three-quarters (738/962, 76.7%) of the sample said they would share the site with others who would benefit from the information. Participants recommended the addition of interactive modules, such as a financial planning tool and videos, to make the site stronger. Conclusions We explored the use of targeted eHealth to introduce men to prenatal education. Results indicate men are favorable to this intervention. Additional refinement should include interactive tools to further engage men in this important issue. Reaching men at the prenatal phase is an early “teachable moment”—where new/expectant fathers are open to information on how to help their partners have a healthy pregnancy and promote the health of their unborn children. Findings will further inform best practices for engaging men in pregnancy, which is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes in the United States.
Actively controlled fibrillar friction surfaces

In this letter, we propose a technique by which we can actively adjust frictional properties of elastic fibrillar structures in different directions. Using a mesh attached to a two degree-of-freedom linear stage, we controlled the active length and the tilt angle of fibers, independently. Thus, we were able to achieve desired levels of friction forces in different directions and significantly improve passive friction anisotropies observed in the same fiber arrays. The proposed technique would allow us to readily control the friction anisotropy and the friction magnitude of fibrillar structures in any planar direction.
Extended angular spectrum method for calculation of higher harmonics

Ultrasound imaging in the superharmonics band is getting important in the ultrasound community, since all the advantages of the second harmonic imaging modality are further increased at higher harmonics (3rd, 4th, .). Then, a fast, reliable and relatively accurate modelling and estimation tool of ultrasound field at higher harmonics is of clear interest. Different numerical solutions (in time or frequency domain) of KZK equation are mostly used. Although the KZK simulators are largely used to understand the nonlinear propagation, they are not appropriated to simulate steered beams, propagating through inhomogeneous media. Moreover, simulations based on KZK equation are time consuming. We propose an alternative method by solving the Westervelt equation based on the Angular Spectrum Method (ASM). The idea consists in separating the equation in n equations (n is number of considered harmonics). For each harmonic component, a nonlinear wave equation is deduced, where the n-th harmonic depends on the previously calculated harmonics. Since the solution of the nonlinear wave equation is a known mathematical problem, the calculation is fairly simple. Coordinate transformation can be used to simulate steered propagation. Furthermore, modelling the solution of the nonlinear equation in the frequency domain (hence the name angular spectrum method) facilitates the introduction of the attenuation in the model. The solution of the nonlinear wave equation was implemented in Matlab software. The calculation of ultrasound field up to third harmonic showed good agreement with experimental measurements performed in a water tank. The main beam width and side lobe levels differ between simulation and measurements by less than 5%. The calculation of the pressure field was about 15 times faster than the KZK solution.
Avian Diversity and Dependency in The Cestrum Aurentiacum Bushes, Nilgiris, India

The study was conducted to assess the importance of the Cestrum aurentiacum in maintaining the avian diversity of the Nilgiris. The study was conducted from December to March in five different sample sites located at Ooty, the Nilgiris. The avian diversity was calculated by counting the number of birds in one hour. The experiment was repeated many times and the mean number/hr is calculated. The site selection was done as per the standard sampling ecological protocols. The composition of inflorescence, the column diameter of the flower, the nectar height also were studied and correlated to the avian diversity. The avian diversity was assessed by calculating the Shannon Index and Simpson’s Index. Results shows that in the inflorescence there is a good number of mature flowers along with bud and the mature flowers contain plentiful quantity of nectar. Not only the birds, insects and other fauna were also attracted towards the Cestrum flowers. The Cestrum bushes are good nesting places and there are only minimum human disturbances. To be concluded, these reasons attract diverse faunal component to the Cestrum bushes. The study suggests that the exotic plant Cestrum bushes are becoming an unavoidable part of the Nilgiris supporting rich faunal diversity.
To Be or Not to Be: Environmental Factors that Drive Myelin Formation during Development and after CNS Trauma

Oligodendrocytes are specialized glial cells that myelinate central nervous system (CNS) axons. Historically, it was believed that the primary role of myelin was to compactly ensheath axons, providing the insulation necessary for rapid signal conduction. However, mounting evidence demonstrates the dynamic importance of myelin and oligodendrocytes, including providing metabolic support to neurons and regulating axon protein distribution. As such, the development and maintenance of oligodendrocytes and myelin are integral to preserving CNS homeostasis and supporting proper functioning of widespread neural networks. Environmental signals are critical for proper oligodendrocyte lineage cell progression and their capacity to form functional compact myelin; these signals are markedly disturbed by injury to the CNS, which may compromise endogenous myelin repair capabilities. This review outlines some key environmental factors that drive myelin formation during development and compares that to the primary factors that define a CNS injury milieu. We aim to identify developmental factors disrupted after CNS trauma as well as pathogenic factors that negatively impact oligodendrocyte lineage cells, as these are potential therapeutic targets to promote myelin repair after injury or disease.
Maze or Labyrinth: Identifying PTSD Stressors in the Built Space of Zaatari and Calais Refugee Camps

In this study, we analyze the structure of paths within two refugee camps (Calais, France, and Zaatari, Jordan) as a preliminary study examining posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stressors within such camps. We do so through a geospatial analysis of intersections and viewsheds within the camps. Given that anxiety, and the avoidance associated with it, is a primary characteristic of PTSD, refugees might prefer built environments with fewer stressors or anxiety triggers. This study provides a baseline for analyzing basic stressors in a way to test whether design supports anxiety-based avoidance. The planned structure of Zaatari shows a high prevalence of spatial PTSD stressors with lower visibility and a more maze-like structure than that of Calais. This suggests a coping strategy taken by refugees to produce a more suitable and less stressing labyrinth structure. To properly treat PTSD in geographical space, we suggest a need for consideration of this in the planning, function, and very existence of refugee camps and settlements.
THE GREEN BANK TELESCOPE 350 MHz DRIFT-SCAN SURVEY II: DATA ANALYSIS AND THE TIMING OF 10 NEW PULSARS, INCLUDING A RELATIVISTIC BINARY

We have completed a 350 MHz Drift-scan Survey using the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope with the goal of finding new radio pulsars, especially millisecond pulsars that can be timed to high precision. This survey covered ∼10,300 deg2 and all of the data have now been fully processed. We have discovered a total of 31 new pulsars, 7 of which are recycled pulsars. A companion paper by Boyles et al. describes the survey strategy, sky coverage, and instrumental setup, and presents timing solutions for the first 13 pulsars. Here we describe the data analysis pipeline, survey sensitivity, and follow-up observations of new pulsars, and present timing solutions for 10 other pulsars. We highlight several sources—two interesting nulling pulsars, an isolated millisecond pulsar with a measurement of proper motion, and a partially recycled pulsar, PSR J0348+0432, which has a white dwarf companion in a relativistic orbit. PSR J0348+0432 will enable unprecedented tests of theories of gravity.
Face to Face: Evaluating Visual Comparison

Data are often viewed as a single set of values, but those values frequently must be compared with another set. The existing evaluations of designs that facilitate these comparisons tend to be based on intuitive reasoning, rather than quantifiable measures. We build on this work with a series of crowdsourced experiments that use low-level perceptual comparison tasks that arise frequently in comparisons within data visualizations (e.g., which value changes the most between the two sets of data? ). Participants completed these tasks across a variety of layouts: overlaid, two arrangements of juxtaposed small multiples, mirror-symmetric small multiples, and animated transitions. A staircase procedure sought the difficulty level (e.g., value change delta) that led to equivalent accuracy for each layout. Confirming prior intuition, we observe high levels of performance for overlaid versus standard small multiples. However, we also find performance improvements for both mirror symmetric small multiples and animated transitions. While some results are incongruent with common wisdom in data visualization, they align with previous work in perceptual psychology, and thus have potentially strong implications for visual comparison designs.
CISpaces.org: From Fact Extraction to Report Generation

We introduce CISpaces.org, a tool to support situational understanding in intelligence analysis that complements but not replaces human expertise. The system combines natural language processing, argumentation-based reasoning, and natural language generation to produce intelligence reports from social media data, and to record the process of forming hypotheses from relationships among information. In this paper, we show how CISpaces.org meets the desirable requirements elicited from senior professionals, and demonstrate its usage and capabilities to support analysts in delivering effective and tailored intelligence to decision makers.
Conversion of analog to spiking neural networks using sparse temporal coding

The activations of an analog neural network (ANN) are usually treated as representing an analog firing rate. When mapping the ANN onto an equivalent spiking neural network (SNN), this rate-based conversion can lead to undesired increases in computation cost and memory access, if firing rates are high. This work presents an efficient temporal encoding scheme, where the analog activation of a neuron in the ANN is treated as the instantaneous firing rate given by the time-to-first-spike (TTFS) in the converted SNN. By making use of temporal information carried by a single spike, we show a new spiking network model that uses 7–10× fewer operations than the original rate-based analog model on the MNIST handwritten dataset, with an accuracy loss of < 1%.
Deep Reinforcement Learning Variants of Multi-Agent Learning Algorithms

We introduce Deep Repeated Update Q-Network (DRUQN) and Deep Loosely Coupled Q-Network (DLCQN). Two novel variants of Deep Q-Network (DQN). These algorithms are designed with the intention of providing architectures that are more appropriate for handling interactions between multiple agents and robust enough to deal with the non-stationarity produced by concurrent learning. We approach this from two different fronts. DRUQN tries to address Q-Learning’s tendency to favor the update of certain action-values which may lead to decreased performance in rapid changing environments. Meanwhile, DLCQN learns to decompose the state space into two: (1) states where it is sensible or necessary to act independently and (2) those where acting in coordination with another agent may lead to a better outcome. We use Pong as testing environment and compare the performance of DRUQN, DLCQN and DQN on different competitive and cooperative experiments. The results demonstrate that for some tasks DLCQN and DRUQN outperform DQN which hints at the necessity to develop and using architectures capable of coping with richer and more complex dynamics.
Design for ‘domestication’: the decommercialisation of traditional crafts

This paper explores the contribution of design to the ‘domestication’ of traditional crafts: the reframing and support of such practices as amateur activities. Informed by twelve examples, six design strategies for the domestication of traditional crafts are identified and discussed. This issue emerges from a research project investigating the role of design in developing and revitalising culturally significant designs, products and associated practices. Within this paper, we focus on strategies that seek to revitalise traditional crafts by supporting domestic activity. This topic is introduced through a discussion of commercialisation, a more common approach to revitalisation. Two contemporary social trends support domestication: the strong interest – particularly in post-industrial countries – in provenance, local distinctiveness and authenticity; and the growth of maker culture and its ethos of amateur creativity. We gather twelve examples of various formats – such as books, kits, online communities, videos, workshops and holidays – which support amateur activity. The examples are analysed via a matrix, which considers their characteristics in terms of two variables: the way in which knowledge is exchanged, and the degree of experimentation facilitated by the activity. By categorising the examples, we identify six domestication strategies, each of which involves a different combination of design activities. Finally, we discuss domestication in terms of skill and innovation, arguing that amateur practice has much to offer in both respects.