Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of the Kusuoka approximation with a tree-based branching algorithm to the pricing of interest-rate derivatives under the HJM model

This paper demonstrates the application of a new higher-order weak approximation, called the Kusuoka approximation, with discrete random variables to non-commutative multi-factor models. Our experiments show that using the Heath–Jarrow–Morton model to price interest-rate derivatives can be practically feasible if the Kusuoka approximation is used along with the tree-based branching algorithm.
Parallel Method of Signed Distance Function Based on Normal Radiation

1 Signed distance function has important application in image processing such as level set based image segmentation and feature extraction. With higher and higher image resolution, the computational efficiency of signed distance function directly effects the computational time of image processing. To reduce the time cost, an improved source scanning method was proposed. This method first calculated the signed distance to the close curve of the pixels on the normal line, then calculated the signed distance of all the pixels based on source scanning method, which can reduce the iteration time and improve the computational efficiency. This method was also performed in parallel way on CUDA. Experiments show the proposed parallel method is faster than lower envelope based method and the Voronoi diagram based method.
The Influence of the Newspaper Media on the Corporate Governance Practices of Irish Listed PLCS

While a great deal of research has focused on the factors driving adoption of codes of best practice in corporate governance, only recently has the influence of the news media been considered. Corporate governance literature has largely converged upon internal monitoring and shareholder activist strategies as methods of shareholder protection following the decline of the market for corporate control. Commentators and activists alike have generally neglected the opportunity for an independent party, which watches over the management of companies, to guard shareholders’ interests. Ireland is just one country where the value of media coverage of corporate governance violations to: (i) shareholders, (ii) policymakers and (iii) company directors has not been assessed. This paper investigates the reaction of these groups to newspaper coverage of corporate governance violations so as to determine the influence of the newspaper media on the corporate governance practices of public limited companies (plcs) listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. Using newspaper articles, media activity was analysed and measured in 15 instances of corporate governance violations and the relationships between this activity and the actions and behaviours of investors, policymakers and company directors as indicated by stock market data , government reports and newspaper articles respectively were examined. Evidence from this study suggests that the Irish newspaper media influences (i) the boards of directors of Irish listed plcs, in that subsequent newspaper articles report reformatory measures taken by the boards in the vast majority of companies in the sample; (ii) the government authorities who are responsible for the legislative and regulatory infrastructure in which they operate, with statistical evidence of increases in government attention to corporate governance issues following increased newspaper coverage of theses issues and (iii) the investing decisions of investors in Irish listed plcs, with statistical verification of a relationship between movements in share price and volumes of newspaper articles relating to corporate governance violations by listed companies.
New phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche tubulosa (SCHRENK) HOOK. f. I

Four new phenylethanoid glycosides, tubulosides A (II), B (VI), C (VII) and D (VIII), have been isolated from Cistanche tubulosa (SCHRENK) HOOK. f. (Orobanchaceae), together with four known phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside (I), acteoside (III), acteoside isomer (IV) and 2'-acetylacteoside (V). The structures of II, VI, VII and VIII were established on the basis of chemical evidence and spectral data. Compounds VII and VIII possess a triacetylrhamnosyl moiety as the terminal sugar.
Small‐scale variability patterns of DMS and phytoplankton in surface waters of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans

High‐resolution surface measurements of dimethylsulfide (DMS), chlorophyll a fluorescence, and the efficiency of photosystem II were conducted together with temperature and salinity along five eastward sections in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Analysis of variability length scales revealed that much of the variability in DMS concentrations occurs at scales between 15 and 50 km, that is, at the lower edge of mesoscale dynamics, decreasing with latitude and productivity. DMS variability was found to be more commonly related to that of phytoplankton‐related variables than to that of physical variables. Unlike phytoplankton physiological data, DMS did not show any universal diel pattern when using the normalized solar zenith angle as a proxy for solar time across latitudes and seasons. The study should help better design sampling and computing schemes aimed at mapping surface DMS and phytoplankton distributions, taking into account latitude and productivity.
A micromechanics approach to assess effects of constraint on cleavage fracture toughness: a weibull stress model

This work describes an engineering methodology incorporating the statistics of microcracks and a probability distribution of the (local) fracture stress to assess the effects of constraint loss and weld strength mismatch on crack-tip driving forces. One purpose of this investigation is to establish a definite fracture assessment framework capable of providing robust correlations between toughness data measured using small, laboratory specimens to large, complex structural components with varying crack configurations and loading modes (tension vs. bending). Another purpose is to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology building upon a local fracture parameter, here characterized by the Weibull stress, in structural integrity assessments of cracked components including steel weldments. Overall, the exploratory applications conducted here lend strong support to use Weibull stress based procedures in defect assessments of cracked structures.
Applying Environmental Isotope Theory to Groundwater Recharge in the Jiaozuo Mining Area, China

This study establishes the surface water evaporation line in theory and numerically simulates the δD and δ18O value distribution interval of the recharge source of deep groundwater in the Jiaozuo mining area. The recharge elevation is calculated based on hydrogen and oxygen isotope tracer theory. Theoretical calculation and experimental data indicate that the surface water evaporation line in the study area in theory is almost the same as the measured surface data-fitting line. A significant linear relationship is identified between δ18O and the elevation of spring outcrop. The topography increases per 100 m, and the δ18O value reduces by 0.23 on average. The δ18O value is converted into formula to calculate the groundwater recharge elevation, which is approximately from 400 to 800 m. The measured tritium values of karst groundwater are greater than 3 TU. The second factor score is a fraction distribution in shallow groundwater and negative fraction distribution in spring and deep groundwater, which indicates that the Northern Taihang Mountain is the main recharge area, where carbonate-exposed areas exist. The research conclusion holds a certain value for the flood evaluation of local coal mines.
Controlling Tensegrity Robots through Evolution using Friction based Actuation

Traditional robotic structures have limitations in planetary exploration as their rigid structural joints are prone to damage in new and rough terrains. In contrast, robots based on tensegrity structures, composed of rods and tensile cables, offer a highly robust, lightweight, and energy efficient solution over traditional robots. In addition, tensegrity robots can be highly configurable by rearranging their topology of rods, cables, and motors. However, these highly configurable tensegrity robots pose a significant challenge for locomotion due to their complexity. This study investigates a control pattern for successful locomotion in tensegrity robots through an evolutionary algorithm. A twelve-rod hardware model is rapidly prototyped to utilize a new actuation method based on friction. A web-based physics simulation is created to model the twelve-rod tensegrity ball structure. Squarewaves are used as control policies for the actuators of the tensegrity structure. Monte Carlo trials are run to find the most successful number of amplitudes for the square-wave control policy. From the trials’ results, an evolutionary algorithm is implemented to find the most optimized solution for locomotion of the twelve-rod tensegrity structure. The software pattern coupled with the new friction based actuation method can serve as the basis for highly efficient tensegrity robots in space exploration. Keywords— Robotics, Tensegrity, Evolutionary Algorithm, Machine Learning, NASA Introduction Tensegrity robots are a new field of robotics that diverge from the traditional sense of robotics. Traditional robotics relies on robots composed of rigid joints. Tensegrity structures, on the other hand, are composed of pure tension and compression elements as shown in Fig. 1 [12]. The lack of lever arms makes tensegrity structures resistant to force magnification in joints or other points of failure. The goal of these structures is to take part in low-cost planetary exploration [1]. In this task, tensegrities have numerous benefits to offer over traditional robots: • Highly Reconfigurable: Topology of rods, cables, and motors can be changed to add new functionality. • Light-weight: The structures are made of tubes/rods and cables/elastic lines. • Energy efficient: Dynamic movement of the tensegrity structure results in efficient locomotion. • Scalability: Composed of rods, cables, and actuators, the tensegrity structure can be scaled up in size without a significant cost difference. • Ease of Deployment: The shock absorbent structure allows for a smoother landing on planetary missions. • Robust to failure: The inherent tension network distributes harmful external forces to reduce the structural damage.
SOME REMARKS ON GMRES FOR TRANSPORT THEORY

ABSTRACT We review some work on the application of GMRES to the solution of the discrete ordinates transport equation in one-dimension. We note that GMRES can be applied directly to the angular flux vector, or it can be applied to only a vector of flux moments as needed to compute the scattering operator of the transport equation. In the former case we illustrate both the delights and defects of ILU right-preconditioners for problems with anisotropic scatter and for problems with upscatter. When working with flux moments we note that GMRES can be used as an accelerator for any existing transport code whose solver is based on a stationary fixed-point iteration, including transport sweeps and DSA transport sweeps. We also provide some numerical illustrations of this idea. We finally show how space can be traded for speed by taking multiple transport sweeps per GMRES iteration. Key Words: transport equation, GMRES, Krylov subspace 1. INTRODUCTION The neutral particle transport equation, in either discrete or continuous
The GEO-HF project

The GEO 600 gravitational wave detector uses advanced technologies including signal recycling and monolithic fused-silica suspensions to achieve a sensitivity close to the kilometre scale LIGO and VIRGO detectors. As soon as the design sensitivity of GEO 600 is reached, the detector will be operated as part of the worldwide network to acquire data of scientific interest. The limited infrastructure at the GEO site does not allow for a major upgrade of the detector. Hence the GEO collaboration decided to improve the sensitivity of the GEO detector by small sequential upgrades some of which will be tested in prototypes first. The development, test and installation of these upgrades are named ‘The GEO-HF Project. ’ This paper describes the upgrades considered in the GEO-HF project as well as their scientific reasons. We will describe the changes in the GEO 600 infrastructure and the prototype work that is planned to support these upgrades. Finally, we will point to some laboratory research that identifies new technologies or optical configurations that might undergo a transition into detector subsystems within the GEO-HF project.
Correlation Comparisons of Early and Aged Quality Traits of Pork Aged Either as Intact Loins or Case-Ready Chops

Approximately half of retail pork chops in the U.S. arrive at the store in case-ready packages. The other half arrives as intact-loins and are sliced when needed. Cutting chops from loins may increase moisture loss leading to lighter colored and less juicy meat. Therefore, it is possible that correlations between loin quality traits observed early postmortem (PM) and aged quality traits would differ between intact-loin aged (ILA) chops and case-ready aged (CRA) chops. Loins (288 total) were selected to fill a matrix that varied in visual color and marbling. Loins were assigned to 1 of 2 packaging treatments (n = 144): ILA or CRA. Loins assigned as ILA remained vacuum-packaged at 4°C until 12 d PM, sliced and chop surface was evaluated. Loins assigned to CRA were sliced into 28-mm thick chops at 2 d PM, packaged in individual Styrofoam trays overwrapped in polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) film, and gas flushed in bulk packages. Quality parameters of packaging treatments at early and aged time points were compared as a randomized complete block design. Pearson correlation coefficients between early and aged quality traits for packaging treatments were transformed using Fisher’s r to z transformation for independent correlation comparisons of packaging treatments. Chops from ILA were darker and redder at 12 d PM than CRA chops (P < 0.0001). Lightness and redness values on ventral surface for ILA loins (r = 0.52 lightness; r = 0.63 redness) and CRA loins (r = 0.45 lightness; r = 0.61 redness) at 1 d PM were both correlated with aged lightness and redness values on aged chop face at 12 d PM and the correlations did not differ (P ≥ 0.43) for either trait. Overall, aging intact loins in vacuum-packaging improved color after 12 d of aging compared with aging chops in case-ready packaging. Despite the differences between aging methods, the correlations between early and aged loin quality didn’t differ.
The online Prescriptive Index platform for the assessment of managerial competencies and coaching needs: development and initial validation of the experience sampling Mood Wheel and the Manager-Rational and Irrational Beliefs Scale

The Prescriptive Index platform is dedicated to the appraisal and development of managerial competencies, and it is comprised of such measures as the multi-rater Freeman-Gavita Prescriptive Executive Coaching (PEC) Assessment for assessing core managerial skills, and the multi-rater Managerial Coaching Assessment System (MCAS) for the evaluation of coaching competencies in managers. The aim of this research was to present the development and psychometric properties of new tools, part of the Prescriptive Index platform, for the assessment of managerial emotional competencies: the web and mobile based Mood Wheel measure using experience sampling procedures, for the assessment of current/previous distress and positive emotions; and the self-report Manager Rational and Irrational Beliefs Scale (M-RIBS) for the assessment of managerial attitudes involved in emotion-regulation processes. Results obtained show that both instruments integrated in the Prescriptive Index platform have adequate initial psychometric support and predictive validity. Practical implications of our findings are discussed in the light of the importance of enabling organizations to accurately identify managerial competencies and coaching needs.
October 3 , 1980 EFFECT OF LATE FOLIAR APPLICATIONS OF UREA ON PROTEIN , HARDNESS , AND YIELD OF WINTER WHEAT CULTIVARS ( TRITICUM AESTIVUM

approved: Redacted for privacy Willis L. McCuistion The response of cultivars of winter wheat to foliar applications of urea was examined for grain protein content, yield, and kernel hardness. The objectives of this study were to measure the effect of urea on these three traits in diverse environments and to explain how potential responses could occur by (1) determining potential uptake of N15 labelled urea from foliar application under greenhouse conditions using different cultivars, light duration, and soil fertility levels; (2) analyzing immature spike samples collected following foliar applications in the field during the flowering period; and (3) examining grain from primary and secondary tillers and from central and lateral florets within spikelets. Foliar applications significantly increased grain protein content over the control and standard topdressing treatment in most cultivars. For example, for a single cultivar at the Hyslop location in 1979-1980, protein percents of 11.18, 12.22, and 13.60 were obtained for the control, standard topdressing, and foliar urea treatments respectively. Generally, foliar applications of urea failed to increase grain yield over the control, and yield was significantly below the standard topdressing treatment. However, the combination of topdressed nitrogen with foliar sprays produced yields equal to topdressing alone while significantly increasing protein. Mean yields at the Wasco location of the topdressing treatment and the combination of topdressing and one foliar application were 4.05 and 4.04 T/ha, whereas the grain protein content averaged 9.34 and 10.45 percent respectively. Foliar applications of urea did not significantly alter kernel hardness. Significant cultivar x nitrogen treatment interactions were found for protein, yield, and hardness, and split applications of foliar nitrogen did not significantly change these results. A potential uptake of 29.2 to 61.4 percent of actual foltar applications was found with N15 labelled urea in a greenhouse experiment. A significant effect for light duration was observed with recovery values of 41.4 and 46.6 percent for 12 and 18 hour photoperiods respectively. The varieties Stephens and Centurk had a significant difference in uptake of 48.1 and 39.9 percent recovery respectively. Following urea sprays which were initially applied at the heading stage, nitrogen treatment differences were found within three weeks after anthesis. The ranking of treatments from immature spike analysis corresponded to grain protein analysis at harvest. Nitrogen treatments did not change the protein or hardness levels disproportionately for mature spikes in comparing grain from primary and secondary tillers or from central and lateral florets within the spikelets. Effect of Late Foliar Applications of Urea on Protein, Hardness, and Yield of Winter Wheat Cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.)
FLAASH and MODTRAN4: state-of-the-art atmospheric correction for hyperspectral data

FLAASH (Fast Line-of-sight Atmospheric Analysis of Spectral Hypercubes) is a MODTRAN-based "atmospheric correction" software package which is being developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Hanscom AFB, and Spectral Sciences, Inc., to support current and planned SWIR/visible/UV hyperspectral and multispectral sensors, typically in image format. The AF intent is to provide surface reflectance and emissivity image cubes of sufficient accuracy for input into subsequent analyses of surface properties, effectively removing the atmospheric component. The main objectives are (1) accurate, physics-based descriptions of surface and atmospheric properties (such as surface albedo, relative elevation, water vapor column, aerosol and cloud optical properties, and temperatures), (2) minimal computational time requirements, and (3) interactive, user-friendly interface for generating MODTRAN4-based look-up tables. Validation and development exercises are being carried out on data from the airborne AVIRTS and HYDICE sensors, which cover the 0.4-2.5 /spl mu/m region; applications are also planned for infrared sensors. The algorithms for deriving the surface and atmospheric properties utilize the full MODTRAN4 accuracy (thermal and solar) and account for adjacency effects associated with atmospheric scattering. A new line-tail treatment and a correlated-k (CK) radiative transfer algorithm provide improved accuracy, especially under conditions of partial cloud cover and/or heavy aerosol loading.
Space telescope design to directly image the habitable zone of Alpha Centauri

The scientific interest in directly imaging and identifying Earth-like planets within the Habitable Zone (HZ) around nearby stars is driving the design of specialized direct imaging missions such as ACESAT, EXO-C, EXO-S and AFTA-C. The inner edge of Alpha Cen A and B Habitable Zone is found at exceptionally large angular separations of 0.7” and 0.4” respectively. This enables direct imaging of the system with a 0.3m class telescope. Contrast ratios on the order of 1010 are needed to image Earth-brightness planets. Low-resolution (5-band) spectra of all planets may allow establishing the presence and amount of an atmosphere. This star system configuration is optimal for a specialized small, and stable space telescope that can achieve high-contrast but has limited resolution. This paper describes an innovative instrument design and a mission concept based on a full Silicon Carbide off-axis telescope, which has a Phase Induced Amplitude Apodization coronagraph embedded in the telescope. This architecture maximizes stability and throughput. A Multi-Star Wave Front algorithm is implemented to drive a deformable mirror controlling simultaneously diffracted light from the on-axis and binary companion star. The instrument has a Focal Plane Occulter to reject starlight into a highprecision pointing control camera. Finally we utilize a Orbital Differential Imaging (ODI) post-processing method that takes advantage of a highly stable environment (Earth-trailing orbit) and a continuous sequence of images spanning 2 years, to reduce the final noise floor in post processing to ~2e-11 levels, enabling high confidence and at least 90% completeness detections of Earth-like planets.
Control Structures in supply chains as a way to manage unpredictable cyber-risks

Summary Abstract Supply chain growth, and their dependence on Information Technology (IT), is making cyber risks an increasingly unmanageable threat through traditional risk assessment methods. Systemic analysis methods have been identified as alternatives to traditional methods. This paper analyzes the application of a systemic risk analysis methodology to understand cyber risks in the supply chain. A generic supply chain is analyzed, and information flows, dynamic structures and the influence of cyber-attack on these are identified. This paper argues that a systemic approach is more efficient in detecting vulnerabilities, enabling an evolving disruption response process and culture in the supply chain.
Viewofstatinsasantimicrobials incardiovascularrisk modification

Atherosclerosis is a complex arterial pathological development underlying heart attack and stroke and a leading cause of death in developed and nowalso in developing countries. The primary processes that lead to the inflammatory lipid-laden proliferative lesion, obstructing the blood flow, and referred to as atherosclerotic plaque are dyslipidaemia and inflammation. Here, wewill reviewone of the mostefficient classes of drugs indicated for management of cardiovascular disease (CVD), statins. We will assess their pleiotropic effects that emerged from CVD applications, focusing this review specifically on plausible antimicrobial activity. Only recently gaining strength, the recognition of possible antibacterial activity may extend the statin applicability for vascular as well as to other critical inflammatory conditions.