Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SPECTRWM: Spectral Random Walk Method for the Numerical Solution of Stochastic Partial Differential Equations

The numerical solution of stochastic partial differential equations (SPDE) presents challenges not encountered in the simulation of PDEs or SDEs. Indeed, the roughness of the noise in conjunction with nonlinearities in the drift typically make these equations particularly stiff. In practice, this means that it is tricky to construct, operate, and validate numerical methods for SPDEs. This is especially true if one is interested in path-dependent expected values, long-time simulations, or in the simulation of SPDEs whose solutions have constraints on their domains. To address these numerical issues, this paper introduces a Markov jump process approximation for SPDEs, which we refer to as the spectral random walk method (SPECTRWM). The accuracy and ergodicity of SPECTRWM are verified in the context of a heat and overdamped Langevin SPDE, respectively. We also apply the method to Burgers and KPZ SPDEs.
Implementation & comparative study of different fusion techniques ( WAVELET , IHS , PCA )

In the image fusion scheme represented in this paper, we compare three different image fusion techniques, which are: Wavelet transform, IHS & PCA. Here we apply the input images & corresponding fused image is obtained, with different RGB values for different techniques. In this wavelet transform of different images are appropriately combined by taking inverse wavelet transform of fused wavelet coefficients. Max. area selection rule & consistency verification step are used for feature selection. The Intensity-Hue-Saturation transformation, a method mainly used for merging multi-resolution and multispectral data and for contrast stretching applications, has never been applied. In this study, a method is presented by which transforming the RGB values of a three-channel composite to IHS values. Each wavelet also has a unique image decompression & reconstruction characteristics that lead to different fusion results, However if a wavelet transform & a traditional transform such as PCA transform are integrated for a better fusion results may be achieved.
CTNNAL1 inhibits ozone‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in human bronchial epithelial cells

What is the central question of this study? What is the effect of catenin alpha‐like 1 (CTNNAL1), an asthma‐related epithelial adhesion molecule that plays a vital role in airway epithelial wound repair, on airway epithelial–mesenchymal transition? What is the main finding and its importance? CTNNAL1 inhibits ozone‐induced airway epithelial–mesenchymal transition features, mediated by repressing the expression of Twist1 mRNA and reducing TGF‐β1 levels. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathology of airway EMT and may indicate a possible therapeutic target for airway remodelling in bronchial asthma.
Audience effects on moralistic punishment B

Punishment has been proposed as being central to two distinctively human phenomena: cooperation in groups and morality. Here we investigate moralistic punishment, a behavior designed to inflict costs on another individual in response to a perceived moral violation. There is currently no consensus on which evolutionary model best accounts for this phenomenon in humans. Models that turn on individuals’ cultivating reputations as moralistic punishers clearly predict that psychological systems should be designed to increase punishment in response to information that one’s decisions to punish will be known by others. We report two experiments in which we induce participants to commit moral violations and then present third parties with the opportunity to pay to punish wrongdoers. Varying conditions of anonymity, we find that the presence of an audience—even if only the experimenter—causes an increase in moralistic punishment.
Tiptoeing around it: Inference from absence in potentially offensive speech

Language that describes people in a concise manner may conflict with social norms (e.g., referring to people by their race), presenting a conflict between transferring information efficiently and avoiding offensive language. When a speaker is describing others, we propose that listeners consider the speaker’s use or absence of potentially offensive language to reason about the speaker’s goals. We formalize this hypothesis in a probabilistic model of polite pragmatic language understanding, and use it to generate predictions about interpretations of utterances in ambiguous contexts, which we test empirically. We find that participants are sensitive to potentially offensive language when resolving ambiguity in reference. These results support the idea that listeners represent conflicts in speakers’ goals and use that uncertainty to interpret otherwise underspecified utterances.
Norm Identification through Plan Recognition

Societal rules, as exemplified by norms, aim to provide a degree of behavioural stability to multi-agent societies. Norms regulate a society using the deontic concepts of permissions, obligations and prohibitions to specify what can, must and must not occur in a society. Many implementations of normative systems assume various combinations of the following assumptions: that the set of norms is static and defined at design time; that agents joining a society are instantly informed of the complete set of norms; that the set of agents within a society does not change; and that all agents are aware of the existing norms. When any one of these assumptions is dropped, agents need a mechanism to identify the set of norms currently present within a society, or risk unwittingly violating the norms. In this paper, we develop a norm identification mechanism that uses a combination of parsing-based plan recognition and Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) planning mechanisms, which operates by analysing the actions performed by other agents. While our basic mechanism cannot learn in situations where norm violations take place, we describe an extension which is able to operate in the presence of violations.
3 D Crack propagation in unreinforced concrete . A two-step algorithm for tracking 3 D crack paths

Tensile failure of unreinforced concrete involves progressive micro-cracking, and the related strain-softening can coalesce into geometrical discontinuities, which separate the material. Advanced mechanical theories and numerical schemes are required to efficiently and adequately represent crack propagation in 3D. In this paper we use the concept of strong discontinuities to model concrete failure. We introduce a cohesive fracture process zone, which is characterized by a transversely isotropic traction–separation law. We combine the cohesive crack concept with the partition of unity finite element method, where the finite element space is enhanced by the Heaviside function. The concept is implemented for tetrahedral elements and the failure initialization is based on the simple (non-local) Rankine criterion. For each element we assume the embedded discontinuity to be flat in the reference configuration, which leads to a non-smooth crack surfaces approximation in 3D, in general; different concepts for tracking non-planar cracks in 3D are reviewed. In addition, we propose a two-step algorithm for tracking the crack path, where a predictor step defines discontinuities according to the (non-local) failure criterion and a corrector step draws in non-local information of the existing discontinuities in order to predict a ‘closed’ 3D crack surface; implementation details are provided. The proposed framework is used to analyze the predictability of concrete failure by two benchmark examples, i.e. the Nooru-Mohamed test, and the Brokenshire test. We compare our numerical results, which are mesh independent, with experimental data and numerical results adopted from the literature. 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Stability of Bioreducible Drug Delivery System: A Non-Simplistic View

Bioreducible linkage has been increasingly used in drug and gene delivery system for conjugation, stabilization and promotion of biodegradation and redox triggered cargo release [1-3]. While disulfide bond is the most widely used, other bioreducible chemical linkages have also been reported. Many bioreducible drug delivery systems (BRDDSs) have been designed under the assumption that the reducible linkage are stable in extracellular environment and only reduced inside the cells due to the naturally occurring difference between the extra and intracellular redox environments. Concentrations of reducing agents in the intracellular (2-20 μM) and extracellular environment (1-10 mM) found in the literature [4] are usually cited without careful measurement of the redox state in specific biological milieu or cell types that are under investigation. It is only recently that the stability of the BRDDS in various biological environments has received more scrutiny. This is partly because success is often hastily declared when positive outcomes (e.g. enhanced gene transfer or killing of cancer cells) are achieved with the use of reducible linkage while the detailed mechanisms remain elusive.
Performance appraisal for green/environmental friendliness of a supply chain department

Purpose: This paper aims at proposing a method for evaluating the environmental friendliness of a supply chain department in any organization. Supply chain involves activities that could affect the natural environment and if these activities are not properly evaluated and monitored, it could affect the natural environment and also generate ecological performance change. Design/methodology/approach: The model for the appraisal consists of 5 criteria and 30 subcriteria. The method is applied at 3 level; beginning with finding the relative weight of the subcriteria under each criterion using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), followed by computing the value associated with each level descriptor in a scale. Some subcriteria have 5 level descriptors (very strong/moderate /weak/very weak / no), some subcriteria have 3 level descriptors (always / sometimes/ never) and some have 2 levels descriptor (yes/no). Finally the method is concluded by the means of an additive model, whereby the weight associated with each subcriteria is multiplied by the corresponding level descriptor and summed up to get the limit/state. This methodology is called the weighing multiplication and additive model (WMAAM). Finding: Supply chain (SC) involves operational activities and for these activities to be environmental friendly, they have been categorized under criteria namely; green design, green procurement, green manufacturing, environmental management and green marketing. These criteria which consist of 30 subcriteria are evaluated in other to compute the overall environmental friendly appraisal of the SC department. Practical Implication: The study plays important role in understanding various areas to be monitored and considered during supply chain activities in order to achieve a green supply chain management or an environmental friendly supply chain. Originality/value: The main contribution of this work is to propose an effective methodology that guides SC practitioners on carrying out green performance appraisal of a SC department in any organization.
A Transition-Based Algorithm for Unrestricted AMR Parsing

Non-projective parsing can be useful to handle cycles and reentrancy in AMR graphs. We explore this idea and introduce a greedy left-to-right non-projective transition-based parser. At each parsing configuration, an oracle decides whether to create a concept or whether to connect a pair of existing concepts. The algorithm handles reentrancy and arbitrary cycles natively, i.e. within the transition system itself. The model is evaluated on the LDC2015E86 corpus, obtaining results close to the state of the art, including a Smatch of 64%, and showing good behavior on reentrant edges.
User Identification System Based On Finger-Vein Patterns Using Convolutional Neural Network

Finger-vein biometric identification has gained attention recently due to its several advantages over fingerprint biometric traits. Finger-vein recognition is a method of biometric authentication that applies pattern recognition techniques based on the image of human finger-vein patterns. This paper is focused on developing a MATLAB-based finger-vein recognition system using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with Graphical User Interface (GUI) as the user input. Two layers of CNN out of the proposed four-layer CNN have been used to retrain the network for new incoming subjects. The pre-processing steps for finger-vein images and CNN design have been conducted pm different platforms. Therefore, this paper discusses the method of linking both parts from different platforms using MEX-files in MATLAB. Evaluation is carried out using images of 50 subjects that are developed in-house. An accuracy of an average of 96% is obtained to recognize 1 to 10 new subjects within less than 10 seconds.
Inexact Newton-Type Optimization with Iterated Sensitivities

This paper presents and analyzes an Inexact Newton-type optimization method based on Iterated Sensitivities (INIS). A particular class of Nonlinear Programming (NLP) problems is considered, where a subset of the variables is defined by nonlinear equality constraints. The proposed algorithm considers any problem-specific approximation for the Jacobian of these constraints. Unlike other inexact Newton methods, the INIS-type optimization algorithm is shown to preserve the local convergence properties and the asymptotic contraction rate of the Newton-type scheme for the feasibility problem, yielded by the same Jacobian approximation. The INIS approach results in a computational cost which can be made close to that of the standard inexact Newton implementation. In addition, an adjoint-free (AF-INIS) variant of the approach is presented which, under certain conditions, becomes considerably easier to implement than the adjoint based scheme. The applicability of these results is motivated, specifically for dynamic optimization problems. In addition, the numerical performance of a specific open-source implementation is illustrated.
Are Rushed Privatizations Substandard? Analyzing Firm-Level Privatization Under Fiscal Pressure

In this paper we provide the first analysis of whether rushed privatizations, usually carried out under fiscal duress, increase or decrease firms' efficiency, scale of operation (size) and employment. Using a large panel of firm-level data from Poland over 1995-2015, we show that rushed privatization has negative efficiency, scale and employment effects relative to non-rush privatization. The negative effect of rushed privatization on the scale of operations and employment is even stronger than its negative effect on efficiency. Our results suggest that when policy makers resort to rushed privatization, they ought to weigh these negative effects against other expected effects (e.g. on fiscal revenue).
ZnO Nanowire and Nanobelt Platform for Nanotechnology

Abstract Semiconducting zinc oxide nanowires (NWs) and nanobelts (NBs) are a unique group of quasi-one-dimensional nanomaterial. This review mainly focuses on the rational synthesis, structure analysis, novel properties and unique applications of zinc oxide NWs and NBs in nanotechnology. First, we will discuss rational design of synthetic strategies and the synthesis of NWs via vapor phase and chemical growth approaches. Secondly, the vapor–solid process for synthesis of oxide based nanostructures will be described in details. We will illustrate the polar surface dominated growth phenomena, such as the formation of nanosprings, nanorings and nanohelices of single-crystal zinc oxide. Third, we will describe the unique and novel electrical, optoelectronic, field emission, and mechanical properties of individual NWs and NBs. Finally, we will illustrate some novel devices and applications made using NWs as ultra-sensitive chemical and biological nanosensors, solar cell, light emitting diodes, nanogenerators, and nano-piezotronic devices. ZnO is ideal for nanogenerators for converting nano-scale mechanical energy into electricity owing to its coupled piezoelectric and semiconductive properties. The devices designed based on this coupled characteristic are the family of piezotronics, which is a new and unique group of electronic components that are controlled by external forces/pressure.
Investigation on the Selection of Piezoelectric Materials for the Design of an Energy Harvester System to Generate Energy from Traffic

This article investigates various existing piezoelectric materials and the structures of the piezoelectric transducers. Then the article explores the idea of using the electricity generated using piezoelectric elements and compares the energy requirement of this era of power electronics. Then, the most compatible piezoelectric transducer for producing sustainable energy from the road traffic was analyzed using the finite element analysis. This included the various structural designs of the piezoelectric harvester designs to determine the performance of the piezoelectric material. The structures focused on this article are namely the Pile type, Multilayered, Thunder, Bridge, Cymbal and Moonie piezoelectric generators. The finite element analysis was also used to categorize the chemical behavior of various piezoelectric elements. After which, the article focuses on the two main types of implementation of the piezoelectric generators on the road to produce the sustainable form of energy. This energy is captured by harnessing the wasted vibration and kinetic energy due to the moving vehicles on the surface of the road. These two main types of implementation include the cantilever beam type implementation such as the bimorph with a tip mass, which requires a fixed support. The other implementation was based on embedding the piezoelectric transducers into the road to harvest the strain and kinetic energy due to the vehicles directly.
Recent Advances in Projection Mapping Algorithms, Hardware and Applications

This State‐of‐the‐Art‐Report covers the recent advances in research fields related to projection mapping applications. We summarize the novel enhancements to simplify the 3D geometric calibration task, which can now be reliably carried out either interactively or automatically using self‐calibration methods. Furthermore, improvements regarding radiometric calibration and compensation as well as the neutralization of global illumination effects are summarized. We then introduce computational display approaches to overcome technical limitations of current projection hardware in terms of dynamic range, refresh rate, spatial resolution, depth‐of‐field, view dependency, and color space. These technologies contribute towards creating new application domains related to projection‐based spatial augmentations. We summarize these emerging applications, and discuss new directions for industries.
Technological Enclaves and Industrial Districts: An Analysis of the Regional Distribution of Innovative Activity in Europe

PACI R. and USAI S. (2000) Technological enclaves and industrial districts: an analysis of the regional distribution of innovative activity in Europe, Reg. Studies 34 , 97‐114. This paper explores the spatial distribution of innovative and productive activity across 109 regions of the European Union, using an original statistical databank on regional patents. The main results are the following. First, technological activity in the EU appears to be highly concentrated, although concentration tended to decline over the 1980s. Second, as expected, there is a positive association between the regional distribution of innovative activity and labour productivity. Third, we have shown that spatial and sectoral specialization of innovative and productive activities is significantly and positively correlated. PACI R. et USAI S. (2000) Enclaves technologiques et districts industriels: une analyse de la distribution régionale de l'innovation en Europe, Reg. Studies 34 , 97‐114. A partir d'une banque de données novatrice sur les brevets régionaux, cet article examine la distribution spatiale des activités à caractère innovateur et productif à travers 109 régions de l'Union européenne. On en a tiré les conclusions suivantes. Primo, il semble que l'activité à caractère technologique au sein de l'Ue est extrêmement concentrée, bien que la concentration eût tendance à diminuer dans les années 80. Secundo, il existe, comme prévu, une corrélation étroite entre la distribution régionale de l'activité à caractère innovateur et la productivité du travail. Tertio, il s'avère que les spécialisations spatiale et sectorielle des activités à caractère innovateur et productif sont en corrélation étroite. PACI R. und USAI S. (2000) Technologische Enklaven und Industriedistrikte, Reg. Studies 34 , 97‐114. Dieser Aufsatz untersucht die räumliche Verteilung innovativer und produktiver Aktivität in 109 Gebieten der Europäischen Union (EU), wobei sie sich auf statistische Originalangaben stützt. Die Hauptergebnisse waren: erstens, technologische Betätigung in der EU scheint stark konzentriert zu sein, obschon eine Tendenz zum Nachlassen der Konzentrierung im Laufe der achtziger Jahre zu beobachten war; zweitens gibt es, wie zu erwarten war, einen positiven Zusammenhang zwischen regionaler Verteilung innovativer Betätigung und Produktivität der Arbeiterschaft; drittens zeigen die Autoren auf, daß räumliche und fachliche Spezialisierung auf innovative und produktive Betätigung erheblich und positiv aufeinander bezogen sind.
The Frustration Discomfort Scale: development and psychometric properties

Frustration intolerance beliefs are hypothesized by rational–emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) to form one of two major categories of psychological disturbance, along with those referring to self-worth. Although frustration intolerance is a central REBT concept its content and factor structure are unclear. Therefore, a multidimensional measure, the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS), was developed based on REBT literature and theory. An exploratory factor analysis, using a combined clinical and student population, indicated a four-factor structure. These dimensions were labelled (I) emotional intolerance, involving intolerance of emotional distress; (II) entitlement, involving intolerance of unfairness and frustrated gratification; (III) discomfort intolerance, involving intolerance of difficulties and hassles, and (IV) achievement, involving intolerance of frustrated achievement goals. From these results, a simplified scale was developed, with confirmatory factor analysis supporting a four-factor solution. Both the preliminary and revised scales showed good internal reliability, and evidence of discriminative validity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.