Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self learning robot using real-time neural networks

With the advancements in high volume, low precision computational technology and applied research on cognitive artificially intelligent heuristic systems, machine learning solutions through neural networks with real-time learning has seen an immense interest in the research community as well the industry. This paper involves research, development and experimental analysis of a neural network implemented on a robot with an arm through which evolves to learn to walk in a straight line or as required. The neural network learns using the algorithms of Gradient Descent and Backpropagation. Both the implementation and training of the neural network is done locally on the robot on a raspberry pi 3 so that its learning process is completely independent. The neural network is first tested on a custom simulator developed on MATLAB and then implemented on the raspberry computer. Data at each generation of the evolving network is stored, and analysis both mathematical and graphical is done on the data. Impact of factors like the learning rate and error tolerance on the learning process and final output is analyzed.
Information Theoretic Model Predictive Q-Learning

Model-free Reinforcement Learning (RL) works well when experience can be collected cheaply and model-based RL is effective when system dynamics can be modeled accurately. However, both assumptions can be violated in real world problems such as robotics, where querying the system can be expensive and real-world dynamics can be difficult to model. In contrast to RL, Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithms use a simulator to optimize a simple policy class online, constructing a closed-loop controller that can effectively contend with real-world dynamics. MPC performance is usually limited by factors such as model bias and the limited horizon of optimization. In this work, we present a novel theoretical connection between information theoretic MPC and entropy regularized RL and develop a Q-learning algorithm that can leverage biased models. We validate the proposed algorithm on sim-to-sim control tasks to demonstrate the improvements over optimal control and reinforcement learning from scratch. Our approach paves the way for deploying reinforcement learning algorithms on real systems in a systematic manner.
A Critical Dimension in One-dimensional Large-N Reduced Models

We investigate critical phenomena of the Yang-Mills (YM) type one-dimensional matrix model that is a large-$N$ reduction (or dimensional reduction) of the $D+1$ dimensional $U(N)$ pure YM theory (bosonic BFSS model). This model shows a large-$N$ phase transition at finite temperature, which is analogous to the confinement/deconfinement transition of the original YM theory. We study the matrix model at a three-loop calculation via the "principle of minimum sensitivity" and find that there is a critical dimension $D=35.5$: At $D \le 35$, the transition is of first order, while it is of second order at $D\ge 36$. Besides, we evaluate several observables in our method, and they nicely reproduce the existing Monte Carlo results. Through the gauge/gravity correspondence, this transition is expected to be related to a Gregory-Laflamme transition in gravity, and we argue that the existence of the critical dimension is consistent with it.
Exact Bayesian Inference for Discretely Observed Markov Jump Processes Using Finite Rate Matrices

ABSTRACT We present new methodologies for Bayesian inference on the rate parameters of a discretely observed continuous-time Markov jump process with a countably infinite statespace. The usual method of choice for inference, particle Markov chain Monte Carlo (particle MCMC), struggles when the observation noise is small. We consider the most challenging regime of exact observations and provide two new methodologies for inference in this case: the minimal extended statespace algorithm (MESA) and the nearly minimal extended statespace algorithm (nMESA). By extending the Markov chain Monte Carlo statespace, both MESA and nMESA use the exponentiation of finite rate matrices to perform exact Bayesian inference on the Markov jump process even though its statespace is countably infinite. Numerical experiments show improvements over particle MCMC of between a factor of three and several orders of magnitude. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Sensing Data Fusion for Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Monitoring

Multisensor fusion of air pollutant data in smart buildings remains an important input to address the well-being and comfort perceived by their inhabitants. An integrated sensing system is part of a smart building where real-time indoor air quality data are monitored round the clock using sensors and operating in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) environment. In this work, we propose an air quality management system merging indoor air quality index (IAQI) and humidex into an enhanced indoor air quality index (EIAQI) by using sensor data on a real-time basis. Here, indoor air pollutant levels are measured by a network of waspmote sensors while IAQI and humidex data are fused together using an extended fractional-order Kalman filter (EFKF). According to the obtained EIAQI, overall air quality alerts are provided in a timely fashion for accurate prediction with enhanced performance against measurement noise and nonlinearity. The estimation scheme is implemented by using the fractional-order modeling and control (FOMCON) toolbox. A case study is analysed to prove the effectiveness and validity of the proposed approach.
Passengers' Travel Behavior in Response to Unplanned Transit Disruptions

Public transit disruption is becoming more common across different transit services, which can have a destructive influence on the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system. Utilizing a recently collected data of transit users in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, the current study aims to analyze how transit users respond to unplanned service disruption and disclose the factors that affect their behavior.
Incentivizing the Emergence of Grounded Discrete Communication Between General Agents

We converted the recently developed BabyAI grid world platform to a sender/receiver setup in order to test the hypothesis that established deep reinforcement learning techniques are sufficient to incentivize the emergence of a grounded discrete communication protocol between general agents. This is in contrast to previous experiments that employed straight-through estimation or tailored inductive biases. Our results show that these can indeed be avoided, by instead providing proper environmental incentives. Moreover, they show that a longer interval between communications incentivized more abstract semantics. In some cases, the communicating agents adapted to new environments more quickly than monolithic agents, showcasing the potential of emergent discrete communication for transfer learning.
Compress\~ao de Entropia e Colora\c{c}\~oes Leg\'itimas em Planos Projetivos

We prove that the entropy compression method systematized by L. Esperet and A. Parreau can be applied to any problem formulated in the variable version of the Lovasz Local Lemma. As an application, we prove the existence of legitimate colorings for projective planes with small orders, which extends results of N. Alon and Z. Fured. In fact, we allow different numbers of colors, proving that projective planes of any order can be legitimate colored with 42 colors.
VANTAGE Trial: A Prospective, Multi-center Trial Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation with a New Multiple-Source, Constant-Current Rechargeable System in Parkinson’s Disease (P1.173)

OBJECTIVE: The VANTAGE study assessed improvement in motor function and overall quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe Parkinson’s disease (PD) following bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (DBS) using an implantable, rechargeable, multiple-source, 16-contact, constant-current Vercise DBS system. BACKGROUND: Several randomized controlled trials (Deuschl et al. 2006, Weaver e t al. 2009, Okun et al . 2012) have demonstrated that DBS is an effective treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Motor improvement following DBS is sustained up to 10 years (Castrioto et al. 2011). DESIGN/METHODS: VANTAGE is a, prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, open-label interventional trial, sponsored by Boston Scientific Corporation. 40 subjects with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) were implanted bilaterally in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Subjects were followed at 3, 6 and 12 months post lead placement. Motor improvement was evaluated using UPDRS III scores in stim ON/meds OFF as compared with baseline. Other assessments including quality of life such as PDQ-39, SF-36, Schwab and England were administered. Patient motor diaries were collected over 3 days. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: A highly significant improvement of 62[percnt] in UPDRS III scores at 12 months post implant in stim on/meds off condition was reported. A 35[percnt] improvement in mean PDQ-39 summary index was reported at 12 months post implant driven by improved Activities of Daily Living, Mobility, and Bodily Discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Highly significant motor improvement, as evaluated using UPDRS III, was demonstrated at 6 months that was further sustained up to 12 months post lead placement. Subjects overall quality of life also improved significantly. The VANTAGE trial is the first reported trial of a multiple-source, constant-current rechargeable system in PD up to 12 months. Study Supported by: Boston Scientific Corporation Disclosure: Dr. Timmermann has received personal compensation for activities with Medtronic, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Bayer Healthcare, and UCB Pharma. Dr. Jain has received personal compensation for activities with Boston Scientific Corporation as an employee. Dr. Brucke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Seijo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Suarez San Martin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Haegelen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Verin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maarouf has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barbe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Whone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Porta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Servello has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alesch has nothing to disclose.
Effect of indirubin on cytokines in colonic mucosa of DSS-induced colitis in mice

[Objective]To investigate the effect of indirubin on cytokines in colonic mucosa of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice. [Methods]Mouse colitis model was induced by oral administration of 5% DSS for 7 days,and 7-day intervention treatment was carried out after modeling.Mice were divided into normal control group,colitis model group 1,colitis model group 2,low-dose indirubin group,high-dose indirubin group and 5-aminosalicylic acid(5-ASA)group.After the treatment,IL-4 and TNF-α levels in the colonic tissue were detected with ELISA. [Results]Colonic IL-4 level significantly decreased in colitis model group 1 while the TNF-α level significantly increased compared with normal control group(both P0.05). Colonic IL-4 level increased in all the treatment groups while the TNF-α level decreased compared with colitis model group 2(both P0.05). [Conclusion]The major mechanism of indirubin' effect on ulcerative colitis may be due to increased IL-4 level and decreased TNF-α level.
Estudio del flujo de genes desde variedades GM de algodón (Gossypium hirsutum) en El Espinal (Tolima, Colombia)

In 2009, 4088 hectares of genetically modified (GM) cotton were planted in Tolima (Colombia), however there is some uncertainty about containment measures needed to prevent the flow of pollen and seed from regulated GM fields into adjacent fields. In this study, the gene flow from GM cotton varieties to conventional or feral cotton plants via seed and pollen was evaluated. ImmunostripTM, PCR and ELISA assays were used to detect gene flow. Fifty six refuges, 27 fields with conventional cotton and four feral individuals of the enterprise "Remolinos Inc." located in El Espinal (Tolima) were analyzed in the first half of 2010. The results indicated seed mediated gene flow in 45 refuges (80.4 %) and 26 fields with conventional cotton (96 %), besides pollen mediated gene flow in one field with conventional cotton and nine refuges. All fields cultivated with conventional cotton showed gene flow from GM cotton. Two refuges and two feral individuals did not reveal gene flow from GM cotton.
The development of the Two-Item Self-Esteem scale (TISE): Reliability and validity

The purpose of this study is to develop the Two-Item Self-Esteem scale （TISE） and to investi gate its reliability and validity. The TISE consists of two aspects of self-esteem concept: one is a self-evaluation, and the other is a self-acceptance. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by positive high correlations between the TISE and pre-existing self-esteem scales （i.e., Rosenbergʼs self-esteem scale）. Construct validity was established by correlations between the TISE and criterion scales, including competence （i.e., narcissistic competence scale）, subjective well-being （satisfaction with life scale）, and positive/negative emotions （i.e., positive and negative aﬀect schedule scales）. The TISE and the Rosenbergʼs self-esteem scale had nearly identical correlations with these criterion scales. Test‒retest reliability was conﬁrmed at a both three-week and four-month interval. This study showed that the TISE is a reliable and valid scale to measure self-esteem with two aspects.
Seasonal study of E-region electric fields at the dip equator estimated from 50 MHz radar observations

Electric fields have been estimate at E region heights based on coherent backscatter echoes from the equatorial electrojet obtained with the RESCO radar in 2002. The technique of estimating electric fields used by [Balsley, 1969] based in determining Doppler velocity from radar echoes type 2 at low elevation angles was adapted for use at the 50 MHz radar installed at Sao Luis (2.3 S, 44.2 W, dip: -0.5), Brazil. RESCO radar uses a 7 degree beam width at an elevation angle of 60 degree for equatorial electrojet sounding. This relatively narrow beam allows us to deduce the altitude of the scatter directly from the range. Therefore, we measure the drift profile of the electrojet, which is used as basis for zonal electric fields estimates. Curve fitting techniques was used to estimate type 2 Doppler shifts from echoes power spectra. This method was chosen due to the presence of the superimposed type 1 Doppler shift around local midday. A magnetic field aligned integrated conductivity model was used to calculate Pedersen and Hall conductivities at E region heights [Denardini, 2005]. Electron density used in this conductivity model is based in the IRI model corrected by electron densities obtained from digisonde measured of the daytime equatorial E-layer (foE) over three locations that constituted a conjugated points station pair: Campo Grande in south (20.45 S, 54.65 W, dip: -22.5) and Boa Vista in north (2.8 N, 60.66 W, dip: 22.5), and an equatorial station, Cachimbo (9.47 S, 54.83 W, dip: -3.9). Our results are presented and discussed in terms of the South hemisphere seasons and are comparable to previous ones obtained for different longitudinal sector, such as by [Reddy et al., 1987], who have used the same approach for estimating electric field despite the different method for estimating the Doppler velocities from the radar echoes.
Revista Eletrônica em Gestão, Educação e Tecnologia Ambiental

Discusses the involvement of environmental education from the perspective of image technologies. Proposes to web vídeo as a device in the representations of the environment and cultural artifact. It addresses the broad production of new digital processes (devices and methods) and discusses its potential in promoting awareness of look at daily. The Vídeo Web is place in environmental education to enhance the perception and in this vein, the use of digital technologies as a result bring the vídeo experience shared while revealing the socioenvironmental reality. The vídeo report expands the possibilities of collective perception, therefore, to seek solutions to their peers with common environmental problems, provides a situation of co-authorship. Thus, the relationship with nature and with the surrounding environment is recreated through the establishment of new meanings and concepts of the world.
EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO Guideline:Management of Urticaria

The recommended first line treatment of urticaria is new generation,nonsedating H1-antihistamines. If standard dosing is not effective,increasing the dosage up to four-fold is recommended. For patients who do not respond to a four-fold increase in dosage of nonsedating H1-antihistamines,it is recommended that second-line therapies should be added to the antihistamine treatment. In the choice of second-line treatment,both their costs and risk/benefit profiles are most important to consider. Corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term treatment due to their unavoidable severe adverse effects.
Asociación entre las características empresariales y la divulgación sobre Capital Intelectual: un estudio de las empresas del Ibex 35/Association between Business Characteristics and Intellectual Capital Disclosure: A Study of Companies in the Ibex 35

El proposito de este trabajo es conocer si las empresas del Ibex 35 estan divulgando informacion sobre el Capital Intelectual y determinar aquellas caracteristicas empresariales que pueden condicionarlas a un mayor suministro de informacion. Para ello se analizan 115 informes anuales correspondientes a las 23 empresas de la muestra para un periodo de cinco anos. La metodologia utilizada para obtener la informacion fue el analisis de contenidos, y se llevo a cabo un analisis descriptivo y un analisis multivariante de regresion lineal. Los resultados muestran que los niveles de informacion del Capital Intelectual no son muy elevados. No obstante, el tamano, el endeudamiento, el sector y el ratio market to book inciden en la cantidad de informacion del Capital Intelectual que se divulga. This study aims to analyze the specific characteristics which lead some Ibex 35 Spanish companies to disclose higher levels of information about their Intellectual Capital. For this purpose, we use a sample of 115 corporate annual reports, which corresponds to the information published by 23 companies in the Ibex 35 during a period of 5 years. The methodology used to obtain the sample was content analysis, and we carry out a descriptive analysis and a multivariate linear regression analysis. The results show low levels of Intellectual Capital disclosure. However, the size, the leverage, the industry and the market to book affect the provision of this information.
A preliminary study of the content and distribution of pesticide residues in soil samples from the Kathmandu valley, Nepal .

The increasing use of pesticides for agricultural production is causing soil pollution problems in different parts of Nepal. Uncontaminated agricultural soils are of great importance as they have a direct impact on food security and human health. The objective of this study was to investigate the quality and quantity of pesticides in soil samples from districts near the capital city of Kathmandu, from where fruit and vegetables are brought to the city for consumption. A questionnaire survey was carried out in four districts around Kathmandu city to investigate the types of pesticides that are most commonly used in these districts. A total of 15 soil samples were taken at a depth of 10 cm and four complete soil profiles were sampled at three different depths (10 cm, 30 cm and 50 cm) on the farms of those who were interviewed. A total of four replicates of each soil sample were extracted and analyzed. The pH, soil texture and organic carbon content of the soil samples were analyzed to understand the general soil characteristics. The QuEChERS method used for the analysis of food samples was modified and applied to the soil samples. An HPLC-MS/MS was used for the qualification and quantification of the pesticide residues in the soil samples. The questionnaire survey revealed that carbendazim, chlorpyrifos-methyl, parathion-methyl, imidacloprid, metalaxyl, dimethoate, omethoate and dichlorvos were the most commonly used pesticides in the area studied. The chemical analysis showed that soil samples from all the districts except Kathmandu city were contaminated with various pesticides. The soil samples collected at the depth of 10 cm were found to be contaminated with the fungicide carbendazim and the insecticide chlorpyrifos-methyl at rates of up to 0.038 mg kg-1 and the systemic insecticide imidacloprid was found at up to 0.016 mg kg-1. The study of soil samples taken at different depths (10 cm, 30 cm and 50 cm) showed that pesticides were homogenously distributed with soil depth. The recovery between 77.5-112%, linearity between 0.01 mg kg-l - 2 mg kg-l with correlation factors R2 higher than 0.99 and LOQ between 0.2 µg kg-1- 6.25 µg kg-l were found. Some samples were contaminated with parathion-methyl, a highly carcinogenic organophosphorous insecticide, even though these pesticides had already been banned. For the first time, this study provides information about soil contamination levels due to pesticides in Central Nepal and shows that further research and information campaigns for farmers are necessary.
A população urbana e a difusão das cidades de porte médio no Brasil

This paper shows the evolution of the medium-sized cities in Brazil from 1970 to 2010. The industrial dispersal, the mobility of the agricultural border, and infrastructure investments that integrated the interior of Brazil to the dynamics of the national economy are responsible for the spatial dispersion of Brazilian population. The medium-sized cities have a potential strategic position for the continuity of the regional dispersal in Brazil. Moreover, they have mainly induced the diffusion of more modern activities for all national territory and, consequently, a greater population distribution in the Brazilian urban system. The recent arrival of these cities in the national scenery, creating conditions to implement planning urban projects, prevent or minimize the problems caused by urbanization that in recent history caused and still are problems of difficult solution in the great population agglomerations such as the metropolises.
Home Nurses’ Opinions Toward e-Learning in Continuing Education

There is an increased focus on the introduction of e-learning in the continuing education of home nurses. The aim of this study was to explore the opinions of home nurses toward continuing education via e-learning. The majority of the participants (87.9%) were willing to be educated via e-learning. The five main criteria in the success of an e-learning module were the user friendliness (79.7%), a thorough explanation about the use of the platform (63.7%), a thorough development of the subject (34.7%), the possibility to exchange ideas with colleagues or teachers (30.9%), and the availability of online illustrations (30.8%). The home nurses are willing to be educated via e-learning, but they were not conclusive on their preference toward classical education or education via e-learning.
Hierarchical Space-time Modelling of PM10 Pollution in the Emilia-Romagna Region

In questo lavoro si propone un modello gerarchico per lo studio della distribuzione spazio-temporale dellA¢Â€Â™inquinamento da PM10 in Emilia-Romagna. LA¢Â€Â™obiettivo AƒÂ¨ quello di fornire una prima caratterizzazione della variabilitAƒÂ spaziale e temporale delle concentrazioni e di misurarne la dipendenza dalle principali grandezze meteorologiche. I risultati mostrano come la variabilitAƒÂ temporale sia largamente dominante rispetto allA¢Â€Â™eterogeneitAƒÂ spaziale ed alla variabilitAƒÂ non spiegata