Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive wave neural network nonsingular terminal sliding mode control for an underwater manipulator with force estimation

This paper proposes an adaptive wave neural network nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (AWNN-NTSMC) strategy with force estimation, which is exploited to address the path tracking control problem of the underwater manipulator under lumped disturbances. The proposed control scheme contains three parts: a nonsingular terminal sliding mode surface (NTSMS) part, an AWNN part, and a force estimation part. The NTSMS is designed to make the system states achieve fast convergence in the sliding mode phase. The AWNN theory is utilized to approximate the lumped disturbances via online adjustment of the network parameters. The force estimation method is applied in compensating the effect of external force on the control system. Besides, a saturated function instead of the signum function is used aiming to the chattering suppression. Asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed by the Lyapunov stability. Finally, by using a six degree of freedom (DOF) underwater manipulator, comparative simulation results validate the better tracking performance and stronger robustness against disturbances of our proposed scheme.
Overtraining increases the strength of equivalence relations

Abstract The present study investigated whether overtraining of the conditional discriminations that are the prerequisites of equivalence class formation strengthens the relations among stimuli in an equivalence class. Two groups of college students formed equivalence classes that consisted of faces that expressed emotions (A) and arbitrary stimuli (B, C, D, and E). The overtraining group had twice as many training trials as the regular training group. For participants who formed equivalence classes, relational strength was evaluated by the generalization of expressed emotions from the A to the D stimuli, which was measured using a semantic differential. An untrained control group showed semantic differential scores that were positive for happy faces, negative for angry faces, and neutral for the D stimuli. For the experimental groups, the D stimuli, when included in equivalence classes, produced scores that were similar to those produced by the equivalent faces. The overtraining group, however, had average values closer to the values of the faces than the regular training group. These results indicate that the amount of training is an experimental parameter that influences the strength of relations between stimuli that are found to be equivalent in matching-to-sample tests.
Improving Liquidity in Secondary Spectrum Markets: Virtualizing Spectrum for Fungibility

Pricing mechanisms in the form of auctions have been the main method for spectrum assignment in the United States for over 20 years. The spectrum auctions carried out by the federal communications commission constitute a primary market for spectrum and have been affected by lack of flexibility which has resulted in inefficiencies in spectrum assignment, especially in environments where spectrum is considered scarce. In recent years, we have observed significant efforts to increase efficiency in spectrum assignment and use. Among those efforts is the design and adoption of secondary markets. Secondary markets have the potential to address inefficiencies arising in primary markets over time or those that occur through features of auction mechanisms by enabling spectrum to be assigned to users who value it the most. Furthermore, liquid secondary markets have enabled the explicit management of risk in other markets, such as agriculture and commodities, through futures and options trading. In this paper, we advance the study of liquidity in secondary markets that was begun in our previous work. We explore: 1) the reasons that may have hindered the emergence of liquid secondary markets for radio spectrum and 2) what we might change to promote secondary markets. With these objectives in mind, we study various configurations for the design of secondary markets, which account for the physical constraints inherent to electromagnetic spectrum. In addition, we study technical alternatives that would permit us to develop an appropriate, tradeable, and spectrum-related commodity. The results of our analysis show that lack of fungibility has an adverse impact on secondary market liquidity. To address this outcome, we propose virtualization of spectrum resources into fungible chunks and show that this improves market liquidity by yielding viable market outcomes in all the scenarios we tested.
Development and Research of Conveyor Structures of Binary Number Sorting Algorithms

Abstract: The characteristics of the structures complexity of conveyor sorting devices, constructed on the basis of parallel algorithms for sorting binary arrays are analyzed. The improved structure of the conveyor sorting device, which compared to the known one had 1.9 times less hardware complexity and 1.5 times higher performance, was developed and researched. Modeling of VHDL models of conveyor sorting devices was carried out, their synthesis and implementation was made in the Xilinx FPGA by automated designing Vivado system applications. The received practical results of the complexity characteristic of the developed conveyor devices coincide with theoretical calculations. There are also determined the relevant areas of application of the developed devices.
Communications in Mathematical Physics Rapid Mixing for the Lorenz Attractor and Statistical Limit Laws for Their Time-1 Maps

We prove that every geometric Lorenz attractor satisfying a strong dissipativity condition has superpolynomial decay of correlations with respect to the unique Sinai–Ruelle–Bowenmeasure. Moreover, we prove the central limit theorem and almost sure invariance principle for the time-1 map of the flow of such attractors. In particular, our results apply to the classical Lorenz attractor.
Multi-Unit Activity in the Human Cortex as a Predictor of Seizure Onset

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting 50 million people worldwide. It consists of a large number of syndromes, all of which are characterized by a predisposition to recurrent, unprovoked seizures, while differing by degree of focality, clinical manifestation and many other factors. Despite the prevalence of this disorder, relatively little is known about the basic physiological mechanisms that underlie the seizures themselves. Additionally, roughly 25% of patients are refractory to existing therapies. The need for more highly targeted therapies for focal epilepsies has driven decades of research on seizure prediction. While most of these studies have relied on scalp or intracranial EEG, more recent studies have taken advantage of electrodes that capture single- or multi-unit activity. We utilized a linear microelectrode array to capture multi-unit activity in humans with refractory epilepsy with the expectation that such microscale activity may provide a signal in advance of changes on electroencephalography. Twelve patients underwent long-term monitoring with both clinical electrocorticography (ECoG) and the laminar microelectrode array, which consists of linearly arranged contacts that sample all layers of the human cortex. Multi-unit (300-5000 Hz) power was compared between thirty-minute preictal and interictal time windows. Several parameters characterizing the multi-unit power were compared between preictal and interictal time windows. Parameters included proximity to seizure focus, depth of recording, and directionality of changes in multi-unit power. Optimization of these parameters resulted in a best-performing classifier with sensitivity and specificity of 0.70 and 0.80, respectively. These results demonstrate reproducible increases and decreases in multi-unit activity prior to seizure onset and suggest that multi-unit information may be useful in the development of future seizure prediction systems.
Prediction based on entrepreneurship-prone personality profiles: sometimes worse than the toss of a coin

The human personality predicts a wide range of activities and occupational choices—from musical sophistication to entrepreneurial careers. However, which method should be applied if information on personality traits is used for prediction and advice? In psychological research, group profiles are widely employed. In this contribution, we examine the performance of profiles using the example of career prediction and advice, involving a comparison of average trait scores of successful entrepreneurs with the traits of potential entrepreneurs. Based on a simple theoretical model estimated with GSOEP data and analyzed with Monte Carlo methods, we show, for the first time, that the choice of the comparison method matters substantially. We reveal that under certain conditions the performance of average profiles is inferior to the tossing of a coin. Alternative methods, such as directly estimating success probabilities, deliver better performance and are more robust.
Multivariate Volatility Modelling for Cryptocurrencies Master Thesis

Cryptocurrencies as an investment have received increasing attention by media and international governments over the last years. However, little is known yet about the dynamics that drive these highly volatile alternative assets. This thesis studies the dynamic interdependencies between the volatility of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, Dogecoin and Feathercoin via the Dynamic Conditional Correlation model by Engle (2002) with the multivariate Student-t distribution. The main question is whether a multivariate approach improves the Value at Risk forecasting accuracy for the conditional heteroscedasticity in comparison to univariate GARCH-type models. Results show that there is a high interconnectedness between the volatility of the currencies. However, the Dynamic Conditional Correlation model can not deliver better forecasting results than the univariate GARCH-type models for the individual cryptocurrency return series.
Mouthwash with Active Oxygen (blue®m) Induces Keratinocytes Proliferation

Chlorhexidine is widely used in dentistry to treat various gingival conditions. Its side effects are widely described. Histologically, the gingiva consists of a stratified squamous epithelium, with a predominance of keratinocytes, the latter being fundamental in healing processes. Thus, the objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of a new product with active oxygen (blue®m) on keratinocytes. Keratinocytes (HACAT) were incubated with different concentrations of blue®m (1, 10 and 100 μl/ml), and another well was used as a control, without the presence of mouthwash. After 24, 48 and 72 hours, cell proliferation was analyzed by CyQUANT®. It was possible to observe that lower concentrations (1 μl/ml) of blue®m increased cell proliferation in HACAT cell lines, while moderate and higher concentrations of mouthwash may present a cytotoxic effect. This is the first in vitro study with showing that human keratinocytes cell line demonstrated greater proliferation rate when exposed to lower concentrations of blue®m mouthwash.
Characterization of Non-linear Inductors Including Thermal Effects for Power Applications

This paper is focused on the behaviour of non-linear inductors employed in DC/DC switching converters considering the effects due to variations of both current and temperature. The characterization of the inductors is performed by a buck converter operated to stimulate the inductor under test by a constant current with superimposed a large signal. The measurements are carried out at several inductor’s temperature values. Data are automatically collected by a novel virtual instrument developed by the authors in LabVIEW environment aiming to obtain a polynomial based analytical model. The deep knowledge of the inductor model allows its design to be optimized improving the power density of the converter.
Self-configuring genetic programming algorithm for solving symbolic regression problems

In most cases, the only way to study and solve practical problems is to investigate them with the help of models. However, this method is also to be a complicated problem where a significant part of the effort is aimed at finding the functional dependencies between input and output variables. But a great number of methods of numerical identification solve problems by developing a model that, in fact, is a black box. The reduction different types of problems to the problem of symbolic regression allow us to overcome the lack of these methods. The algorithm of genetic programming is applied for solving the problems of symbolic regression. The given paper considers an algorithmic complex that includes a genetic algorithm and an algorithm for genetic programming for solving symbolic regression problems. The uniform crossover operator is applied for these methods; it ensures the flexibility of the algorithm due to the greater diversity of structures resulting from crossover. The opportunity for selection two or more parents for recombination is realized. To automate the selection of the algorithms parameters a self-configuring procedure at the population level is realized and the efficiency of its application is proved for test problems of symbolic regression. The practical implementation of algorithms for solving classification problems and differential equations is carried out.
On the origin of near uniformity of the spatial distribution of velocity in natural rivers

Downstream hydraulic geometry equations provide insight into the equilibrium tendencies of natural rivers. Numerous field studies have demonstrated that channel cross-section averaged velocity is nearly uniform in a downstream direction. Here, we present a simple theoretical framework that attempt to explain the near uniformity of average velocity in the downstream direction for basins that are near equilibrium with respect to sediment fluxes. Assuming that at equilibrium, tractive force, or average boundary shear, is uniform throughout a river network we predict that channel hydraulic radius scales with discharge to the – q power, where q is the scaling exponent in the corresponding relationship between channel slope and discharge. Assuming flow is locally uniform, we apply the Manning equation to predict that average velocity scales with discharge to the – q/6 power. This predicted exponent would typically fall in the range between 0.05 and 0.1 which implies near uniformity in the spatial distribution of velocity in natural rivers. We compare predictions from this theory to field observations. (
Equity and sustainability in the Anthropocene: a social–ecological systems perspective on their intertwined futures

Non-technical summary It is no longer possible nor desirable to address the dual challenges of equity and sustainability separately. Instead, they require new thinking and approaches which recognize their interlinkages, as well as the multiple perspectives and dimensions involved. We illustrate how equity and sustainability are intertwined, and how a complex social–ecological systems lens brings together advances from across the social and natural sciences to show how (in)equity and (un)sustainability are produced by the interactions and dynamics of coupled social–ecological systems. This should help understand which possible pathways could lead to sustainable and fair futures. Technical summary There is remarkably little work on the interlinkages between sustainability and equity. This paper proposes an interdisciplinary conceptual framework addressing these twin challenges in the context of the Anthropocene. It shows that both equity and sustainability need to be understood as multi-dimensional and from diverse perspectives, with acceptable standards in all defining a desirable and acceptable life support zone. It proposes a shift in focus from individual elements and interactions, to system level dynamics and behaviour, advancing a social–ecological systems perspective through which both equity and sustainability are understood as intertwined drivers and outcomes of coupled systems dynamics. Over time, such dynamics become part of pathways which may move outside, or potentially be steered within, a desirable zone of ‘equitable sustainability’. Ten sets of ‘interaction dynamics’, involving different dimensions of equity and sustainability, are illustrated, along with a provisional categorization of their interrelationships and potential intervention points. The paper discusses their roles in transformational pathways towards equitable sustainability, highlighting the importance of cross-scale change shaped by politics and power. Further conceptual, empirical and transdisciplinary effort is now needed to enrich this framework and address a range of implied research and practice questions critical to shaping fair and sustainable futures.
On the Asymptotics of Stochastic Restrictions

This paper investigates inference methods to introduce prior information in econometric modelling through stochastic restrictions. The goal is to show that stochastic restrictions method estimator can be asymptotically more efficient than the estimator ignoring prior information and can achieve efficiency if prior information grows faster than the sample information in the asymptotics. The set up includes the nonlinear least squares and indirect inference estimators. The paper proposes a new indirect inference estimator that incorporates stochastic equality constraints on the parameters of interest. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to a macroeconomics model where high efficiency gains are shown.
Reactive transport modelling of a groundwater contamination by ammoniacal liquor

A reactive transport modeling study was carried out to assess the fate of a groundwater contamination by ammoniacal liquor from a former coking plant and the associated geochemical response. The simulations over a 45-year period provide a conclusive explanation and quantitative description of all measured data from observation wells down gradient of the contaminant source. It is shown that cation exchange exerts the main control on the fate of the ammonium plume as it strongly retards the migration of dissolved ammonium. The sorption of ammonium is accompanied by the elution of native cations, an effect that can be seen in some observation wells where ammonium is absent. While phenol has not been detected in the observation wells in recent years, the modeling results suggest that it has completely degraded in the aquifer, which is inferred from the agreement between the simulated and the observed geochemical fingerprint that the degradation of phenol imposes on groundwater composition.
Application of ordinal cumulative odds logistic regression model to analyze the influencing factors of quality of life in patients with epilepsy in rural Henan Province , China

Purpose: To investigate and analyze the various factors influencing the quality of life in patients with epilepsy. Methods: QOLIE-31, CES-D, SAS were used to measure multiple indexes of the study population, and multivariate ordinal cumulative logistic regression model was used to conduct univariate and multivariate analysis on the quality of life and its influencing factors among patients with epilepsy. Results: Among the 874 patients with epilepsy, the median score of the 4 different levels of QOL was 28, 44, 67, and 78 respectively. The major influencing factors of QOL among patients with epilepsy were seizure frequency, awareness rate of knowledge on epilepsy, anxiety, depression, types of medication intake and compliance. Among these, high seizure frequency, concomitant anxiety and depression were risk factors of QOL, and high awareness rate of knowledge on epilepsy, single-medication intake and good compliance were protective factors of QOL. Conclusions: The findings highlight the necessity to lay stress on intervening the modifiable influencing factors in special patients with epilepsy. Carrying out targeted health promotion and psychological intervention therapy, along with single medication intake are of vital importance to improve the QOL of patients with epilepsy. This cumulative odds logistic model is of scientific effectiveness. [HAN Xiong, CHANG Liang, ZHENG Meiqiong, SONG Bo, TAN Song, MIAO Wang, WANG Ruihao, Chandra Avinash, LIU Xiaojing, XU Yafang, XU Yuming. Application of ordinal cumulative odds logistic regression model to analyze the influencing factors of quality of life in patients with epilepsy in rural Henan Province, China. Life Sci J 2012;9(2):837-846]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 124
Examining preservice teachers’ professional learning experience during the international teaching practicums: insights from complexity theory and boundary-crossing construct

ABSTRACT This paper examines a cohort of Chinese preservice teachers’ (PSTs’) (n = 13) international teaching practicums (ITPs) experiences in Canada from the perspectives of complexity theory and boundary-crossing. Through semi-structured interviews and reflective journals, we positioned PSTs’ ITPs within multiple layers, including biographies, the Chinese and Canadian teacher education programmes, the Canadian university setting, K-12 schools, and the different socio-cultural milieus. Through the lens of boundary-crossing, we categorised PSTs’ ITPs into four categories: identification, coordination, reflection, and transformation. This article enriches our sophisticated understanding of the non-linear and multi-level nature of the PSTs’ professional learning during the ITPs.
Structure Analysis of Genomic Islands Flanked by 5’ and 3’ End of the tRNAGly-CCC Gene in Delftia Acidovorans SPH-1

Delftia acidovorans SPH-1 is a betaProteobacterium that degrades a number of organic compounds. Genomic islands play the important role in horizontal gene transfer. Two prophage-related genomic islands (GIs), SPHGI-1 and SPHGI-2, were determined and are integrated into 5’ and 3’ end of the tRNA gene (Daci_R0056) that was aligned with D. acidovorans SPH-1 chromosome. The genomic islands that have similar flanking direct repeats and homologous integrases with SPHGI-1 and SPHGI-2 verified in Delftia sp. Cs1-4, Bordetella petrii strain DSM 12804, Pseudomonas stutzeri DSM 4166, and several Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, respectively. The cutting sites of the integrases in SPHGI-1 and SPHGI-2 that are annotated as DNA breaking-rejoining enzyme and P4 integrase are located inside DHU loop and downstream region of T Ψ C loop, respectively. SPHGI-1, SPHGI-2, and their structure similar GIs should be transfer into many beta-Proteobacterium chromosomes that have highly similar tRNA gene with D. acidovorans SPH-1, and these strains that capture the GIs will obtain new character. Keywords-genomic islands (GIs); Delftia acidovorans SPH-1; tRNAGly-ccc gene; integrase; structure similarity
Mechanical Assay of a Pedicular Fixation System with Transversal Rod

Foi realizado estudo biomecânico de um protótipo de sistema de fixação vertebral que utiliza o pedículo vertebral como ponto de ancoragem dos implantes, associado a hastes que conectam transversalmente os parafusos pediculares. De modo diferente dos sistemas convencionais, nos quais os parafusos são conectados no sentido longitudinal, no sistema desenvolvido as hastes são conectadas transversalmente aos parafusos. Foram realizados ensaios mecânicos (flexo-compressão, flexão lateral e torção) utilizando-se corpos de prova de madeira em máquina universal de testes, com a finalidade de comparar a resistência desse sistema de fixação com o sistema convencionalmente utilizado. Os testes biomecânicos mostraram que o sistema desenvolvido apresentou menor resistência nos ensaios mecânicos realizados, quando comparado com o sistema de fixação convencional.