Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model-Free Estimation of Large Variance Matrices

This paper introduces a new method for estimating large variance matrices. Starting from the orthogonal decomposition of the sample variance matrix, we exploit the fact that orthogonal matrices are never ill-conditioned and therefore focus on improving the estimation of the eigenvalues. We estimate the eigenvectors from just a fraction of the data, then use them to transform the data into approximately orthogonal series that we use to estimate a well-conditioned matrix of eigenvalues. Our estimator is model-free: we make no assumptions on the distribution of the random sample or on any parametric structure the variance matrix may have. By design, it delivers well-conditioned estimates regardless of the dimension of problem and the number of observations available. Simulation evidence show that the new estimator outperforms the usual sample variance matrix, not only by achieving a substantial improvement in the condition number (as expected), but also by much lower error norms that measure its deviation from the true variance.
Atopic Dermatitis-like Genodermatosis: Disease Diagnosis and Management

Eczema is a classical characteristic not only in atopic dermatitis but also in various genodermatosis. Patients suffering from primary immunodeficiency diseases such as hyper-immunoglobulin E syndromes, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome, STAT5B deficiency, Omenn syndrome, atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome; metabolic disorders such as acrodermatitis enteropathy, multiple carboxylase deficiency, prolidase deficiency; and other rare syndromes like severe dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting syndrome, Netherton syndrome, and peeling skin syndrome frequently perform with eczema-like lesions. These genodermatosis may be misguided in the context of eczematous phenotype. Misdiagnosis of severe disorders unavoidably affects appropriate treatment and leads to irreversible outcomes for patients, which underlines the importance of molecular diagnosis and genetic analysis. Here we conclude clinical manifestations, molecular mechanism, diagnosis and management of several eczema-related genodermatosis and provide accessible advice to physicians.
Psychometric properties of the Tamil version of Perceived Stress Scale among diabetes mellitus patients in Puducherry, South India

Introduction: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), developed in 1983, is one among the widely used global scales to assess the perceived psychological stress status. Hence, our study aimed at developing a Tamil version of THE 10-item PSS (TPSS-10) and assess its construct validity and internal consistency among patients with diabetes in Puducherry, South India. Methods: We translated the TPSS-10 by language experts and pilot-tested the sample with a subsample of diabetes patients. The finalized version of TPSS-10 was administered to 117 Tamil-speaking diabetic patients availing services from the rural health center in Puducherry, South India. Construct validity was assessed using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the principal component analysis (PCA). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was also done to obtain the goodness-of-fit. Reliability of questionnaire was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha. Results: Two factors were obtained with Eigenvalues of 4.61 and 2.16. Both factors explained 67.8% of the total variance. The two-factor model assessed by CFA found a χ2 value of 714.99 (P < 0.001). Goodness-of-fit revealed acceptable comparative fit indices (0.93). The reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) for complete TPSS-10 was 0.86, indicating good internal consistency. Discussion: Our study concludes that the TPSS-10 questionnaire is internally valid and consistent with good reliability coefficient after its administration to Tamil-speaking urban diabetic patients in order to measure perceived stress. However, further research is warranted to content-validate the tool with a standard diagnostic instrument.
Measurement of Hadronic Event Shapes and Jet Substructure in Proton-Proton Collisions at 7.0 TeV Center-of-Mass Energy with the ATLAS Detector at the Large Hadron Collider

This thesis presents the first measurement of 6 hadronic event shapes in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of {radical}s = 7 TeV using the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Results are presented at the particle-level, permitting comparisons to multiple Monte Carlo event generator tools. Numerous tools and techniques that enable detailed analysis of the hadronic final state at high luminosity are described. The approaches presented utilize the dual strengths of the ATLAS calorimeter and tracking systems to provide high resolution and robust measurements of the hadronic jets that constitute both a background and a signal throughout ATLAS physics analyses. The study of the hadronic final state is then extended to jet substructure, where the energy flow and topology within individual jets is studied at the detector level and techniques for estimating systematic uncertainties for such measurements are commissioned in the first data. These first substructure measurements in ATLAS include the jet mass and sub-jet multiplicity as well as those concerned with multi-body hadronic decays and color flow within jets. Finally, the first boosted hadronic object observed at the LHC - the decay of the top quark to a single jet - is presented.
Understanding Electrical Failure of Polyimide-Based Flexible Neural Implants: The Role of Thin Film Adhesion

The lack of long-term stability of polymeric neural interfaces remains one of the most important and less tackled issues in this research field. To address this issue, we fabricated two test structures based on interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) encapsulated with polyimide (PI). One of the test samples was pretreated with barrel oxygen plasma prior to spin coating of the second PI layer. The second test structure was pretreated using a reactive ion etching (RIE) process. The test samples were immersed in an electrolyte solution at elevated temperatures to mimic the conditions inside the human brain. The samples were then electrically and mechanically stressed to accelerate their degradation. Real-time monitoring of the electrical insulation stability was used to compare the impact of the pretreatment on the long-term stability. Barrel-plasma-activated test samples showed a mean lifetime of 1.5 days, whereas RIE pretreatment increased the mean lifetime to 24 days. Therefore, RIE-pretreated test samples exhibited 16 times longer mean stability compared to purely chemically activated test samples. Furthermore, the electrical measurements were correlated with mechanical adhesion tests. Chemically activated test samples showed significant delamination, whereas RIE pretreatment enhanced the adhesion, and no delamination could be observed. The correlation of these investigations suggests that the adhesion between different layers is higher following RIE pretreatment compared to pretreatment with chemical barrel plasma. In conclusion, the adhesion between the two PI foils seems to play a key role in the long-term stability of such devices.
Molecular, Histological and Histochemical Responses of Banana Cultivars Challenged with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense with Different Levels of Virulence

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is the most limiting factor in the banana agribusiness worldwide. Therefore, studies regarding pathogen attack mechanisms, and especially host defense responses, in this pathosystem are of utmost importance for genetic breeding programs in the development of Foc-resistant banana cultivars. In this study, analysis at the molecular, histological and histochemical levels of the Musa spp. x Foc interaction was performed. Three Foc isolates representative of race 1 (R1), subtropical race 4 (ST4) and isolate 229A, which is a putative ST4, were inoculated in two Prata-type cultivars (Prata-Anã and BRS Platina) and one cultivar of the Cavendish type (Grand Naine). Of seven genes related to plant–pathogen interactions, five were overexpressed in ‘BRS Platina’ 12 h after inoculation (HAI) with Foc R1 and ST4 but had reduced or negative expression after inoculation with Foc 229A, according to RT–qPCR analyses. While hyphae, mycelia and spores of the Foc 229A isolate grow towards the central cylinder of the Grand Naine and Prata-Anã cultivars, culminating in the occlusion of the xylem vessels, the BRS Platina cultivar responds with increased presence of cellulose, phenolic compounds and calcium oxalate crystals, reducing colonization within 30 days after inoculation (DAI). In general, these data indicate that the cultivar BRS Platina has potential for use in banana-breeding programs focused on resistance to Foc tropical race 4 (TR4) and in aggregating information on the virulence relationships of the Foc pathogen and the defense responses of banana plants after infection.
A Feasibility Study of a Traffic Supervision System Based on 5G Communication

At present, autonomous driving vehicles are designed in an ego-vehicle manner. The vehicles gather information from their on-board sensors, build an environment model from it and plan their movement based on this model. Mobile network connections are used for non-mission-critical tasks and maintenance only. In this paper, we propose a connected autonomous driving system, where self-driving vehicles exchange data with a so-called road supervisor. All vehicles under supervision provide their current position, velocity and other valuable data. Using the received information, the supervisor provides a recommended trajectory for every vehicle, coordinated with all other vehicles. Since the supervisor has a much better overview of the situation on the road, more elaborate decisions, compared to each individual autonomous vehicle planning for itself, are possible. Experiments show that our approach works efficiently and safely when running our road supervisor on top of a popular traffic simulator. Furthermore, we show the feasibility of offloading the trajectory planning task into the network when using ultra-low-latency 5G networks.
Particle Transport Monte Carlo Method for Heat Conduction Problems

Heat conduction [1] is usually modeled as a diffusion process embodied in heat conduction equation. The traditional numerical methods [2, 3] for heat conduction problems such as the finite difference or finite element are well developed. However, these methods are based on discretized mesh systems, thus they are inherently limited in the geometry treatment. This chapter describes the Monte Carlo method that is based on particle transport simulation to solve heat conduction problems. The Monte Carlo method is “meshless” and thus can treat problems with very complicated geometries. The method is applied to a pebble fuel to be used in very high temperature gas-cooled reactors (VHTGRs) [4], which is a next-generation nuclear reactor being developed. Typically, a single pebble contains ~10,000 particle fuels randomly dispersed in graphite– matrix. Each particle fuel is in turn comprised of a fuel kernel and four layers of coatings. Furthermore, a typical reactor would house several tens of thousands of pebbles in the core depending on the power rating of the reactor. See Fig. 1. Such a level of geometric complexity and material heterogeneity defies the conventional mesh–based computational methods for heat conduction analysis. Among transport methods, the Monte Carlo method, that is based on stochastic particle simulation, is widely used in neutron and radiation particle transport problems such as nuclear reactor design. The Monte Carlo method described in this chapter is based on the observation that heat conduction is a diffusion process whose governing equation is analogous to the neutron diffusion equation [5] under no absorption, no fission and one speed condition, which is a special form of the particle transport equation. While neutron diffusion approximates the neutron transport phenomena, conversely it is applicable to solve diffusion problems by transport methods under certain conditions. Based on this idea, a new Monte Carlo method has been recently developed [6-8] to solve heat conduction problems. The method employs the MCNP code [9] as a major computational engine. MCNP is a widely used Monte Carlo particle transport code with versatile geometrical capabilities. Monte Carlo techniques for heat conduction have been reported [10-13] in the past. But most of the earlier Monte Carlo methods for heat conduction are based on discretized mesh systems, thus they are limited in the capabilities of geometry treatment. Fraley et al[13] uses a “meshless” system like the method in this chapter but does not give proper treatment to the boundary conditions, nor considers the “diffusion-transport theory correspondence” to be described in Section 2.2 in this chapter. Thus, the method in this chapter is a transport theory treatment of the heat conduction equation with a methodical boundary correction. The
Transfer Printed, Vertical GaN-on-Silicon Micro-LED Arrays With Individually Addressable Cathodes

Microscale light-emitting diodes (Micro-LEDs) have attracted intensive research attention due to their potential applications in high-resolution displays, wearables, and VR/AR headsets. However, their device performance can be compromised by the common Micro-LED lateral structure, usually with both two electrodes facing toward the p-side. Here, we developed printable, silicon-based vertical Micro-LEDs with two electrodes facing oppositely, which showed better heat dissipation, and were 60% brighter over conventional lateral Micro-LEDs. We further developed a novel double-tape-assisted transfer process, which allowed these vertical Micro-LEDs to be transferred completely to a polyimide tape in a simple yet reliable manner. Combined with a bonding scheme based on low-melting-point-patterned indium alloys, these printed Micro-LEDs on the tape can be further integrated onto silicon backplanes with a shared p-contact. Followed by forming an individual n-electrode connected to each pixel, a novel-inverted, vertical microdisplay prototype device with individually addressing cathodes was demonstrated for the first time.
Transition Prediction for Scramjet Intakes Using the γ-Re_\theta_t Model Coupled to Two Turbulence Models

Due to the thick boundary layers in hypersonic flows, the state of the boundary layer significantly influences the whole flow field as well as surface heat loads. Hence, for engineering applications the efficient numerical prediction of laminar-to-turbulent transition is a challenging and important task. Within the framework of the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations, Langtry/Menter [1] proposed the $\gamma$-$Re_{\theta_t}$ transition model using two transport equations for the intermittency and $\gamma$-$Re_{\theta_t}$ combined with the Shear Stress Transport turbulence model (SST) [2]. The transition model contains two empirical correlations for onset and length of transition. Langtry/Menter [1] designed and validated the correlations for the subsonic and transonic flow regime. For our applications in the hypersonic flow regime, the development of a new set of correlations proved necessary, even when using the same SST turbulence model [3]. Within this paper, we propose a next step and couple the transition model with the SSG/LRR-$\omega$ Reynolds stress turbulence model [4] which we found to be well suited for scramjet intake simulations. First, we illustrate the necessary modifications of the Reynolds stress model and the hypersonic in-house correlations using a hypersonic flat plate test case. Next, the transition model is successfully validated for its use coupled to both turbulence models using a hypersonic double ramp test case. Regardless of the turbulence model, the transition model is able to correctly predict the transition process compared to experimental data. In addition, we apply the transition model combined with both turbulence models to three different fully 3D scramjet intake configurations which are experimentally investigated in wind tunnel facilities. The agreement with the available experimental data is also shown.
3D Printing of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Triblock Copolymers of Styrene–Isobutylene–Styrene as a Slow-Release System

Additive manufacturing has a wide range of applications and has opened up new methods of drug formulation, in turn achieving attention in medicine. We prepared styrene–isobutylene–styrene triblock copolymers (SIBS; Mn = 10 kDa–25 kDa, PDI 1,3–1,6) as a drug carrier for triamcinolone acetonide (TA), further processed by fused deposition modeling to create a solid drug release system displaying improved bioavailability and applicability. Living carbocationic polymerization was used to exert control over block length and polymeric architecture. Thermorheological properties of the SIBS polymer (22.3 kDa, 38 wt % S) were adjusted to the printability of SIBS/TA mixtures (1–5% of TA), generating an effective release system effective for more than 60 days. Continuous drug release and morphological investigations were conducted to probe the influence of the 3D printing process on the drug release, enabling 3D printing as a formulation method for a slow-release system of Triamcinolone.
Identities of finitely generated graded algebras with involution.

We consider associative algebras with involution graded by a finite abelian group G over a field of characteristic zero. Suppose that the involution is compatible with the grading. We represent conditions permitting PI-representability of such algebras. Particularly, it is proved that a finitely generated (Z/qZ)graded associative PI-algebra with involution satisfies exactly the same graded identities with involution as some finite dimensional (Z/qZ)-graded algebra with involution for any prime q or q = 4. This is an analogue of the theorem of A.Kemer for ordinary identities [31], and an extension of the result of the author for identities with involution [42]. The similar results were proved also for graded identities [1], [41].
Modified distributed energy efficient clustering protocol for lifetime maximization in wireless sensor networks

A wireless sensor network is a combination of tiny sensing nodes with minimal energy capabilities. The sensors are installed across field to monitor parameters such as noise, temperature etc for long time. WSN has wide range of applications such as military, health care industry etc. It has advantages such as easy deploying, lower cost and fault tolerance. Since the energy capabilities are minimal, we can take some measures to improve network capabilities. To overcome the issue, we need to concentrate on the performance of the routing protocol while designing the architecture. The aim of WSN is to transfer data by increasing the lifetime of the network, throughput, and number of Cluster Heads (CH). We take DEEC protocol in comparison with the proposed design of M-DEEC which helps in minimizing the energy consumption of the nodes in network and maximize the network lifetime. In M-DEEC is a modified energy distribution algorithm which uses energy aware adaptive clustering protocol in heterogeneous WSN. Each node will carry over a remaining energy over the network which can be further used as reference to increase the lifetime.
Reducing the Presence of Clusters in Bubble Size Measurements for Gas Dispersion Characterizations

This short communication evaluates a new strategy to sample bubbles in gas dispersion characterizations. Bubble size is measured in a bidimensional flotation cell using the McGill bubble size analyzer under different types of frothers, frother concentrations and superficial gas rates. The original design of this bubble viewer is modified, changing the deflecting system to photograph only a fraction of the bubbles entering the device. As a result, the new design increases the ability to successfully identify bubbles by a maximum of 20% using an automated algorithm. This increase is caused by a reduction in the formation of clusters in the visual field. The improvement, which is a function of the operating conditions, is most significant in the transition from ellipsoidal/ellipsoidal–turbulent regimes (no frother or low frother concentrations) to conditions with an over-agglomeration of bubbles in the visual field (high superficial gas rates and high frother concentrations). A comparison of the bubble size parameters obtained from the original and proposed deflecting systems shows that the new design does not distort the estimated bubble size distributions. To complement the research findings, alternative sampling designs, using new or existing segmentation algorithms, are then proposed to improve gas dispersion characterizations at different scales.
The Queer Student Affairs Career of Stephen Lenton, 1970-1980

This article primarily uses document-based historical methods to reconstruct Stephen Lenton’s LGBTQ advocacy while a student affairs professional at Virginia Commonwealth University from 1970 to 1980. Lenton enjoyed significant career success in his first several years at VCU, establishing popular and successful programs and a strong rapport with students. In 1974, Lenton agreed to advise VCU’s first LGBTQ student organization, even as its members sued the institution for refusing to register their group. After the students won the lawsuit, Lenton became a visible and noted advocate for LGBTQ people and became an openly gay man on campus. Yet as Lenton’s visibility increased, his career prospects at VCU diminished. VCU leaders rescinded a promotion, refused to incorporate LGBTQ advocacy into his job description, canceled his popular program, removed him from supervising other student affairs professionals, moved him to a worse office, and lowered his salary increases. These hostilities led Lenton to resign from VCU and leave the student affairs profession. Lenton continued to press VCU to eliminate homophobia as a private citizen, contributing to improved campus climates for LGBTQ people. The years that frame this study represent the beginning of a gradual shift within the student affairs profession from oppressing LGBTQ people to supporting their development, yet this history remains largely untold. Indeed, this article may be the first history centered on a student affairs professional who publicly advocated for LGBTQ rights and openly identified as gay.
A Review of Recent Developments in Latent Class Regression Models

The development of mixture models can be historically traced back to the work of Newcomb (1886) and Pearson (1894). Mixture distributions have been of considerable interest in recent years leading to a vast number of methodological and applied papers, as well as to three dedicated mono­graphs (cf. Everitt and Hand, 1981; Titterington, Smith, and Makov, 1985; and Mclachlan and Basford, 1988). In finite mixture models, it is assumed that a sample of observations arises from a (initially specified) number of underlying classes of unknown proportions. A concrete form of the density of the observations in each of the underlying classes is specified, and the purpose of the finite mixture approach is to decompose the sample into its mixture components.