Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimized Decoding for Auditory Attention Detection

Optimized Decoding for Auditory Attention Detection Bradley Robert Ekin Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Les Atlas Electrical Engineering The method of stimulus reconstruction has shown to be an effective tool for detecting a listener’s attentional focus in a multi-talker environment. Using electroencephalography (EEG), this technique aims to learn neural decoding functions to predict a signal which is most similar to the temporal amplitude envelope of an attended talker’s speech. By comparing this prediction to the envelope of each speech source in the environment, a decision can be made as to which source the listener is attending to. However, the conventional method for stimulus reconstruction is incomplete when applied to multi-talker environments. This is because the standard minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion used for learning neural decoder functions discards information relating to how the brain jointly encodes both attended and unattended speech stimuli, discarding information which could be used for developing more discriminative decoders for auditory attention detection. This thesis proposes how the conventional method of stimulus reconstruction can be improved by incorporating concepts from linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Utilizing the expected neural encoding properties to all attentional stimuli, we show how reconstruction error can be minimized while simultaneously maximizing the distance between the attentional class similarity metrics used for attention detection. This thesis then proposes how the method of stimulus reconstruction can be performed using only the spatial component of the neural response, improving computational efficiency by significantly reducing the number of neural features used for attention detection. By employing the utility of canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to relate this spatial neural response to a temporal window of stimulus lags, we show how detection accuracy comparable to traditional stimulus reconstruction can be achieved; accuracies which further improve by adapting concepts from LDA into this reducedrank framework for auditory attention detection.
The 1.03 million yen ceiling and earnings inequality among married women in Japan

In this paper, we examine the impact of the `1.03 million yen ceiling,' a means-tested transfer scheme for secondary earners in Japan, on earnings inequality of married women. We find that the decline in earnings inequality among married women between 1993 and 2003 is attributable to the increase in the number of wives with low earnings and the decrease in the number of wives with zero earnings.
Approximate solution of second-order fuzzy boundary value problem

In this paper, a new approach is proposed based on the Adomian Decomposition Method(ADM) with Green’s function in order to find a solution for the second-order fuzzy boundar y value problem under generalized H-differentiability. The proposed technique divides the domain and builds on Green’s function before installing the modified recursive scheme. Some examp les are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed techn ique.
Application of the Moment Of Inertia method to the Critical-Plane Approach

The Moment-Of-Inertia (MOI) method has been proposed by the authors to solve some of the shortcomings of convex-enclosure methods, when they are used to calculate path-equivalent ranges and mean components of complex non-proportional (NP) multiaxial load histories. In the proposed 2D version for use with critical-plane models, the MOI method considers the non-proportionality of the projected shear-shear history on each candidate plane through the shape of the load path, providing good results even for challenging non-convex paths. The MOI-calculated path-equivalent shear stress (or strain) ranges from each counted load event can then be used in any shear-based critical-plane multiaxial fatigue damage model, such as Findley’s or Fatemi-Socie’s. An efficient computer code with the shear-shear version of the MOI algorithm is also provided in this work. KEYWORDS. Multiaxial fatigue; Non-proportional loadings; Equivalent ranges; Critical-Plane Approach.
Studies on sweet potato forage and dried brewers' grains as supplements to green panic for Bunaji cows

Growth of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) was examined in a plot study. Forage yield and leaf: stem ratio decreased (P 0.05) as harvest age increased, while leaf yields declined. In a feeding study with Bunaji cows in mid-lactation, dried brewers’ grains (DBG) and sweet potato forage (SPF) were compared as supplements to a diet of green panic (Panicum maximum) (9.3% crude protein). Dry matter (DM) intake of green panic was similar (P > 0.05) in both groups, while intakes of supplement, total DM, crude protein and ME for DBG were higher (P 0.05) than for the SPF group but milk composition was similar in both groups. Rumen dry matter (DM) degradation characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) for the two rations. The study suggests that sweet potato foliage could be used as an alternative supplement to DBG for feeding lactating cows but that low levels of milk yield could result. Similar studies covering a full lactation are needed to verify whether the lactation levels could be sustained for long periods or improve with time.
Skin effect in massive conductors at technical frequencies

Current distribution in massive conductor of rectangular cross section due to the skin effect is given by a simple formula. Unusual features follow from the formula, therefore experimental verification is necessary. Since the current density cannot be measured, magnetic field of the conductor is calculated by the combination of analytical formula and numeric integration. Then, the high precision measurement of magnetic field can be used in order to verify the current density distribution and its interpretation. The second use of results is the calculation of forces between conductors with high currents. Theory leading to analytical formulae and important numerical results are presented in the paper. sci, pole magnetyczne, lite przewody, dwuwymiarowy rozkad pola, zespolona metoda symboliczna
Design, development and construction of an outdoor testing facility for semi-transparent photovoltaic modules

Building-integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is one of the most promising technologies enabling buildings to generate on-site part of their electricity needs while performing architectural functionalities. A clear example of BIPV products consists of semi-transparent photovoltaic modules (STPV), designed to replace the conventional glazing solutions in building facades. Accordingly, the active building envelope is required to perform multiple requirements such as provide solar shading to avoid overheating, supply solar gains and thermal insulation to reduce heat loads and improve daylight utilization. To date, various studies into STPV systems have focused on their energy performance based on existing simulation programs, or on the modelling, normally validated by limited experimental data, of the STPV modules thermal behaviour. Taking into account that very limited experimental research has been conducted on the energy performance of STPV elements and that the characterization in real operation conditions is necessary to promote an energetically efficient integration of this technology in the building envelope, an outdoor testing facility has been designed, developed and built at the Solar Energy Institute of the Technical University of Madrid. In this work, the methodology used in the definition of the testing facility, its capability and limitations are presented and discussed.
Biomaterials and Stem Cells: Promising Tools in Tissue Engineering and Biomedical Applications

Biomaterial sciences and tissue engineering approaches are currently fundamental strat‐ egies for the development of regenerative medicine. Stem cells (SCs) are a unique cell type capable of self‐renewal and reconstructing damaged tissues. At the present time, adult SCs isolated from postnatal tissues are widely used in clinical applications. Their characteristics such as a multipotent differentiation capacity and immunomodulatory activity make them a promising tool to use in patients. Modern material technologies allow for the development of innovative biomaterials that closely correspond to require‐ ments of the current biomedical application. Biomaterials, such as ceramics and metals, are already used as implants to replace or improve the functionality of the damaged tissue or organ. However, the continuous development of modern technology opens new insights of polymeric and smart material applications. Moreover, biomaterials may enhance the SCs biological activity and their implementation by establishing a specific microenvironment mimicking natural cell niche. Thus, the synergistic advancement in the fields of biomaterial and medical sciences constitutes a challenge for the development of effective therapies in humans including combined applications of novel biomaterials and SCs populations.
XMM-Newton observations of the Galactic Centre Region - I. The distribution of low-luminosity X-ray sources

We exploit XMM-Newton archival data in a study of the extended X-ray emission emanating from the Galactic Centre (GC) region. EPIC-pn and EPIC-MOS observations, with a total exposure approaching 0.5 and 1 Ms respectively, were used to create mosaiced images of a 100 pc x 100 pc region centred on Sgr A* in four bands covering the 2-10 keV energy range. We have also constructed a set of narrow-band images corresponding to the neutral iron fluorescence line at 6.4 keV and the K-shell lines at 6.7 keV and 6.9 keV from helium-like and hydrogenic iron. We use a combination of spatial and spectral information to decompose the GC emission into three distinct components. These comprise: the emission from hard X-ray emitting unresolved point sources; the reflected continuum and fluorescent line emission from dense molecular material; and the soft diffuse emission from thermal plasma in the temperature range, kT ~ 0.8-1.5 keV. We show that the unresolved-source component accounts for the bulk of the 6.7-keV and 6.9-keV line emission. We fit the observed X-ray surface brightness distribution with an empirical 2-d model, which we then compare with a 3-d mass-model prediction for the old stellar population in the GC. The X-ray surface brightness falls-off more rapidly with angular offset from Sgr A* than predicted. One interpretation is that the 2-10 keV X-ray emissivity increases from 5 x 10^27 erg s^-1 Msun^-1 at 20' up to almost twice this value at 2'. Alternatively, some refinement of the mass model may be required. The unresolved hard X-ray emitting source population, on the basis of spectral comparisons, is most likely dominated by magnetic CVs. We use the X-ray observations to set constraints on the number density of such sources. Our analysis does not support the conjecture that a significant fraction of the hard X-ray emission from the GC originates in very-hot diffuse thermal plasma.
Role of Cryptographic Welch-Gong (WG-5) Stream Cipher in RFID Security

The purpose of this thesis is to design a secure and optimized cryptographic stream cipher for passive type Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. RFID technology is a wireless automatic tracking and identification device. It has become an integral part of our daily life and it is used in many applications such as electronic passports, contactless payment systems, supply chain management and so on. But the information carried on RFID tags are vulnerable to unauthorized access (or various threats) which raises the security and privacy concern over RFID devices. One of the possible solutions to protect the confidentiality, integrity and to provide authentication is, to use a cryptographic stream cipher which encrypts the original information with a pseudo-random bit sequence. Besides that RFID tags require a resource constrained environment such as efficient area, power and high performance cryptographic systems with large security margins. Therefore, the architecture of stream cipher provides the best trade-off between the cryptographic security and the hardware efficiency. In this thesis, we first described the RFID technology and explain the design requirements for passive type RFID tags. The hardware design for passive tags is more challenging due to its stringent requirements like power consumption and the silicon area. We presented different design measures and some of the optimization techniques required to achieve low-resource cryptographic hardware implementation for passive tags. Secondly, we propose and implement a lightweight WG-5 stream cipher, which has good proven cryptographic mathematical properties. Based on these properties we measured the security analysis of WG-5 and showed that the WG-5 is immune to different types of attacks such as algebraic attack, correlation attack, cube attack, differential attack, Discrete Fourier Transform attack (DFT), Time-Memory-Data trade-off attack. The implementation of WG-5 was carried out using 65 nm and 130 nm CMOS technologies. We achieved promising results of WG-5 implementation in terms of area, power, speed and optimality. Our results outperforms most of the other stream ciphers which are selected in eSTREAM project. Finally, we proposed RFID mutual authentication protocol based on WG-5. The security and privacy analysis of the proposed protocol showed that it is resistant to various RFID attacks such as replay attacks, Denial-of-service (DoS) attack, ensures forward privacy and impersonation attack.
Marine Ecology Progress Series 530:63

The development of pH during the spring bloom of 2011 and 2012 was investigated in Disko Bay, West Greenland. During the spring phytoplankton bloom, pH reached 8.5 at the peak of the bloom and subsequently decreased to 7.5. Microcosm experiments were conducted on natural assemblages sampled at the initiation of the spring bloom each year and pH levels were manipulated in the range of 8.0−9.5 to test the immediate tolerance of Arctic protist plankton to elevated pH under nutrient-limiting (2011) and nutrient-rich conditions (2012). The most pronounced effect of elevated pH was found for heterotrophic protists, whereas phytoplankton proved more robust. Two out of 3 heterotrophic protist species were significantly affected if pH increased above 8.5, and all heterotrophic protists had disappeared at pH 9.5. Based on chl a measurements from the 2 sets of experiments, phytoplankton community growth was significantly reduced at pH 9.5 during nutrient-rich conditions, while pH had little impact on nutrient-limited phytoplankton growth. The results were supported by cell counts which revealed that phyto plankton growth during nutrient-rich conditions was significantly reduced from an average of 0.49 d−1 at pH 8.0 to an average of 0.27 d−1 at pH 9.5. In comparison, only 1 out of 4 tested phytoplankton species was significantly affected by elevated pH under nutrient-limited conditions. Sudden pH fluctuations, such as those occurring during phytoplankton blooms, will most likely favour pHtolerant species, such as diatoms.
Engineering elastic properties into an anti-TNFα monoclonal antibody

Abstract Injecting anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α antibodies into patient joints at the site of inflammation, inter-articular (IA) delivery, has demonstrated modest success for treatment of Spondyloarthritis (SpA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis. However, IA delivery is not the treatment route of choice due to rapid clearance from the site of administration. Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are reported to undergo phase transition; forming reversible aggregates above their transition temperature, which when injected into IA space have a 25-fold longer half-life compared to the soluble form. Here, we fused an ELP repeat to the C-terminus of each heavy chain of an anti-TNFα monoclonal antibody (mAb) and provide detailed characterization of the fusion IgG molecule. Expression and purification yielded homogenous protein confirmed by gels, hydrophobic-interaction chromatography, Capilary Electrophoresis (CE), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and analytical ultracentrifugation. The ELPs altered hydrophobicity and pI of the parent mAb and new elastic properties were imparted to the molecule; forming large stable complexes with a hydrodynamic radius of 40 nm above 39°C that dissociated into soluble, active monomer below 37°C. The fusion mAb retained its affinity and ability to neutralize TNFα as determined by surface plasmon resonance and cell-based assay, respectively, with equal potency to unmodified anti-TNFα mAb. Differential-scanning calorimetry studies show stabilization of adjacent CH2 and CH3 domains in the fusion molecule and the aggregated molecule was found to be fully functional after 7 days at 37°C. For the first time, we reveal architecture of an ELP-fusion mAb and binding to antigen using single-particle-transmission-electron microscopy. Unstructured ELP was visualized at the C-terminus and binding to antigen was shown at the N-terminus. Collectively, these studies indicate that it is possible to impart elastic properties to a monoclonal antibody while retaining purity, stability, and ability to effectively bind and neutralize antigen.
Models for biomass prediction of Cunninghamia lanceolata tree and stands in Southeastern China

7 Large uncertainties still remain when using existing biomass equations to estimate total 8 tree and forest stand scale. In this paper, we develop individual-tree biomass models for 9 Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.)Hook. ) stands in Fujian Province, 10 southeast of China. For this, we used 74 previously established models that are most 11 commonly used to estimate tree biomass, and selected the best fit models and modified 12 it. The results showed the published model with ln(B) (biomass), ln(D) (diameter at 13 breast height), (ln(H)) , (total height) (ln(H)) and ln(WD) (wood density) to be the 14 best fitting model for estimating the tree biomass of Chinese fir. Furthermore, we 15 observed that variables D, H (height), WD significantly correlated with the total tree 16 biomass estimation model, as a result of it portraying the natural logarithm structure to 17 be the best tree biomass structure. Finally, when a multi-step improvement on tree 18 biomass model was performed, the analytic model with TV (tree volume), WD and 19 BECF (biomass wood density conversion factor), achieved the highest accuracy 20 simulation. Therefore, when combined with TV, WD and BECF to tree biomass volume 21 coefficient bi for Chinese fir, the optimal model is the forest stand biomass (SB) 22 estimation model, model with variables of stand volume (SV) and coefficient bi. 23
Roll‐Off at the Top of the Ballot: International Undervoting in American Presidential Elections

Every four years, more than two percent of voters fail to cast a valid vote in the U.S. presidential contest. The 2000 election highlighted the fact that many intended votes are voided because of voter confusion associated with complicated ballot designs or voting equipment. Using survey data, this study provides estimates of the proportion of voided presidential ballots that do not represent errors but rather intentional undervotes. Voters who are older, poorer, and who do not identify with either major party are more likely to intentionally refrain from casting a presidential vote. Differences between African-American and white voting patterns are very minor, implying that racial disparities in the rate of voided votes cannot be attributed to a stronger tendency among African-American voters to intentionally skip the presidential contest.
EFFECTS OF HONESTY AND MORAL PRIMES ON CHEATING 1 Lucky, Competent, or a Just a Cheat? Interactive Effects of Honesty-Humility and Moral Cues on Cheating Behavior

Despite substantial research on cheating, how and when individual predispositions figure into cheating behavior remains unclear. In Study 1, we investigated to what extent HonestyHumility predicted cheating behavior. As expected, individuals high on Honesty-Humility were less likely to cheat than were individuals low on this trait. In Study 2, integrating arguments from personality research about traits with arguments from behavioral ethics about moral primes, we examined how Honesty-Humility and situational primes interacted to affect cheating. We found an interaction indicating that individuals high on Honesty-Humility consistently did not cheat much across situational primes, whereas individuals low on Honesty-Humility cheated more when exposed to immoral primes than when exposed to moral primes. Our research invites reflection about the interplay of individual differences in Honesty-Humility and situational cues in predicting cheating, including the design of anticheating systems and the context in which these person and situation factors interact.
Mapping forest canopy height globally with spaceborne lidar

[1] Data from spaceborne light detection and ranging (lidar) opens the possibility to map forest vertical structure globally. We present a wall-to-wall, global map of canopy height at 1-km spatial resolution, using 2005 data from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) aboard ICESat (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite). A challenge in the use of GLAS data for global vegetation studies is the sparse coverage of lidar shots (mean = 121 data points/degree2 for the L3C campaign). However, GLAS-derived canopy height (RH100) values were highly correlated with other, more spatially dense, ancillary variables available globally, which allowed us to model global RH100 from forest type, tree cover, elevation, and climatology maps. The difference between the model predicted RH100 and footprint level lidar-derived RH100 values showed that error increased in closed broadleaved forests such as the Amazon, underscoring the challenges in mapping tall (>40 m) canopies. The resulting map was validated with field measurements from 66 FLUXNET sites. The modeled RH100 versus in situ canopy height error (RMSE = 6.1 m, R2 = 0.5; or, RMSE = 4.4 m, R2 = 0.7 without 7 outliers) is conservative as it also includes measurement uncertainty and sub pixel variability within the 1-km pixels. Our results were compared against a recently published canopy height map. We found our values to be in general taller and more strongly correlated with FLUXNET data. Our map reveals a global latitudinal gradient in canopy height, increasing towards the equator, as well as coarse forest disturbance patterns.