Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced fluid-kinetic equations for low-frequency dynamics, magnetic reconnection, and electron heating in low-beta plasmas

A minimal model for magnetic reconnection and, generally, low-frequency dynamics in low-beta plasmas is proposed. The model combines analytical and computational simplicity with physical realizability: it is a rigorous limit of gyrokinetics for plasma beta of order the electron-ion mass ratio. The model contains collisions and can be used both in the collisional and collisionless reconnection regimes. It includes gyrokinetic ions (not assumed cold) and allows for the topological rearrangement of the magnetic field lines by either resistivity or electron inertia, whichever predominates. The two-fluid dynamics are coupled to electron kinetics—electrons are not assumed isothermal and are described by a reduced drift-kinetic equation. The model, therefore allows for irreversibility and conversion of magnetic energy into electron heat via parallel phase mixing in velocity space. An analysis of the exchanges between various forms of free energy and its conversion into electron heat is provided. It is shown how .
On Some Mixture Models for Over-dispersed Binary Data

In this paper, we consider several binomial mixture models for fitting over-dispersed binary data. The models range from the binomial itself, to the beta-binomial (BB), the Kumaraswamy distributions I and II (KPI \& KPII) as well as the McDonald generalized beta-binomial mixed model (McGBB). The models are applied to five data sets that have received attention in various literature. Because of convergence issues, several optimization methods ranging from the Newton-Raphson to the quasi-Newton optimization algorithms were employed with SAS PROC NLMIXED using the Adaptive Gaussian Quadrature as the integral approximation method within PROC NLMIXED. Our results differ from those presented in Li, Huang and Zhao (2011) for the example data sets in that paper but agree with those presented in Manoj, Wijekoon and Yapa (2013). We also applied these models to the case where we have a $k$ vector of covariates $(x_1, x_2, \ldots, x_k)^{'}$. Our results here suggest that the McGBB performs better than the other models in the GLM framework. All computations in this paper employed PROC NLMIXED in SAS. We present in the appendix a sample of the SAS program employed for implementing the McGBB model for one of the examples.
Tracking- and Scintillation-Aware Channel Model for GEO Satellite to Land Mobile Terminals at Ku-Band

Recent advances in satellite to land mobile terminal services and technologies, which utilize high frequencies with directional antennas, have made the design of an appropriate model for land mobile satellite (LMS) channels a necessity. This paper presents LMS channel model at Ku-band with features that enhance accuracy, comprehensiveness, and reliability. The effect of satellite tracking loss at different mobile terminal speeds is considered for directional mobile antenna systems, a reliable tropospheric scintillation model for an LMS scenario at tropical and temperate regions is presented, and finally a new quality indicator module for different modulation and coding schemes is included. The proposed extended LMS channel (ELMSC) model is designed based on actual experimental measurements and can be applied to narrow- and wide-band signals at different regions and at different speeds and multichannel states. The proposed model exhibits lower root mean square error (RMSE) and significant performance observation compared with the conventional model in terms of the signal fluctuations, fade depth, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and quality indicators accompanied for several transmission schemes.
Face Aging with Improved Invertible Conditional GANs

Due to the continuous development of GAN, vivid faces can be generated, and the use of GAN for face aging becomes a novel trend. However, many existing works for face aging require tedious pre-processing of datasets. This brings a lot of computational burden and limits the application of face aging. In order to solve these problems, a face aging network is constructed using IcGAN without any data pre-processing which map a face image into personality and age vector spaces through encoders Z and Y. Different from the previous work, we make an emphasis on the preservation of both personalized and aging features. Thus, the minimize absolute reconstructing loss is proposed to optimize vector z, which can remain the personality characteristics, meanwhile preserving the pose, hairstyle and background of the input face. Additionally, we introduce a novel age vector optimization approach by classifying reconstruction loss and introduce the parameter λ which is well-balanced between large age features and subtle texture features. The experimental results demonstrate our proposed AIGAN provides better aging faces over other state-of-the-art age progression methods.
Frequency, magnitude and character of hyperthermal events at the onset of the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum

Abstract. Recent studies have shown that the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO) was preceded by a series of short-lived global warming events, known as hyperthermals. Here we present high-resolution benthic stable carbon and oxygen isotope records from ODP Sites 1262 and 1263 (Walvis Ridge, SE Atlantic) between ~ 54 and ~ 52 million years ago, tightly constraining the character, timing, and magnitude of six prominent hyperthermal events. These events, which include Eocene Thermal Maximum (ETM) 2 and 3, are studied in relation to orbital forcing and long-term trends. Our findings reveal an almost linear relationship between δ13C and δ18O for all these hyperthermals, indicating that the eccentricity-paced covariance between deep-sea temperature changes and extreme perturbations in the exogenic carbon pool persisted during these events towards the onset of the EECO, in accordance with previous observations for the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and ETM2. The covariance of δ13C and δ18O during H2 and I2, which are the second pulses of the "paired" hyperthermal events ETM2-H2 and I1-I2, deviates with respect to the other events. We hypothesize that this could relate to a relatively higher contribution of an isotopically heavier source of carbon, such as peat or permafrost, and/or to climate feedbacks/local changes in circulation. Finally, the δ18O records of the two sites show a systematic offset with on average 0.2 ‰ heavier values for the shallower Site 1263, which we link to a slightly heavier isotopic composition of the intermediate water mass reaching the northeastern flank of the Walvis Ridge compared to that of the deeper northwestern water mass at Site 1262.
Storytelling at School with a Robot Playmate

The paper illustrates an exploratory case study on the use of a toy robot at school to support storytelling in children with cognitive disabilities. Play is a key factor in children’s development, yet disabled children are often prevented from playing because of their physical or cognitive impairments. Robot toys might represent a suitable means of favouring learning through play in inclusive activities at school. The robot used in this study is designed to support play scenarios addressing different educational goals for children with specific needs. This paper describes a storytelling scenario and the experiment conducted with the robot in a primary school over four weeks. The activity involved a group of students with typical development and a child with a learning delay due to a mild cognitive disability. The results of the study show that the performance of the child with learning delay improved in terms of memorization of the story elements, ability to focus attention and reduction of exuberant motility when she played with the robot. The results are supported by qualitative and quantitative evidence, as well as by the comments of the teacher who participated in the study. Keywords-Children; Robot; Play; Learning; Disability; Storytelling; Primary school.
Optimal Node Splits in Hypercube-based Peer-to-Peer Data Stores

P2P data stores excel if availability of inserted data items must be guaranteed. Their inherent mechanisms to counter peer population dynamics make them suitable for a wide range of application domains. This technical report presents and analyzes the split maintenance operation of our P2P data store. The operation aims at reorganizing replication groups in case operation of them becomes sub-optimal. To this end, we present a formal cost model that peers use to compute optimal points when to run performance optimizing maintenance. Finally, we present experimental results that validate our cost model by simulating various network conditions.
Perspectives of patients with type 1 or insulintreated type 2 diabetes on self-monitoring of blood

Background: Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), including self-regulation, is an important tool to achieve good glycemic control. However, many patients measure their glucose concentrations less often than is recommended. This study investigates patients’ perspectives of SMBG and all relevant aspects influencing SMBG in patients with type 1 and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. Methods: In depth interviews were conducted with 13 patients with type 1 diabetes from an outpatient clinic and 15 patients with type 2 diabetes from general practices. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Grounded Theory approach. Results: A wide variety of SMBG was encountered. Perceptions, goals of SMBG and personal and contextual factors were identified, influencing the respondents’ perspective of SMBG, and leading to this variety. Respondents experienced a discrepancy between their own and the professionals’ perceptions and goals. Respondents’ perception of SMBG ranged along a continuum from ‘friend’ to ‘foe’. With respect to the goals, the respondents experienced tension between achieving good glycemic control and quality of life, and deliberately made their own choices. The performance of SMBG was tailored to their perceptions and personal goals. Personal and contextual factors such as hypoor hyper (un)awareness, knowledge, and contact with professionals acted as either facilitating factors or as barriers to SMBG, depending on the respondents’ perspective. A SMBG model was developed providing a representation of the factors and their interrelations. Respondents with type 1 diabetes seemed more resigned to their situation and SMBG was more integrated into their lives. Conclusions: From the patients’ perspective, professionals positively present SMBG as a ‘friend’ in order to achieve strict glycemic control. Whereas patients can also perceive SMBG as a ‘foe’. They primarily seek a personal balance between achieving glycemic control and quality of life, leading them to deliberately make other choices regarding SMBG performance than was recommended. Gaining insight and discussing all factors affecting SMBG will help professionals and patients come to mutually agreed goals and to tailor the performance of SMBG to the individual patient. This should result in a more optimal use of SMBG, an improved quality of life, and improved clinical parameters. * Correspondence: h.hortensius@isala.nl Diabetes Centre, Isala Clinics, Dokter Spanjaardweg 11, PO Box 10400, 8000, GK Zwolle, the Netherlands Full list of author information is available at the end of the article Hortensius et al. BMC Public Health 2012, 12:167 http://www.biomedcentral. com/1471-2458/12/167 © 2012 Hortensius et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
FragGuide: Enforcing Network Policies on Fragmented Packets

Network Functions (NFs) are commonly used to provide key security and performance guarantees in networks. However, this is greatly challenged by IP fragments. Since only the first fragment will keep complete layer-4 (L4) header during fragmentation, a firewall that is configured to let this packet through may drop all subsequent fragments due to missing L4 headers, causing policy violations. Also, the incomplete payload in fragments could reduce processing accuracy of NFs (e.g., intrusion detection system) To address these challenges, we present FragGuide, a transparent framework to assist NFs handling fragments correctly efficiently without requiring any modification to NFs. Our experiment results show that FragGuide can achieve 100% accuracy and zero invalid fragments for processing fragments in firewalls, and improve detection rate of IDS by 15.63% on average, while guaranteeing lower processing latency.
Developing Communities of Praxis: Bridging the theory practice divide in teacher education

Teacher education in universities is under pressure. In many new education policies there is a renewed focus on teacher quality, and therefore quality initial teacher education. In some countries this renewed focus has led to a resurgence of “alternative approaches” to teacher education such as Teach for America / Australia. One of the most persistent complaints about pre-service teacher education is that educational theory presented in these programs does not relate sufficiently to the real work of teachers. In an attempt to overcome these real or perceived divides, tertiary drama educators at the University of Sydney constructed a professional experience program based on both the community of practice model (Lave and Wenger, 1991) and Frierean notions of praxis (1972). The community of praxis approach emphasises the importance of integrating theory and practice to support the development of beginning teachers. This article outlines the development, implementation, and evaluation of this approach, including the reasoning behind its foundation and the theoretical and practical significance of such an approach for teacher-educators.
60 GHz Substrate-Integrated-Waveguide-Fed Patch Antenna Array With Quadri-Polarization

This communication presents a new design of a quadri-polarization-agile aperture-coupled patch antenna array for 60 GHz applications. Four polarization states, namely, vertical linear polarization, horizontal linear polarization, left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), and right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) can be flexibly reconfigured by dynamically switching the excitation of the corresponding port. More importantly, as the LP and CP radiations are achieved by using differential feeding and sequential-rotation feeding, respectively, the array exhibits wide impedance and axial ratio (AR) bandwidths, high polarization purity as well as symmetrical pattern with the main beam fixed at boresight. The −10 dB impedance bandwidths are better than 11.6% (57–64 GHz) for the four polarization states. The measured AR bandwidths are from 58 to more than 64 GHz for both the LHCP and RHCP. The good radiation performance together with the quadri-polarization-agile capability of this new array, as demonstrated in the communication, underlines its suitability for the future 5G communication systems, especially in a multipath propagation environment.
Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit Patients: Worldwide data from the ICON audit

Background: There is a need to better define the epidemiology of sepsis in ICUs around the globe. Methods: The ICON (Intensive Care over Nations) audit prospectively collected data on all adult (>16 years) patients admitted to the ICU between May 8 and May 18, 2012, except those admitted for less than 24 hours for routine postoperative surveillance. Data were collected daily for a maximum of 28 days in the ICU and patients were followed up for outcome data until death, hospital discharge, or for 60 days. Participation was entirely voluntary. Results: The audit included 10,069 patients from Europe (54.1%), Asia (19.2%), America (17.1%) and other continents (9.6%). Sepsis, defined as infection with associated organ failure, was identified during the ICU stay in 2,973 (29.5%) patients, including in 1,808 (18.0%) already at ICU admission. Occurrence rates of sepsis varied from 13.6% to 39.3% in the different regions. Overall ICU and hospital mortality rates were 25.8% and 35.3%, respectively, in patients with sepsis, but varied from 11.9% and 19.3% (Oceania) to 39.5% and 47.2% (Africa), respectively. After adjustment for possible confounders in a multilevel analysis, independent risk factors for in-hospital death included older age, higher SAPS II score, comorbid cancer, chronic heart failure (NYHA III/IV), cirrhosis, use of mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy and infection with Acinetobacter spp . Conclusions: Sepsis remains a major health problem in ICU patients worldwide, associated with high mortality rates. However, there is wide variability in the sepsis rate and outcomes in ICU patients around the globe.
Assessing Students’ Knowledge about Learning and Forgetting Curves with a Free Production Technique: Measures and Implications for the Development of Learning Aids

Learning and forgetting curves are not only integral issues for courses in introductory psychology, they are also of high practical relevance to students when it comes to the formation of realistic goals and expectations on learning outcomes. A paper-and-pencil-study investigated how well students of psychology (N = 82) have internalized the concepts of learning and forgetting curves. We developed a vignette-based assessment technique: drawing a hypothetical learning or forgetting curve in an empty coordinate system with time on the x-axis and performance on the y-axis, the starting point and endpoint being fixed. In spite of the free production format answers were quantified in a way that would allow for automated feedback in online teaching tools. For instance, learning which decelerates over time implies a curve above the diagonal while decelerated forgetting implies a curve below the diagonal. Deviating from this optimal solution, about 60% of the drawn learning and forgetting curves were classified as being close to the diagonal axis. Analyses on the individual level also documented poor consistency of knowledge. Students drawing a deceleration in learning were not more likely to also draw a deceleration in forgetting. Implications for future learning aids, for example, online feedback systems are discussed.
What's Important in a Text? An Extensive Evaluation of Linguistic Annotations for Summarization

Automatic text summarization aims at reducing the length of input documents while preserving the most important information. A key challenge in automatic summarization is therefore to estimate the importance of information. Most extractive summarization systems, however, usually only consider bigrams as the representation from which importance can be estimated. The potential of other text annotations such as frames or named-entities remains unexplored. In this paper, we evaluate the application potential of linguistic annotations for automatic text summarization. To this end, we extend a previously presented summarization system by replacing bigrams with a multitude of different linguistic annotation types, including n-grams, verb stems, frames, concepts, chunks, connotation frames, entity types, and discourse relation sense-types. We propose two novel evaluation methods to evaluate information importance detection capabilities. In our experiments, bigrams show the best overall performance when source document sentences have to be ranked. These results support the decision of summarization system developers to use bigrams in summarization systems. However, other annotation types perform better if the model has to distinguish between source and reference sentences.
Exchange Rate Dynamics Redux

We develop an analytically tractable two-country model that marries a full account of global macroeconomic dynamics to a supply framework based on monopolistic competition and sticky nominal prices. The model offers simple and intuitive predictions about exchange rates and current accounts that sometimes differ sharply from those of either modern flexible-price intertemporal models or traditional sticky-price Keynesian models. Our analysis leads to a novel perspective on the international welfare spillovers due to monetary and fiscal policies.
Information sharing problems among stakeholders in the construction industry at the inspection stage: a case study

The paper reports the information management practices of the various key stakeholders during the inspection stage of a construction project. The data was collected through observations and shadowing of stakeholder exemplars, interviews and document analysis over a fourteen-week period. In the process of constructing a new and innovative academic building for an Australian University, vast amounts of information had to be effectively managed by various stakeholders in the construction process. This life cycle includes the creation, documentation, dissemination, utilisation, evaluation and archiving of the relevant information and knowledge across multiple domains and areas of practice and expertise. Without efficiency in these processes the effectiveness of construction project outcomes and contractual obligations could be challenged. This research evaluates the information life cycle through an Information Audit (IA) in the inspection stage of a large-scale construction project (the innovative academic building) through an evaluative lens integrating the concepts of Enterprise Content Management and Personal Information Management. The research shows that information auditing enables framework identification of iterative and problematic information reporting in the Construction process. The research shows the pivotal role of a key stakeholder involved in the process acting as an intermediary, translating and transferring information across different domains.
Corresponding Projections for Orphan Screening

We propose a novel transfer learning approach for orphan screening called corresponding projections. In orphan screening the learning task is to predict the binding affinities of compounds to an orphan protein, i.e., one for which no training data is available. The identification of compounds with high affinity is a central concern in medicine since it can be used for drug discovery and design. Given a set of prediction models for proteins with labelled training data and a similarity between the proteins, corresponding projections constructs a model for the orphan protein from them such that the similarity between models resembles the one between proteins. Under the assumption that the similarity resemblance holds, we derive an efficient algorithm for kernel methods. We empirically show that the approach outperforms the state-of-the-art in orphan screening.