Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint action with human and robotic co-actors: Self-other integration is immune to the perceived humanness of the interacting partner

When performing a joint action task, we automatically represent the action and/or task constraints of the co-actor with whom we are interacting. Current models suggest that, not only physical similarity, but also abstract, conceptual features shared between self and the interacting partner play a key role in the emergence of joint action effects. Across two experiments, we investigated the influence of the perceived humanness of a robotic agent on the extent to which we integrate the action of that agent into our own action/task representation, as indexed by the Joint Simon Effect (JSE). The presence (vs. absence) of a prior verbal interaction was used to manipulate robot’s perceived humanness. In Experiment 1, using a within-participant design, we had participants perform the joint Go/No-go Simon task with two different robots. Before performing the joint task, one robot engaged in a verbal interaction with the participant and the other robot did not. In Experiment 2, we employed a between-participants design to contrast these two robot conditions as well as a human partner condition. In both experiments, a significant Simon effect emerged during joint action and its amplitude was not modulated by the humanness of the interacting partner. Experiment 2 further showed that the JSE obtained in robot conditions did not differ from that measured in the human partner condition. These findings contradict current theories of joint action mechanisms according to which perceived self-other similarity is a crucial determinant of self-other integration in shared task settings.
Identifying Long Period Variable (LPV) Stars Using Images from the Stardial Observatory

The study of variable stars is extremely important to the astronomical fie ld o scientific research. By studying these stars, astronomers are able t o det rmine the longterm behavior of the star, schedule observations of certain stars, correlate d ata from satellite and ground-based observations, and make theoretical models of variable sta rs. Variable stars must be methodically studied, usually by amateur astronomer s ver a long period of time, in order to provide professional astronomers important data that then allows them to further analyze variable star behavior. Variable stars are unique because their pulsation, the in-and-out expansion and contraction of the spherical star, produces visible changes in luminosity and color. T his pulsation allows amateur astronomers to visually observe and identify variable st rs. This type of research and study is special because it is one of the only scientific fi lds in which amateurs can make a real contribution to the field. Herein lies the purpose of this research project. The objective of the researc her was to become one of these amateur astronomers in the hopes that she could discover variable stars and contribute her findings to the greater astronomical sc ientific community. This would allow her to participate in an authentic research experience and make a real contribution to a field of science. In completing this task, her overa ll goal was to better understand the true nature of science in order to improve her teaching i n a secondary science classroom.
A simple technique for the visualisation of eddy kinematics in turbulent flows

We developed and tested a simple technique to predict, for flow visualisation purposes only, the evolution of coherent structures in between two given realisations of a turbulent flow. Classic coherent-structure eduction methods are adopted, such as the Q-criterion, pressure fluctuations and contours of velocity fluctuations. The kinematics of the evolving structures are reconstructed by means of an advection-based reconstruction technique and captured in a movie. The resulting quality of the animations has been assessed via the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM). The sensitivity to increasing spacing in time of the available flow realisations has been tested and several improvements implemented. The abrupt transition from reconstructed frames of the animation to the available realisations results in a noticeable lack of smoothness. The replacement of the available realisations with a similar advection-based average increases the perceived smoothness of the movies. This is confirmed by the reduced total variation of the SSIM index. The residual minor periodic variations of accuracy have been reduced by introducing a stochastic weighting function. The sensitivity of the results to changes in Reynolds number, resolution and structure representation methods has been tested.
Numerical Modeling of Neutral and Charged Particles within a Gridded Ion Thruster

Introduction The high specific impulse of ion thrusters and their reliability make them well suited for near-Earth and deep space missions. However, due to the complexity of transport of neutral and charged particles in the different component of these devices, the detailed properties of the ion thruster are not fully understood. Numerical simulations could be used to yield an understanding of the physical phenomena involved in thruster operation and thus help in optimizing and achieving ultra-high specific impulse ion thrusters. The external plume has been extensively studied [1,2] unlike the main chamber where many complex phenomena are suspected to occur. For this reason the present fully kinetic neutral and charged particle simulations which include the ionization processes and the applied magnetic field, investigate the processes involved at the exit of the hollow cathode and in the main chamber of an electrostatic ion thruster, T5, designed and tested [3] by the Space Department at the Defence and Evaluation Research Agency (DERA, UK). The computations presented in the paper are a continuation of those previously presented in [4] but extend these to a higher number density corresponding to levels realized in the T5 thruster.
Analysis for improvement of simultaneity of shuttering in an ultra high-speed framing camera

The authors suggest a method to improve the shuttering characteristics of an ultra high-speed camera that consists of a proximity focused image intensifier with a micro channel plate (MCP) and an external transparent electrode (ETE). Over a range of gating times of several tens of picoseconds, using this apparatus, there are two obstacles to the system's simultaneity, i.e., accuracy of photographing phenomena. First, the time required for the shuttering pulse to propagate on the electrode creates a time delay between different areas of the image photons passing through the ETE. Second, the photoelectrons do not reach the MCP simultaneously. If one attempts to speed-up the gating time using nonlinear operation of the MCP, the latter problem has an undesirable effect on the resulting image. The authors' proposal is to compensate for the latter problem and improve the simultaneity of the arrival time of photoelectrons at the MCP input surface by controlling the electric field between the photocathode and the MCP. This is achieved by optimizing the shape of the electrode. Further analysis by FDTD and an electron trajectory tracking method verified that the variance of arrival time is reduced from 30 ps to 5 ps with the altered electrode shape.
Late-Holocene fynbos-forest dynamics in Orange Kloof, Table Mountain National Park, South Africa

Fynbos and afrotemperate forest exist as alternate stable states in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. In parts of Table Mountain National Park, afrotemperate forest has expanded in recent decades. The aim of this project was to explore the drivers of this change and distinguish whether this expansion represents a recovery of forest after previous clearance during the 18th century or is a novel expansion of forest range that resulted from policies of fire suppression in the 20th century. To determine the relationships between forest and fynbos and its key drivers, pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, charcoal, stable isotope ratios (δ13C) and major and trace elements were analysed from late-Holocene sediments extracted from Orange Kloof. Pollen data show that forest cover has fluctuated over the past 3690 years. At the start of the record, under drier conditions from 1670 BCE to ~170 CE, forests contracted, and dry, asteraceous fynbos dominated the landscape. Around ~170 CE there was a shift to ericaceous fynbos as water availability increased. Weak signals of Khoekhoen pastoralists may be visible in the record around 50 CE, indicated by increased spores and charcoal. A regime shift towards increased dominance of the forest occurred ~250 CE, associated with wetter climate. Clear anthropogenic signals are associated with European settlement from 1650 CE. Reinforced by human clearance of forest, fynbos expanded during the cool conditions of the late phase of Little Ice Age (~1750–1850 CE). Forest expansion in the 20th century likely reflects fire suppression and recovery from past forest clearance. Fire needs to be managed accordingly if further expansion of forest into fynbos is to be curbed.
Evaluating the power of Minitab's data subsetting lack of fit test in multiple linear regression

Abstract Minitab's data subsetting lack of fit test (denoted XLOF) is a combination of Burn and Ryan's test and Utts’ test for testing lack of fit in linear regression models. As an alternative to the classical or pure error lack of fit test, it does not require replicates of predictor variables. However, due to the uncertainty about its performance, XLOF still remains unfamiliar to regression users while the well-known classical lack of fit test is not applicable to regression data without replicates. So far this procedure has not been mentioned in any textbooks and has not been included in any other software packages. This study assesses the performance of XLOF in detecting lack of fit in linear regressions without replicates by comparing the power with the classic test. The power of XLOF is simulated using Minitab macros for variables with several forms of curvature. These comparisons lead to pragmatic suggestions on the use of XLOF. The performance of XLOF was shown to be superior to the classical test based on the results. It should be noted that the replicates required for the classical test made itself unavailable for most of the regression data while XLOF can still be as powerful as the classic test even without replicates.
Use of a hybrid pseudospectral time-domain–finite-difference time-domain method for optical simulation of liquid crystals

In order to reduce the computational cost of the finite-difference time-domain method, the pseudospectral time-domain method is applied to the glass substrate direction with a large surface and smooth internal media, while the finite-difference time-domain method is applied to the thickness direction of a cell with a small thickness and fine structures. A fast Fourier transform algorithm, instead of the central-difference in the finite-difference time-domain method, is used to represent the spatial derivatives in the pseudospectral time-domain method, which greatly reduces the spatial sampling rate in the glass substrate direction. Both the hybrid method and the finite-difference time-domain method are used to simulate the propagation of light through the same twisted nematic pixel in the on state for 100 fs. The maximum deviation of the transmittance obtained using both methods is less than 5.1%; the memory capacity and computational time required for the hybrid method are about 8.5% and 21% respectively compared with those required for the finite-difference time-domain method. The use of the hybrid method reduces the memory capacity and computational time required for the finite-difference time-domain method while its accuracy is preserved.
Left-Digit Bias at Lyft

Left-digit bias (or 99-cent pricing) has been discussed extensively in economics, psychology, and marketing. Despite this, we show that the rideshare company, Lyft, was not using a 99-cent pricing strategy prior to our study. Based on observational data from over 600 million Lyft sessions followed by a field experiment conducted with 21 million Lyft passengers, we provide evidence of large discontinuities in demand at dollar values. Approximately half of the downward slope of the demand curve occurs discontinuously as the price of a ride drops below a dollar value (e.g. $14.00 to $13.99). If our short run estimates persist in the longer run, we calculate that Lyft could increase its profits by roughly $160M per year by employing a left-digit bias pricing strategy. Our results showcase the robustness of an important behavioral bias for a large, modern company and its persistence in a highly-competitive market.
A search for supersymmetry with same-sign Tau and Lepton final states at the CMS experiment

A search for Supersymmetry signals with Same–Sign Dileptons in the final state at the Large Hadron Collider is presented. The results are based on 976 pb−1 of pp collision data recorded by the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at 7 TeV centre of mass energy. The analysis strategy for channels including a hadronically decaying τ (eτ , μτ , ττ ) is discussed in detail. The numbers of observed events are compatible with the expectation from Standard Model processes in all the considered channels with a total of 2.9± 1.7 predicted and 3 observed. An Upper Limit of total observed events from New Physics is extracted at the 95% Confidence Level and is equal to 5.8. The results are interpreted in the Constrained Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model and a simplified Supersymmetry model favouring τ channels characterised by pp→ g̃g̃ with Br(g̃ → χ̃± 1 qq′) = 100% and Br(χ̃+1 → χ̃01τντ ) = 100%. A lower limit of 400 GeV on the gluino mass is set in the simplified model for neutralino masses up to 350 GeV, with the exception of the region around mg̃ ≈ mLSP . This exclusion extends to gluino masses of up to 620 GeV for neutralino masses of less than 100 GeV.
Tunable HTS microwave filters using strontium titanate thin films

High performance HTS microwave filters stand to benefit from the capability to electrically tune their frequency of operation. This function may be performed with tunable dielectric materials such as SrTiO/sub 3/ (STO). We have optimized the growth of STO thin films by pulsed laser ablation and by reactive coevaporation. Loss tangents on the order of 0.001 at 65 K are possible, while maintaining acceptable tunability. We have integrated STO films into lumped-element YBCO microwave resonators and filters in order to tune their center frequencies. We describe methods of doing so, the effect of coupling strength, and the performance of these devices.
Athletes in medicine: A systematic review of performance of athletes in medicine

As interest in medicine grows, admissions committees must review an increasingly competitive pool of medical school and residency candidates. Nearly all admissions committees have moved towards a holistic review, which considers an applicant's experiences and attributes in addition to academic metrics. As such, identifying nonacademic predictors of success in medicine is necessary. Parallels between skills necessary to succeed in athletics and in medicine have been drawn, including teamwork, discipline and resiliency. This systematic review synthesises the current literature to evaluate the relationship between participation in athletics and performance in medicine.
High‐gain output feedback for a miniature UAV

We consider the problem of output feedback robust stabilization of a ducted‐fan aerial vehicle in which high‐gain observers are used to overtake the knowledge of the linear and angular velocities of the vehicle in the control law. The proposed result is semiglobal in the attitude dynamics and in the estimation error, and global in the position variables. It is shown how the high‐gain control structure is effective notwithstanding the nonminimum‐phase behavior of the considered class of systems, provided that the airframe fulfills some geometric properties. The controller relies upon the use of nested saturations and high‐gain control laws. Although the theory is specified for a force‐torque generation mechanism of a ducted‐fan aerial vehicle, the results can be simply extended to the output feedback of many other under‐actuated rotorcrafts, such as helicopters. Experimental results are also proposed showing the effectiveness of the control law. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origins of Multidecadal SST Variations in the Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans Since the 1960s

Multidecadal sea surface temperature covariance in the southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans within the 20°–45°S band (termed the SAIOs) has been detected, but the origins of these variations remain uncertain. This study focuses on the decade‐long warming surge (0.43°C/decade) during 1965–1975 and the stalled warming pace (0.05°C/decade) thereafter. Observations and models overall suggest the essence of external forcing in controlling the warming rates of these two periods. Specifically, the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung caused an abrupt cooling of the SAIO, and the recovery of radiative heating during the following decade led to rapid surface warming. The persistent positive trend of the Southern Annular Mode since the late‐1970s has retarded the SAIO warming, primarily by enhancing surface wind speed and latent heat release. Although internal variability can also affect the SAIO through atmospheric teleconnections, its role is overall secondary during the two periods.
Effects of Force Fields on the Equilibrium State of 5,7-Dihydroxy-4-MethylCoumarin Comparative Study of Molecular and Langevin Dynamic Simulations

We have studied the influence of the two force fields Amber and MM+ in both gas and solution environments. Molecular Dynamic (MD) and Langevin Dynamic (LD) simulations of the 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin were performed with the an efficient program. The geometries, interaction energies, bonds, angles, stretch-bends, electrostatic and the Van der Waals (VDW) interactions were carried out in solution and gas phases. The results show that MD and LD simulations are identical. This comparative study shows that the coumarin acquires the low-energy and has the dipolar characteristic under the MM+ field by using the both methods. This molecule reaches its high stable conformation state in solution environment. So, under MM+ field, the simulation gives best results.
The ABC transporter family efflux pump PvdRT‐OpmQ of Pseudomonas putida KT2440: purification and initial characterization

Tripartite efflux systems of the ABC‐type family transport a variety of substrates and contribute to the antimicrobial resistance of Gram‐negative bacteria. PvdRT‐OpmQ, a member of this family, is thought to be involved in the secretion of the newly synthesized and recycled siderophore pyoverdine in Pseudomonas species. Here, we purified and characterized the inner membrane component PvdT and the periplasmic adapter protein PvdR of the plant growth‐promoting soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440. We show that PvdT possesses an ATPase activity that is stimulated by the addition of PvdR. In addition, we provide the first biochemical evidence for direct interactions between pyoverdine and PvdRT.
AN ALTERNATIVE CONSISTENT PROCEDURE FOR DETECTING HIDDEN FREQUENCIES

An alternative procedure is developed to detect the hidden frequencies in linear processes which differs from the procedure proposed earlier by the author. The advantage of the new procedure is that it enables us to detect a hidden frequency in the noise when the spectral density possesses high peaks. In such cases the earlier procedure often fails in practice. We also prove the convergence of a spectral estimate designed to reduce the influence of hidden frequencies.
Effect Sizes and F Ratios < 1.0

Abstract. Standard statistics texts indicate that the expected value of the F ratio is 1.0 (more precisely: N/(N-2)) in a completely balanced fixed-effects ANOVA, when the null hypothesis is true. Even though some authors suggest that the null hypothesis is rarely true in practice (e.g., Meehl, 1990), F ratios < 1.0 are reported quite frequently in the literature. However, standard effect size statistics (e.g., Cohen's f) often yield positive values when F < 1.0, which appears to create confusion about the meaningfulness of effect size statistics when the null hypothesis may be true. Given the repeated emphasis on reporting effect sizes, it is shown that in the face of F < 1.0 it is misleading to only report sample effect size estimates as often recommended. Causes of F ratios < 1.0 are reviewed, illustrated by a short simulation study. The calculation and interpretation of corrected and uncorrected effect size statistics under these conditions are discussed. Computing adjusted measures of association str.
Mapping brain development during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood

Using optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM), this study systematically investigated the differences and similarities of brain structural changes during the early three developmental periods of human lives: childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. These brain changes were discussed in relationship to the corresponding cognitive function development during these three periods. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data from 158 Chinese healthy children, adolescents and young adults, aged 7.26 to 22.80 years old, were included in this study. Using the customized brain template together with the gray matter/white matter/cerebrospinal fluid prior probability maps, we found that there were more age-related positive changes in the frontal lobe, less in hippocampus and amygdala during childhood, but more in bilateral hippocampus and amygdala and left fusiform gyrus during adolescence and young adulthood. There were more age-related negative changes near to central sulcus during childhood, but these changes extended to the frontal and parietal lobes, mainly in the parietal lobe, during adolescence and young adulthood, and more in the prefrontal lobe during young adulthood. So gray matter volume in the parietal lobe significantly decreased from childhood and continued to decrease till young adulthood. These findings may aid in understanding the age-related differences in cognitive function.