Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Visualization Ability and Impact of Drafting Models: A Quasi Experimental Study

A quasi experimental study was done to determine significant positive effects among three different types of visual models and to identify whether any individual type or combination contributed towards a positive increase of spatial visualization ability for students in engineering technology courses. In particular, the study compared the use of different visual models - a 3D printed solid object, a 3D computer generated drawing and a 2D drawing.
Measurement of speech intelligibility based on the PESQ approach

ITU recommendation P.862, PESQ was developed for measuring speech quality in a wide variety of conditions. This paper shows that PESQ can also be used for measuring speech intelligibility. An experiment was set up to evaluate speech intelligibility in the presence of two interfering talkers at 4 SNR conditions (0, -3, -6, and -9 dB), using 100 sentences in each condition, with five normal hearing subjects. Signals were processed by four different beamforming algorithms, as used in hearing devices. Two different presentations were used, diotic and dichotic. The correlation of P.862 with the intelligibility scores, which ranged from 9 to 98%, was 0.99 for the diotic experiment and about 0.91 for the dichotic experiment.
Nonlinear Online Learning with Adaptive Nyström Approximation

Use of nonlinear feature maps via kernel approximation has led to success in many online learning tasks. As a popular kernel approximation method, Nystr\"{o}m approximation, has been well investigated, and various landmark points selection methods have been proposed to improve the approximation quality. However, these improved Nystr\"{o}m methods cannot be directly applied to the online learning setting as they need to access the entire dataset to learn the landmark points, while we need to update model on-the-fly in the online setting. To address this challenge, we propose Adaptive Nystr\"{o}m approximation for solving nonlinear online learning problems. The key idea is to adaptively modify the landmark points via online kmeans and adjust the model accordingly via solving least square problem followed by a gradient descent step. We show that the resulting algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art online learning methods under the same budget.
MONITORING OF RADIATION DAMAGE OF QUARTZ FIBERS IN THE HF-CMS DETECTOR

Two HF calorimeters are in the range 3 < 1111 <5 of CMS detector, made up of iron and quartz fibers assembled in towers red out by PMT's. Cherenkov light is produced in fibers by secondary electrons of showering particles. Accumulated luminosity decreases the light coming from fibers. A raddam device monitors this loss and is used to conect energies. Since 2010, 29 tb· 1 were accumulated and "Raddam runs" were taken in beam stops. The raddam data are compared to our light transmission measurements of inadiated fibers. A FLUKA simulation of dose at 14 TeV for a luminosity accumulated of3000 fb. 1 is presented.
Styrene exposure and ischemic heart disease: a case-cohort study.

Epidemiologic studies have consistently reported increased daily mortality and hospital admissions for ischemic heart disease related to daily changes in ambient particulate levels. One theory is that substances adhering to particulates might have a cardiovascular effect. Styrene has been found in very low doses in air and has chemical characteristics that would cause adherence to particles. Industrial studies have found an increase in cardiovascular disease among styrene-exposed workers. To explore a possible dose-response relation between styrene exposure and ischemic heart disease, the authors of this case-cohort study included 498 cases that died from ischemic heart disease and a 15% random sample (n = 997) of all male workers who were employed during 1943-1984 in two styrene-butadiene rubber-manufacturing plants in the United States. Proportional hazards models showed that recent styrene exposure was significantly associated with acute ischemic heart disease death among active workers. The relative hazard of death from acute ischemic heart disease for exposure during the most recent 2 years among active workers with 2 or more years of employment was 2.95 (95% confidence interval: 1.02, 8.57) at a time-weighted styrene concentration of 0.2-<0.3 ppm and 4.30 (95% confidence interval: 1.56, 11.84) at >or=0.3 ppm for the same exposure period, respectively.
Optimizing Waveform Maximum Determination for Specular Point Tracking in Airborne GNSS-R

Airborne GNSS-R campaigns are crucial to the understanding of signal interactions with the Earth’s surface. As a consequence of the specific geometric configurations arising during measurements from aircraft, the reflected signals can be difficult to interpret under certain conditions like over strongly attenuating media such as forests, or when the reflected signal is contaminated by the direct signal. For these reasons, there are many cases where the reflectivity is overestimated, or a portion of the dataset has to be flagged as unusable. In this study we present techniques that have been developed to optimize the processing of airborne GNSS-R data, with the goal of improving its accuracy and robustness under non-optimal conditions. This approach is based on the detailed analysis of data produced by the instrument GLORI, which was recorded during an airborne campaign in the south west of France in June 2015. Our technique relies on the improved determination of reflected waveform peaks in the delay dimension, which is related to the loci of the signals contributed by the zone surrounding the specular point. It is shown that when developing techniques for the correct localization of waveform maxima under conditions of surfaces of low reflectivity, and/or contamination from the direct signal, it is possible to correct and extract values corresponding to the real reflectivity of the zone in the neighborhood of the specular point. This algorithm was applied to a reanalysis of the complete campaign dataset, following which the accuracy and sensitivity improved, and the usability of the dataset was improved by 30%.
Coherent presentations of Artin monoids

We compute coherent presentations of Artin monoids, that is, presentations by generators, relations, and relations between the relations. For that, we use methods of higher-dimensional rewriting that extend Squier’s and Knuth–Bendix’s completions into a homotopical completion–reduction, applied to Artin’s and Garside’s presentations. The main result of the paper states that the so-called Tits–Zamolodchikov 3-cells extend Artin’s presentation into a coherent presentation. As a byproduct, we give a new constructive proof of a theorem of Deligne on the actions of an Artin monoid on a category.
Analysis of harmonics suppression by active damping control on multi slim dc-link drives

Compared with conventional dc-link drive, slim dc-link drive is expected to achieve lower cost and longer life time. However, harmonics distortion problem may occur in such drive systems. This paper proposes to use an active damping control method to suppress the harmonic distortion with the benefit of low cost and also low loss. A new analysis method, based on the frequency domain impedance model, is presented to explore the mechanism of harmonics suppression. Also, a general method is presented to build the impedance model of a PMSM drive system using Field Oriented Control (FOC) method. Some design issues, including power levels, current control bandwidth and harmonic interaction, are discussed when the drive system is fed by a weak grid. Case studies on a two-drive system composed by two slim dc-link drive units are provided to verify the proposed analysis method.
Silicon carbide-induced piezoelectric β-phase in poly(vinylidene fluoride) and its properties

The piezoelectric β -phase of poly(vinylidene fluoride) ( PVDF ) has been synthesized through solution route in presence of varying percentage of silicon carbide ( SiC ). Various measurements were conducted to analyze the effect of SiC addition on structural, mechanical, and dielectric properties, as also the properties affecting hydrophilicity and morphology of PVDF . The x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and differential scanning calorimetry analyses confirm the presence of β -phase of PVDF on addition of SiC . The Young’s modulus of the composites increases as compared with pristine PVDF . The hydrophilic nature of the composites improves with increasing SiC content. Dielectric constant increases in composites, especially at lower frequency range and the relaxation pattern in the crystalline phase changes significantly causing reduction of relaxation frequency with increasing SiC concentration.
Therapeutic Effects of Phytochemicals and Medicinal Herbs on Depression

Background. Depression is a recurrent, common, and potentially life-threatening psychiatric disease related to multiple assignable causes. Although conventional antidepressant therapy can help relieve symptoms of depression and prevent relapse of the illness, complementary therapies are required due to disadvantage of the current therapy such as adverse effects. Moreover, a number of studies have researched adjunctive therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for depression patients. Purpose. One potential complementary method with conventional antidepressants involves the use of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals that provide therapeutic benefits. Studies have revealed beneficial effects of medical herbs and phytochemicals on depression and their central nervous system mechanism. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of phytochemicals and medicinal herbs against depression and describe their detailed mechanisms. Sections. There are two sections, phytochemicals against depression and medical herbs against depression, in this review. Conclusion. Use of phytomedicine may be an alternative option for the treatment of depression in case conventional drugs are not applicable due to their side effects, low effectiveness, or inaccessibility. However, the efficacy and safety of these phytomedicine treatments for depression have to be supported by clinical studies.
O-MI/O-DF standards as interoperability enablers for Industrial Internet: A performance analysis

The Industrial Internet should provide means to create ad hoc and loosely coupled information flows between objects, users, services, and business domain systems. However, today's technologies and products often feed `vertical silos' (e.g., vertical/siloed apps), which inevitably result in multiple and non-interoperable systems. Standardization will play an ever-increasing part in enabling information to flow between such vertically-oriented closed systems. This paper presents recent IoT messaging standards, notably O-MI (Open Messaging Interface) and O-DF (Open Data Format), whose initial requirements were defined for enhanced collaboration and interoperability in product lifecycle management. The performance of those standards is evaluated in terms of efficiency ratio, defined as the percentage of payload over traffic load. A first analytical model of the efficiency ratio based on the required/basic standard specifications is then proposed. A smart maintenance use case relying on the first version of the standard reference implementation is developed, based on which our analytical model is applied to evaluate the degree of deviation (w.r.t. the standard specifications) of this reference implementation.
Image Denoising using Combination of Median Filtering and Wavelet Transform

processing is basically carried out to enhance or restore a noisy image. The former mechanism is known as image enhancement and the later one is known as image restoration. Image gets corrupted with noise during acquisition phase or during transmission phase. Denoising can be done by numerous methods like neighbourhood operations, arithmetic operations, Transforms etc. In this paper we have combined neighbourhood processing techniques with Transform specifically wavelet Transform. The results obtained after simulation show that the combined algorithm performs better than both individually. Simulated results are for Gaussian, Speckle and Salt & Pepper noise, for denoising median filter of size 3X3, 5X5 and discrete wavelet Transform are used here. Then results obtained were evaluated on the basis of Peak signal to noise ratio which has improved remarkably.
Development of a cognitive training program for the elderly

Introduction: Plasticity in intellectual functioning has been the target of significant research investment. Among non-pharmacological interventions, cognitive training appears as a promising option for delaying the effects of aging on cognition. Objective: The present study describes the procedures of a cognitive training program for healthy Brazilian Palavras-chave: Idosos. Cognição. Treino Cognitivo. http://dx.doi. org/10.1590/1809-98232016019.150144 770 Rev. BRas. GeRiatR. GeRontol. , Rio de JaneiRo, 2016; 19(5):769-785
Interpretation and Communication of Pedestrian Intentions Using Braid Groups

We present a novel framework for socially competent pedestrian navigation based on understanding pedestrians’ intentions and planning intent-expressive robot motion. We model pedestrians’ intentions as combinations of intended topological routes and intended destinations. The core of this approach is a novel topological representation of a pedestrian scene, based on braid groups. This representation is used as a basis for the development of an online navigation algorithm, designed according to conclusions of recent psychology studies on action interpretation and sociology studies on human pedestrian behavior. Simulation results demonstrate the potential of our approach for use in real world pedestrian environments.
Reduced retina microglial activation and improved optic nerve integrity with minocycline treatment in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma.

PURPOSE In the context of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon degeneration in the optic nerve that occurs in glaucoma, microglia become activated, then phagocytic, and redistribute in the optic nerve head. The authors investigated the potential contribution of retinal microglia activation to glaucoma progression in the DBA/2J chronic mouse glaucoma model. METHODS The authors treated 6-week-old DBA/2J mice for 25 weeks with minocycline, a tetracycline derivative known to reduce microglia activation and to improve neuronal survival in other models of neurodegenerative disease. They quantified RGC numbers and characterized microglia activation, gliosis, and both axonal integrity and retrograde tracer transport by RGCs in mice systemically treated with minocycline or vehicle only. RESULTS Minocycline reduced microglial activation and improved RGC axonal transport and integrity, yet it had no effect on the characteristic age-related ocular changes that lead to chronically elevated pressure and did not alter Müller or astrocyte gliosis. Specifically, minocycline increased the fraction of microglia with resting ramified morphology and reduced levels of Iba1 mRNA and protein, a microglia-specific calcium ligand linked to activation. The reduction in microglial activation was coupled to significant improvement in RGC axonal transport, as measured by neuronal retrograde tracing from the superior colliculus. Finally, minocycline treatment significantly decoupled RGC axon loss from increased intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS These observations suggest that in glaucoma, retina and optic nerve head microglia activation may be a factor in the early decline in function of the optic nerve and its subsequent degeneration.
Practical Guidelines for the Comprehensive Analysis of ChIP-seq Data

Mapping the chromosomal locations of transcription factors, nucleosomes, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling enzymes, chaperones, and polymerases is one of the key tasks of modern biology, as evidenced by the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Project. To this end, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) is the standard methodology. Mapping such protein-DNA interactions in vivo using ChIP-seq presents multiple challenges not only in sample preparation and sequencing but also for computational analysis. Here, we present step-by-step guidelines for the computational analysis of ChIP-seq data. We address all the major steps in the analysis of ChIP-seq data: sequencing depth selection, quality checking, mapping, data normalization, assessment of reproducibility, peak calling, differential binding analysis, controlling the false discovery rate, peak annotation, visualization, and motif analysis. At each step in our guidelines we discuss some of the software tools most frequently used. We also highlight the challenges and problems associated with each step in ChIP-seq data analysis. We present a concise workflow for the analysis of ChIP-seq data in Figure 1 that complements and expands on the recommendations of the ENCODE and modENCODE projects. Each step in the workflow is described in detail in the following sections.
DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa: a historical review

Sperm DNA Fragmentation has been extensively studied for more than a decade. In the 1940s the uniqueness of the spermatozoa protein complex which stabilizes the DNA was discovered. In the fifties and sixties, the association between unstable chromatin structure and subfertility was investigated. In the seventies, the impact of induced DNA damage was investigated. In the 1980s the concept of sperm DNA fragmentation as related to infertility was introduced as well as the first DNA fragmentation test: the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA). The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labelling (TUNEL) test followed by others was introduced in the nineties. The association between DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa and pregnancy loss has been extensively investigated spurring the need for a therapeutic tool for these patients. This gave rise to an increased interest in the aetiology of DNA damage. The present decade continues within this research area. Some of the more novel methods recently submerging are sorting of cells with increased DNA fragmentation and hyaluronic acid (HA) binding techniques. The clinical value of these tests remains to be elucidated. In spite of half a century of research within the area, this analysis is not routinely implemented into the fertility clinics. The underlying causes are multiple. The abundance of methods has impeded the need for a clinical significant threshold. One of the most promising methods was commercialized in 2005 and has been reserved for larger licensed laboratories. Myriads of reviews and meta‐analyses on studies using different assays for analysis of DNA fragmentation, different clinical Artificial Reproductive Treatments (ART), different definitions of successful ART outcome and small patient cohorts have been published. Although the area of DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa is highly relevant in the fertility clinics, the need for further studies focusing on standardization of the methods and clinical implementation persists.
Parameter-based reduction of Gaussian mixture models with a variational-Bayes approach

This paper proposes a technique for simplifying a given Gaussian mixture model, i.e. reformulating the density in a more parcimonious manner, if possible (less Gaussian components in the mixture). Numerous applications requiring aggregation of models from various sources, or index structures over sets of mixture models for fast access, may benefit from the technique. Variational Bayesian estimation of mixtures is known to be a powerful technique on punctual data. We derive herein a new version of the variational-Bayes EM algorithm that operates on Gaussian components of a given mixture and suppresses redundancy, if any, while preserving structure of the underlying generative process. A main feature of the present scheme is that it merely resorts to the parameters of the original mixture, ensuring low computational cost. Experimental results are reported on real data.
Model Predictive Optimization for distribution management in smart grids

The traditional centralized power system is gradually being replaced by smart grids. However, an important design issue is how to perform accurate demand-response such that the power distribution management is effective. This includes two sub-problems, namely the accurate prediction of future electricity demand-response situations and the optimization of power distribution. In this work, we propose a novel Model Predictive Optimization (MPO) method for the advanced distribution management system in smart grids. Future electricity situations (surplus/deficit) are predicted using a customized Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. Pairing between buyers and sellers of electricity are performed based on not only the current situation, but also considering future situations. As a result, trading pairs with overall near-optimal cost are found through concurrent and multiple instances of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), along with conflict resolution. Experimental results on 30 micro-grids show the error rate of the ARIMA prediction model to be less than 10%. The proposed MPO method saves totally 19.38% overall trading cost, if predictions are made for 4 future time slots.
Probing the structure and function of biopolymer-carbon nanotube hybrids with molecular dynamics

Nanoscience deals with the characterization and manipulation of matter on the atomic/molecular size scale in order to deepen our understanding of condensed matter and develop revolutionary technology. Meeting the demands of the rapidly advancing nanotechnological frontier requires novel, multifunctional nanoscale materials. Among the most promising nanomaterials to fulfill this need are biopolymer-carbon nanotube hybrids (Bio-CNT). Bio-CNT consists of a single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) coated with a selfassembled layer of biopolymers such as DNA or protein. Experiments have demonstrated that these nanomaterials possess a wide range of technologically useful properties with applications in nanoelectronics, medicine, homeland security, environmental safety and microbiology. However, a fundamental understanding of the self-assembly mechanics, structure and energetics of Bio-CNT is lacking. The objective of this thesis is to address this deficiency through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, which provides an atomic-scale window into the behavior of this unique nanomaterial. MD shows that Bio-CNT composed of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) self-assembles via the formation of high affinity contacts between DNA bases and the CNT sidewall. Calculation of the base-CNT binding free energy by thermodynamic integration reveals that these contacts result from the attractive pi–pi stacking interaction. Binding affinities follow the trend G > A > T > C. MD reveals that long ssDNA sequences are driven into a helical wrapping about CNT with a sub-10 nm pitch by electrostatic and torsional interactions in the backbone. A large-scale replica exchange molecular dynamics simulation reveals that ssDNA-CNT hybrids are disordered. At room temperature, ssDNA can reside in several low-energy conformations that contain a sequence-specific arrangement of bases detached from CNT surface. MD demonstrates that protein-CNT hybrids composed of the Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor are biologically active and function as a nanobiosensor with specific recognition of Knob proteins from the adenovirus capsid. Simulation also shows that the rigid CNT damps structural fluctuations in bound proteins, which may have important ramifications for biosensing devices composed of protein-CNT hybrids. These results expand current knowledge of Bio-CNT and demonstrate the effectiveness of MD for investigations of nano-biomolecular systems. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Physics & Astronomy First Advisor A.T. Charlie Johnson Second Advisor Michael L. Klein This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/5