Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parameter and performance comparison of doubly-fed brushless machine with cage and reluctance rotors

The cage and reluctance rotors are two main types of rotor structure used in doubly-fed brushless machine (DFBM). In order to study comparatively the effect of different rotor structure on the behavior of DFBM, a prototype machine has been specially designed and built. The experimental parameter and performance comparisons between the axially laminated anisotropic (ALA) reluctance rotor and cage rotor machine are presented in the paper. It is indicated that the cage rotor DPBM has relatively better starting and asynchronous characteristics, however, the ALA reluctance rotor DFB exhibits fine synchronous operation and doubly-fed adjustable speed performances.
Plasma Epstein–Barr Viral Deoxyribonucleic Acid Predicts Worse Outcomes in Pediatric Nonmetastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients

AbstractTo evaluate the clinical significance of pretreatment levels of plasma Epstein–Barr virus DNA (pEBV DNA) on prognoses in pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.Eighty-nine patients aged 21 years old or younger with nonmetastatic NPC were evaluated to determine the effect of pEBV DNA levels on progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS). Survival probabilities in patient groups that were segregated by clinical stage or pEBV DNA load (low or high) were compared.The median pretreatment concentrations of pEBV DNA were 3440 copies/mL in 35 patients with stage III disease and 14,900 copies/mL in 50 patients with stage IV disease (P = 0.059). The median concentration of pEBV DNA was 34,500 copies/mL in 17 patients with relapse, which was higher than the concentration in 72 patients without relapse, who had a median level of 4985 copies/mL (P = 0.057). Further study showed that pretreatment pEBV DNA load was an independent prognostic indicator in pediatric NPC patients. High pEBV DNA was associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including PFS [3-year PFS rate = 80.5% versus 95.8%, hazard ratio (HR) = 5.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00–25.00; P = 0.050], DMFS (3-year DMFS rate = 80.5% versus 95.8%, HR = 5.20, 95% CI = 1.04–26.00; P = 0.045), and OS (3-year OS rate = 82.9% versus 95.8%, HR = 5.41, 95% CI = 1.08–27.22; P = 0.040). Pretreatment pEBV DNA load was an independent prognostic indicator for PFS, DMFS, and OS in pediatric patients with NPC. Prospective studies, however, are needed to validate these results.
Volume, Volatility, and Periodic Closure with Information Uncertainty

This paper investigates the effects of opening and closing on transactions demand, volume, and volatility of options prices and their underlying assets. We use an extension of the models in Merton (1971) as in Brock and Kleidon (1992), who consider a similar issue with respect to equity markets. The transactions demand at open and close in the underlying assets markets are studied in the presence of information costs using the main concepts in Merton's (1987) model of capital market equilibrium with incomplete information. As in other studies by Brock and Kleidon (1992), Smith and Webb (1994), Hong and Wang (2000), Bellalah and Zhen (2002), we show that periodic market closure leads to periodic changes in the demand for transaction services. We present some empirical work regarding the patterns in volume, volatility and spreads using a dataset for the Paris Bourse. The predictions of periodic demand with high volume at open and close in options markets and their underlying assets are consistent with other markets. They confirm also the more recent results in Hong and Wang (2000) and Bellalah and Zhen (2002).
Sovereign Defaults: The Price of Haircuts

A main puzzle in the sovereign debt literature is that defaults have only minor effects on subsequent borrowing costs and access to credit. This paper comes to a different conclusion. We construct the first complete database of investor losses (\"haircuts\") in all restructurings with foreign banks and bondholders from 1970 until 2010, covering 180 cases in 68 countries. We then show that restructurings involving higher haircuts are associated with significantly higher subsequent bond yield spreads and longer periods of capital market exclusion. The results cast doubt on the widespread belief that credit markets \"forgive and forget. \".
Concomitant Human Infections with 2 Cowpox Virus Strains in Related Cases, France, 2011

We investigated 4 related human cases of cowpox virus infection reported in France during 2011. Three patients were infected by the same strain, probably transmitted by imported pet rats, and the fourth patient was infected by another strain. The 2 strains were genetically related to viruses previously isolated from humans with cowpox infection in Europe.
Lifting Objects with Power-Assist: Weight-Perception-Based Force Control Concepts to Improve Maneuverability

We developed a 1-DOF power assist robot system to lift objects of different sizes by human subjects. We adopted a hypothesis that weight perception due to inertia might be different from that due to gravity when lifting an object with a power assist robot because the human feels a difference between the actual weight and the perceived weight of the object. We included this hypothesis in the robot dynamics. We then discussed the suitability of force control for the robot for lifting objects and developed several weight-perception-based force control strategies. These force control strategies may be compared to previously developed position control strategies, and the comparison results may help determine appropriate control for the robot to achieve desired maneuverability. The results, as a whole, may help develop human-friendly power assist devices to handle heavy objects in various industries.
Decoupling Relationship Between Cultivated Land Occupation by Construction and Economic Growth in China During 1998–2007

Abstract With the rapid development of economy, the conversion of cultivated land into nonagricultural land occurs more frequently and makes cultivated land sparser. This article based on the decoupling theory takes the situations of cultivated land occupation by construction and economic growth in China from 1998 to 2007 as an example to evaluate and analyze the decoupling. The conclusions are drawn as follows. First, the article applies IU curve and gross method. The decoupling status by gross method, in contrast to that by IU curve, can express the pressure from cultivated land occupation better and is similar to the decoupling status based on the model of decoupling in this article. Second, in most provinces of China, the relationship between the cultivated land occupation by construction and economic growth has transformed from expansive negative decoupling to strong decoupling. In general, the transformation was firstly from economically advanced eastern municipalities under the central government directly, then to economically advanced eastern coastal provinces, and lastly to central, western and northeastern regions. Third, the decoupling status was relative to contemporaneous policies and laws on cultivated land protection and regional development planning. Their effect is obvious and positive.
Signal Intensities Derived from Different NMR Probes and Parameters Contribute to Variations in Quantification of Metabolites

We discovered that serious issues could arise that may complicate interpretation of metabolomic data when identical samples are analyzed at more than one NMR facility, or using slightly different NMR parameters on the same instrument. This is important because cross-center validation metabolomics studies are essential for the reliable application of metabolomics to clinical biomarker discovery. To test the reproducibility of quantified metabolite data at multiple sites, technical replicates of urine samples were assayed by 1D-1H-NMR at the University of Alberta and the University of Michigan. Urine samples were obtained from healthy controls under a standard operating procedure for collection and processing. Subsequent analysis using standard statistical techniques revealed that quantitative data across sites can be achieved, but also that previously unrecognized NMR parameter differences can dramatically and widely perturb results. We present here a confirmed validation of NMR analysis at two sites, and report the range and magnitude that common NMR parameters involved in solvent suppression can have on quantitated metabolomics data. Specifically, saturation power levels greatly influenced peak height intensities in a frequency-dependent manner for a number of metabolites, which markedly impacted the quantification of metabolites. We also investigated other NMR parameters to determine their effects on further quantitative accuracy and precision. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of and need for consistent use of NMR parameter settings within and across centers in order to generate reliable, reproducible quantified NMR metabolomics data.
1 Semi-supervised learning for Machine Translation

Statistical machine translation systems are usually trained on large amounts of bilingual text which is used to learn a translation model, and also large amounts of monolingual text in the target language used to train a language model. In this chapter we explore the use of semi-supervised methods for the effective use of monolingual data from the source language in order to improve translation quality. In particular, in this work we use monolingual source language data from the same domain as the test set (without directly using the test set itself) and use semisupervised methods for model adaptation to the test set domain. We propose several algorithms with this aim, and present the strengths and weaknesses of each one. We present detailed experimental evaluations using French–English and Chinese– English data and show that under some settings translation quality can be improved.
Quality of Head-Related Transfer Functions-Some Practical Remarks

This paper starts with a short summary about previous work done in the field of head-related transfer function (HRTF) measurement and processing. Afterwards a new method to find and optimize HRTFs is explained. The main idea is to use expert listeners to select and tune the HRTFs with the help of real-time interaction adjustment of all parameters under test. Afterwards a listening test validates the previous results. Additionally several practical remarks regarding HRTF measurement and available HRTF sets are given. A possible scheme for the post processing is presented.
Higher order graph centrality measures for Neo4j

Graphs are currently the epicenter of intense research as they lay the theoretical groundwork in diverse fields ranging from combinatorial optimization to computational neuroscience. Vertex centrality plays a crucial role in graph mining as it ranks them according to their contribution to overall graph communication. Specifically, within the social network analysis context centrality identifies influential indivduals, whereas in the bioinformatics field centrality locates dominant proteins in protein-to-protein interaction. In recent years graph databases, part of the rising NoSQL movement, have been added to the graph analysis toolset. An implementation of eigenvector centrality, a prominent member of the broad class of spectral centrality, in Java and NetBeans designed for use with Neo4j, a major schemaless graph database, is outlined and the findings resulting from its application to a real world social graph are discussed.
A calculus of functional BSP programs with projection

Bulk synchronous parallel ML (BSML) is an extension of the functional language Objective Caml to program bulk synchronous parallel (BSP) algorithms. It is deterministic, deadlock free and performances are good and predictable. Parallelism is expressed with a set of 4 primitives on a parallel data structure called parallel vector. These primitives are pure functional ones: they have no side-effect. It is thus possible, and we did it, to prove the correctness of BSML programs using a proof assistant like Coq. The BSlambda-calculus is an extension of the lambda-calculus which models the core semantics of BSML. Nevertheless some principles of BSML are not well captured by this calculus. This paper presents a new calculus, with a projection primitive, which provides a better model of the core semantics of BSML
The multi-facets of sustainable nanotechnology – Lessons from a nanosafety symposium

Abstract An international symposium for nanosafety was held recently at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Topics relating to understanding nanomaterial properties, tools, and infrastructure required for predicting hazardous outcomes, measuring nanomaterial exposure levels, systems approach for risk assessment and public’s perception of nanotechnology were covered. The need for a multidisciplinary approach, across both natural and social sciences, for developing sustainable nanotechnology solutions was heavily emphasized. This commentary highlights the major issues discussed and the commitment of the nanosafety research community in Singapore to contribute collectively to realise the vision of sustainable nanotechnology.
Designing Survivable Networks with Directed Cycles for Routing Disrupted Flow

A telecommunications network may be represented as a graph where the edges correspond to transmission cables carrying signals between nodes that represent users. Associated with pairs of users is a traffic demand which must flow through the network. We are interested in installing integer multiples of capacity on the edges and routing the demand through the network while minimizing total (capacity installation and flow) costs. Furthermore, since equipment failures and accidents cannot be avoided entirely, the network must be designed so as to survive failure. In particular, we focus on single–edge failures (the scenario where only one edge may fail at a given time).
A new expression for oscillating amplitude of CMOS LC differential oscillator

In this paper, a new expression for oscillating amplitude of CMOS LC differential oscillator is derived. Contrary to the conventional expression which was derived by assuming that the current from sourced coupled pair flowing though LC tank is a square wave, the proposed expression is derived by assuming that such current is a clipped sinusoidal, which is more in line with the real situation. By comparing to the simulation results, it was found that the new expression of oscillating amplitude is more accurate than the widely used conventional expression.
A Capacity Optimization Algorithm for Network Survivability Enhancement

Load-Capacity models are usually used for analyzing the network fault-tolerance and survivability. The node's capacity reflects its redundant resources. We propose an evolutionary algorithm to search an optimized capacity allocation strategy, which makes the network achieve optimal robustness with the same resources. Our algorithm is implemented by the following two steps repeatedly: (1) Construct a new capacity allocation strategy by transferring the capacity among network nodes; and (2) Evaluate the network robustness and then decide whether or not to accept this strategy. It can be considered as a process of simulated annealing. We find that the Load-Capacity relationship seems to be neither the linear nor the preferential-attachment relation. Our works can provide algorithm support for trustworthy network design and the information security emergency response.
Introduction of Medicinal Plants Species with the Most Traditional Usage in Alamut Region

The ethnobotany of the medicinal plants of Alamut region is important in understanding the cultures and traditions of Alamut people. This study documents 16 medicinal plant species, most commonly used by the indigenous people of Alamut region (Ghazvin Province), northwest, Iran. The botanical name, family name, vernacular name, part used, and the application of the plants have been provided in this paper. Alamut region was divided into different villages with the aid of maps. We recorded traditional knowledge and use of medicinal plants from herbal practitioners and village seniors in Alamut. The plants were gathered from different sites. The fully dried specimens were then mounted on herbarium sheets. We found 16 medicinal plants belonging to 11 families which were traditionally used in Alamut. Finally, we describe traditional usages by the native people in the Alamut region. The obtained results were compared with data on the herb’s clinical effects. A set of voucher specimens were deposited to the Institute of Medicinal Plants Herbarium (IMPH).
Burden of Disease Study and Priority Setting in Korea: an Ethical Perspective

When thinking about priority setting in access to healthcare resources, decision-making requires that cost-effectiveness is balanced against medical ethics. The burden of disease has emerged as an important approach to the assessment of health needs for political decision-making. However, the disability adjusted life years approach hides conceptual and methodological issues regarding the claims and value of disabled people. In this article, we discuss ethical issues that are raised as a consequence of the introduction of evidence-based health policy, such as economic evidence, in establishing resource allocation priorities. In terms of ethical values in health priority setting in Korea, there is no reliable rationale for the judgment used in decision-making as well as for setting separate and distinct priorities for different government bodies. An important question, therefore, is which ethical values guiding the practice of decision-making should be reconciled with the economic evidence found in Korean healthcare. The health technology assessment core model from the European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) project is a good example of incorporating ethical values into decision-making. We suggest that a fair distribution of scarce healthcare resources in South Korea can be achieved by considering the ethical aspects of healthcare.
Coordinate linkage of HIV evolution reveals regions of immunological vulnerability

Cellular immune control of HIV is mediated, in part, by induction of single amino acid mutations that reduce viral fitness, but compensatory mutations limit this effect. Here, we sought to determine if higher order constraints on viral evolution exist, because some coordinately linked combinations of mutations may hurt viability. Immune targeting of multiple sites in such a multidimensionally conserved region might render the virus particularly vulnerable, because viable escape pathways would be greatly restricted. We analyzed available HIV sequences using a method from physics to reveal distinct groups of amino acids whose mutations are collectively coordinated (“HIV sectors”). From the standpoint of mutations at individual sites, one such group in Gag is as conserved as other collectively coevolving groups of sites in Gag. However, it exhibits higher order conservation indicating constraints on the viability of viral strains with multiple mutations. Mapping amino acids from this group onto protein structures shows that combined mutations likely destabilize multiprotein structural interactions critical for viral function. Persons who durably control HIV without medications preferentially target the sector in Gag predicted to be most vulnerable. By sequencing circulating viruses from these individuals, we find that individual mutations occur with similar frequency in this sector as in other targeted Gag sectors. However, multiple mutations within this sector are very rare, indicating previously unrecognized multidimensional constraints on HIV evolution. Targeting such regions with higher order evolutionary constraints provides a novel approach to immunogen design for a vaccine against HIV and other rapidly mutating viruses.
Automatic Sensor-Based Detection and Classification of Climbing Activities

This paper presents a novel application of a machine learning method to automatically detect and classify climbing activities using inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached to the wrists, feet, and pelvis of the climber. This detection/classification can be useful for research in sport science to replace manual annotation where IMUs are becoming common. Detection requires a learning phase with manual annotation to construct statistical models. Full-body activity is then classified based on the detection of each IMU.
The Importance of Accommodation on the Timing of Disability Insurance Applications: Results from the Survey of Disability and Work and the Health and Retirement Study

Using data from the 1978 Survey of Disability and Work and the 1992 Health and Retirement Study, we test the importance of accommodation and other policy variables on the timing of application for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits following the onset of a work-limiting condition. We correct for choice-based sampling in the Survey of Disability and Work by extending the Manski and Lerman (1977) correction to the likelihood function of our continuous time hazard model, we find that this correction significantly affects the results. Similar findings emerge from these two data sets. Accommodation significantly reduces the speed of application and more generous benefits increase the speed of applying for SSDI.
Impact of major volcanic eruptions on stratospheric water vapour

Abstract. Volcanic eruptions can have a significant impact on the Earth's weather and climate system. Besides the subsequent tropospheric changes, the stratosphere is also influenced by large eruptions. Here changes in stratospheric water vapour after the two major volcanic eruptions of El Chichon in Mexico in 1982 and Mount Pinatubo on the Philippines in 1991 are investigated with chemistry–climate model simulations. This study is based on two simulations with specified dynamics of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Hamburg – Modular Earth Submodel System (ECHAM/MESSy) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model, performed within the Earth System Chemistry integrated Modelling (ESCiMo) project, of which only one includes the long-wave volcanic forcing through prescribed aerosol optical properties. The results show a significant increase in stratospheric water vapour induced by the eruptions, resulting from increased heating rates and the subsequent changes in stratospheric and tropopause temperatures in the tropics. The tropical vertical advection and the South Asian summer monsoon are identified as sources for the additional water vapour in the stratosphere. Additionally, volcanic influences on tropospheric water vapour and El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are evident, if the long-wave forcing is strong enough. Our results are corroborated by additional sensitivity simulations of the Mount Pinatubo period with reduced nudging and reduced volcanic aerosol extinction.