Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differentiable agent-based epidemiological modeling for end-to-end learning

Mechanistic simulators are an indispensable tool for epidemiology to explore the behavior of complex, dynamic infections under varying conditions and navigate uncertain environments. ODE-based models are the dominant paradigm that enable fast simulations and are tractable to gradient-based optimization, but make simplifying assumptions about population homogeneity. Agent-based models (ABMs) are an increasingly popular alternative paradigm that can represent the heterogeneity of contact interactions with granular detail and agency of individual behavior. However, conventional ABM frameworks are not differentiable and present challenges in scalability; due to which it is non-trivial to connect them to auxiliary data sources easily. In this paper we introduce G RAD - ABM which is a new scalable, fast and differentiable design for ABMs. G RAD ABM runs simulations in few seconds on commodity hardware and enables fast forward and differentiable inverse simulations. This makes it amenable to be merged with deep neural networks and seamlessly integrate heterogeneous data sources to help with calibration, forecasting and policy evaluation. We demonstrate the efficacy of G RAD ABM via extensive experiments with real COVID-19 and influenza datasets. We are optimistic this work will bring ABM and AI communities closer together.
High-Order Corrected Trapezoidal Rules for Singular Functions

Abstract : A group of quadrature formulae is presented applicable to both non- singular functions and functions with end-point singularities, generalizing the classical end-point corrected trapezoidal quadrature rules. We present an algorithm for the construction of very high-order end-point corrected trapezoidal rules, taking advantage of functional information outside the interval of integration. The scheme applies not only to non-singular functions, but also for a wide class of functions with monotonic singularities. Numerical experiments are presented demonstrating the practical usefulness of the new class of quadratures. Tables of quadrature weights are included for singularities of the form s(x) = log(absolute value of x), s(x) = absolute value of x to the lambda power for a variety of values of lambda.
EXPLORING THE ORIGIN AND FATE OF THE MAGELLANIC STREAM WITH ULTRAVIOLET AND OPTICAL ABSORPTION

We present an analysis of ionization and metal enrichment in the Magellanic Stream (MS), the nearest gaseous tidal stream, using Hubble Space Telescope/STIS and FUSE ultraviolet spectroscopy of two background active galactic nuclei. The targets are NGC 7469, lying directly behind the MS with log N(H i)MS = 18.63 ± 0.03(stat) ± 0.08(syst), and Mrk 335, lying 24. °7 away with log N(H i)MS = 16.67 ± 0.05. For NGC 7469, we include optical spectroscopy from VLT/UVES. In both sight lines, the MS is detected in low-ion (O i, C ii, C iii, Si ii, Si iii, Al ii, Ca ii) and high-ion (O vi, C iv, Si iv) absorption. Toward NGC 7469, we measure an MS oxygen abundance [O/H]MS = [O i/H i] = −1.00 ± 0.05(stat) ± 0.08(syst), supporting the view that the Stream originates in the Small Magellanic Cloud rather than the Large Magellanic Cloud. We use CLOUDY to model the low-ion phase of the Stream as a photoionized plasma using the observed Si iii/Si ii and C iii/C ii ratios. Toward Mrk 335, this yields an ionization parameter between log U = −3.45 and −3.15, a gas density log (nH/cm−3) between −2.51 and −2.21, and a hydrogen ionization fraction of 98.9%–99.5%. Toward NGC 7469, we derive sub-solar abundance ratios for [Si/O], [Fe/O], and [Al/O], indicating the presence of dust in the MS. The high-ion column densities are too large to be explained by photoionization, but also cannot be explained by a single-temperature collisional ionization model (equilibrium or non-equilibrium). This suggests that the high-ion plasma is multi-phase, with an Si iv region, a hotter O vi region, and C iv potentially contributing to each. Summing over the low-ion and high-ion phases, we derive conservative lower limits on the ratio N(total H ii)/N(H i) of ≳19 toward NGC 7469 and ≳330 toward Mrk 335, showing that along these two directions the vast majority of the Stream has been ionized. The presence of warm-hot plasma together with the small-scale structure observed at 21 cm provides evidence for an evaporative interaction with the hot Galactic corona. This scenario, predicted by hydrodynamical simulations, suggests that the fate of the MS will be to replenish the Galactic corona with new plasma, rather than to bring neutral fuel to the disk.
NH3 spatiotemporal variability over Paris, Mexico City, and Toronto, and its link to PM2.5 during pollution events

Abstract. Megacities can experience high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution linked to ammonia (NH3) mainly emitted from agricultural activities. Here, we investigate such pollution in the cities of Paris, Mexico, and Toronto, each of which have distinct emission sources, agricultural regulations, and topography. Ten years of measurements from the infrared atmospheric sounding interferometer (IASI) are used to assess the spatiotemporal NH3 variability over and around the three cities. In Europe and North America, we determine that temperature is associated with the increase in NH3 atmospheric concentrations with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.8 over agricultural areas. The variety of the NH3 sources (industry and agricultural) and the weaker temperature seasonal cycle in southern North America induce a lower correlation factor (r2=0.5). The three regions are subject to long-range transport of NH3, as shown using HYSPLIT cluster back trajectories. The highest NH3 concentrations measured at the city scale are associated with air masses coming from the surrounding and north/northeast regions of Paris, the south/southwest areas of Toronto, and the southeast/southwest zones of Mexico City. Using NH3 and PM2.5 measurements derived from IASI and surface observations from 2008 to 2017, annually frequent pollution events are identified in the three cities. Wind roses reveal statistical patterns during these pollution events with dominant northeast/southwest directions in Paris and Mexico City, and the transboundary transport of pollutants from the United States in Toronto. To check how well chemistry transport models perform during pollution events, we evaluate simulations made using the GEOS-Chem model for March 2011. In these simulations we find that NH3 concentrations are underestimated overall, though day-to-day variability is well represented. PM2.5 is generally underestimated over Paris and Mexico City, but overestimated over Toronto.
More Voices Persuade: The Attentional Benefits of Voice Numerosity

The authors posit that in an initial exposure to a broadcast video, hearing different voices narrate (in succession) a persuasive message encourages consumers’ attention and processing of the message, thereby facilitating persuasion; this is referred to as the voice numerosity effect. Across four studies (plus validation and replication studies)—including two large-scale, real-world data sets (with more than 11,000 crowdfunding videos and over 3.6 million customer transactions, and more than 1,600 video ads) and two controlled experiments (with over 1,800 participants)—the results provide support for the hypothesized effect. The effect (1) has consequential, economic implications in a real-world marketplace, (2) is more pronounced when the message is easier to comprehend, (3) is more pronounced when consumers have the capacity to process the ad message, and (4) is mediated by the favorability of consumers’ cognitive responses. The authors demonstrate the use of machine learning, text mining, and natural language processing to process and analyze unstructured (multimedia) data. Theoretical and marketing implications are discussed.
REPEATED, DELAYED TORQUE VARIATIONS FOLLOWING X-RAY FLUX ENHANCEMENTS IN THE MAGNETAR 1E 1048.1−5937

We report on two years of flux and spin evolution monitoring of 1E 1048.1−5937, a 6.5 s X-ray pulsar identified as a magnetar. Using Swift X-Ray Telescope data, we observed an X-ray outburst consisting of an increase in the persistent 1–10 keV flux by a factor of 6.3 ± 0.2, beginning on 2011 December 31 (MJD 55926). Following a delay of ∼100 days, the magnetar entered a period of large torque variability, with reaching a factor of 4.55 ± 0.05 times the nominal value, before decaying in an oscillatory manner over a timescale of months. We show by comparing to previous outbursts from the source that this pattern of behavior may repeat itself with a quasi-period of ∼1800 days. We compare this phenomenology to periodic torque variations in radio pulsars, finding some similarities that suggest a magnetospheric origin for the behavior of 1E 1048.1−5937.
Broken zero modes of a string world sheet and a correlation function between a 1 / 4 BPS Wilson loop and a 1 / 2 BPS local operator

We reconsider a gravity dual of a $1/4$ BPS Wilson loop. In the case of an expectation value of the Wilson loop, it is known that broken zero modes of a string world sheet in the gravity side play important roles in the limit $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$, keeping the combination $\ensuremath{\lambda}{\mathrm{cos}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ finite. Here, $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is the 't Hooft coupling constant and ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ is a parameter of the Wilson loop. In this paper, we reconsider a gravity dual of a correlation function between the Wilson loop and a $1/2$ BPS local operator with R charge $J$. We take account of contributions coming from the same configurations of the above-mentioned broken zero modes. We find an agreement with the gauge theory side in the limit $J\ensuremath{\ll}\sqrt{\ensuremath{\lambda}{\mathrm{cos}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}}$.
Quantifying the Morphologies and Dynamical Evolution of Galaxy Clusters

We quantify the morphologies and dynamical states of 59 galaxy clusters using the power-ratio technique of Buote & Tsai applied to ROSAT PSPC X-ray images. The clusters exhibit a particularly strong $P_2/P_0 - P_4/P_0$ correlation in the $1h^{-1}_{80}$ Mpc aperture which may be interpreted as an evolutionary track; the location of a cluster on the correlation line indicates the dynamical state of the cluster and the distribution of clusters along this track measures the rate of formation and evolution of clusters in our sample. The power ratios anti-correlate with the cooling-flow rate indicating a reasonable dependence of the flow rate on cluster morphology. The relationship of the power ratios to the optical Bautz-Morgan (BM) Type is more complex. This is because the power ratios are sensitive to unrelaxed regions of clusters within a specified scale, whereas BM types are sensitive to unrelaxed regions over many scales. We discuss further astrophysical applications exploiting the relationship between the power ratios and the evolutionary states of clusters.
An assessment of airfoil design by numerical optimization

A practical procedure for optimum design of aerodynamic shapes is demonstrated. The proposed procedure uses an optimization program based on the method of feasible directions coupled with an analysis program that uses a relaxation solution of the inviscid, transonic, small-disturbance equations. Results are presented for low-drag, nonlifting transonic airfoils. Extension of the method to lifting airfoils, other speed regimes, and to three dimensions if feasible.
Ruptured aneurysm associated with a twig-like middle cerebral artery: An illustrative case report

Background: Anomalies of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are rare; among the different types of anomalies, the aplastic or twig-like (Ap/T) MCA is extremely rare and has been reported under various names, including aplastic, unfused, or rete type anomaly. The occurrence of a brain aneurysm associated with this anatomic variant is an even rare event, and probably their development and rupture are related to hemodynamic stress of the tinny wall of vessels forming the network. Case Description: We present a 43-year-old male patient with an explosive and persistent right orbitofrontal headache. A computed tomography showed a right frontobasal hematoma with intraventricular disruption. Magnetic resonance angiography showed a right MCA aneurysm and what seems to be a MCA trunk stenosis. Cerebral digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a plexiform arterial network and one aneurysm arising from the network. The patient was successfully treated by surgical clipping to evacuate the hematoma and to prevent further intracranial hemorrhages. Conclusion: The Ap/T-MCA may be associated with hemodynamic stress with a significant effect through the tinny wall of the vessels causing hemorrhage or leading to the formation and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. Based on a correct diagnosis of the anomaly, treatment can be completed successfully through different standard methods.
On kHz oscillations and characteristic frequencies of accreting magnetospheres

When an accreting star is close to rotational equilibrium between the dipole component of the stellar magnetic field and the accretion disc, the star’s rotation rate is roughly of the order of the Keplerian rotation rate at the inner boundary of the disc, estimated as the conventional Alfven radius. A range of frequencies higher than this equilibrium rotation frequency can naturally arise if the accretion flow is channelled by higher multipoles of the star’s magnetic field. The higher multipole components of the magnetic field will balance the material stresses of the accretion flow at radii closer to the star. The Kepler frequencies associated with these generalized Alfven radii increase with the order of the multipole. Other frequency bands, like the epicyclic frequencies associated with the accretion flow, may in turn be higher than the Kepler frequencies. We present expressions for the spectrum of higher frequencies arising due to these effects. Kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) frequencies that are much higher than the rotation rate of the neutron star, as observed from the recently discovered 11 Hz (P= 90 ms) X-ray pulsar IGR J17480−2446 in the globular cluster Terzan 5, may be due to the modulation of the accretion rate by the excitation of these modes in the accretion flow. The very high QPO frequencies observed from the soft gamma repeaters (SGRs) 1806−20 (P= 5.2 s) and 1900+14 (P= 7.5 s) may also correspond to these characteristic frequencies if SGRs accrete from fallback discs around them.
A multiwavelength view of the galaxy cluster Abell 523 and its peculiar diffuse radio source

We study the structure of the galaxy cluster Abell 523 (A523) at z=0.104 using new spectroscopic data for 132 galaxies acquired at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, new photometric data from the Isaac Newton Telescope, and X-ray and radio data from the Chandra and Very Large Array archives. We estimate the velocity dispersion of the galaxy population, sigmaV=949 km/s, and the X-ray temperature of the hot intracluster medium, kT=5.3 keV. We infer that A523 is a massive system: M200 about 7-9 x10E14 Msun. The analysis of the optical data confirms the presence of two subclusters, 0.75 Mpc apart, tracing the SSW-NNE direction and dominated by the two brightest cluster galaxies (BCG1 and BCG2). The X-ray surface brightness is strongly elongated towards the NNE direction, and its peak is clearly offset from both the BCGs. We confirm the presence of a 1.3 Mpc large radio halo, elongated in the ESE-WNW direction and perpendicular to the optical/X-ray elongation. We detect a significant radio/X-ray offset and radio polarization, two features which might be the result of a magnetic field energy spread on large spatial scales. A523 is found consistent with most scaling relations followed by clusters hosting radio haloes, but quite peculiar in the Pradio-LX relation: it is underluminous in the X-rays or overluminous in radio. A523 can be described as a binary head--on merger caught after a collision along the SSW-NNE direction. However, minor optical and radio features suggest a more complex cluster structure, with A523 forming at the crossing of two filaments along the SSW-NNE and ESE-WNW directions.
On the Interrelationships Among Sufficiency, Total Sufficiency and Some Related Concepts

Abstract : As noted by various authors, the notion of sufficiency is too weak for problems in connection with statistical inference in stochastic processes. Various attempts have been made to impose extra conditions and in the present paper the author discusses a few of these, with the purpose of discovering in which sense the concepts so defined differ and in which sense they are alike.
ENHANCED ACCRETION RATES OF STARS ON SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES BY STAR–DISK INTERACTIONS IN GALACTIC NUCLEI

We investigate the dynamical interaction of a central star cluster surrounding a supermassive black hole (SMBH) and a central accretion disk (AD). The dissipative force acting on stars in the disk leads to an enhanced mass flow toward the SMBH and to an asymmetry in the phase space distribution due to the rotating AD. The AD is considered as a stationary Keplerian rotating disk, which is vertically extended in order to employ a fully self-consistent treatment of stellar dynamics including the dissipative force originating from star–gas ram pressure effects. The stellar system is treated with a direct high-accuracy N-body integration code. A star-by-star representation, desirable in N-body simulations, cannot be extended to real particle numbers yet. Hence, we carefully discuss the scaling behavior of our model with regard to particle number and tidal accretion radius. The main idea is to find a family of models for which the ratio of two-body relaxation time and dissipation time (for kinetic energy of stellar orbits) is constant, which then allows us to extrapolate our results to real parameters of galactic nuclei. Our model is derived from basic physical principles and as such it provides insight into the role of physical processes in galactic nuclei, but it should be regarded as a first step toward more realistic and more comprehensive simulations. Nevertheless, the following conclusions appear to be robust: the star accretion rate onto the AD and subsequently onto the SMBH is enhanced by a significant factor compared to purely stellar dynamical systems neglecting the disk. This process leads to enhanced fueling of central disks in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and to an enhanced rate of tidal stellar disruptions. Such disruptions may produce electromagnetic counterparts in the form of observable X-ray flares. Our models improve predictions for their rates in quiescent galactic nuclei. We do not yet model direct stellar collisions in the gravitational potential well of the black hole, which could further enhance the growth rate of the black hole. Our models are relevant for quiescent galactic nuclei, because all our mass accretion rates would give rise to luminosities much smaller than the Eddington luminosity. To reach Eddington luminosities, outflows, and feedback as in the most active QSOs, other scenarios are needed, such as gas accretion after galaxy mergers. However, for AGNs close to the Eddington limit, this process may not serve as the dominant accretion process due to the long timescale.
Using Mobile Computing to Provide a Smart and Secure Internet of Things (IoT) Framework for Medical Applications

Mobile computing and technology are becoming more common in many parts of private life and public services, and they are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare, not just for sensory devices but also for communication, recording, and display. They are used for more than only sensory devices but also for communications, recording, and display. Numerous medical indications and postoperative days must be monitored carefully. As a result, the most recent development in Internet of Things- (IoT-) based healthcare communication has been embraced. The Internet of Things (IoT), which is employed in a wide range of applications, is a catalyst for the healthcare industry. Healthcare data is complicated, making it difficult to handle and evaluate in order to derive useful information for decision-making. On the other hand, data security is a vital requirement in a healthcare data systems. Determining the need for a smart and secure IoT platform for healthcare applications, we create one in this study. Here, a cutting-edge encryption algorithm is used to protect the health data. Normalization is first used to preprocess the data and remove any irrelevant information. Using principal component analysis and logistic regression, the data’s features are extracted (LR-PCA). To choose the pertinent features, a feature selection process based on genetic algorithms is used. We have put out a brand-new kernel homomorphism. To increase the security of the IoT network, use the two-fish Encryption algorithm (KHTEA). EBSMO (exponential Boolean spider monkey optimization) is used to further boost the encryption process’ effectiveness. Utilizing the MATLAB simulation tool, the proposed system is assessed, and the metrics are contrasted with the accepted practices. Our suggested solution has been shown to be effective in protecting medical healthcare data. The effectiveness of the proposed and existing approaches is assessed using metrics for encryption time, execution time, and security level. The security precautions we suggested for healthcare data worked well.
Phasic Alertness is Unaffected by the Attentional Set for Orienting

Warning stimuli preceding target stimuli for behaviour improve behavioural performance, which is referred to as phasic alerting. Similar benefits occur due to preceding orienting cues that draw spatial attention to the targets. It has long been assumed that alerting and orienting effects arise from separate attention systems, but recent views call this into question. As it stands, it remains unclear if the two systems are interdependent, or if they function independently. Here, we investigated whether the current attentional set for orienting modulates the effectiveness of alerting. In three experiments, participants classified visual stimuli in a speeded fashion. These target stimuli were preceded by orienting cues that could predict the target’s location, by alerting cues that were neutral regarding the target’s location, or by no cues. Alerting cues and orienting cues consisted of the same visual stimuli, linking alerting cues with the attentional set for orienting. The attentional set for orienting was manipulated in blocks, in which orienting cues were either informative or uninformative about the target’s location. Results showed that while alerting generally enhanced performance, alerting was unaffected by the informativeness of the orienting cues. These findings show that alerting does not depend on the attentional set that controls orienting based on the informational value of orienting cues. As such, the findings provide a simple dissociation of mechanisms underlying phasic alertness and spatial attentional orienting.