Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Different Methods for the Elicitation of Attribute Weights: Structural Modeling, Process Tracing, and Self-Reports

Abstract This study investigates whether structural modeling, process tracing, and self-reports are able to provide similar information about attribute weights in multiattribute evaluation processes. In three experiments subjects had to evaluate a large number of profiles of fictitious persons described on a number of attributes. The experiments differed in type of judgment task, type of subjects, and number of attributes. Subject attribute weights were derived in all cases by fitting a statistical model (statistical weights), by analyzing verbal protocols (verbal protocol weights), and by directly asking the subject how important the attributes are for the judgments (subjective weights). Correspondence between the three sets of weights is examined in two ways: by computing the correlation between three sets of weights and by calculating how adequately the different sets of weights, applied in a linear model, can predict the subject′s judgments. The first method appears to be inappropriate for investigating correspondence. The correlations are rather unstable because of the small number of attributes, and apart from that, they tend to underestimate real correspondence when the weights in the respective sets are approximately equal. The second method shows that the three sets of weights are about equally adequate in predicting the actual subject judgments. It is concluded that this method convincingly demonstrates that the three different ways of eliciting attribute weights yield similar results.
Toward more precise photometric redshift estimation

Abstract We investigate how morphological information of galaxies help us to improve photometric redshift estimation. Using a catalog of morphologically classified bright galaxies derived from the Third Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, the statistical properties of different photometrical parameters as a function of morphology are examined. Parameters that best correlates with morphology are used as an additional information to better estimate the redhift. Improvements of several percent are obtained.
Estimation of area-average rainfall for frontal rain using the threshold method

The relationship between area-average rainfall rate and the fractional area covered by radar echoes of intensity greater than a predefined rainfall-rate threshold is investigated using quality-controlled data from the United Kingdom and Irish radars for the period 26 January to 25 February 1990. During this period the precipitation was predominantly frontal, unlike previous studies that have concentrated upon convective precipitation. A high degree of correlation is found for the composite radar field and for the areas covered by individual radars within the composite. The correlation coefficient varies with rainfall-rate threshold, peaking at a threshold of 2.0 mm h−1 when it is higher than 0.97 for all individual and composite radar data. The order of merit of the six thresholds investigated is 2.0, 1.0, 4.0, 0.5, 0.06 and 80. mm h−1. The spatial and temporal stability of the correlation over the area and period studied is high, especially for the threshold of 2.0 mm h−1%. A linear-regression relationship is used to estimate the area-average rainfall from the observed fractional area. The average error in the estimation of instantaneous areal rainfall rate for the single thresholds of 1.0 and 2.0 mm h−1 is 18.0% to 20.0% for observed area-average rainfall rates ⩾0.05 mm h−1. Use of combined thresholds of 1.0 and 2.0 mm h−1 reduces the average error to about 14%. Rainfall accumulations are estimated with greater accuracy than rainfall rates, the accuracy increasing with accumulation period. Five-day areal-average accumulations obtained using thresholds of 0.5, 1 and 2 mm h−1 have an average error in the range 8% to 11%. Over this period even a threshold of 0.06 mm h−1 produces a useful estimate, with an average error of 18%.
Intelligent sewage discharge control in a wastewater treatment plant during rainfall periods

ABSTRACT Uncontrolled wastewater discharges have social and environmental consequences and generate increased operational costs. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are vulnerable infrastructure and require the implementation of risk and safety analyses in the context of climate change and flooding. Therefore, making decisions in changing weather conditions is one of the most important but also most difficult tasks for operators to maintain proper management of wastewater infrastructure facilities. The aim of the research was to develop a decision-making tool based on soft sensor methods to allow inflows to be classified into two classes of WTTP operating conditions. The quality of the regression models was maintained at 90.0%, while the classifier based on the coarse decision tree had a testing accuracy of 92.4%. The results can contribute to a reduction in wastewater load, which is significant in the context of ongoing climate change, and to an improvement in WWTP operation through automation.
Use of novel silver nanoparticles with Hyaluronan as potential biological labels for determining the quality of embryos development

In reproductive medicine it is important to determine the quality of embryo development without interference in their function and viability. The surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles makes them promising candidates for optical sensing, molecular labeling and imaging applications. Furthermore unique optical properties of silver nanoparticles provide an opportunity to use them as real time analytic tools in living state especially for observation of dynamic processes in gametes and embryos. The main aim of the study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and biological activities of novel silver nanoparticles with prospect of their use for the determining the quality of embryo development. For this purpose, we investigated the optical properties of new silver nanoparticles in biological mediums during cultivation and their influence on rabbit’s embryos development in vitro. The physicochemical and biological properties of novel silver nanoparticles were compared with silver nanoparticles identical in size and shapes but with different chemical surfaces modifications by polyvinylpyrrolidone and bovine serum albumin. The results suggest that silver nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid were disintegrated with the formation of new complexes with proteins in biological mediums. This property with strong optical surface plasmon resonance of novel silver nanoparticles with hyaluronan makes them promising candidates in diagnostic area and gives reasons to explore them as biomarkers of target molecules. Nevertheless novel silver nanoparticles with hyaluronan at the concentrations of 0.1-1 μg/ml have no toxic effect on rabbit’s embryos development and can be successfully applied in reproductive medicine.
The Role of Visual Identity in Music Perception : A Talk with Specialists on Song Likability, Perceived Quality and Emotional Reactions

Since the music industry is oversaturated, the role of branding becomes of great importance. Although of a paramount value for success, the influence of visual identity on contemporary music perception is still poorly discussed. The present paper aims to exploratory assess the role of visual elements on the way music is perceived. Sixteen semi-structured interviews with music specialist are conducted. The primary topic approached refers to the role of visual identity in terms of song likability, perceived music quality, and emotional reactions. The results suggest that branding may help in the differentiation process by creating memorability and clarity on the market. However, for a valuable creative product, there must be a balance between shaping the brand identity and maintaining the artist's authenticity.
Marangoni flow on an inkjet nozzle plate

In piezo inkjet printing, nozzle failures are often caused by an ink layer on the nozzle plate. It is experimentally shown that the ink layer at the nozzle is formed through streamers of ink, emanating from a central ink band on the nozzle plate. The streamers propagate over a wetting nanofilm of 13 nm thickness, directed toward the actuated nozzles. The motion of the front end of the streamers follows a power law in time with an exponent ½. The observations are consistent with a surface tension gradient driven flow. The origin of the Marangoni flow is an effective lower surfactant concentration of the ink around the nozzle.
A multiplier adjustment method for the generalized assignment problem

We describe a branch and bound algorithm for the generalized assignment problem in which bounds are obtained from a Lagrangian relaxation with the multipliers set by a heuristic adjustment method. The algorithm was tested on a large sample of small random problems and a number of large problems derived from a vehicle routing application. Computation times were reasonable in all cases and the branch and bound trees generated had nearly two orders of magnitude fewer nodes than for competing algorithms. Although comparison of running times on different machines is difficult, the multiplier adjustment method appears to be about one order of magnitude faster than the best previously existing algorithms for this problem.
Theoretical performance limits on tropospheric refractivity estimation using point-to-point microwave measurements

Ducted propagation above the ocean surface can seriously impact shipboard radar and communications. Point-to-point microwave measurements have been proposed as a means of estimating tropospheric refractivity for the purposes of characterizing surface-based ducts. This paper addresses the theoretical performance of refractivity estimates that can be made by combining field measurements at different frequencies with prior statistics of refractivity variation. Parameterizing the refractivity profile using empirical orthogonal functions derived from a historical database, both Cramer-Rao performance bounds and the maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate are discussed using coherent or incoherent signals. Results obtained using a realistic model of refractivity conditions off Southern California suggest that multifrequency propagation measurements can significantly improve the estimation of refractivity and propagation loss profiles.
Specification, Estimation, and Evaluation of Smooth Transition Autoregressive Models

Abstract This article considers the application of two families of nonlinear autoregressive models, the logistic (LSTAR) and exponential (ESTAR) autoregressive models. This includes the specification of the model based on simple statistical tests: linearity testing against smooth transition autoregression, determining the delay parameter and choosing between LSTAR and ESTAR models are discussed. Estimation by nonlinear least squares is considered as well as evaluating the properties of the estimated model. The proposed techniques are illustrated by examples using both simulated and real time series.
A mixed stress model for linear elastodynamics of arbitrarily curved beams

This work presents a mixed stress finite element for linear elastodynamics of arbitrarily curved beams based on a modified Hellinger–Reissner functional. A rational approach to choose the stress approximation is proposed. In particular, the self‐equilibrated stress is augmented by some stress modes obtained from the lower‐order displacement approximation using the equilibrium equations, in such a way that the total number of stress modes is equal to the number of strain modes. The rationale is to preserve all the interactions among the stresses, proper of a curved structure without compromising the flexibility of the element. An arbitrarily curved geometry is described using a parametric Hermitian interpolation scheme tuned by minimizing the initial curvature of the arch. The effectiveness of the present approach is numerically demonstrated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local compressibilities in crystals

An application of the atoms in molecules theory to the partitioning of static thermodynamic properties in condensed systems is presented. Attention is focused on the definition and the behavior of atomic compressibilities. Inverses of bulk moduli are found to be simple weighted averages of atomic compressibilities. Two kinds of systems are investigated as examples: four related oxide spinels and the alkali halide family. Our analyses show that the puzzling constancy of the bulk moduli of these spinels is a consequence of the value of the compressibility of an oxide ion. A functional dependence between ionic bulk moduli and ionic volume is also proposed.
Inference in Regression Models with Many Regressors

We investigate the behavior of various standard and modified F, LR and LM tests in linear homoskedastic regressions, adapting an alternative asymptotic framework where the number of regressors and possibly restrictions grows proportionately to the sample size. When restrictions are not numerous, the rescaled classical test statistics are asymptotically chi-squared irrespective of whether there are many or few regressors. However, when restrictions are numerous, standard asymptotic versions of classical tests are invalid. We propose and analyze asymptotically valid versions of the classical tests, including those that are robust to the numerosity of regressors and restrictions. The local power of all asymptotically valid tests under consideration turns out to be equal. The "exact" F test that appeals to critical values of the F distribution is also asymptotically valid and robust to the numerosity of regressors and restrictions.
Survey on Dermatophytes Isolated from Animals in Switzerland in the Context of the Prevention of Zoonotic Dermatophytosis

Most inflammatory dermatophytoses in humans are caused by zoophilic and geophilic dermatophytes. Knowledge of the epidemiology of these fungi in animals facilitates the prevention of dermatophytosis of animal origin in humans. We studied the prevalence of dermatophyte species in domestic animals in Switzerland and examined the effectiveness of direct mycological examination (DME) for their detection compared to mycological cultures. In total, 3515 hair and skin samples, collected between 2008 and 2022 by practicing veterinarians, were subjected to direct fluorescence microscopy and fungal culture. Overall, 611 dermatophytes were isolated, of which 547 (89.5%) were from DME-positive samples. Cats and dogs were the main reservoirs of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis, whereas Trichophyton benhamiae was predominantly found in guinea pigs. Cultures with M. canis significantly (p < 0.001) outnumbered those with T. mentagrophytes in DME-negative samples (19.3% versus 6.8%), possibly because M. canis can be asymptomatic in cats and dogs, unlike T. mentagrophytes, which is always infectious. Our data confirm DME as a reliable, quick, and easy method to identify the presence of dermatophytes in animals. A positive DME in an animal hair or skin sample should alert people in contact with the animal to the risk of contracting dermatophytosis.
A Note on Arithmetic Progressions on Quartic Elliptic Curves

G. Campbell described a technique for producing inflnite families of quartic elliptic curves containing a length-9 arithmetic progression. He also gave an example of a quartic elliptic curve containing a length-12 arithmetic progression. In this note we give a construction of an inflnite family of quartics on which there is an arithmetic progression of length 10. Then we show that there exists an inflnite family of quartics containing a sequence of length 12.
Maternal androgen excess significantly impairs sexual behavior in male and female mouse offspring: Perspective for a biological origin of sexual dysfunction in PCOS

Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common infertility disorder worldwide, typically characterised by high circulating androgen levels, oligo- or anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Sexual dysfunction, including decreased sexual desire and increased sexual dissatisfaction, is also reported by women with PCOS. The origins of these sexual difficulties remain largely unidentified. To investigate potential biological origins of sexual dysfunction in PCOS patients, we asked whether the well-characterized, prenatally androgenized (PNA) mouse model of PCOS exhibits modified sex behaviours and whether central brain circuits associated with female sex behaviour are differentially regulated. As a male equivalent of PCOS is reported in the brothers of women with PCOS, we also investigated the impact of maternal androgen excess on the sex behaviour of male siblings. Methods Adult male and female offspring of dams exposed to dihydrotestosterone (PNAM/PNAF) or an oil vehicle (VEH) from gestational days 16 to 18 were tested for a suite of sex-specific behaviours. Results PNAM showed a reduction in their mounting capabilities, however, most of PNAM where able to reach ejaculation by the end of the test similar to the VEH control males. In contrast, PNAF exhibited a significant impairment in the female-typical sexual behaviour, lordosis. Interestingly, while neuronal activation was largely similar between PNAF and VEH females, impaired lordosis behaviour in PNAF was unexpectedly associated with decreased neuronal activation in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH). Conclusion Taken together, these data link prenatal androgen exposure that drives a PCOS-like phenotype with altered sexual behaviours in both sexes.
Large-scale nano-biosensing technologies

Nanoscale technologies have brought significant advancements to modern diagnostics, enabling unprecedented bio-chemical sensitivities that are key to disease monitoring. At the same time, miniaturized biosensors and their integration across large areas enabled tessellating these into high-density biosensing panels, a key capability for the development of high throughput monitoring: multiple patients as well as multiple analytes per patient. This review provides a critical overview of various nanoscale biosensing technologies and their ability to unlock high testing throughput without compromising detection resilience. We report on the challenges and opportunities each technology presents along this direction and present a detailed analysis on the prospects of both commercially available and emerging biosensing technologies.
Sapphire-Anvil Cell for High Pressure Research

A pair of sapphire crystals was used for opposed anvils of a high pressure cell. Various types of anvils were attempted. The shapes of all anvils were fundamentally a truncated rod but they differed in minor designs. Maximum pressures of about 14 GPa was attained by the use of anvils with top and bottom surfaces respectively 1 and 5 mm in diameter and with an angle of 18° between the top surface and tapered flank. No particular relation, which is expected to favor the generation of high pressure, was found between the crystallographic axes and the direction of compression.
Origanum heracleoticum Essential Oils: Chemical Composition, Phytotoxic and Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory Activities

Many studies have demonstrated the herbicidal effects of several essential oils and their possible use as substitutes for chemical herbicides. Several enzymes play a very significant role in seed germination: among these, α-amylase could be involved in essential oil phytotoxic processes. The aims of this study were to compare the chemical composition of the essential oils of two ecotypes of O. heracleoticum growing in Cilento (Southern Italy) and to study their possible use as natural herbicide using Raphanus sativus, Sinapis arvensis and Lolium multiflorum seeds. Moreover, a possible inhibitory activity on the α-amylase enzyme extracted from germinating seeds was evaluated as a possible mechanism of action. Both oils, characterized by GC-MS, belonged to a carvacrol chemotype. The alpha-amylase activity was determined using DNSA (dinitrosalicylic acid) assay quantifying the reducing sugar produced. Furthermore, the essential oils demonstrated phytotoxicity at the highest dose tested, and an inhibitory effect on α-amylase, probably correlated with the phytotoxic effects, was registered. The oils showed interesting phytotoxic and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities, which deserve to be further investigated.
Orthogonal projections to latent structures (O‐PLS)

A generic preprocessing method for multivariate data, called orthogonal projections to latent structures (O‐PLS), is described. O‐PLS removes variation from X (descriptor variables) that is not correlated to Y (property variables, e.g. yield, cost or toxicity). In mathematical terms this is equivalent to removing systematic variation in X that is orthogonal to Y. In an earlier paper, Wold et al. (Chemometrics Intell. Lab. Syst. 1998; 44: 175–185) described orthogonal signal correction (OSC). In this paper a method with the same objective but with different means is described. The proposed O‐PLS method analyzes the variation explained in each PLS component. The non‐correlated systematic variation in X is removed, making interpretation of the resulting PLS model easier and with the additional benefit that the non‐correlated variation itself can be analyzed further. As an example, near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectra of wood chips were analyzed. Applying O‐PLS resulted in reduced model complexity with preserved prediction ability, effective removal of non‐correlated variation in X and, not least, improved interpretational ability of both correlated and non‐correlated variation in the NIR spectra. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting complications in pediatric Crohn's disease patients followed in CEDATA-GPGE registry

Background Complications of Crohn's disease (CD) often impair patients' quality of life. It is necessary to predict and prevent these complications (surgery, stricturing [B2]/penetrating [B3] disease behavior, perianal disease, growth retardation and hospitalization). Our study investigated previously suggested and additional predictors by analyzing data of the CEDATA-GPGE registry. Methods Pediatric patients (< 18 years) diagnosed with CD with follow up data in the registry were included in the study. Potential risk factors for the selected complications were evaluated by performing Kaplan-Meier survival curves and cox regression models. Results For the complication surgery, the potential risk factors older age, B3 disease, severe perianal disease and initial therapy with corticosteroids at the time of diagnosis were identified. Older age, initial therapy with corticosteroids, low weight-for-age, anemia and emesis predict B2 disease. Low weight-for-age and severe perianal disease were risk factors for B3 disease. Low weight-for-age, growth retardation, older age, nutritional therapy, and extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) of the skin were identified as risk factors for growth retardation during the disease course. High disease activity and treatment with biologicals were predictors for hospitalization. As risk factors for perianal disease, the factors male sex, corticosteroids, B3 disease, a positive family history and EIM of liver and skin were identified. Conclusion We confirmed previously suggested predictors of CD course and identified new ones in one of the largest registries of pediatric CD patients. This may help to better stratify patients’ according to their individual risk profile and choose appropriate treatment strategies.