Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Hierarchical Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Model to Estimate the Short-term Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

We introduce a hierarchical spatio-temporal regression model to study the spatial and temporal association existing between health data and air pollution. The model is developed for handling measurements belonging to the exponential family of distributions and allows the spatial and temporal components to be modelled conditionally independently via random variables for the (canonical) transformation of the measurements mean function. A temporal autoregressive convolution with spatially correlated and temporally white innovations is used to model the pollution data. This modelling strategy allows to predict pollution exposure for each district and afterwards these predictions are linked with the health outcomes through a spatial dynamic regression model. Abstract In questo lavoro viene introdotto un modello di regressione spaziotemporale gerarchico per studiare l’associazione spazio-temporale tra i dati sulla salute e l’inquinamento atmosferico. Il modello è stato sviluppato nell’ambito della famiglia esponenziale e consente di modellare condizionatamente le componenti spaziali e temporali in modo indipendente attraverso variabili casuali per la trasformazione (canonica) della funzione media. Per modellare i dati sull’inquinamento viene utilizzata una convoluzione temporale autoregressiva con innovazioni spazialmente correlate e temporalmente indipendenti. Questa strategia di modellizzazione consente di prevedere l’esposizione all’inquinamento per ciascun distretto e, successivamente, queste previsioni sono messe in relazione con le ospedalizzazioni attraverso un modello di regressione spaziale dinamica.
Zigbee WSN Round Trip Latency in Function of Channel Occupation and Nodes Configuration

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) allow measuring temporal and spatial distribuited variables. WSN nodes measure variables and send them to a base station through a low data rate wireless communication channel. This wireless communication channel is shared by all nodes that comprised the WSN. WSN have been developed to allow high spatial density of data. Therefore, communication protocols for WSN have been developed in order to allow a large number of nodes. However, if a large number of data are transmitted through a low speed communication channel, latencies may increase considerably. This situation could happen in WSN with a large number of nodes sending data periodically, or in WSN that can increase the data rate when a specific event is detected. In this papers, round trip latency measurements in function of the communication channel occupation and sleep and active status time intervals of nodes are presented. Resumen—Las redes de sensores inalámbricos (WSN) permiten medir variables temporal y espacialmente distribuidas. Los nodos que forman una WSN miden variables y envían sus valores a una estación base a través de un canal de comunicaciones inalámbrico de baja velocidad de datos. Este canal de comunicación inalámbrico es compartido por todos los nodos que componen la WSN. Las WSN han sido desarrolladas para permitir alta densidad espacial de datos. Por lo tanto, los protocolos de comunicación para WSN han sido desarrollados con el fin de permitir un gran número de nodos. Sin embargo, si un gran número de datos son transmitidos a través de un canal de comunicación de baja velocidad, las latencias pueden aumentar considerablemente. Esta situación podría ocurrir en una WSN con un gran número de nodos que envían datos periódicamente, o en una WSN que puede aumentar la velocidad de datos cuando se detecta un evento específico. En este artículo se presentan mediciones de latencia total (ida y vuelta) en función de la ocupación del canal de comunicaciones y los intervalos de tiempo en estado activo y bajo consumo de los nodos.
An interactive system for combinatorial scientific computing with an emphasis on programmer productivity

Two trends have emerged of late in scientific computing. The first one is the adoption of high level interactive programming environments such as MATLAB, R and Python. This is largely due to diverse communities in physical sciences, engineering and social sciences using the computational experiment to supplement results from theory and experiments. Graphs are increasingly being used to model relationships between individual elements in many physical systems. Computation on graphs combined with numerical simulation represents the other trend in scientific computing. This thesis describes the design and implementation of a unified platform for combinatorial and numerical computing in STAR-P, a parallel implementation of the MATLAB programming language. Sparse matrices allow structured representation of irregular data structures, decompositions, and irregular access patterns in parallel applications. The duality between sparse matrix algorithms and graph algorithms is used to build a toolbox to compute with graphs in STAR-P. Circuitscape, a tool in landscape ecology, models animal movement and gene flow as resistive networks. Initially, computation on a moderate sized landscape required three days. The combination of distributed sparse matrices in STAR-P, the graph toolbox, and vectorization allow the same computation to be performed within fifteen minutes. Much larger landscapes can now be processed within a few hours. One of the salient features of interactive environments such as M ATLAB and STAR-P is increased programmer productivity. This thesis describes the design of experiments to collect productivity data from programmers. The concept of replay is presented, which makes these experiments reproducible. The replay also allows researchers to extract data from variables which were not observed when the experiment was in progress. Data collected from two classroom experiments is then used to construct timed Markov models of programmer productivity.
Analysis of lexical richness in the context of latent demographic user attributes classication

ca Abstract: In this paper we analyse the utility of Lexical richness estimations to predict latent user attributes shown in Spanish opinionated texts. Our aim is to establish how useful could be the Lexical richness to predict user's gender, age and regional origin. Because of this goal, we applied 32 lexical richness measures to 1911 previously labeled texts with demographic information. This approach has the
CYTTARES: a global database for the training and inter-comparison of biophysical products derived from medium resolution sensors

The CYTTARES database (CYclopes Training and Testing Algorithm Reference Ensemble of Sites) is composed of many sites representing the whole biome over the globe. This selection is based on ECOCLIMAP dataset and uses various specific criteria, such as existing networks site homogeneity, topography, geographical location. 532 sites are selected over the globe, including 137 sites from AERONET to future atmospheric correction and from VALERI for a comparison with the available ground observations. Then, 98 additional sites come from the existing international networks (FLUXNET, ILTER, MAB). Manually sites finally enable to complete the database. Each site is associated to biophysical variables, which will enable to validate the SAIL-PROSPECT model inversion within the European CYCLOPES project.
Analysis of the Transmission Characteristics of the Central Core in a Seven-Core Optical Fiber Based on Silica Glass

The transmission characteristics of the central core in seven-core fiber (7CF) are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The 7CF is placed between two standard single-mode fibers (SMF), which forms a so-called S7S structure (SMF–7CF–SMF). From the simulation results it was found that the transmitted power through a S7S structure is highly sensitive to the wavelength of operation. The simulation results are supported by experimental measurements using three different measurement set-ups on spliced S7S structures. The transmission characteristics of the central core in the S7S structure were measured using an unpolarized broadband light source, unpolarized light from an erbium-doped fiber amplifier and polarized light from a tunable laser source. The results from this paper will be useful in the design of novel optical filters using S7S structures.
Safecoin : The Decentralised Network Token

There are many examples of tokens (coins) being an e ective mechanism for incentivising behaviour. These cases demonstrate the bene ts of tokens in a wide variety of settings, but there is evidence that they are e ective within a computer networking environment. This paper attempts to explain the reasoning behind safecoin, the digital token of the SAFE Network, a decentralised data and communications network. It is anticipated that the introduction of safecoin will incentivise behaviour that ensures the long term health of the network for all its users.
8-2018 Simulation and Framework for the Humanoid Robot

Simulation and Framework for the Humanoid Robot TigerBot Felisa Sze Supervising Professor: Dr. Ferat Sahin Walking humanoid robotics is a developing field. Different humanoid robots allow for different kinds of testing. TigerBot is a new full-scale humanoid robot with seven degrees-of-freedom legs and with its specifications, it can serve as a platform for humanoid robotics research. Currently TigerBot has encoders set up on each joint, allowing for position control, and its sensors and joints connect to Teensy microcontrollers and the ODroid XU4 single-board computer central control unit. The components’ communication system used the Robot Operating System (ROS). This allows the user to control TigerBot with ROS. It’s important to have a simulation setup so a user can test TigerBot’s capabilities on a model before using the real robot. A working walking gait in the simulation serves as a test of the simulator, proves TigerBot’s capability to walk, and opens further development on other walking gaits. A model of TigerBot was set up using the simulator Gazebo, which allowed testing different walking gaits with TigerBot. The gaits were generated by following the linear inverse pendulum model and the basic zero-moment point (ZMP) concept. The gaits consisted of center of mass trajectories converted to joint angles through inverse kinematics. In simulation while the robot follows the predetermined joint angles, a proportionalintegral controller keeps the model upright by modifying the flex joint angle of the ankles. The real robot can also run the gaits while suspended in the air. The model has shown the walking gait based off the ZMP concept to be stable, if slow, and the actual robot has been shown to air walk following the gait. The simulation and the framework on the robot can be used to continue work with this walking gait or they can be expanded on for different methods and applications such as navigation, computer vision, and walking on uneven terrain with disturbances.
Personalized Automatic Quiz Generation Based on Proficiency Level Estimation

Recent years have seen increased attention given to computer-aided question generation for language student testing and evaluation. However, this approach often directly provides examinees with exhaustive questions. This is inappropriate, because these questions are not designed for any specific testing purpose. In this work, we present a personalized automatic quiz generation model that generates multiple-choice questions at various difficulty levels and categories, including grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. We combined this model with a quiz strategy for estimating examinee proficiency and question selection. The proficiency is estimated using Exponential Moving Average, combining the test responses with a student’s past history. The results show that the subjects in the experimental group corrected their mistakes more frequently as well as answered more difficult questions than the control group. The experimental group also demonstrated the most progress between the pre-test and post-test. In addition, most of subjects agree the quality of the generated questions in the questionnaire analysis.
A frequency domain iterative learning control for low bandwidth system

A frequency-domain learning scheme based on the modified Fourier series for the tracking control of system with a low bandwidth limit is presented. The proposed controller consists of two parts: a PD controller, and an online updated learning controller. The proposed method can reduce the tracking error more effectively than the same type of controller based on the conventional Fourier series approximation when the controlled system has a low-bandwidth. Experimental results on a belt-driven positioning table have shown that a considerable improvement can be achieved.
Evidence-based design of a noise-management algorithm

design (EBD) is an essential component of the productdevelopment process. It is aimed at: (1) ensuring that the product is reliable and functions as intended, and (2) ensuring that the product provides a measurable, real-world benefit to users. From this point of view, a successful noise-management algorithm must improve subjective comfort in noise without degrading objective speech intelligibility for the hearing aid user.1,2 Although these objectives seem straightforward, earlier iterations of noise-management algorithms had difficulty meeting both goals. First-generation algorithms attempted to apply an overall gain reduction in response to broadband, unmodulated “noise” at relatively high input levels.3 While these early algorithms were able to improve subjective comfort in response to higher levels of environmental noise, they had two main drawbacks: slower time constants and a lack of specificity. The result was an inability to decrease gain for noise without also decreasing gain for speech.4 Second-generation algorithms attempted to correct this problem by using faster time constants and varying the input levels at which gain reduction for noise was applied.5 These algorithms had limited success, as researchers had difficulty demonstrating improved speech understanding in noise or user preference for these types of noise-reduction schemes in the field.6-8 As third-generation noise-management algorithms begin to emerge, manufacturers are trying various methods to improve their performance. Yet, proving efficacy for this type of technology remains elusive.9,10 Although some studies have shown improved comfort and sound quality1,11 and others have objectively demonstrated enhanced or unchanged speech understanding in noise, the debate over their benefits to users is far from over.11,12 However, as the potential for improved patient benefit from a third-generation algorithm grows, Starkey Laboratories has developed a fast-acting noise adaptation system called Voice iQ. Voice iQ was initially developed at the Starkey Hearing Research Center (SHRC) in Berkeley, CA, with the intent to create a noise-reduction algorithm fast enough to reduce gain during the pauses in speech over a broad range of input levels, while achieving the combined goals of maintaining comfort without reducing speech intelligibility in noise. The system detects and continually monitors the spectral and temporal characteristics of both speech and noise levels to estimate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Fast-acting gain adaptation is applied to unmodulated noise sources during the gaps in speech, even at lower input levels. Voice iQ initiates gain adaptation at a +5-dB SNR and reaches its maximum potential for gain reduction at 0-dB SNR, attempting to optimize performance as the listening environment becomes more challenging.
Conditional Quantile-Located VaR Valore a rischio condizionato ai quantili

The Conditional Value-at-Risk (CoVaR) has been proposed by [1] to measure the impact of a company in distress on the Value-at-Risk (VaR) of the financial system. We propose here an extension of the CoVaR, that is, the Conditional Quantile-Located VaR (QL-CoVaR), that better deals with tail events, when spillover effects impact the stability of the entire system. In fact, the QL-CoVaR is estimated by assuming that the financial system and the individual companies simultaneously lie in the left tails of their distributions. Abstract Il valore a rischio condizionato (CoVaR) é stato introdotto da [1] per quantificare l’impatto di una societá in fase di stress sul valore a rischio (VaR) del sistema finanziario. Nel presente lavoro proponiamo un’estensione del VaR (QLCoVaR), che meglio si adatta agli eventi estremi, quando il rischio di contagio impatta sulla stabilitá dell’intera economia. Infatti, il QL-CoVaR é stimato assumendo che il sistema finanziario e le singole societá sono simultaneamente poste sulle code sinistre delle loro distribuzioni.
Performance analysis of a cascade of packet multiplexers loaded with correlated inputs

The loss performance of a whole virtual circuit in a packet switching broadband network with heterogeneous bursty traffic is studied. Such a study requires the packet loss characterization of a cascade of multiplexing or switching buffered elements. The focus is on the analysis of the modification experienced by the arrival process of a single source when it passes through a multiplexer. There is an expectation that the burstiness might be reduced by concatenating several nodes; instead it is shown that the packet loss behavior of the buffered elements inside the network is very similar to that of the access one. The main result, from a modeling point of view, is that it is not necessary to consider different models for the output of every buffered element in the network. <<ETX>>
Credit : 2 PDH Course Title : Enhanced Distillation Under Infrared Characteristic 3 Easy Steps to Complete the Course : 1

This chapter introduces quasi-steady water vaporization under mid-infrared (IR) radiation and the IR absorption of characteristic radiation associated with the first-kind liquid-gaseous phase transition of water. When characteristic radiation in the mid-IR spectral range is applied to water surface, the strong volumetric absorption of radiation energy in the liquid-phase causes water to be nearly isothermal. In addition to volumetric absorption, surface absorption of characteristic radiation induces vaporization of water. The complete mechanism of liquid-gaseous phase-transition radiation involves the direct surface absorption/emission of infrared energy accompanied by evaporation/ condensation of water. A direct consequence of excess characteristic radiation upon water surface is the induced supersaturation. This mechanism opens up a door for enhanced distillation under characteristic radiation. Blackbody-like materials such as black anodized aluminum surfaces and metal surfaces painted in black are recommended to be heated to ~250 C to serve as economical radiation sources. For isothermal water at room temperatures, ~20% supersaturation can be induced by hemispherical Blackbody radiation with temperature ~11 C higher than the water temperature. In this situation, energy extracted from the ambient for water vaporization can be as much as 80% of latent heat. With radiation-enhanced evaporation, the production cost for distilled water is significantly reduced as compared to distillation at the boiling point.
Meaning Structure Modeling : A Methodology for Creative Design of Shapes

In this paper it is proposed methodology for support creative design of shapes. The methodology is focused on the importance of meanings in design process, their role and connection to shape space. The processes of building meanings’ structure in shape is connected with concept dictionary. In conducted survey, the key features of meanings are analyzed by concept dictionary WordNet. The coordination, respectively relatedness of meanings of a shape is clarified as an important characteristic of successful shape.
Structural Optimization Coupled with Materials Selection for Stiffness Improvement

Abstract An application of a Finite Element Model updating is presented in this paper. Two Finite Element models were considered: a reinforced plate and a thin-walled beam. The two parts were numerically calculated in ANSYS Mechanical APDL and MATLAB programs. ANSYS performs Finite Element calculations, and a MATLAB programming code was used to control the optimization procedure. Geometric variables were chosen, to evaluate the value of the defined objective function. The material was picked using available selection charts, to find the most adequate one for the study. It has been concluded that the transveral displacement of the models modified by the optimization process decreased sharply in relation to the original state.
Fire In The Management Of Canada ' s National Parks : Philosophy And Strategy C

This paper deals with the question of whether fire has a place in the management of national parks. It takes as given the basic parks. philosophy that large-scale artificial techniques or treatments are out of place in park management. The paper begins with a discussion of ecological principles: that the concept of stability is quite appropriate to an ecosystem that depends on fire for periodic recycling,. that the temporary post-fire transformation of the site is necessary for such an ecosystem's survival, and that the same age-class distribution found in self-perpetuating forests among individual trees is likely to be found also in fire-dependent forests among communities or stands. The paper goes on to discuss: the ecological role of fire and its impact on the site; renewal rate and age-class distribution; fire behaviour and its importance; fire regimes and fire history; choice of vegetation and wildlife; classification of vegetation; lightning, man-caused, and prescribed fire; scale in time and space. The paper stops short of questions about individual parks or problems of tactical^ day-to-day fire management. It concludes that three options are open to large parks whose vegetation is largely firedependent: include fire in park management; permit artificial means of vegetative renewal; accept pronounced changes in park vegetation and wildlife with time.
The Study on Power Quality Evaluation based on Data Analysis

Power quality is the guide to the power of equipment malfunction or cannot work normally voltage. Rapid use, to the electric power quality caused serious, destruction and pollution power quality, produce the voltage wave and so on many kinds of power quality problems, to the user and power supply party bring huge economic loss "at the same time to plan. Microprocessor as the core of the intelligent precision equipment to the electric power quality put forward higher requirement, how to effectively can quality problem, improve the quality of power become the electric power industry research hotspot and focus of power quality inspection Richard and improve the quality of power, the prerequisite and basis of only fast. The correct detection and recognition of the electrical energy to take the right management measures improve the quality of power; reduce the loss of power quality problems.