Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finite-sample performance of the T- and W-estimators for the Pareto tail index under data truncation and censoring

A single-parameter Pareto model, Pareto I, arises in many areas of application such as pricing of insurance risks, measuring income or wealth inequality in economics, or modelling lengths of telephone calls in telecommunications. In insurance, for example, it is common to work with data that are truncated (due to deductibles), censored (due to policy limits), and contaminated by outliers (due to model misspecification). Therefore, it is prudent to estimate Pareto I using robust procedures that are designed for such data transformations and are resistant to outliers. In this paper, we consider trimmed (T) and winsorized (W) estimators for the Pareto tail index α, and conduct a simulation study to check these estimators' performance in finite samples. Two broad aspects are investigated: Convergence of 's to α as sample size increases from n = 25 to n = 1000. This is evaluated by presenting a series of boxplots and measuring each estimator's relative bias and finite-sample relative efficiency (with respect to the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimator, MLE). Sensitivity of 's and of two value-at-risk estimates to a new observation (an outlier) that is placed at various locations within the sample ranging from the point of left-truncation/-censoring to the point of right-censoring. We find that with respect to (a), T- and W-estimators perform best when n is small and MLE outperforms its competitors when n is large. And with respect to (b), MLE is not robust whilst T's and W's can offer any desired degree of robustness.
AXISYMMETRIC MHD INSTABILITIES IN SOLAR/STELLAR TACHOCLINES

Extensive studies over the past decade showed that HD and MHD nonaxisymmetric instabilities exist in the solar tachocline for a wide range of toroidal field profiles, amplitudes, and latitude locations. Axisymmetric instabilities (m = 0) do not exist in two dimensions, and are excited in quasi-three-dimensional shallow-water systems only for very high field strengths (2 mG). We investigate here MHD axisymmetric instabilities in a three-dimensional thin-shell model of the solar/stellar tachocline, employing a hydrostatic, non-Boussinesq system of equations. We deduce a number of general properties of the instability by use of an integral theorem, as well as finding detailed numerical solutions for unstable modes. Toroidal bands become unstable to axisymmetric perturbations for solar-like field strengths (100 kG). The e-folding time can be months down to a few hours if the field strength is 1 mG or higher, which might occur in the solar core, white dwarfs, or neutron stars. These instabilities exist without rotation, with rotation, and with differential rotation, although both rotation and differential rotation have stabilizing effects. Broad toroidal fields are stable. The instability for modes with m = 0 is driven from the poleward shoulder of banded profiles by a perturbation magnetic curvature stress that overcomes the stabilizing Coriolis force. The nonaxisymmetric instability tips or deforms a band; with axisymmetric instability, the fluid can roll in latitude and radius, and can convert bands into tubes stacked in radius. The velocity produced by this instability in the case of low-latitude bands crosses the equator, and hence can provide a mechanism for interhemispheric coupling.
Experimental study of erosion of methane ice by energetic ions and some considerations for astrophysics

The rate of erosion and polymerization of methane ice under bombardment by hydrogen and helium ions, relevant to surface processes on Pluto and possibly Charon and Triton, is studied experimentally as a function of ion energy and ice film thickness. For the thinnest films studied, erosion of the entire film is accomplished using MeV energy helium ions. Loss of both carbon and hydrogen is observed from thicker films, with the hydrogen-to-carbon content of the films decreasing with increasing irradiation exposures. The effective cross section for initial hydrogen loss is about 5 x 10 to the -16th sq cm. After a total incident dose of MeV He ions greater than about 10 to the 15th/sq cm, the loss rates decrease significantly and the effective cross section is about 10 to the -17th sq cm. Thus, the state of ultimate polymerization of a pure methane film in an astrophysical particle environment will depend critically on the thickness of the ice layer as well as on the ion composition of the radiation environment. 33 references.
Flexible Nonlinear Error Correction Method Based on Support Vector Regression in Fringe Projection Profilometry

The gamma effect of a projector is the most critical factor affecting 3-D shape measurements. A flexible and efficient error correction algorithm based on machine learning is proposed that facilitates correcting the system nonlinear error without any system nonlinear parameter calibration or knowledge of prior system information. The proposed method is a two-stage framework. The first stage is the projector gamma estimation module. First, the probability density function (PDF) of the wrapped phase with different gamma values is generated by simulation. The corresponding PDF sequence and gamma values are combined into a dataset to train a support vector regression (SVR) model. The trained SVR model can estimate the system gamma value according to the PDF sequence of the actual measured wrapped phases. The second stage is the phase error compensation module. In this stage, we establish the objective function according to the mathematical model and the gamma value estimated in the first part, and then use an iterative algorithm to solve the precise phase. The experimental and simulation results confirm the effectiveness of this method in directly identifying the system gamma value from the wrapped phase without complicated system calibration or any prior system information. The proposed algorithm is suitable for time-varying nonlinear systems.
Analytical Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis on Plasma Extraction Transit Time (PETT) Oscillations in High-Voltage NPT p-i-n Diode

A comprehensive research on the analytical model and influence factors of plasma extraction transit time (PETT) oscillation during reverse recovery process of non-punchthrough (NPT) p-i-n diode is presented in this article. First, the experimental platform is setup to evaluate PETT oscillation under various conditions, and the result demonstrates that the oscillation on gate voltage is induced by the mutual inductance with oscillation loop. In addition, a physical model is established to investigate the features and occurrence condition of PETT oscillation based on the operating rule of electrical field and excess carrier inside diode. Furthermore, the time and frequency characteristics are defined, and the influence of load current, bus voltage, junction temperature, and switching speed is investigated based on the experimental waveforms. The analytical model illustrates that the time features increase with current logarithm and reciprocal of bus voltage, which is consistent with experimental results.
Making Hands-On Science Learning Accessible for Students Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

The 2011 National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam event at Towson University enabled a large group of blind youth to participate in a five day long science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academy. Enrichment experiences such as this one may generate interest in STEM subjects for students with visual impairments. For decades, persons with disabilities have been discouraged from considering career paths in STEM-related fields. This manuscript addresses the relationship between science faculty, teachers of visually impaired students, students with visual impairments, and the students’ parents or legal guardians. Working together, these key stakeholders can draw on their strengths and expertise to better develop an implementation plan for students with visual impairments to have a successful hands-on science learning experience. The 2011 National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam event served as the venue for a new access technology, developed by researchers at Independence Science and Pu.
On the stability and convergence of a self-tuning controller

The self-tuning regulator of Astrom and Wittenmark and its derivatives are discussed. The stability properties are analysed using standard input-output concepts. Convergence with probability one of certain mean-square errors of interest is shown to be a consequence of input-output stability of a related system and the martingale convergence theorem.
Production and reproduction responses for dairy cattle supplemented with oral calcium bolus after calving: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Graphical Abstract Summary: Meta-analytical methods were used to quantify the associations between prophylactic blanket postpartum oral Ca bolus supplementation and milk yield and risk of pregnancy to first service in dairy cows. Nine relevant studies were identified following a systematic review of the literature published between January 2010 and September 2021. Eight of the eligible studies reported feeding low or negative dietary cation-anion difference diets prepartum. The meta-analyses revealed a lack of evidence for a group level response on milk yield or risk of pregnancy to first service after prophylactic blanket postpartum oral Ca bolus supplementation. Future research should study and report the production, reproduction, and health estimates of cow-level conditional factors of interest for the evaluated response, and investigate alternative regimens of oral Ca bolus supplementation.
Does Central Environmental Protection Inspector Improve Corporate Social Responsibility? Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies

As an essential innovation in China’s environmental governance, the central environmental protection inspector policy (CEPI) plays a crucial role in driving the development of the corporate responsibility system. Using the difference-in-differences model with multiple time periods, samples of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2013 to 2020 are chosen to examine the impact of the CEPI on corporate social responsibility within the context of China’s modern governance system. The results indicate the following: first, the CEPI can significantly promote enterprises to fulfil social responsibility; second, the local government environmental regulation and public participation are the dual guarantees for the effect of the CEPI’s policy, and market-based environmental regulation of the local government is more effective than command-and-control environmental regulation; and third, a high propensity for technological innovation is a critical incentive for businesses to fulfil their social responsibilities under the CEPI. For enterprises to actively respond to society, the compensation effect of innovation must be greater than its cost effect. By examining the interaction between the Central Government, the local government, companies and the public, this research aims to provide theoretical support for accelerating the creation of China’s contemporary environmental governance system.
Numerical and semi-analytical analysis of modulation layer properties in ITO modulators

classical (numerical and semi-analytical) and quantum models for the effective charge accumulation/depletion layer depth in a metal-dielectric-Indium Tin Oxide modulator are compared. Both are shown to give results of the order of 0.1 nm, justifying modeling the layer in optical simulations as a two-dimensional object, for which the predictions of both models are very similar.
F6SAE J2954 WPT System Radiated Emission Model

A preliminary numerical study on the radiated emission (RE) of a stationary wireless power transfer (WPT) system for automotive applications is presented. The study investigates the most critical sources for RE which are the high-frequency (HF) components, and in particular the common-mode currents flowing in the cables attached to the power electronic systems and the differential-mode currents in the coils.
Inhibiting phosphatase and actin regulator 1 expression is neuroprotective in the context of traumatic brain injury

Studies have found that the phosphatase actin regulatory factor 1 expression can be related to stroke, but it remains unclear whether changes in phosphatase actin regulatory factor 1 expression also play a role in traumatic brain injury. In this study we found that, in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury induced by controlled cortical impact, phosphatase actin regulatory factor 1 expression is increased in endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. When we overexpressed phosphatase actin regulatory factor 1 by injection an adeno-associated virus vector into the contused area in the traumatic brain injury mice, the water content of the brain tissue increased. However, when phosphatase actin regulatory factor 1 was knocked down, the water content decreased. We also found that inhibiting phosphatase actin regulatory factor 1 expression regulated the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, decreased blood-brain barrier permeability, reduced aquaporin 4 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression, inhibited neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis, thereby improving neurological function. The findings from this study indicate that phosphatase actin regulatory factor 1 may be a potential therapeutic target for traumatic brain injury.
Observational evidence for stellar-mass black holes

Abstract Radial velocity studies of X-ray binaries provide the most solid evidence for the existence of stellar-mass black holes. We currently have 20 confirmed cases, with dynamical masses in excess of 3 M⊙. Accurate masses have been obtained for a subset of systems which gives us a hint at the mass spectrum of the black hole population. This review summarizes the history of black hole discoveries and presents the latest results in the field.
Nutritional Support in Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) presents with an acute abnormality of liver blood tests in an individual without underlying chronic liver disease. The clinical course leads to the development of coagulopathy and hepatic encephalopathy. The role of nutrition in its prevention and treatment remains uncertain. We aimed to review literature data on the concept of ALF and the role of nutrition in its treatment and prevention, considering the impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis and eubiosis. We conducted a review of the literature on the main medical databases using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: liver failure, nutrition, branched-chain amino acids, gut microbiota, dysbiosis, and probiotics. Upon their arrival at the emergency department, an early, accurate nutritional assessment is crucial for individuals with ALF. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), stable euglycemia maintenance, and moderate caloric support are crucial for this subset of patients. An excessive protein load must be avoided because it worsens hepatic encephalopathy. Preclinical evidence supports future probiotics use for ALF treatment/prevention. Nutritional support and treatment for ALF are crucial steps against patient morbidity and mortality. BCAAs and euglycemia remain the mainstay of nutritional treatment of ALF. Gut dysbiosis re-modulation has an emerging and natural-history changing impact on ALF.
Factors Associated with Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration in Greece: Data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey

Despite its well-documented benefits, breastfeeding rates and duration worldwide do not meet the recommended goals set by the World Health Organization. Data on infant feeding, socio-demographic, lifestyle and perinatal factors were used from 490 mothers (and 958 children), participants at the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey between 2013–2015. Clustered multiple logistic regression and multilevel mixed-model regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with breastfeeding initiation and duration, respectively. Maternal lower education [Odds Ratio (OR): 2.29, 95% Confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.30–4.04; p = 0.004], smoking during pregnancy (OR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.64–5.77; p < 0.001), caesarean section (OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.83–5.83; p < 0.001), prematurity (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.40–5.37; p = 0.003) and higher birth order (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04–1.62; p = 0.020) were associated with increased odds of not initiating breastfeeding. Living in rural areas [beta coefficient b = −27.93, p = 0.043], smoking during pregnancy (b = −64.47, p < 0.001), caesarean section (b = −28.76, p = 0.046) and prematurity (b = −46.67, p = 0.048) were significantly associated with shorter breastfeeding duration. Children born chronologically closer to the survey were more likely to breastfeed and for longer periods. Educational promotion and enhancement of breastfeeding awareness that account for maternal exposures are required. Prevention of prematurity and avoidance of unnecessary caesarean section is crucial, while additional breastfeeding support is needed when preterm birth occurs, or caesarean section cannot be avoided.
Compact Groups analysis using weak gravitational lensing

We present a weak lensing analysis of a sample of SDSS Compact Groups (CGs). Using the measured radial density contrast profile, we derive the average masses under the assumption of spherical symmetry, obtaining a velocity dispersion for the Singular Isothermal Spherical model, $\sigma_V = 270 \pm 40 \rm ~km~s^{-1}$, and for the NFW model, $R_{200}=0.53\pm0.10\,h_{70}^{-1}\,\rm Mpc$. We test three different definitions of CGs centres to identify which best traces the true dark matter halo centre, concluding that a luminosity weighted centre is the most suitable choice. We also study the lensing signal dependence on CGs physical radius, group surface brightness, and morphological mixing. We find that groups with more concentrated galaxy members show steeper mass profiles and larger velocity dispersions. We argue that both, a possible lower fraction of interloper and a true steeper profile, could be playing a role in this effect. Straightforward velocity dispersion estimates from member spectroscopy yields $\sigma_V \approx 230 \rm ~km~s^{-1}$ in agreement with our lensing results.
CLIC, a Two-Beam Multi-TeV e+e- Linear Collider

The CLIC study of a high-energy (0.5 - 5 TeV), high-luminosity (1034 - 1035 cm-2 sec-1) e+e- linear collider is presented. Beam acceleration using high frequency (30 GHz) normal-conducting structures operating at high accelerating fields (150 MV/m) significantly reduces the length and, in consequence, the cost of the linac. Using parameters derived from general scaling laws for linear colliders, the beam stability is shown to be similar to lower frequency designs in spite of the strong wake-field dependency on frequency. A new cost-effective and efficient drive beam generation scheme for RF power production by the so-called "Two-Beam Acceleration" method is described. It uses a thermionic gun and a fully-loaded normal-conducting linac operating at low frequency (937 MHz) to generate and accelerate the drive beam bunches, and RF multiplication by funnelling in compressor rings to produce the desired bunch structure. Recent 30 GHz hardware developments and CLIC Test Facility (CTF) results are described.
Privacy-Preserving Average Consensus in Multiagent Systems via Partial Information Transmission

This article investigates the privacy-preserving average consensus problem in multiagent systems. A new approach is proposed to achieve the accurate average consensus value while protecting the initial state information of agents. The key idea to achieve these goals is based on partial information transmission. Each agent decomposes its initial state information into several different subinformation. The values of these subinformation are chosen randomly but with their mean value fixed to the original initial value. Then, based on multiple communication channels, agents share all their subinformation, but ensure that each neighbor can only obtain partial subinformation. We prove that the privacy can be protected under our method if each agent has at least two neighbors, and one of the neighbors is neutral. The generalization on the directed graph about this method is also considered. Finally, two examples are provided to illustrate the design process and practical applications of the proposed approach.
A multi-feature fusion probabilistic topic model for unsupervised 3D point cloud classification

In this paper, a multi-feature fusion probabilistic topic model, called MFF-PTM, is proposed to realize unsupervised 3D point cloud classification. Our MFF-PTM consists of three key stages: 1) a novel multi-feature descriptor is designed to characterize different 3D point clouds by the combination of statistical, morphological and histogram features; 2) a Rsphere clustering algorithm is proposed to construct 3D visual vocabulary and generate the co-occurrence matrix, which can effectively avoid the initialization problem of category; 3) PTM employs the co-occurrence matrix to predict the probability distribution of a certain point cloud belonging to different category topics. The experimental results have clearly shown that the proposed MFF-PTM model can outperform the traditional PTM models with single feature description for 3D point cloud classification.
The heterogeneity of the hydromorphological responses of a stream to the urbanization of its basin

Morphological adjustment mechanisms and controls of small urban rivers are rarely studied especially in France. We propose an original hydrogeomorphological approach based on a detailed study of a whole catchment using field data acquired systematically all along the river: (i) channel cross‐sections; (ii) riffle‐pool sequences and (iii) obstacles to flow and rainwater drainage pipes. The entire length of the river was surveyed and the channel geometry (depth and width at bankfull) was measured on a cross‐section every 180 m or at each riffle (depending on which of the two intervals happened to be the shortest). The 357 transects thus established constitute as many elementary units of measurement (EUM) of the hydrographic network. Nine hydromorphological variables were used as a basis to classify the profiles (principal component analysis/hierarchical clustering analysis). The types were compared with 12 anthropogenic constraining variables to explain longitudinal morphological variability and to link morphology to pressures on this scale. The results showed an average incision of 0.50 m (locally over 1 m), an average widening of nearly 1 m (locally over 3 m), and heterogeneous distribution of the riffle‐pool sequences (although not complete disappearance). Systematic analysis of within‐channel forms revealed high morphological diversity, the absence of a linear relationship between the rate of urbanization and incision/erosion, and the absence of longitudinal changes in response to urbanization. The constraints identified are commonly observed in urbanized basins, but the variety of responses to the constraints makes it difficult to understand the system as a whole and prevents uniform ecological restoration along the entire river.