Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian composite quantile regression

One advantage of quantile regression, relative to the ordinary least-square (OLS) regression, is that the quantile regression estimates are more robust against outliers and non-normal errors in the response measurements. However, the relative efficiency of the quantile regression estimator with respect to the OLS estimator can be arbitrarily small. To overcome this problem, composite quantile regression methods have been proposed in the literature which are resistant to heavy-tailed errors or outliers in the response and at the same time are more efficient than the traditional single quantile-based quantile regression method. This paper studies the composite quantile regression from a Bayesian perspective. The advantage of the Bayesian hierarchical framework is that the weight of each component in the composite model can be treated as open parameter and automatically estimated through Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling procedure. Moreover, the lasso regularization can be naturally incorporated into the model to perform variable selection. The performance of the proposed method over the single quantile-based method was demonstrated via extensive simulations and real data analysis.
Tuning of g -factor in self-assembled In(Ga)As quantum dots through strain engineering

We have investigated the effect of strain on the $g$-factors of self-assembled In(Ga)As dots by single-dot spectroscopy and an eight-band effective mass calculation taking into account the influence of the strain distribution and the Zeeman effect. The strain and its distribution in and around the quantum dots are varied by thermal annealing or by introducing an strain reducing layer. Thermal annealing produces a graded composition profile due to $\mathrm{In}\mathrm{Ga}$ intermixing. The graded composition profile reduces both hydrostatic and biaxial strain near the bottom of the dot, and enhances them near the top. This strain variation results in a large reduction of the absolute hole $g$-value and a small reduction of the absolute electron $g$-value. On the other hand, the covering of InAs dots with an ${\mathrm{In}}_{0.17}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.83}\mathrm{As}$ strain reducing layer decreases mainly the hydrostatic strain. The variation of the strain and the band edge alignment enhance the electron $g$-value while they reduce the hole $g$-value. These results should provide insights to control the $g$-factors in pyramidal self-assembled dots.
The Large Magellanic Cloud as a testbed for the astronomical virtual observatory

We are carrying out a comprehensive study of massive star forming complexes in the Large Magellanic Cloud, through the study of ionized regions. Preliminary results for the nebula LHA~120-N~44C are presented here. We are blending i) the spectral and morphological information contained in images taken through selected filters that probe lines sensitive to factors such as excitation mechanisms or hardness of the ionizing radiation, ii) with the already existing photometry from the 2MASS near-infrared survey and iii) multi-wavelength archived images retrieved from various locations. The merging of all these sources of informations will allow us to establish a close link between massive stars and the surrounding interstellar medium and should help constraining the local star formation history and dynamical evolution of these ionized regions in the Large Magellanic Cloud. In this respect, the Astrophysical Virtual Observatory (AVO) prototype tool has proven to be a powerful tool to speed up the discovery process.
Comparison of explicit and effective models for calculating ionic populations in argon plasmas

Calculations have been performed to model the state populations of argon plasmas at electron densities at and above those required for the validity of coronal equilibrium. Both effective and explicit models have been used, and both are based on the same set of atomic cross sections. The effective model includes ground and singly excited states explicitly, while the effect of autoionizing states is accounted for by branching factors which describe their depopulation into the various non-autoionizing states. The explicit model considers both autoionizing and non-autoionizing states explicitly. The effective model requires a significantly reduced amount of computer time and memory. Good agreement between the two models can be obtained through moderate densities if the branching factors include electron density dependent terms which describe the collisional stabilization of each autoionizing state. The effective model breaks down as density is increased because the population of individual autoionizing states become significant. Results for both ionization balance and radiated power loss are presented.
Further Performance Tests on the CSIRO Liquid Water Probe.

Abstract A further 400 h of flying experience with the CSIRO hot-wire probe has shown that it can accurately measure liquid water content in clouds. Computations and experiments suggest that when an epoxy coating is used for protection, it should be less than 50 μm thick, and that the wire should be operated around 160°C when such coatings are used. Comparisons of performance with the Axially Scattering Spectrometer Probe and in a wet wind tunnel indicate that splashing of drops up to 40 μm diameter is not a problem at speeds up to 80 m s−1.
Adaptive Synchronization for a Class of Switched Chaotic Systems with Uncertainty

In this paper, a new adaptive control strategy for synchronization of switched chaotic systems with uncertainties is developed. Using adaptive control theory and common Lyapunov function method, An adaptive controller is constructed, and a sufficient condition is attainted for the stability of the error dynamic between drive and response switched chaotic systems with uncertainty under arbitrary switching. The results of simulation are given to show effectiveness of the proposed method.
The possible role of high-frequency waves in heating solar coronal loops

We investigate the role of high-frequency waves in the heating of solar active region coronal loops. We assume a uniform background magnetic field, and we introduce a density stratification in a direction perpendicular to this field. We focus on ion compressive viscosity as the damping mechanism of the waves. We incorporate viscosity self-consistently into the equations, and we derive a dispersion relation by adopting a slab model, where the density inside the slab is greater than that outside. Such a configuration supports two types of modes: surface waves and trapped body waves. In order to determine under what conditions these waves may contribute to the heating of active regions, we solve our dispersion relation for a range of densities, temperatures, magnetic field strengths, density ratios, wavevector magnitudes, wavevector ratios, and slab widths. We find that surface waves exhibit very small damping, but body waves can potentially damp at rates needed to balance radiative losses. However, the required frequencies of these body waves are very high. For example, the wave frequency must be at least 5.0/s for a slab density of 10(exp 9,5)/cc, a slab temperature of 10(exp 6,5) K, a field strength of 100 G, and a density ratio of 5. For a slab density of 10(exp 10)/cc, this frequency increases to 8.8/s. Although these frequencies are very high, there in no observational evidence to rule out their existence, and they may be generated both below the corona and at magnetic reconnection sites in the corona. However, we do find that, for slab densities of 10(exp 10)/cc or less, the dissipation of high-frequency waves will be insufficient to balance the radiative losses if the magnetic field strength exceeds roughly 200 G. Because the magnetic field is known to exceed 200 G in many active region loops, particularly low-lying loops and loops emanating from sunspots, it is unlikely that high-frequency waves can provide sufficient heating in these regions.
Broad-range wavelength-tunable superstructure grating (SSG) DBR lasers

A broad tuning range is demonstrated in tunable DBR lasers with a novel superstructure grating (SSG). These SSG reflectors were fabricated by electron-beam lithography, and grating performance was evaluated by measuring the transmittance characteristics of a ridge-type SSG reflector. Incorporating this SSG reflector into distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR) laser results in lasers that can be tuned over a wide wavelength range by using coarse and fine tuning mechanisms. Wavelength-tunable SSG DBR lasers were fabricated and operated under low-threshold CW conditions. Wavelength tuning ranges of 50 and 100 nm were designed and experimentally measured to be 50 and 83 nm, respectively, with single-mode operation. >
Constructing a Stochastic Integral of a Nonrandom Function without Orthogonality of the Noise

In this paper the construction of a stochastic integral of a nonrandom function is suggested without the classical orthogonality condition of the noise. This construction includes some known constructions of univariate and multiple stochastic integrals. Conditions providing the existence of this integral are specified for noises generated by random processes with nonorthogonal increments from certain classes which are rich enough.
Automatic Texture Mapping Algorithm for Plant Leaf Model

Texture mapping of plant leaf is a challenging task because of the shape diversity. Based on the barycentric mapping parameterization method, a novel algorithm is proposed. A suitable boundary mapping is computed by automatically extracting and matching the feature points on boundaries of the mesh and image. The matching process consists of two steps, which utilize the symmetry and curvature information respectively. Through iteratively minimizing a weighted energy, the inner constraints given by users in order to make the details clearer can be satisfied by the presented algorithm. Experiments show that this robust algorithm can produce plant leaves with fine texture details and increase the realism of the models.
A variational approach to the Cauchy problem for nonlinear elliptic differential equations

Abstract We discuss the relaxation of a class of nonlinear elliptic Cauchy problems with data on a piece S of the boundary surface by means of a variational approach known in the optimal control literature as “equation error method”. By the Cauchy problem is meant any boundary value problem for an unknown function y in a domain χ with the property that the data on S, if combined with the differential equations in χ, allow one to determine all derivatives of y on S by means of functional equations. In the case of real analytic data of the Cauchy problem, the existence of a local solution near S is guaranteed by the Cauchy–Kovalevskaya theorem. We also admit overdetermined elliptic systems, in which case the set of those Cauchy data on S for which the Cauchy problem is solvable is very “thin”. For this reason we discuss a variational setting of the Cauchy problem which always possesses a generalised solution.
Mathematical aspects of the Maxwell problem

We study the large-time behaviour of global smooth solutions to the Cauchy problem for hyperbolic regularization of conservation laws. An attracting manifold of special smooth global solutions is determined by the Chapman projection onto the phase space of consolidated variables. For small initial data we construct the Chapman projection and describe its properties in the case of the Cauchy problem for moment approximations of kinetic equations. The existence conditions for the Chapman projection are expressed in terms of the solvability of the Riccati matrix equations with parameter.
Design and Performance Analysis of Band Pass Filter Using Frequency Selective Surface for 5G Communication

In recent years, frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) have been extensively investigated in terms of their design and practical applications at microwave and optical frequencies. This study proposes a new design of a FSS layer, which is directly placed over the surface of an antenna to enhance its characteristics such as directivity, frequency selectivity, radiation efficiency, and gain. In the proposed design, two different substrates are used to analyze the improved performance of the FSS layer. For this purpose, FR-4 Epoxy and Duroid 5880 are used for cost effectiveness and to achieve the optimized performance of the antenna. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement, indicating the enhanced performance of antenna for WLAN and WiMAX applications. Finally, it is concluded that the proposed FSS layer ensures the best possible results of the filtering response as the first null gives divergence of more than 10 dB with its peak value layer.
Implementation of an Evidence-Based Screening and Treatment Algorithm for Chronic Constipation in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Title This quality improvement (QI) project was an evidence-based screening and treatment algorithm for chronic constipation at a skilled nursing facility. The project aimed to decrease the occurrence of constipation using an evidence-based screening tool, Rome IV criteria for chronic constipation, and a modified algorithm for managing chronic constipation in a skilled nursing facility population setting. The project will provide skilled nursing facilities with a practical and straightforward management algorithm for patients with chronic constipation as described by Rome IV criteria.
Skin Diseases Diagnosis System Based on Machine Learning

Skin diseases are very common across the globe and especially in underdeveloped countries. Increasing climate changes and global warming are among the major causes of cancerous skin diseases. Skin diseases can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated at their initial stages. Clinical skin disease diagnosis methods are very rarely available for a common person and these methods are very expensive as well. The advancement in the field of image processing and machine learning made it possible to use machine learning methods for feature extraction and diagnosis of medical illnesses. Deep learning on the emerging subfields of machine learning methods that are more advance and intelligent in the classification of images based on different features. In this work, different deep learning models are used which are based on Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) architecture like ResNet-50, the DenseNet-121, and sequential CNN model for feature extraction and the classification of skin disease categories using HAM10000 dataset from ISIC archive 2018. The HAM10000 dataset consists of 10015 images from seven different skin disease categories. The dataset is further subdivided into testing and training data with a ratio of 20% and 80% correspondingly. The skin disease diagnosis is a three-step process that includes dataset images preprocessing in the first stage, feature extraction using CNN models in the second stage, and classification of skin disease category based on the extracted features using different classifiers in the third stage. Image augmentation techniques were used to reduce the imbalance in different skin disease classes. The sequential CNN-based model using 7 convolution layers gives an accuracy of 98% and 99% Area Under the Curve (AUC) for all seven skin disease categories. ResNet-50 and DenseNet-121 give an accuracy of 84% and 89% respectively. The performance of different CNN models on the given dataset is compared and evaluated using different performance matrixes.
Numerical model of light propagation through Fabry-Perot etalons composed of interfaces with non-planar surface topography

: We present a model that calculates optical fields reflected and transmitted by a Fabry-Perot (FP) etalon composed of interfaces with non-planar surface topography. The model uses the Rayleigh-Rice theory, which predicts the fields reflected and transmitted by a single interface, to account for the non-planar surface topography of each interface. The Rayleigh-Rice theory is evaluated iteratively to account for all round trips that light can take within the FP etalon. The model predictions can then be used to compute Interferometer transfer function (ITF)s, by performing wavelength or angle resolved simulations enabling predictions of the bandwidth, peak transmissivity, and sensitivity of FP etalons. The model was validated against the Pseudospectral time-domain (PSTD) method, which resulted in good agreement. Since the model accuracy is expected to reduce as the Root mean square (RMS) of the topographic map increases, the error in the model’s predictions was studied as a function of topographic map RMS. Finally, application of the model was exemplified by predicting the impact of roughness on ITFs and computing the changes in FP etalon transmissivity as cavity thickness is modulated by an ultrasonic wave.
Stress, Challenges, Discrimination and Sense-Making Processes of Gay University Students: The Social Stigma Approach

On 24th May 2019, the same-sex marriage law took effect, which allowed same-sex couples to marry in Taiwan. About two years after the same-sex marriage law took effect in the community, only a few studies focused on the stress, challenges, discrimination, and sense-making processes of sexual minorities in Taiwan, particularly in the rural communities. Based on the social stigma theory and case study methodology, the researcher collected qualitative data from 16 gay university students who are currently enrolled at one of the Taiwanese universities in rural communities. The results indicated that support of the university administrators, support in the classroom environments, and support in dormitories and roommates were the main findings. The results of this study would fill the research and practical gaps in the fields of same-sex marriage, LGBT rights, and sexual minorities, for the government leaders, non-profit organisations, school administrators, and scholars in the Taiwanese environment.
Suppression of Antibody Synthesis

Suppression of the hapten-specific response to a hapten-carrier conjugate was seen when the conjugate was injected either together with another hapten conjugated to an homologous carrier or together with the homologous unconjugated carrier. Simultaneous injection of non-immunogenic, unconjugated hapten did not suppress the anti-hapten response to a different hapten conjugated to a carrier. Preimmunization with unconjugated carrier, which augments the carrier-specific response, suppressed the hapten-specific primary response to a hapten-carrier conjugate and enhanced the degree of competition seen when two hapten-carrier conjugates were given simultaneously.
STARBURSTS IN THE LOCAL UNIVERSE: NEW HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE ADVANCED CAMERA FOR SURVEYS OBSERVATIONS OF THE IRREGULAR GALAXY NGC 4449

We present photometry with the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on the Hubble Space Telescope of stars in the Magellanic starburst galaxy NGC 4449. The galaxy has been imaged in the F435W (B), F555W (V), and F814W (I) broadband filters, and in the F658N (Hα) narrowband filter. Our photometry includes ≈300,000 objects in the (B, V) color–magnitude diagram (CMD) down to V ≲ 28, and ≈400,000 objects in the (V, I) CMD, down to I ≲ 27. A subsample of ≈200,000 stars has been photometrized in all the three bands simultaneously. The features observed in the CMDs imply a variety of stellar ages up to at least 1 Gyr, and possibly as old as a Hubble time. The spatial variation of the CMD morphology and of the red giant branch colors point toward the presence of an age gradient: young and intermediate-age stars tend to be concentrated toward the galactic center, while old stars are present everywhere. The spatial variation in the average luminosity of carbon stars suggests that there is not a strong metallicity gradient (≲0.2 dex). Also, we detect an interesting resolved star cluster on the west side of the galaxy, surrounded by a symmetric tidal or spiral feature consisting of young stars. The positions of the stars in NGC 4449 younger than 10 Myr are strongly correlated with the Hα emission. We derive the distance of NGC 4449 from the tip of the red giant branch to be D = 3.82 ± 0.27 Mpc. This result is in agreement with the distance that we derive from the luminosity of the carbon stars.
Thermodynamic Aspects of Equilibrium Shape and Growth of Crystalline Films with Electromechanical Interaction

In recent decades, the theory and applications of the Gibbs equilibrium thermodynamics of heterogeneous systems have been advanced in several directions. In particular, the stability theory of heterogeneous systems with solid phases has already been proven valuable in many traditional and novel areas, including the ones where stress driven rearrangement destabilization is accompanied by electrostatic and magnetostatic fields. We believe that these areas would benefit from an appropriate extension of the Gibbs thermodynamic principles that combine nonlinear elastic effects with electrostatics and magnetostatics. We present the exact nonlinear equilibrium equations for heterogeneous systems with nonlinear phases. We then derive the second energy variation and present its applications to the problems of stability of heterogeneous systems with electromechanical interaction of solid components. In particular, we discuss the problems of equilibrium shapes and stability of deformable crystalline conductors, dielectrics, and ferroelectrics. Finally, we discuss applications of the general theory to the classical problem of Thomson of phase nucleation on conductors.
Upper Limb Position Tracking with a Single Inertial Sensor Using Dead Reckoning Method with Drift Correction Techniques

Inertial sensors are widely used in human motion monitoring. Orientation and position are the two most widely used measurements for motion monitoring. Tracking with the use of multiple inertial sensors is based on kinematic modelling which achieves a good level of accuracy when biomechanical constraints are applied. More recently, there is growing interest in tracking motion with a single inertial sensor to simplify the measurement system. The dead reckoning method is commonly used for estimating position from inertial sensors. However, significant errors are generated after applying the dead reckoning method because of the presence of sensor offsets and drift. These errors limit the feasibility of monitoring upper limb motion via a single inertial sensing system. In this paper, error correction methods are evaluated to investigate the feasibility of using a single sensor to track the movement of one upper limb segment. These include zero velocity update, wavelet analysis and high-pass filtering. The experiments were carried out using the nine-hole peg test. The results show that zero velocity update is the most effective method to correct the drift from the dead reckoning-based position tracking. If this method is used, then the use of a single inertial sensor to track the movement of a single limb segment is feasible.