Irreducible representations of Upq[gl(2/2)]

The two-parametric quantum superalgebra $U_{pq}[gl(2/2)]$ and its representations are considered. All finite-dimensional irreducible representations of this quantum superalgebra can be constructed and classified into typical and nontypical ones according to a proposition proved in the present paper. This proposition is a nontrivial deformation from the one for the classical superalgebra gl(2/2), unlike the case of one-parametric deformations.Comment: Latex, 8 pages. A reference added in v.

Fractional Chern Insulators from the nth Root of Bandstructure

We provide a parton construction of wavefunctions and effective field theories for fractional Chern insulators. We also analyze a strong coupling expansion in lattice gauge theory that enables us to reliably map the parton gauge theory onto the microsopic Hamiltonian. We show that this strong coupling expansion is useful because of a special hierarchy of energy scales in fractional quantum Hall physics. Our procedure is illustrated using the Hofstadter model and then applied to bosons at 1/2 filling and fermions at 1/3 filling in a checkerboard lattice model recently studied numerically. Because our construction provides a more or less unique mapping from microscopic model to effective parton description, we obtain wavefunctions in the same phase as the observed fractional Chern insulators without tuning any continuous parameters.Comment: 9+3 pages, 6 figures; v2: added refs, amplified discussion of deconfinement, improved discussion of translation invarianc

Objective evaluation of recreational facilities: Development and reliability of the Recreational Facility Audit Tool

The characteristics of recreational facilities are determinants of facility use and physical activity, yet there are few validated and extensive audit tools gauging characteristics of recreational facilities. This study aimed to describe the development of a 111-item audit tool that objectively evaluates the characteristics of recreational facilities across 10 domains, including the availability of sports facilities, accessibility to the facility, availability of supportive amenities, conditions of changing rooms, conditions of toilets, management, policy, environmental safety, aesthetics, and social environment. The intra- and inter-rater reliability indices of the audit tool were also examined. In the intra-rater reliability tests, 20 recreational facilities were examined twice by the same auditor, with one week apart between each audit. The inter-rater reliability was assessed using data from 20 recreational facilities that were examined twice by two independent auditors. Kappa statistics, percent agreement and intra-class correlation coefficients were computed. The average intra- and inter-rater percent agreement was 96.9% and 90.6% respectively. The majority of items (n=107 and 101) showed either good percent agreement or acceptable kappa values in the intra- and interreliability tests respectively. The overall intra- and inter-rater reliability of the audit tool was acceptable. Subjective and time-sensitive audit items may need clearer descriptions and multiple repeated measures to improve their reliability. The audit tool can be used to reliably assess indoor sports centres, parks, sports grounds, playgrounds and swimming pools. The objective data collected by this audit tool would contribute to the understanding of relationships between characteristics of recreational facilities, usage and physical activity.published_or_final_versio

A statistics-based sensor selection scheme for continuous probabilistic queries in sensor networks

An approach to improve the reliability of query results based on error-prone sensors is to use redundant sensors. However, this approach is expensive; moreover, some sensors may malfunction and their readings need to be discarded. In this paper, we propose a statistical approach to decide which sensors to be used to answer a query. In particular, we propose to solve the problem with the aid of continuous probabilistic query (CPQ), which is originally used to manage uncertain data and is associated with a probabilistic guarantee on the query result. Based on the historical data values from the sensors, the query type, and the requirement on the query, we present methods to select an appropriate set of sensors and provide reliable answers for aggregate queries. Our algorithm is demonstrated in simulation experiments to provide accurate and robust query results. © 2005 IEEE.published_or_final_versionThe 11th IEEE International Conference on Embedded and Real-Time Computing Systems and Applications (RTCSA 2005), Hong Kong, China, 17-19 August 2005. In Proceedings of the 11th RTCSA, 2005, p. 331-33

The Pastor\u27s Study, 1941

Report of Pastor Arthur E. Landolt of the First Christian Church of Morehead, Kentucky from October 8, 1941.

Simplifying the hardware requirements for fast neural EIT of peripheral nerves

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of lowering the hardware requirements for fast neural EIT in order to support the distribution of this technique. Specifically, the feasibility of replacing the commercial modules present in the existing high-end setup with compact and cheap customized circuitry was assessed. APPROACH: Nerve EIT imaging was performed on rat sciatic nerves with both our standard ScouseTom setup and a customized version in which commercial benchtop current sources were replaced by custom circuitry. Electrophysiological data and images collected in the same experimental conditions with the two setups were compared. Data from the customized setup was subject to a down-sampling analysis to simulate the use of a recording module with lower specifications. MAIN RESULTS: Compound action potentials (573±287µV and 487±279µV, p=0.28) and impedance changes (36±14µV and 31±16µV, p=0.49) did not differ significantly when measured using commercial high-end current sources or our custom circuitry, respectively. Images reconstructed from both setups showed neglibile (<1voxel, i.e. 40µm) difference in peak location and a high degree of correlation (R2=0.97). When down-sampling from 24 to 16 bits ADC resolution and from 100KHz to 50KHz sampling frequency, signal-to-noise ratio showed acceptable decrease (<-20%), and no meaningful image quality loss was detected (peak location difference <1voxel, pixel-by-pixel correlation R2=0.99). SIGNIFICANCE: The technology developed for this study greatly reduces the cost and size of a fast neural EIT setup without impacting quality and thus promotes the adoption of this technique by the neuroscience research community

Building an Argument for the Use of Science Fiction in HCI Education

Science fiction literature, comics, cartoons and, in particular, audio-visual materials, such as science fiction movies and shows, can be a valuable addition in Human-computer interaction (HCI) Education. In this paper, we present an overview of research relative to future directions in HCI Education, distinct crossings of science fiction in HCI and Computer Science teaching and the Framework for 21st Century Learning. Next, we provide examples where science fiction can add to the future of HCI Education. In particular, we argue herein first that science fiction, as tangible and intangible cultural artifact, can serve as a trigger for creativity and innovation and thus, support us in exploring the design space. Second, science fiction, as a means to analyze yet-to-come HCI technologies, can assist us in developing an open-minded and reflective dialogue about technological futures, thus creating a singular base for critical thinking and problem solving. Provided that one is cognizant of its potential and limitations, we reason that science fiction can be a meaningful extension of selected aspects of HCI curricula and research.Comment: 6 pages, 1 table, IHSI 2019 accepted submissio

Optimization of the electrode drive pattern for imaging fascicular compound action potentials in peripheral nerve with fast neural electrical impedance tomography (EIT)

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to investigate which injection pattern led to the best imaging of fascicular compound activity in fast neural EIT of peripheral nerve using an external cylindrical 2x14-electrodes cuff. Specifically, the study addressed the identification of the optimal injection pattern and of the optimal region of the reconstructed volume to image fascicles. APPROACH: The effect of three different measurement protocol features (transversal/longitudinal injection, drive electrode spacing, referencing configuration) over imaging was investigated in simulation with the use of realistic impedance changes and noise levels. Image-based metrics were employed to evaluate the quality of the reconstructions over the reconstruction domain. The optimal electrode addressing protocol suggested by the simulations was validated in vivo on the tibial and peroneal fascicles of rat sciatic peripheral nerves (N=3) against MicroCT reference images. MAIN RESULTS: Injecting current transversally, with spacing of ≥4 electrodes apart (≥100°) and single-ring referencing of measurements, led to the best overall localization when reconstructing on the edge of the electrode array closest to the reference. Longitudinal injection protocols led to a higher SNR of the reconstructed image but poorer localization. All in vivo EIT recordings had statistically significant impedance variations (p<0.05). Overall, fascicle center-of-mass (CoM) localization error was estimated at 141±56µm (-26±94µm and 5±29° in radial coordinates). Significant difference was found (p<0.05) between mean angular location of the tibial and peroneal CoMs. SIGNIFICANCE: This study gives the reader recommendations for performing fast neural EIT of fascicular compound activity using the most effective protocol features

Organotin contamination in market seafood and its implication for human health risk in Hong Kong

Theme: Building a better future: Responsible innovation and environmental protectionPoster presentation: TH101Organotins (OTs), in particular tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT), have caused widespread adverse effects on marine organisms ever since their wide application as biocides in 1960s. For instance, TBT can induce the abnormal development of imposex in marine gastropods, and inhibit growth and development in oysters. A mandatory global ban on the use of OT-based antifouling systems has been enacted by International Maritime Organization to mini...postprin