Using Bayes factors to compare dynamical models of hydrological systems

Scientific Conference (2022, June 05)

Using Bayesian inference to recover the material parameters of a heterogeneous hyperelastic body

Scientific Conference (2016)

We present a method for calculating a Bayesian uncertainty estimate on the recovered material parameters of a heterogeneous geometrically non-linear hyperelastic body. We formulate the problem in the ... [more ▼]

We present a method for calculating a Bayesian uncertainty estimate on the recovered material parameters of a heterogeneous geometrically non-linear hyperelastic body. We formulate the problem in the Bayesian inference framework [1]; given noisy and sparse observations of a body, some prior knowledge on the parameters and a parameter-to-observable map the goal is to recover the posterior distribution of the parameters given the observations. In this work we primarily focus on the challenges of developing dimension-independent algorithms in the context of very large inverse problems (tens to hundreds of thousands of parameters). Critical to the success of the method is viewing the problem in the correct infinite- dimensional function space setting [2]. With this goal in mind, we show the use of automatic symbolic differentiation techniques to construct high-order adjoint models [3], scalable maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimators, and efficient low-rank update methods to calculate credible regions on the posterior distribution [4]. [less ▲]

Using Blockchain to Coordinate Federal Processes: The Case of Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

in Urbach, Nils; Röglinger, Maximilian; Kautz, Karlheinz (Eds.) et al Digitalization Cases Vol. 2: Mastering Digital Transformation for Global Business (2021)

(a)Situation faced: The German asylum procedure requires close cooperation and information exchange between various authorities at the municipal, state, and federal levels. Federal separation of ... [more ▼]

(a)Situation faced: The German asylum procedure requires close cooperation and information exchange between various authorities at the municipal, state, and federal levels. Federal separation of competencies inhibits the delegation of process governance to a central authority such as the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). This separation also leads to regional differences as federal laws govern the procedure's general steps, whereas state laws govern implementation. Moreover, existing solutions for cross-organizational collaboration are limited in terms of flexibility, security, and data quality. As a result, the exchange of certain data on asylum procedures still occurs using Excel spreadsheets and e-mails.(b)Action taken: Against this backdrop, the BAMF explored technological options that would support the decentralized governance of the asylum procedure. After a preliminary evaluation, the BAMF decided to explore a solution based on blockchain technology. Building upon a successful proof of concept, the BAMF initiated a pilot project with Saxony's central immigration authority. This project aims to develop a blockchain solution that supports the coordination of asylum procedures and can be easily adapted to local differences and functional requirements.(c)Results achieved: The use of the blockchain solution allows for efficient, secure, and timely distribution of status information. It supports communication and improves coordination between authorities. Despite an apparent conflict between blockchain principles and data privacy requirements, the BAMF's design complies with relevant regulation (notably the GDPR). As a first-of-its-kind project, it outlines best practices and provides valuable insights into opportunities and challenges arising from the use of blockchain in the public sector.(d)Lessons learned: The BAMF's case demonstrates that blockchain solutions can be promising alternatives when the delegation of process governance to a central party is not desirable and when federal principles of organization are to be reflected technologically. However, blockchain projects require special attention to managing know-how and capabilities, software development activities, stakeholders, the regulatory context, and cross-organizational governance. [less ▲]

Using Choquet integral in Machine Learning: what can MCDA bring?

in DA2PL' 2012 - from Multiple Criteria Decision Aid to Preference Learning (2012)

In this paper we discuss the Choquet integral model in the realm of Preference Learning, and point out advantages of learning simultaneously partial utility functions and capacities rather than ... [more ▼]

In this paper we discuss the Choquet integral model in the realm of Preference Learning, and point out advantages of learning simultaneously partial utility functions and capacities rather than sequentially, i.e., first utility functions and then capacities or vice-versa. Moreover, we present possible interpretations of the Choquet integral model in Preference Learning based on Shapley values and interaction indices. [less ▲]

Using cohort data to emulate lifestyle interventions: Long-term beneficial effects of initiating physical activity on cognitive decline and dementia

in Alzheimer's and Dementia: the Journal of the Alzheimer's Association (2020), 16

Background: Intervention studies have shown beneficial short-term effects of physical activity on cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia. However, randomized controlled trial data of lifestyle ... [more ▼]

Background: Intervention studies have shown beneficial short-term effects of physical activity on cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia. However, randomized controlled trial data of lifestyle interventions over long time spans are not available due to lack of resources, feasibility or ethical reasons. Drawing from the principles of emulating a ‘target trial’, which apply design principles of randomized trials to the analysis of observational data, cohort data of a large European survey were analyzed to understand the long-term effects of physical activity changes. Method: Biennial assessments of the economic, social, and health situation of respondents aged 50 and older came from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (2004-2017). Cognitive functioning (immediate recall, delayed recall, and verbal fluency) and self-reported diagnosis of dementia were assessed at each follow-up. The target trial included sedentary respondents at t1 who, at follow-up (t2), stayed sedentary (“control group”) or newly reported vigorous physical activity more often than once a week (initiators, “treatment group”). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented as close as possible to those of the FINGER trial. Inverse-probability weighting accounted for the probability of initiating physical activity with a large set of predictor variables. Selecting respondents aged 50-85 years old who met the target trial inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessments of cognitive functioning and self-reported diagnosis of dementia were available for 8,781 respondents at t3 (on average 3.02 years later), 3,858 respondents at t4 (5.84 years), and 2,304 respondents at t5 (7.72 years). A total of 304 respondents reported a diagnosis of dementia. Result: Initiators of vigorous physical activity had higher cognitive functioning at two follow-ups compared to non-initiators (t3: “average treatment effect on the treated”, ATET=0.059, CI: 0.028, 0.090), which remained significant after implementing inclusion and exclusion criteria. Initiators had lower risk of dementia compared to non-initiators at all three follow-ups (t3: ATET=-0.009, CI: -0.015, -0.005, relative risk decrease -46.7%), remaining significant after implementing inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conclusion: Emulating a target trial showed long-term benefits of initiating physical activity for cognitive functioning and dementia risk. Multidomain interventions related to nutrition, social, cognitive activities etc. can be similarly emulated. [less ▲]

Using Complex Problem Solving Simulations for General Cognitive Ability Assessment: the Genetics Lab Framework

in International Journal of Information Science and Intelligent System (2013), 2(4), 71-88

This paper presents the conception and operation of “the Genetics Lab,” a research platform designed for general intelligence measurement. This tool has been developed and refined to measure cognitive ... [more ▼]

This paper presents the conception and operation of “the Genetics Lab,” a research platform designed for general intelligence measurement. This tool has been developed and refined to measure cognitive skills of students in Luxembourg, Thanks to its generic and clear architecture, “the Genetics Lab” makes a major contribution by addressing technical weaknesses and flaws met with tools previously used to assess intelligence. This new platform can be used as groundwork for other evaluation solutions. In this paper, we explore in depth the main fields of e-assessment such as instructions, localized and multilingual content production and display, traces, and scoring. We also describe how the platform was put into action to create complex simulations and to make data collection resulting from the user’s test a flawless process. This paper is a continuation and extension of earlier work. [less ▲]

Using Concordances in the Classroom

in Bulletin Nouvelles Technologies et Education (1990), 6

Using cross-border mobility in vocational education and training in the Greater Region SaarLorLux region

in Cairns, David (Ed.) The Palgrave Handbook of Youth Mobility and Educational Migration (2021)

High unemployment rates on one side of a border and training opportunities on the other, the lack of training programmes for specialised jobs on the one side of the border and well defined vocational ... [more ▼]

High unemployment rates on one side of a border and training opportunities on the other, the lack of training programmes for specialised jobs on the one side of the border and well defined vocational programmes on the other side: cross-border vocational education and training (VET) is an increasingly used tool to accommodate the differing needs inside the European Union in recent years. This paper will present, explain and analyse the diverse approaches and concepts of tailor-made as well as more standardized cross-border VET programmes in the Greater Region SaarLorLux (DE, FR, LUX, BE) and explain the different mobility types (from short-time exchange programmes, to internships as well as a formalised division of mobility between days of apprenticeship in one country and days of practical training in another country). This cross-border region is the largest transboundary commuting area and therefore the largest transboundary labour market in the EU. [less ▲]

Using data analysis on recruited Luxembourgers in WWII - Project WARLUX

Presentation (2021, June)

Using Data-Flow Analysis for Resilence and Result Checking in Peer to Peer Computations

in Proc. of the 1th Intl. Workshop on Grid and Peer-to-Peer Computing Impacts on Large Scale Heterogeneous Distributed Database Systems (GLOBE'04) (2004)