Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photovoltaic inverter-based quanti ﬁ cation of snow conditions and power loss

Snow is a signi ﬁ cant challenge for photovoltaic (PV) systems at northern latitudes, where the pace of deployment is rapid but snow-related power losses can exceed 30% of annual production. Accurate snow-related power loss estimation methods for utility-scale sites can support snow mitigation strategies, inform resource planning and validate predictive snow-loss models. This study builds on our previous work on inverter-based detection of snow, and its implications for utility-scale power production, by validating the accuracy of our snow-loss method across different PV sites and system designs and highlighting its value in bringing greater visibility to PV plant operations in winter. Our estimation method is both novel and scalable, requiring only standard monitoring data to correlate snow-related losses with meteorological data. As demonstrated here, our validation method involved three main steps: 1) estimation of performance losses for multiple systems by comparing measured inverter data to modeled data; 2) application of a detection framework to identify which performance losses are snow-related; and 3) comparison of snow-related losses among three utility-scale sites differing in tilt angle. Results show that utility-scale systems at higher tilt angles consistently shed snow more quickly/ completely than their lower-tilt counterparts. Further, monthly and seasonal snow losses are inversely and non-linearly correlated with tilt angle when normalized for cumulative snowfall. These results are consistent with the ﬁ ndings of previous studies and support the broad applicability of this method to ﬁ xed-tilt utility-scale PV systems around the world that routinely experience snow-related performance losses.
Application of ET-NDVI-relationship approach and soil-water-balance modelling for the monitoring of irrigation performance of treed horticulture crops in a key fruit-growing district of Australia

ABSTRACT Remotely sensed data from Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 were used to demonstrate the estimation of irrigation water requirement (ρ) for treed horticulture crops in an important irrigation district of Australia. Crop- and region-specific relationship between satellite-derived evapotranspiration (ET) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was combined with daily step soil water balance to investigate the performance of horticulture crops for their water use during the peak irrigation demand period (summer) over three years from 2014–15 to 2016–17. Relative irrigation water use (RIWU) as the key irrigation performance indicator was calculated by comparing the irrigation water supply (ψ) records and the ρ estimates. ψ and ρ of the treed horticulture crops showed a strong positive correlation (Coefficient of determination, R2 > 0.70; p < 0.001) for each of the three summer seasons investigated, indicating an overall consistency in irrigation pattern. However, the values of both ρ and ψ varied considerably at farm level over the seasons, highlighting the changing demand and supply of crop water over the years. Most farms remained within the optimal irrigation range (0.5–1.5 RIWU) over the seasons – 75% in 2014–15, 68% in 2015–16, and 80% in 2016–17. However, some farms were over-irrigated (>1.5 RIWU) – 12% in 2014–15, 5% in 2015–16, and 8% in 2016–17.
Microbial population of wound isolates and socio demographic characteristics in patients attending clinic in national orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

Background: The microbial population of wound isolates remains a public health concern because of its role in spread of infections. The microorganisms present in wound swab of patients have been reviewed in order to ascertain the presence of emerging and re -emerging pathogens in hospital environment. These microorganisms are generated from nosocomial and opportunistic origin as well as immune compromised individuals. The purpose of this study is to determine the occurrence of microorganisms in wounds of patient’s attending clinic in National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross sectional study of 230 wound patients was selected using convenient sampling technique. Conventional methods and 16SrRNA sequencing was used for characterization of some organisms that could not be identified in the conventional methods. Questionnaire structured from literature review was also deployed for demographic studies obtained from consented participants. Results The frequency distribution of wound isolates showed an increase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7(10%) and Klebsiella pneumonia 6(8.6%) respectively. Mixed growths had a notable increase of 42(18.3%),while culture with no bacteria growth had 37(16.1%). Staphylococcus aureus was prevalent with 32(13.9%), Staphylococcus epidermis 15(6.5%) and the least isolates had 1(1.4%), Male gender had the highest wound isolates of one hundred and fourty one (141) with meanSD 21.11 and median of 19.00 while the female had 88 with meanSD 20.3113. 457, median of 16.50. The socio demographic data findings for participant’s age were higher in the range of 21-40yrs (94) and 41-60yr (74) while the least was >80 years (5). The mean age of the 230 participantswas 43.15±17.284yrs. Wound type had a notable increase in accident cases (63)27.4%, surgical cases (44)19.1% and lowest was laceration cases (2) 0.9%, The most prevalent population of wound cases according to occupational status was observed in artisans (148) 64.3%, students (33)14.3%, civil servants (29)12.6%, least population was the retired (20)8.7%. The portion of wound site was highest in the leg region (174), trunk (22) and the hand (12). Conclusion: it is advocated that proper measures such as adequate sanitation, personal hygiene, sterilization of hospital equipment and environment should be beefed up to prevent the spread of these microbes to the public.
Spectrophotometric Determination Of Copper (Ii) In Soil From Ahero Rice Irrigation Schemes Using Hydroxytriazene.

A simple, rapid, sensitive and cost effective spectrophotometric technique for the determination of copper (II) using 3-hydroxy-3-m-tolyl-1-O-carboxyphenyltriazene has been reported. The complex formed was greenish-yellow having stoichiometry of 1:1 (Cu (II): hydroxytriazene) at a pH range of 6.0-6.6. The measurements were carried out at a working wavelength of 405nm with a molar absorptivity of 2.8×10 4 Lmol -1 cm -1 and sandell’s sensitivity of 2.26ng/cm 2 . Lambert –Beer’s law is obeyed over a range of 1.27-7.63mg/L of copper. The correlation coefficient of the standard calibration curve was 0.997. The complex formed between copper (II) and hydroxytriazene was greenish –yellow with composition of 1:1(Cu (II): hydroxytriazene). The relative standard deviation (n=10) for standard dilution of 635.46mgL -1 copper (II) was 0.92%. The change in Gibb’s free energy at 27 0 Cwas determined using Purohit’s, Harvey and Manning’s method and found to be respectively. The study showed that, the following cations and anions do not interfere when present at equivalent amount of copper: Cl - ,Br - , CH 3 COO - , CO 3 2-, PO 4 3-,SO 4 2-, C 2 O 4 2-, I - , S 2 O 3 2-, NO 2-, SO 3 2-,S 2-,HPO 4 2-, F - , NO 3 - , WO 42, MO 7 O 246-, NH 4+ , Na + , k + , Ba 2+ , Cd 2+ , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ . However, UO 2+ , Mn 2+ , Pb 2+ , Hg 2+ , Sn 2+ , Th 4+ ,ZrO 2+ ,Co 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2 + interferes with copper (II) determination at equivalent amount, hence the need for the masking agent. The present method was applied to the determination of copper (II) in agricultural soil samples.
An Alternative Origin of High Vp/Vs Anomalies in Slow Slip Regions: Experimental Constraints From the Elastic Wave Velocity Evolution of Highly Fractured Rock

Understanding the mechanism of episodic slow slip events at the deep part of subduction zones is important for seismic hazard mitigation and understanding fault mechanics. It has been thought that highly pressurized fluids play an important role in the occurrence, of which one of the evidences are observations of high Vp/Vs (ratio of P wave to S wave velocity) anomalies in the source regions, combined with laboratory measurements of Vp/Vs for intact rocks. However, it remains unclear whether “high Vp/Vs ratios” straightforwardly mean “high pore pressure conditions” for highly damaged fault rocks constituting subduction plate boundary faults. Here we examined the degree of damage of seafloor metabasalt in the Shimanto accretionary complex at the Nankai trough, a limited proxy of oceanic crust going down to the deep slow slip region while being subjected to successive subduction megathrust faulting. We investigated the pressure dependencies of Vp/Vs for dolerite specimens damaged by thermal stressing, simulating in situ damage conditions. We found that the more intense the rock damage, the higher the Vp/Vs ratio. An extrapolation of our results to the slow slip depth under hydrostatic condition indicates that for rocks with a fracture density >1.5 mm−1 (comparable to the fracture densities of ancient oceanic crust), Vp/Vs > 1.85, as observed at the Nankai trough, can be achieved even when the pore pressure is hydrostatic. We suggest that the contribution of not only fluid pressurization but also progressive fracturing of the plate interface on the emergence of slow slip events could be considered.
Smith ScholarWorks Smith ScholarWorks

High Performance Computing (HPC) is the ability to process data and perform complex calculations at extremely high speeds. Current HPC platforms can achieve calculations on the order of quadrillions of calculations per second, with quintillions on the horizon. The past three decades witnessed a vast increase in the use of HPC across different scientific, engineering, and business communities on problems such as sequencing the genome, predicting climate changes, designing modern aerodynamics, or establishing customer preferences. Although HPC has been well incorporated into science curricula such as bioinformatics, the same cannot be said for most
A comparative analysis of the economics of cassava production and processing by IFAD VCDP participants and non-participants in Benue and Kogi States, Nigeria

This study analyzed the Economics of Cassava production and processing by IFAD VCDP participants and Non-participants in Benue and Kogi States, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of the participants and non-participants along the value chain; estimate the cost and returns on production and processing of cassava by participants and non-participant respondents in the study area, and to identify the constraints to cassava production and processing in the study area. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested. There is no difference between the income of participants and non-participants The study employed the survey research design of descriptive type. Simple random sampling technique and Proportionate sampling (using Taro Yamane) were used to scientifically select 333 participants and 333 non – participants from the two states making 666 respondents. However only 664 questionnaires were found useful. Data collected were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and gross margin. Findings from the study revealed that majority of the respondents were males (52.71%), in the active age range of 31 – 50 years, married (89.31 %,), educated (84%) and had over five years’ experience (74.25%). Gross margin analysis showed that the participants had a gross margin of N792, 952 and Benefit-cost ratio of 6.64 as against N646, 961.76 and 5.83 by non-participant farmers respectively and N820, 374.10 and Benefit-cost ratio of 3.23 for participant processors and N452, 917.85 and 2.03 for non-participant processors respectively. Lack of funds (2.61), poor rural infrastructure (2.29), high transportation (2.42) and poor access to stem cuttings (2.44) constitute constraints to cassava production while lack of funds (2.90), poor rural infrastructure (2.44) and high transportation cost (2.15) constitute constraints to cassava processing. The z-test statistical analysis result revealed income differential of N264, 081 in favour of participants with a t-value of 12.0842 significant at 1% level (Pr. = 0.000). Conclusively, the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of participants and non-participants in the IFAD VCDP programme, shedding light on their socioeconomic characteristics, and constraints. Notably, the participants in the programme demonstrated a higher mean income compared to non-participants, indicating the positive impact of IFAD project participation on income generation. The study among others recommends that policymakers explore options for providing financial assistance such as microcredit facilities, or grants to the participants, ensuring that financial literacy training accompany these initiatives to ensure responsible use of funds and investment in cassava-related activities.
Exposing and eliminating vulnerabilities to denial of service attacks in secure gossip-based multicast

We propose a framework and methodology for quantifying the effect of denial of service (DoS) attacks on a distributed system. We present a systematic study of the resistance of gossip-based multicast protocols to DoS attacks. We show that even distributed and randomized gossip-based protocols, which eliminate single points of failure, do not necessarily eliminate vulnerabilities to DoS attacks. We propose Drum - a simple gossip-based multicast protocol that eliminates such vulnerabilities. Drum was implemented in Java and tested on a large cluster. We show, using closed-form mathematical analysis, simulations, and empirical tests, that Drum survives severe DoS attacks.
Does Offshoring Pay? Firm-Level Evidence from Japan

This paper explores the impact of offshoring, or contracting out of business activities to foreign providers, on firm productivity, using Japanese firm-level data for the period 1994-2000. We find that offshoring has generally a positive effect on productivity growth. This effect is robust to controlling for the possible endogeneity of offshoring with respect to unobserved productivity shocks. Our preferred specification suggests that a one percent increase in offshoring intensity raises productivity growth by 0.17 percent. For the average offshoring firm this implies a 1.8 percent increase in annual productivity growth. These results do not appear to depend much on either the level of technological sophistication of a firms' industry or a firms' international orientation. However, we find that the scope for productivity improvements from offshoring depends negatively on the initial level of productivity of the firm.
Preparing for the Future Nankai Trough Tsunami: A Data Assimilation and Inversion Analysis From Various Observational Systems

The future Nankai Trough tsunami is one of the imminent threats to the Japanese coastal communities that could potentially cause a catastrophic event. As a part of the countermeasure efforts for such an occurrence, this study analyzes the efficacy of combining tsunami data assimilation (DA) and waveform inversion (WI). The DA is used to continuously refine a wave field model whereas the WI is used to estimate the tsunami source. We consider a future scenario of the Nankai Trough tsunami recorded at various observational systems, including ocean bottom pressure (OBP) gauges, global positioning system (GPS) buoys, and ship height positioning data. Since most of the OBP gauges are located inside the source region, the recorded tsunami signals exhibit significant offsets from surface measurements due to coseismic seafloor deformation effects. Such biased data are not applicable to the standard DA, but can be taken into account in the WI. On the other hand, the use of WI for the ship data may not be practical because a considerably large precomputed tsunami database is needed to cope with the spontaneous ship locations. The DA is more suitable for such an observational system as it can be executed sequentially in time and does not require precomputed scenarios. Therefore, the combined approach of DA and WI allows us to concurrently make use of all observational resources. Additionally, we introduce a bias correction scheme for the OBP data to improve the accuracy, and an adaptive thinning of observations to determine the efficient number of observations.
Attentional Biases in Children of Depressed Mothers: An ERP Study

Although a number of studies have reported that children of depressed, compared to nondepressed, parents exhibit biased attention to sad facial stimuli, the direction of this bias remains unclear; some studies find evidence of preferential attention towards sad faces whereas others find evidence of attention avoidance. In the current study, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to assess children’s attention to emotional stimuli using a spatial cueing task. We found that children of depressed mothers generally exhibited less attention to sad facial stimuli than children of nondepressed mothers. Across all indices of attention bias (N2pc and SPCN time locked to face onset, P3b time locked to probe onset, reaction times to probes), children of mothers with a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) during the child’s life exhibited less attention to sad faces than children of never depressed mothers. For two of these indices (SPCN and reaction times), the attention biases for the offspring of depressed mothers was not specific to sadness and was observed for all emotional expressions. Group differences in the ERP indices was maintained when controlling for the influence of mothers’ and children’s current symptoms of depression and anxiety, mothers’ history of anxiety disorders, and children’s history of MDD and anxiety disorders, suggesting that the results are specific to mothers’ history of MDD.
Improving the productivity of acid sulfate soils for cultivation using limestone, basalt, organic fertilizer and/or their combinations

Acid sulfate soils are generally not suitable for the crop production unless they are efficiently improved. A study was conducted to improve the productivity of acid sulfate soils for rice cultivation using ground magnesium limestone (GML), basalt and organic fertilizer. The study was conducted on rice in laboratory, glasshouse and field. The pH of acid sulfate soils was low and exchangeable Al was very high which affected rice growth. The application of GML and basalt increased soil pH and reduced Al toxicity. GML required to ameliorate the soils for rice cultivation was 4 t ha-1. Basalt in combination with organic fertilizer was a good soil amendment, but required to be applied a few months ahead of rice cultivation. Due to GML or basalt application, rice plants grew well even though water pH was below 5. The highest rice yield obtained was 4.0 t ha-1 season-1 for Sulfaquepts and it was 7.5 t ha-1 season-1 for Sulfosaprists. In general, the application of GML or basalt in combination with organic fertilizer improved the productivity of acid sulfate soils and consequently enhanced rice yield.
Broadly Enabling KLEE to Effortlessly Find Unrecoverable Errors in Rust

Rust is a general-purpose programming language designed for performance and safety. Unrecoverable errors (e.g., Divide by Zero ) in Rust programs are critical, as they signal bad program states and terminate programs abruptly. Previous work has contributed to utilizing KLEE, a dynamic symbolic test engine, to verify the program would not panic. However, it is difficult for engineers who lack domain expertise to write test code correctly. Besides, the effectiveness of KLEE in finding panics in production Rust code has not been evaluated. We created an approach, called PanicCheck , to hide the complexity of verifying Rust programs with KLEE. Using PanicCheck , engineers only need to annotate the function-to-verify with #[panic_check] . The annotation guides PanicCheck to generate test code, compile the function together with tests, and execute KLEE for verification. After applying PanicCheck to 21 open-source and 2 closed-source projects, we found 61 test inputs that triggered panics; 59 of the 61 panics have been addressed by developers so far. Our research shows promising verification results by KLEE, while revealing technical challenges in using KLEE. Our experience will shed light on future practice and research in program verification.
Smith ScholarWorks Smith ScholarWorks

In the United States, every year roughly 600,000 people are released from prison, two-thirds of them without having served their full sentence behind bars. Yet little is known about how release before full completion of sentence affects re-cidivism. I exploit the distinction between sentence and time served in prison to better understand how custodial and noncustodial sanctions affect recidi-vism. In particular, I study the effects of time in prison and time on parole on recidivism. Relying on two instrumental variables that provide independent variation in sentence and time served in prison, I do not find evidence that pa-role time affects recidivism. However, I find that a month in prison results in a 1.12-percentage-point decrease in the probability that an individual will reof-fend while on parole, but it appears to have no effect on overall reoffending
Patent NMT integrated with Large Vocabulary Phrase Translation by SMT

Neural machine translation (NMT), a new approach to solving machine translation, has achieved promising results. However, a conventional NMT is limited when it comes to larger vocabularies. This is because the training complexity and decoding complexity proportionally increase with the number of target words. Words that are out of vocabulary are represented by a single unknown token in translations. The problem becomes more serious when translating patent documents, which contain several newly introduced technical terms. There have been a number of related studies that address the vocabulary limitation of NMT systems. Among them, Luong et al. proposed annotating the occurrences of a target unknown word token with positional information to track its alignments, after which they replace the tokens with their translations using simple word dictionary lookup or identity copy. However, this previous approach has limitations when translating patent sentences. This is because Patent NMT integrated with Large Vocabulary Phrase Translation by SMT
Online Improper Learning with an Approximation Oracle

We study the following question: given an efficient approximation algorithm for an optimization problem, can we learn efficiently in the same setting? We give a formal affirmative answer to this question in the form of a reduction from online learning to offline approximate optimization using an efficient algorithm that guarantees near optimal regret. The algorithm is efficient in terms of the number of oracle calls to a given approximation oracle – it makes only logarithmically many such calls per iteration. This resolves an open question by Kalai and Vempala, and by Garber. Furthermore, our result applies to the more general improper learning problems.