Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review on Deep Neural Networks Applied to Low-Frequency NILM

This paper reviews non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) approaches that employ deep neural networks to disaggregate appliances from low frequency data, i.e., data with sampling rates lower than the AC base frequency. The overall purpose of this review is, firstly, to gain an overview on the state of the research up to November 2020, and secondly, to identify worthwhile open research topics. Accordingly, we first review the many degrees of freedom of these approaches, what has already been done in the literature, and compile the main characteristics of the reviewed publications in an extensive overview table. The second part of the paper discusses selected aspects of the literature and corresponding research gaps. In particular, we do a performance comparison with respect to reported mean absolute error (MAE) and F1-scores and observe different recurring elements in the best performing approaches, namely data sampling intervals below 10 s, a large field of view, the usage of generative adversarial network (GAN) losses, multi-task learning, and post-processing. Subsequently, multiple input features, multi-task learning, and related research gaps are discussed, the need for comparative studies is highlighted, and finally, missing elements for a successful deployment of NILM approaches based on deep neural networks are pointed out. We conclude the review with an outlook on possible future scenarios.
Evaluating basketball player’s rotation line-ups performance via statistical markov chain modelling

Coaches in basketball often need to know how specific rotation line-ups perform in either offense or defense and choose the most efficient formation, according to their specific needs. In this research, a sample of 1131 ball possession phases of Greek Basket League was utilized, in order to estimate the offensive and defensive performance of each formation. Offensive and defensive ratings for each formation were calculated as a function of points scored or received, respectively, over possessions, where possessions were estimated using a multiple regression model. Furthermore, a Markov chain model was implemented to estimate the probabilities of the associated formation’s performance in the long run. The model could allow us to distinguish between overperforming and underperforming formations and revealed the probabilities over the evolution of the game, for each formation to be in a specific rating category. The results indicated that the most dominant formation, in terms of offense, is Point Guard-Point Guard-Small Forward-Power Forward-Center, while defensively schema Point Guard-Shooting Guard-Small Forward-Center-Center had the highest rating. Such results provide information, which could operate as a supplementary tool for the coach’s decisions, related to which rotation line-up patterns are mostly suitable during a basketball game.
Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Supplementation during Transition Period on the Nutrient Intake, Milk Production and Milk Efficiency in Crossbred Cows

Background: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to influence a range of biological processes. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of CLA supplementation during prepartum on nutrient intake, milk production and milk production efficiency in crossbred cows during postpartum.Methods: Multiparous crossbred cows (n=30) were allotted to three treatment groups: Control group (CG) was supplemented 50 g bypass fat top dressed on basal diet; CLA-25 group was supplemented with 25g CLA and 25 g bypass fat top dressed on basal diet; CLA-50 group was supplemented with 50g CLA top dressed on basal diet. Supplementation started -21d from calving and continued till 60 days in milk (DIM). The feed and residue samples were analysed for its chemical composition. Milk samples were analysed on weekly basis for its composition.Result: Positive effect of CLA supplementation on milk parameters was observed where CLA supplemented cows had higher milk yield, protein yield, SNF yield and total milk solid yield. Milk fat depression (MFD) was observed in CLA supplemented cows. Milk production efficiency was higher in CLA supplemented cows.
Health risk assessment in different age-group due to nitrate, fluoride, nitrite and geo-chemical parameters in drinking water in Ahmadpur East, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The main objective of this study was to estimate the drinking water quality and public health assessment due to nitrate, nitrite and fluoride contaminations in Ahmadpur East, Punjab, Pakistan. Thirty-six drinking water samples were collected in the study area. Concentrations of geo-chemical parameters (pH, TDS and EC), nitrate, nitrite and fluoride were examined. The mean values of concentrations of nitrate, nitrite and fluoride were found 0.4197, 0.006 and 0.67 mg/L, respectively. Mean values of potential of hydrogen (pH), total dissolved solid (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were found 7.28, 630 ppm and 1257 μS/cm, respectively. Health risk assessment was estimated by chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and Total Health Index (THI) due to fluoride, nitrate and nitrite for infants, children, teenagers and adults. The CDI and HQ of fluoride estimated greater permissible limit in different age groups than nitrite and nitrate in urban region of the study area. THI in infant and children determined higher than other age groups in the urban region. The infant and children suffer higher health risk than other age groups due to fluoride, nitrate and nitrite. There is need to monitor the drinking water quality on repetitive and habitual basis. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration and adsorption technique should be adopted on domestic level to reduce the contaminations of drinking water.
Comparison of three different techniques for internal jugular vein cannulation under real time ultrasound guidance

Background: Ultrasound (USG) guided Internal jugular venous (IJV) cannulation is preferred than traditional approach due to increase in success rate, reduction in time taken and attempts of successful cannulation and less complications. The purpose of our study was to observe and compare three different real time 2-dimensional US-guided approaches and to determine which approach improves rate of successful cannulation, decreases complications along with shorter average time taken for the procedure. Primary outcomes of the study were venous access time, catheterization time and success rate. Secondary outcomes were number of patients requiring second attempt and complications observed.Methods: 120 adult patients were randomly divided into three groups according to real time US guided cannulation done with SAX-OP approach, LAX-IP approach and OAX-IP approach. Parameters like venous access time, catheterization time, number of patients requiring second attempt and complications were noted.Results: Venous access time was shortest in LAX group 21.84±3.67 seconds which was just significant statistically. Catheterization time was shortest in LAX group 241±123 seconds. Cannulation success rate was highest in LAX group 98% and was statistically significant. Patients requiring second attempt was least in LAX group 2.5%. Posterior IJV wall puncture was observed in 10% patients in SAX group and none in LAX and OAX group which was statistically significant.Conclusions: LAX-IP showed better performance in terms of higher cannulation success, lesser average venous access time and catheterization time and lesser complications. On toggling USG probe, both IJV and carotid artery can be differentiated and carotid puncture could be avoided. Hence LAX approach is safer and effective approach.
The Intensity-dependence of Tropical Cyclone Intensification Rate in a Simplified Energetically Based Dynamical System Model

In this study, a simple energetically based dynamical system model of tropical cyclone (TC) intensification is modified to account for the observed dependence of the intensification rate (IR) on the storm intensity. According to the modified dynamical system model, the TC IR is controlled by the intensification potential (IP) and the weakening rate due to surface friction beneath the eyewall. The IP is determined primarily by the rate of change in the potential energy available for a TC to develop, which is a function of the thermodynamic conditions of the atmosphere and the underlying ocean, and the dynamical efficiency of the TC system. The latter depends strongly on the degree of convective organization within the eyewall and the inner-core inertial stability of the storm. At a relatively low TC intensity, the IP of the intensifying storm is larger than the frictional weakening rate, leading to an increase in the TC IR with TC intensity in this stage. As the storm reaches an intermediate intensity of 30-40 m s-1, the difference between IP and frictional weakening rate reaches its maximum, concurrent with the maximum IR. Later on, the IR decreases as the TC intensifies further because the frictional dissipation increases with TC intensity at a faster rate than the IP. Finally, the storm approaches its maximum potential intensity (MPI) and the IR becomes zero. The modified dynamical system model is validated with results from idealized simulations with an axisymmetric nonhydrostatic, cloud-resolving model.
Importance of Gravity Wave Forcing for Springtime Southern Polar Vortex Breakdown as Revealed by ERA5

Planetary waves (PWs) and gravity waves (GWs) are the key drivers of middle atmospheric circulation. Insufficient observations and inaccurate model representation of GWs limit our understanding of their stratospheric contributions, especially during the Antarctic polar vortex breakdown. This study employs the strength of the high‐resolution ERA5 reanalysis in resolving a broad spectrum of GWs in southern midlatitudes and its ability to estimate their forcing during the breakdown period. Most of the resolved southern hemisphere GWs deposit momentum around 60°S over the Southern Ocean. Further, a zonal momentum budget analysis during the breakdown period reveals that the resolved GW forcing in ERA5 provides as much as one‐fourth of the necessary wind deceleration at 60°S, 10 hPa. The parameterized GW drag, mostly from non‐orographic sources, provides more than half of the wind deceleration. Both findings highlight the key role of GWs in the vortex breakdown and discuss possibilities for further stratospheric GW analysis.
STUDY OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF FERULAGO ANGULATA (SCHELCHT) BOISS. FROM IRAN USING SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION AND NANO SCALE INJECTION

The essence of aerial parts of Ferulago Angulata was extracted through supercritical fluids technology (CO2). The essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC/MS via nano scale injection method. The total extract yield was 0.8 percent. The 37 components of the essential oil have been identified. The 14 main components are included 83.3% of the total essence. This is the first report representing the extract of Ferulago Angulata. Essence extracted through supercritical fluid method by carbon dioxide and the ultimate amount of its yield in this way is more than the amount extracted through hydrodistillation and solvent extraction. Major components were Suberosin (12.36%), Spathulenol (10.9%), Trans β-Caryophyllene (7.32%), Arcurcumene (7.07%), and Bicyclogermacrene (6.96%).
When verbal metaphors become more persuasive: the interplay between goal orientation of ad claims and metaphor

Abstract This study suggests that the goal orientation of metaphoric claims impacts the effects of metaphors in ads. Drawing on regulatory focus and information processing theories, we tested the moderating role of the regulatory focus of ad messages on the persuasiveness of their metaphors. In Experiment 1, we found that promotion-focused (vs. prevention-focused) verbal messages in ads were more favorable when messages were metaphoric (vs. literal), whereas prevention-focused (vs. promotion-focused) messages were more favored in literal (vs. metaphoric) claims. Experiment 2 further demonstrated that processing fluency functions as a mediating factor that elucidates the relationship found in Experiment 1. Experiment 2 also tested the generalizability of the Experiment 1 findings by varying the degree of artful deviation in the metaphoric claims. The results across both experiments suggest that when metaphoric claims highlight an approach to a desired outcome (i.e. promotion focus), the persuasiveness of metaphors in ads is enhanced, while when the avoidance of an undesired outcome (i.e. prevention focus) is emphasized, literal claims rather than metaphoric claims are more persuasive.
Effect of Para Substituted Anilines Chemical Structure on Methane Biosynthesis by the Methanogens

Aims: The present paper aims to study the effect of aromatic structure on the inhibition of biogas production and more specifically the effect of para substituted anilines functional groups (chemical structure) on methane biosynthesis by the digested pig manure methanogens. The objective of this study was also to examine the structure-toxicity relationships of aromatic compounds to acetoclastic methanogens. Study Design: Anaerobic digestion of pig manure, anaerobic toxicity essay, The effects of functional group nature on inhibition of methane production by acetoclastic methanogens. Correlation of the methanogenic toxicity (IC50) with aromatic compounds hydrophobicity (logPoct). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, University of Kinshasa (DR Congo), between August 2011 and May 2012. Methodology: The toxicity to acetoclastic methanogenic bacteria was performed with the standard method of serum bottles, digested pig manure was utilized as inoculums, acetate Research Article International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review, 3(4): 303-314, 2013 304 as substrate and the methane gas volume produced was measured by serum bottles liquid displacement systems (Mariotte flask system). Results: The obtained results indicate that relationships exist between para substituted anilines functional groups nature (chemical structure) and their inhibitory effects on methanogens. The toxicity of para bisubstituted anilines increases in the following order: SO3 < OH < H < CH3 < Cl < NO2 From this sequence of increasing toxicity, it can be seen that the methanogenic toxicity varies with the functional group nature which is in the para position of the main function. Indeed, p-Nitroaniline and benzene with 45.76 and 208.78 mg/l as IC50 values respectively were the most toxic compounds, while p-Aminophenol and p-Aminosulfonic acid (Sulfanilic acid) with 1800.39 and 2777.82 mg/l IC50 values were the less toxic. A very significant negative linear correlation between the toxicity of para substituted anilines compounds and their hydrophobicity was found. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that relationships exist between para substituted anilines functional groups nature and their inhibitory effects in methane biosynthesis by the methanogens.
THE INFLUENCE OF OIL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS ON STOCK MARKET OF DEVELOPING ECONOMIES: A FOCUS ON NIGERIA

The inconclusiveness of findings from various studies on Nigeria on the effect of crude oil price fluctuation on the stock market has led to an argument in literature, thus necessitating further exploration of the subject. This study examines the effect of variations in the price of crude oil on selected stock market performance variables in Nigeria using monthly frequency data covering January 1997-December 2016. Variance decomposition, impulse response analysis, and VAR estimations were employed for the study. The results reveal that oil price variations are slowly transmitted in some stock market performance variables. The findings indicate that the effect of crude oil price fluctuations in the Nigerian stock market is greatly minimized and does not sufficiently account for market activities.
Capital Structure and Firm Financial Performance: Moderating Effect of Board Financial Literacy in Nigerian Listed Non-Financial Companies

Objective – The study examined the moderating effect of board financial literacy on the relationship between capital structure and firm financial performance of listed non-financial companies in Nigeria. Design/methodology – Capital structure was measured by long term debts to total assets, short term debts to total assets equity to total debt ratio and board financial literacy was measured by ratio of board members that have professional and academic qualification in accounting, finance and economics. Meanwhile financial performance was measured by return on assets. Secondary data was extracted from the sampled firms annual report and accounts and analyzed using Panel Least Square. Results – The study revealed a positive and significant relationship between long term debt and ROA. It also shows that board financial literacy moderate capital structure significantly and increase firm performance. The study recommended that the management of Nigerian listed non-financial firms should optimize the capital structure in order to increase the financial performance. They can do that through ensuring that their capital structure is optimal by using more of current debts and non-current debt than equity. The Board of Directors of Nigerian listed company should be concerned about the level of long term debt, short term debt and include members that are financially literate who will contribute in financing decision of firm in order make optimal capital structure for better financial performance. This is because the findings of this study revealed a positive significant moderating relationship between long term debt, short term debt and financial performance.
Enhancement of spatial memories at the associative and relational levels after a full night of sleep and likelihood of dream incorporation

This study evaluated the effect of sleep in mediating the performance of associative and relational spatial memories in an immersive spatialised task. It also investigated how items presented during the task were incorporated into participants' dreams. A total of 54 participants were assigned to either a wake or sleep condition in their home setting: 27 participants stayed awake during a normal day between the learning and the testing phases of a spatial task, while 27 other participants slept in their home according to their usual sleep schedule. Subjective dream experiences during the night were reported by the participants using a paper/pencil diary. Results showed that memory performances for the testing phase were greater for the Sleep group at both associative and relational levels compared to an equivalent period of wake. The examination of dream reports revealed that 6 dream reports out of 17 (35.29%) collected in the Sleep group incorporated items related to the task. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a protective effect of sleep on associative and relational memory performance using an immersive spatialised VR task and with a full night's sleep occurring in a home setting that respected the participant's usual sleep schedule. As a perspective, we proposed methodological improvements for future studies investigating dreams and their relationship with memory processes.
POWER RATE LAW BASED CHEMICAL KINETICS AND THERMODYNAMIC MODELING OF AFRICAN PEAR SEED OIL CONSECUTIVE IRREVERSIBLE BASE METHANOLYSIS FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

Currently the major challenge of biodiesel application as a replacement to petrodiesel is its industrial production sustainability.Consequently, the successful scale-up of laboratory results in transesterification requires so much information obtained through chemical kinetics.This paper presents the kinetics and thermodynamic study of alkali-homogeneous irreversible methanolysis of seed oil derived from African pear. The transesterification process was carried out from 0-100 minutes at temperature range of 55-65°C. The reaction mixture compositions were ascertained using gas chromatography- flame ionization detector (GC-FID) technique. Rate constants of the triglyceride (Tg), diglycerides (Dg) and monoglycerides(Mg) hydrolysis were in the range of 0.0140- 0.07810 wt%/min and increased with increase in temperature. The rate of reaction was found to increase with increase in temperature. Activation energies were found to be 6.14, 20.01 and 28.5kcal/mol at 55, 60 and 65oC respectively. Tg hydrolysis to Dg was observed asthe rate determining step while the reaction agreed with second order principles. A biodiesel yield of 93.02% was obtained with cloud point of 10°C , flash point of 125°C , pour point of 4°C , calorific value of 34.4MJ/kg, and cetane number of 54.90 which satisfy EN14214 and ASTM D 6751 standards. Results presented in this report would serve as idealized conditions for industrial scale up of biodiesel production from African pear seed oil. Keywords:Kinetics; methanolysis; rate constants; activation energy; African pear seed oil; biodiesel
The impact of SF6 sinks on age of air climatologies and trends

Abstract. Mean age of air (AoA) is a common diagnostic for the strength of the stratospheric overturning circulation in both climate models and observations. AoA climatologies and its trends over the recent decades of model simulations and proxies derived from observations of long-lived tracers do not agree. Satellite observations show much older air than climate models and while most models compute a clear decrease of AoA over the last decades, a thirty-year timeseries from measurements shows a statistically non-significant positive trend. Measurement-based AoA derivations are often based on observations of the trace gas SF6, a fairly long-lived gas with a near-linear increase of emissions during the recent decades. However, SF6 has chemical sinks in the mesosphere, which are not considered in most model studies. In this study, we explicitly compute the chemical SF6 sinks based on chemical processes in the global chemistry-climate model EMAC. We show that good agreement of stratospheric AoA in EMAC and MIPAS is reached through the inclusion of chemical SF6 sinks, as those lead to a strong increase of the stratospheric AoA and thereby to a better agreement with MIPAS satellite observations. Remaining larger differences in high latitudes are addressed and possible reasons are discussed. Subsequently, we demonstrate that also the AoA trends are strongly influenced by the chemical SF6 sinks. Under consideration of the SF6 sinks, the AoA trends over the recent decades reverse sign from negative to positive. We conduct sensitivity simulations which reveal that this sign reversal results neither from trends of the stratospheric circulation strength, nor from changes in the strength of the SF6 sinks. We illustrate that even a constant SF6 destruction rate causes a positive trend in the derived AoA, since the amount of depleted SF6 scales with the increasing SF6 abundance itself. In our simulations, this effect overcompensates the impact of the accelerating stratospheric circulation which naturally decreases AoA. Although various sources of uncertainties cannot be quantified in detail in this study, our results suggest that the inclusion of SF6 depletion in models has the potential to reconcile the AoA trends of models and observations.
Bank Capital, Government Bond Holdings, and Sovereign Debt Capacity

Abstract I develop a model where the sovereign debt capacity depends on the capitalization of domestic banks. Low-capital banks optimally tilt their government bond portfolio toward domestic securities, linking their destiny to that of the sovereign. If the sovereign risk is sufficiently high, low-capital banks lend less to the productive sector to further increase their holdings of domestic government bonds, lowering sovereign yields. In this case, a government that regulates bank capital faces a trade-off. On the one hand, high-capital banks lend more to the productive sector. On the other hand, low-capital banks support the home sovereign debt capacity.