Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impacts of hot-dry compound extremes on US Soybean yields

<p>The US agriculture system supplies more than one third of globally traded soybean, of which 90% is produced under rainfed agriculture. This makes the commodity particularly sensitive to weather and climate variability. Previous research has shown that annually averaged climate conditions explain about a third of global crop yield variability. Additionally, although less studied so far, crops are sensitive to specific short-term weather conditions, isolated or co-occurring at key moments throughout the growing season. Here we aim to identify key within-season weather and climate variables that can explain soybean yield variability in the US while exploring synergies between drivers that can have compounding impacts. The study combines weather data from reanalysis and satellite-based evapotranspiration and root-zone soil moisture with sub-national crop yield estimates using statistical methods that account for interaction effects. We also analyze the historic changes in identified key driving conditions in order to explore the effects of current climatic trends on yields. Our preliminary results indicate positive yield response to higher minimum temperature early and late in the season whereas the largest effect on soybeans is driven by the harmful co-occurrence of high temperature and low moisture levels during the summer flowering period significantly reducing yields on average in the US &#160;by one standard deviation. The magnitude of the response to climate drivers varies across the spatial domain highlighting the need to focus on local and season specific management strategies. On the bright side, recent trends in temperature have not increased the likelihood of low yields. This is because the overall warming conditions reduce the risk of frost early and late in the season. Conversely, a peculiar cooling trend during the summer period attributed to agricultural land use is beneficial for yields when crops are most sensitive to high temperatures. Our study provides a detailed understanding of the current relationship between climate and soybean yields in the US. This is particularly relevant for adaptation and mitigation strategies aimed at avoiding low yields in a context of increasing food demand and climate change. </p>
Machine learning approach to chance-constrained problems: An algorithm based on the stochastic gradient descent

We consider chance-constrained problems with discrete random distribution. We aim for problems with a large number of scenarios. We propose a novel method based on the stochastic gradient descent method which performs updates of the decision variable based only on considering a few scenarios. We modify it to handle the non-separable objective. Complexity analysis and a comparison with the standard (batch) gradient descent method is provided. We give three examples with non-convex data and show that our method provides a good solution fast even when the number of scenarios is large.
Multi-physics Coupling Analysis and Bench Experiment Research of Brake

In order to explore the comprehensive performance of a new type of brake-circular disc brake, a multi-physics coupling analysis was established using ANSYS Workbench software to study the heat generation mechanism and air-cooled heat dissipation effect of the brake under different working conditions. Under the condition of a single braking condition, the maximum temperature of the peripheral disc brake is 98.1℃; under the condition of continuous braking, the maximum temperature of the brake is 170.22℃, and the highest temperature occurs on the outer surface. A thermo-fluid-solid coupling analysis of the peripheral disc brake is established. Compared with the heat generation of a single braking condition, the maximum temperature of the brake is reduced by 14.77℃, which shows that the effect of forced air cooling is not obvious. Use the test bench to compare the finite element analysis results. It can be seen from the bench experiment that as the cyclic braking progresses, the maximum temperature of each braking cycle basically increases in a gradient manner, and the experimental and simulation results are basically consistent. The maximum error between the experiment and the finite element simulation is 8.29℃ , Verified the reliability of finite element analysis.
Wage Elasticity of Labor Supply in Real-Time Ridesharing Markets : An Empirical Analysis

The prominence of real-time ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, has dramatically changed the landscape of traditional industries. In this study, we provide a comprehensive analysis on the wage elasticity of labor supply in real-time ridesharing markets using data from a major ridesharing platform in China. By exploiting an exogenous shock from uneven driving restrictions as an instrumental variable, we find a negative labor supply elasticity for ridesharing drivers, suggesting that drivers tend to drive less during days with higher average hourly wage. This surprising finding is consistent with the behavioral income-targeting model based on the theory of reference-dependent preferences: Drivers have heuristic daily targets for total earnings and are more motivated to supply labor when they are below their income target than above it. Therefore, they work less on days when earnings per hour are high and quit the market once their income target is reached. In addition, we find that taxi drivers are more rational and are less affected by the income target. What is more interesting is that the labor supply elasticity is less negative for more experienced and patterned ridesharing drivers, which implies that drivers are more rational when they have repeated opportunities of learning. Estimating labor supply elasticity is critical to understand the economic efficiency of various surge pricing algorithms and driver subsidization programs for ridesharing platforms and policy makers. Our research suggests that a uniform price surging or driver subsidization to all ridesharing drivers may not incentivize labor supply of drivers effectively. A more efficient approach is to implement personalized price surging algorithms and driver subsidization programs targeting more experienced and patterned drivers.
Relationship between arylesterase activity and pulse pressure index in patients with an acute ischemic stroke

Background: Stroke is a multifactorial disease. Arylesterase (ARE) activities have been considered as an anti-atherosclerosis factor. Increased pulse pressure (PP) may lead to a high risk of coronary artery disease and neurovascular morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, there are limitations for PP as an evaluation index. Objectives: In order to overcome the defects of PP, there is a novel parameter, “pulse pressure/systolic pressure” named “pulse pressure index (PPI)” for evaluation of cardiovascular effect. We researched the relationship between ARE activities and pulse pressure index (PPI) in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods: We evaluated and compared the ARE activity and PPI in 87 ischemic stroke patients and 48 control patients. ARE activity was measured with the ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method by using “Rel Assay Diagnostic” kits . Pulse pressure was measured by subtraction of diastolic blood pressure from systolic blood pressure. PPI was calculated as “ pulse pressure / systolic pressure”. Results: Hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia importantly higher in ischemic stroke patients than the control group (p<0.05). PPI was significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients than the control group (0.486±0.075 and 0.417±0.051, p<0.05). ARE activity was significantly lower in ischemic stroke patients than in the control group (511.59 ± 68.51 and 584.16 ± 81.74 p=0.019). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that ARE activity is lower and PPI is higher in acute ischemic stroke patients than control subjects. Our results suggested that, ARE activity and PPI are important risk factors in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Modelling the hydrological response of debris‐free and debris‐covered glaciers to present climatic conditions in the semiarid Andes of central Chile

We apply the process‐based, distributed TOPKAPI‐ETH glacio‐hydrological model to a glacierized catchment (19% glacierized) in the semiarid Andes of central Chile. The semiarid Andes provides vital freshwater resources to valleys in Chile and Argentina, but only few glacio‐hydrological modelling studies have been conducted, and its dominant hydrological processes remain poorly understood. The catchment contains two debris‐free glaciers reaching down to 3900 m asl (Bello and Yeso glaciers) and one debris‐covered avalanche‐fed glacier reaching to 3200 m asl (Piramide Glacier). Our main objective is to compare the mass balance and runoff contributions of both glacier types under current climatic conditions. We use a unique dataset of field measurements collected over two ablation seasons combined with the distributed TOPKAPI‐ETH model that includes physically oriented parameterizations of snow and ice ablation, gravitational distribution of snow, snow albedo evolution and the ablation of debris‐covered ice. Model outputs indicate that while the mass balance of Bello and Yeso glaciers is mostly explained by temperature gradients, the Piramide Glacier mass balance is governed by debris thickness and avalanches and has a clear non‐linear profile with elevation as a result. Despite the thermal insulation effect of the debris cover, the mass balance and contribution to runoff from debris‐free and debris‐covered glaciers are similar in magnitude, mainly because of elevation differences. However, runoff contributions are distinct in time and seasonality with ice melt starting approximately four weeks earlier from the debris‐covered glacier, what is of relevance for water resources management. At the catchment scale, snowmelt is the dominant contributor to runoff during both years. However, during the driest year of our simulations, ice melt contributes 42 ± 8% and 67 ± 6% of the annual and summer runoff, respectively. Sensitivity analyses show that runoff is most sensitive to temperature and precipitation gradients, melt factors and debris cover thickness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Nearshore Eddies on the Design of Marine Environmental Monitoring Sites

Design of the in-situ observational sites depends on topography and hydrodynamic characteristics in the observational region, which is significantly important in marine environmental monitoring and evaluation. The tidal motion in Jiaozhou Bay and Aoshan Bay is simulated in this study using the unstructured grid, finite-volume coastal ocean model (FVCOM). With an accurate geometric representation of irregular coastlines and islands and sufficiently high horizontal resolution in narrow channels, FVCOM provides an accurate simulation of the tidal current in the bays and also resolves the strong tidal flushing processes in the narrow channels. There exist many small-scale eddies due to the interaction of tidal flushing and complex coastlines. Small-scale eddies formation will cause inhomogeneous distribution of the marine environmental element, then affects design of the in-situ observational sites. We proposed that design of the in-situ observational sites should consider nearshore eddies in order to conform to reality and enhance environmental protection.
Stability Analysis Of Earth Dam Slopes Subjected To Earthquake Using ERT Results Interpretation

Earth Dam stability can be affected significantly by the existence of excessive leakage. This is due to decreasing of shear strength of the dam material and additional overturning moment. In such scenario, the non-destructive soil investigation method is needed to analyze the stability of earth dam in current condition. This paper examines the use of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to investigate soil layers and to measure parameters of soil shear strength indirectly. First survey was carried out at dam crest and downstream using Wenner Configuration along profile lines at electrode spacing of 5 m. There were 5 profile lines of 180m long each and 10m distance of spacing. Furthermore, two profiles lines at weak cross-section based on its resistivity soil values were undertaken. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine relationship between resistivity value, moisture content, cohesion and angle of friction for each type of dam materials. From the ERT results and lab testing, a model dam can be obtained using current material parameters to perform stability analysis of dam subjected to earthquake. The lowest FOS was found at the upstream side about 1.15 and at the downstream side about 1.14 after applying seismic load of 100 years return period.
The impact of savings on capital mobilization: A case study of selected primary and junior high school teachers in Ho municipality

The objective of this study is to find out the impact of savings on capital mobilization for investment in capital projects for personal economic development and educational purposes. The study used primary and secondary data. The population for the study was basic school teachers within Ho municipality of the Volta region of Ghana. Probability sampling technique was employed in selecting the sample size. From the study it was found out that teachers who save part of their salaries were able to raise financial resources to investment in projects, further their education and acquire movable and immovable properties. Findings from the study led to the conclusion that there is a positive correlation between savings and capital mobilization for other economic activities among teachers in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana. Key words: Savings, capital mobilization, Ho municipality, teachers, economic activities.
Teachers' Dispositions: Supporting Democracy or Forcing Indoctrination.

Teacher education programs have become increasingly aware of the need to consider appropriate professional dispositions. This article addresses several potentially uncomfortable questions surrounding teacher dispositions including a true meaning of disposition(s), assessing dispositions and the research base of what is known concerning dispositions as related to e ective teaching. Additionally, the article speaks to the particularly uncomfortable question of the NCATE role in the dispositions arena. note: This module has been peer-reviewed, accepted, and sanctioned by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) as a scholarly contribution to the knowledge base in educational administration.
Nomenclatures, terminologies and classification of startups: A multivocal literature review

A ausencia de uma nomenclatura, terminologia e classificacao referentes ao universo das startups pode levar a inconsistencias nas pesquisas academicas. O objetivo deste artigo e sistematizar a nomenclatura e a terminologia do universo das startups e estabelecer uma taxonomia destas, bem como sua classificacao considerando o ponto de vista academico e de mercado. Alem disso, propor termos unicos para uso da academia. O estudo utilizou uma Revisao Multivocal da Literatura sobre startups verificando as nomenclaturas, terminologias e classificacoes que a norteiam (fases, publico-alvo, modelo de negocio), tanto na literatura academica, como na literatura cinza. O resultado permitiu a apresentacao das informacoes de maneira a comparar as diversas bases existentes sobre o tema. O estudo utilizou parâmetros proprios e quatro fontes de dados, o que representa uma oportunidade para estudos futuros sobre o assunto, explorando outras fontes de dados e metodologias de pesquisa. Alem disso, o termo “startup” e um verbo muito utilizado na lingua inglesa o que causa muito equivoco com o que se denominou “startup” nesse artigo. O estudo visa contribuir com um modelo de nomenclatura padrao a fim de alcancar uma analise eficiente da linguagem empresarial das startups com o proposito de auxiliar pesquisadores e empreendedores envolvidos. As definicoes propostas constituem uma terminologia de referencia com apresentacao de conceitos dos termos de startups, conciliando a terminologia academica com a utilizada no mercado quanto a target public, income model and stage.
Direct observation of phase-sensitive Hong-Ou-Mandel interference

Quality of individual photons and their ability to interfere is traditionally tested by measuring the Hong-Ou-Mandel photon bunching effect. However, this phase insensitive measurement only tests the particle aspect of the quantum interference. Motivated by these limitations, we formulate a witness capable of recognizing both the quality and the coherence of two photons from a single set of measurements. We exploit the conditional nonclassical squeezing which is sensitive to both the quality of the single photons and their indistinguishability and we show that it can be used to irectly reveal both the particle and the wave aspects of the quantum interference. Finally, we experimentally test the witness by applying it to a pair of independent single photons generated on demand.
EXPERIENCE THE RELEVANCE OF TESTING IN ENGINEERING DESIGN EDUCATION

Engineering design education imparts students how to Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate complex engineering systems. The „Innovation Project“ at ETH Zurich is a projectbased engineering design course, where 456 undergraduate students of mechanical engineering experience the CDIO activities in the freshman year in teams of 4 to 6 students. Starting from an idea, a concept and a design, the project work includes the production of several prototypes with direct manufacturing technologies and the implementation of the final system in a defined operation environment. A main finding of the project in 2013 is that systems being tested at different stages of the product development process showed higher reliability and better performance in the final contest. As a consequence, the learning effects of testing have considerable impact on the projects’ success. This paper shows how the relevance of testing can be experienced in project-based engineering design education focusing on the case study of the “Innovation Project” where testing is approached in all four CDIO activities: (1) Testing in Conceiving by the development of low-fidelity prototypes facilitates the exploration of ideas and the verification of the concept. (2) Testing in Design enables the students to identify errors such as part collisions primarily in the context of Computer Aided Design. (3) Testing the Implementation refers to testing the assembly of the parts. Finally, (4) Testing for Operation is conducted by integrating the system in the intended overall system. Based on the results, it is discussed how the relevance of testing can be experienced and imparted in project based engineering design classes.
Addressing Issues and Challenges in Managing Migratory Tuna Resources in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Tuna resources in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean are the world’s largest and most valuable fisheries of their type and are vital to the economy and the sustainable development of the region. However, the region witnesses a rapid decline in tuna resources and the depletion of species such as bigeye and yellowfin tunas, and overharvesting of the other species. This study investigated the collaborative management model used to manage migratory tuna resources. The study followed a case study design with a focus on the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Fisheries Commission. Forty interviews were conducted with key stakeholders. The findings indicated that six factors, namely, structure and size, self-interest, self-enforcement, leadership style, equality of power, and culture, affected significantly the outcomes of a collaborative management model. The findings also provide important insights on how the factors influenced the outcomes. The study contributes to a better understanding of international governance of common-pool resources (CPRs) and its challenges, and thus helps policymakers develop strategies for managing migratory fishing resources for the sake of economic viability and sustainability in the region.
Amblyopia in rural Nigerian school children

Purpose: Globally, amblyopia remains a common cause of visual impairment in children. Early screening and treatment is necessary to prevent permanent visual loss. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, etiologic factors, and characteristics of amblyopia among rural, public primary school children in Ijebu East Local Government Area (IELGA) of Ogun state, southwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among pupils of randomly selected public primary schools in IELGA from 27th October to 7th November 2014. Data on sociodemographics, ocular history, and ocular examination were collected. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: There were 1180 public primary school pupils enrolled for the study. The data of 1153 pupils were analyzed giving a 97.7% response rate. The mean age was 9.2 ± 2.8 years with age range from 4 years to 16 years. There were more female students (586; 50.8%) with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.03. Majority of the pupils were from the Yoruba ethnic group (819; 71.0%) and from basic one academic class (236; 20.5%). Six of the examined pupils were found to have amblyopia, giving a prevalence of 0.5%. The following three types of amblyopia were seen in this study: anisometric amblyopia (2; 0.17%), ametropic amblyopia (2; 0.17%), and strabismic amblyopia (2; 0.17%). Three pupils had unilateral amblyopia while three had bilateral amblyopia. All amblyopias were classified as mild-to-moderate amblyopia. Conclusion: The prevalence of amblyopia among these rural school children was low. However, because children with amblyopia could have a lifetime of blindness ahead of them, the number of “blind person years” in those whose blindness started in childhood is enormous. Early screening is required to prevent the attendant consequences of socioeconomic burden following visual impairment in this vulnerable subsection of the Nigerian rural populace.
Cloud platforms and embedded computing - The operating systems of the future

The discussion on how to effectively program embedded systems has often in the past revolved around issues like the ideal instruction set architecture (ISA) or the best operating system. Much of this has been motivated by the inherently resource-constrained nature of embedded devices that mandates efficiency as the primary design principle. In this paper, we advocate a change in the way we see and treat embedded systems. Not only have embedded systems become much more powerful and resources more affordable, we also see a trend towards making embedded devices more consumable, programmable, and customizable by end users. In fact, we see a strong similarity with recent developments in cloud computing. We outline several challenges and opportunities in turning a language runtime system like the Java Virtual Machine into a cloud platform. We focus in particular on support for running multiple tenants concurrently within the platform. Multi-tenant support is essential for efficient resource utilization in cloud environments but can also improve application performance and overall user experience in embedded environments. We believe that today's modern language runtimes, with extensions to support multi-tenancy, can form the basis for a single continuous platform for emerging embedded applications backed by cloud-based service infrastructures.