Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Warm-Rain Microphysical Parameterizations in Mesoscale Simulations of the Cloudy Marine Boundary Layer

AbstractSeveral warm-rain microphysical parameterizations are evaluated in a regional forecast model setting (using the Naval Research Laboratory’s Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System) by evaluating how accurately the model is able to represent the marine boundary layer (MBL). Cloud properties from a large suite of simulations using different parameterizations and concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) are compared to ship-based observations from the Variability of the American Monsoon Systems (VAMOS) Ocean–Cloud–Atmosphere–Land Study—Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx) field campaign conducted over the southeastern Pacific (SEP). As in previous studies, the simulations systematically underestimate liquid water path and MBL cloud depth. On the other hand, the simulations overestimate precipitation rates relative to those derived from the scanning C-band radar on board the ship. Most of the simulations exhibit a diurnal cycle, although details differ somewhat from a recent observat.
Correlates of corporate accountability among South Africa's largest listed companies

This paper explores the relationships between a publicly available measure of corporate accountability (the Accountability Rating) and a range of other corporate variables for the largest 50 companies in South Africa. The rationale for this was to consider empirical evidence for a number of the major theoretical movements in the realm of corporate responsibility. The relationship between accountability and company financial performance was assessed for evidence to support either the stakeholder or slack resources theories. The relationships between accountability and company size and proxy institutional field variables were examined as evidence that institutional fields may represent strong drivers for corporate accountability. Finally, the relationships between accountability and executive remuneration variables were examined for evidence of agency issues. No significant relationships between accountability and financial performance variables were detected, suggesting that neither the stakeholder theory nor the slack resources theory was likely to be a crucial driver of accountability in this sample. Statistically significant relationships between accountability, on the one hand, and company size and the institutional proxies of industry sectors and multiple securities exchange listings, on the other, suggested the centrality of a company's institutional field in motivating socially responsible corporate behaviour. Findings in terms of executive remuneration were ambiguous and justify further investigation.
Semianalytical model for simulation of electronic properties of narrow-gap strained semiconductor quantum nanostructures

A complete semianalytical model is proposed for the simulation of the electronic, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties of narrow-gap strained semiconductor quantum nanostructures. A transverse isotropic approximation for the strain and an axial approximation for the strained $8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}8$ Hamiltonian are proposed. It is applied extensively to the case of $\mathrm{In}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{In}\mathrm{P}$ quantum dots (QDs). Symmetry analysis shows that there does exist a nonvanishing splitting on the electron P states due to the coupling with valence band. This splitting, which was not considered before, is found to be smaller in $\mathrm{In}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{As}$ QD than in $\mathrm{In}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{In}\mathrm{P}$ QD. Analytic expressions for the first and second order piezoelectric polarizations are used to evaluate the perturbation of electronic states.
Fault-Tolerant Control of Cascaded H-Bridge Converters Using Double Zero-Sequence Voltage Injection and DC Voltage Optimization

Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) converters can be directly connected to medium-voltage grids without using transformers and they possess the advantages of large capacity and low harmonics. They are significant tools for providing grid connections in large-capacity renewable energy systems. However, the reliability of a grid-connected CHB converter can be seriously influenced by the number of power switching devices that exist in the structure. This paper proposes a fault-tolerant control strategy based on double zero-sequence voltage injection and DC voltage optimization to improve the reliability of star-connected CHB converters after one or more power units have been bypassed. By injecting double zero-sequence voltages into each phase cluster, the DC voltages of the healthy units can be rapidly balanced after the faulty units are bypassed. In addition, optimizing the DC voltage increases the number of faulty units that can be tolerated and improves the reliability of the converter. Simulations and experimental results are shown for a seven-level three-phase CHB converter to validate the efficiency and feasibility of this strategy.
Cardiovascular Catheter With an Expandable Origami Structure

Interventional catheter ablation treatment is a noninvasive approach for normalizing heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmia. Catheter ablation can be assisted with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide high-contrast images of the heart vasculature for diagnostic and intraprocedural purposes. Typical MRI images are captured using surface imaging coils that are external to the tissue being imaged. The image quality and the scanning time required for producing an image are directly correlated to the distance between the tissue being imaged and the imaging coil. The objective of this work is to minimize the spatial distance between the target tissue and the imaging coil by placing the imaging coil directly inside the heart using an expandable origami catheter structure. In this study, geometrical analysis is utilized to optimize the size and shape of the origami structure and MRI scans are taken to confirm the MRI compatibility of the structure. The origami expandable mechanism could also be applied to other medical device designs that require expandable structures. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4036581]
Effect of sea breeze circulation on aerosol mixing state and radiative properties in a desert setting

Abstract. Chemical composition, microphysical, and optical properties of atmospheric aerosol deep inland in the Negev Desert of Israel are found to be influenced by daily occurrences of sea breeze flow from the Mediterranean Sea. Abrupt increases in aerosol volume concentration and shifts of size distributions towards larger sizes, which are associated with increase in wind speed and atmospheric water content, were systematically recorded during the summertime at a distance of at least 80 km from the coast. Chemical imaging of aerosol samples showed an increased contribution of highly hygroscopic particles during the intrusion of the sea breeze. Besides a significant fraction of marine aerosols, the amount of internally mixed marine and mineral dust particles was also increased during the sea breeze period. The number fraction of marine and internally mixed particles during the sea breeze reached up to 88 % in the PM1–2. 5 and up to 62 % in the PM2. 5–10 size range. Additionally, numerous particles with residuals of liquid coating were observed by SEM/EDX analysis. Ca-rich dust particles that had reacted with anthropogenic nitrates were evidenced by Raman microspectroscopy. The resulting hygroscopic particles can deliquesce at very low relative humidity. Our observations suggest that aerosol hygroscopic growth in the Negev Desert is induced by the daily sea breeze arrival. The varying aerosol microphysical and optical characteristics perturb the solar and thermal infrared radiations. The changes in aerosol properties induced by the sea breeze, relative to the background situation, doubled the shortwave radiative cooling at the surface (from −10 to −20.5 W m−2) and increased by almost 3 times the warming of the atmosphere (from 5 to 14 W m−2), as evaluated for a case study. Given the important value of observed liquid coating of particles, we also examined the possible influence of the particle homogeneity assumption on the retrieval of aerosol microphysical characteristics. The tests suggest that sensitivity to the coating appears if backward scattering and polarimetric measurements are available for the inversion algorithm. This may have an important implication for retrievals of aerosol microphysical properties in remote sensing applications.
Formation of defects in boron nitride by low energy ion bombardment

Formation of defects in hexagonal and cubic boron nitride (h-BN and c-BN, respectively) under low-energy argon or nitrogen ion-bombardment has been studied by near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) around boron and nitrogen K-edges. Breaking of B–N bonds for both argon and nitrogen bombardment and formation of nitrogen vacancies, VN, has been identified from the B K-edge of both h-BN and c-BN, followed by the formation of molecular nitrogen, N2, at interstitial positions. The presence of N2 produces an additional peak in photoemission spectra around N 1s core level and a sharp resonance in the low-resolution NEXAFS spectra around N K-edge, showing the characteristic vibrational fine structure in high-resolution measurements. In addition, several new peaks within the energy gap of BN, identified by NEXAFS around B and N K-edges, have been assigned to boron or nitrogen interstitials, in good agreement with theoretical predictions. Ion bombardment destroys the cubic phase of c-BN and produces a p.
A DIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRIC SETTING FOR DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE AND DYNAMIC LINEARIZATION

This paper presents an (infinite-dimensional) geometric framework for control systems, based on infinite jet bundles, where a system is represented by a single vector field and dynamic equivalence (to be precise: equivalence by endogenous dynamic feedback) is conjugation by diffeomorphisms. These diffeomorphisms are very much related to Lie-Bäcklund transformations. It is proved in this framework that dynamic equivalence of single-input systems is the same as static equivalence.
Revisiting the observed surface climate response to large volcanic eruptions

Abstract. In light of the range in presently available observational, reanalysis and model data, we revisit the surface climate response to large tropical volcanic eruptions from the end of the 19th century until present. We focus on the dynamically driven response of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the radiative-driven tropical temperature response. Using 10 different reanalysis products and the Hadley Centre Sea Level Pressure observational dataset (HadSLP2) we confirm a positive tendency in the phase of the NAO during boreal winters following large volcanic eruptions, although we conclude that it is not as clear cut as the current literature suggests. While different reanalyses agree well on the sign of the surface volcanic NAO response for individual volcanoes, the spread in the response is often large (∼ 1/2 standard deviation). This inter-reanalysis spread is actually larger for the more recent volcanic eruptions, and in one case does not encompass observations (El Chichon). These are all in the satellite era and therefore assimilate more atmospheric data that may lead to a more complex interaction for the surface response. The phase of the NAO leads to a dynamically driven warm anomaly over northern Europe in winter, which is present in all datasets considered. The general cooling of the surface temperature due to reduced incoming shortwave radiation is therefore disturbed by dynamical impacts. In the tropics, where less dynamically driven influences are present, we confirm a predominant cooling after most but not all eruptions. All datasets agree well on the strength of the tropical response, with the observed and reanalysis response being statistically significant but the modelled response not being significant due to the high variability across models.
Impact of Selective Epitaxial Growth and Uniaxial/Biaxial Strain on DIBL Effect Using Triple Gate FinFETs

The influence of Selective Epitaxial Growth (SEG) and the Uniaxial and Biaxial Strain are studied in triple gate FinFETs, analyzing the Drain Induced Barrier Lowering Effect (DIBL). The splits using SEG present better performance for strained devices than the unstrained ones but the inverse is observed for devices without SEG. The DIBL values are higher for SEG devices in all cases. For devices without SEG, the effect of mechanical stress is more pronounced and the mobility is higher in the uniaxially strained devices. These devices have lower VT values in the saturation condition causing the highest DIBL.
Positive, conservative, equilibrium state preserving and implicit difference schemes for the isotropic Fokker-Planck-Landau equation

The aim of this paper is to describe the discretization of the Fokker-Planck-Landau (FPL) collision term in the isotropic case, which models the self-collision for the electrons when they are totally isotropized by heavy particles background such as ions. The discussion focuses on schemes, which could preserve positivity, mass, energy and Maxwellian equilibrium. The Chang and Cooper method is widely used by plasma's physicists for the FPL (and for Fokker-Planck type equations). We present a new variant that is both positive and conservative contrary to the existing one's. In the category of others difference schemes we propose a simple scheme on non-uniform grid, which is both positive, conservative and equilibrium state preserving in opposition to what exists. The case of Coulombian potentials is emphasized. We address also the problem of the time discretization. In particular we show how to recast some implicit methods to get band diagonal system and to solve it by direct method with a linear cost. Numerical tests are performed.
Gastrointestinal and blood parasites of a free grazing flock of sheep in Kaithady farm in the Jaffna District

Parasitism is one of the major economic and health problems affecting sheep industry. The present study determined the prevalence, intensity and the types of gastrointestinal (GI) and blood parasites of sheep at Kaithady farm in the Jaffna District. Fresh faecal samples (~ 5 g) from sheep belonging to a breed known as ‘Jaffna Locals’ were collected in September 2010 (during the dry season) and March 2011 (after the rainy season) and processed by salt floatation, direct saline and iodine smears and sedimentation method. Geimsa stained smears were prepared from the blood samples. Identification of the parasites was based on light microscopic morphology and faecal culture was done to identify strongyles. Seven genera of GI parasites including Haemonchus contortus , Toxocara , Trichuris , Moniezia, Eimeria, Giardia, amphistome eggs and an unidentified strongyle type eggs were recorded. Strongyle infection was the most common (78 %) followed by Eimeria spp . (76 %). Concurrent infections of Eimeria spp. and GI nematodes were common. Although there was no difference in the overall prevalence of GI parasites between the rainy and dry seasons (chi square test; p > 0.05), the intensity of infection was significantly higher in the rainy season (Mann Whitney U test; p Moniezia, Giardia and Trichuris were recorded only after the rainy season. A tick-borne haemoparasite, Theileria sp. was found with a very high prevalence of 87 %. Sheep in the Kaithady farm harboured many parasites. Regular and proper administration of anthelmintics would provide an effective strategy in controlling these infections. J.Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2013 41 (3): 195-201 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v41i3. 6059
Clinical implication of FDG-PET/CT in monitoring disease activity in large-vessel giant cell arteritis linked with secondary polymyalgia rheumatica

Seventy year-old female presented low-grade fever, neck and pelvic girdle pain, jaw claudication and pulseless without visual disturbance. Laboratory examinations showed that C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were 11 mg/dl and 123 mm/1hr, respectively. FDG-PET/CT findings demonstrated bilateral subclavian, carotid and femoral arteritis and aortitis in addition to bursitis and enthesitis of spinous process and pelvic girdle. We diagnosed as large-vessel giant cell arteritis (GCA) linked with secondary polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Glucocorticoid therapy was started, and not only these symptoms and but also abnormal findings of FDG-PET/CT were improved.
FATREC Workshop on Responsible Recommendation Proceedings

This paper states the case for the principle of minimal necessary data: If two recommender algorithms achieve the same effectiveness, the better algorithm is the one that requires less user data. Applying this principle involves carrying out training data requirements analysis, which we argue should be adopted as best practice for the development and evaluation of recommender algorithms. We take the position that responsible recommendation is recommendation that serves the people whose data it uses. To minimize the imposition on users’ privacy, it is important that a recommender system does not collect or store more user information than it absolutely needs. Further, algorithms using minimal necessary data reduce training time and address the cold start problem. To illustrate the trade-off between training data volume and accuracy, we carry out a set of classic recommender system experiments. We conclude that consistently applying training data requirements analysis would represent a relatively small change in researchers’ current practices, but a large step towards more responsible recommender systems. ACM Reference format: Martha Larson1,2, Alessandro Zito3, Babak Loni2, Paolo Cremonesi3. 2017. Towards Minimal Necessary Data: The Case for Analyzing Training Data Requirements of Recommender Algorithms. In Proceedings of Workshop on Responsible Recommendation at ACM RecSys’17, Como, Italy, 31 August 2017 (FATREC’17), 6 pages. https://doi.org/10.18122/B2VX12
Building energy performance assessment through simplified models: Application of the ISO 13790 quasi-steady state method

Following the issue of the European Directive on the “Energy performance of buildings” estensive international research activities have been carried out on the elaboration and adoption of standards containing common methodologies for building energy performance assessment. One important item concerns the definition of a simplified method for the calculation of energy use for space heating and cooling (ISO/FDIS 13790). A simplified quasi-steady state calculation method is presented in this standard. A further validation is needed to apply this method to different building typologies and to different climatic conditions, and this should include comparison with detailed simulations as well as the analysis of different case studies. The results of a research activity that has been concentrated on the validation of this simplified quasi-steady state method, is presented in this paper. The analyses showed that the accuracy of the results is affected to a great extent by calculation assumptions, boundary conditions and input values, which should be carefully specified.
CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS INFLUENCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FORMULATION PROCESS AT THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL

This research is aimed at analyzing the rate and mode of Citizens Society Organizations’ (CSO) participation in the process of development strategies formulation in the Central Bosnia Canton (CBC), as well as to measure their impact on the actual substance of development strategies. To get a deeper insight into research topics, a questionnaire was developed and sent out to more than 300 CSOs from the CBC, yielding 117 valid responses. The research results show that 39.2% of the surveyed CSOs participated in the development strategies formulation process in the CBC, where the most common mode of participation was public consultations and debates. The research also revealed that the more proficient CSOs’ contribution to the process is, the greater influence on the development strategy substance they have. The main implication of this research is better understanding of the development strategies formulation process at the municipal level, and a deeper insight into the nature of relationships between municipalities and CSOs in regard to that process.
Quelques aspects de la simulation numerique d'un canal a houle

Developpement d'une methode numerique (sindbad) pour l'etude des deformees de surface libre et des efforst exerces par le fluide sur une structure immergee (navire, plateforme, digue), et eventuellement des mouvements de cette structure. La methode permet de resoudre le probleme non lineaire exact de l'ecoulement potentiel plan, avec une simulation temporelle similaire a un essai en bassin
Flaked Stone Basalt Technology in the Northern Sierra Nevada of California - eScholarship

A replicative experimental study was carried out with the intention of elucidating the best technological strategies for producing Middle Archaic basalt projectile points and bifaces. This work led to an appreciation of the difficulties of working with Sierran basalts, as well as an admiration for the skills of Middle Archaic knappers. The study shows that, despite the technical challenges, expediency was not the sine qua non of Middle Archaic technology in the northern Sierra Nevada, and provides insight into regional archaeological assemblages.
SOLO: Self Organizing Live Objects

Abstract : Data dissemination overlays are central in scalable multicast protocols and are used in many other kinds of distributed systems. Such overlays must self-assemble and in situations where there are multiple protocol options, a suitable choice of protocol may be key to achieving desired levels of performance, reliability or other QoS objectives. Here, we describe SOLO, a new platform we're constructing as part of Cornell's Live Objects project. SOLO automates the task of discovering the runtime environment by sensing such properties as NAT or firewall characteristics, bottlenecks and bandwidth fluctuations, etc. This paper presents the SOLO architecture and evaluates its effectiveness under a range of realistic scenarios that would be expected in wide-area environments.
Design of a bionic-inspired exoskeleton robot for lower limb assist

The design of an intelligent exoskeleton robot with pneumatic artificial muscles for human lower limb motion assist using electromyography (EMG) is presented. There are four topics addressed in this paper. Decoding electromyography is the first topic. When muscles are active, they produce an electrical activity. EMG is a record of this electrical activity that reflects human’s movement. Through regression analysis a model is obtained to extract motion commands from EMG. It would be an advantage to employ EMG as a control signal for the exoskeleton control. Second, the pneumatic artificial muscle, air muscle for short, is a simple and powerful actuator. When actuated with compressed air, it contracts and provides a pulling force. As a result of its behavior in a similar way to a biological muscle, air muscle is adapted for a bionic actuator of the assist robot. The force models of air muscles are investigated by experiments in a workbench. Third, for the control of a bionic-inspired robot, the multimodal sensory feedback including EMG and inertial sensors is necessary. By using EMG as a force-proportional measurement between human and robot, a control system combined a sensor-fusion approach and a compliant mechanism enables exoskeleton to carry out human-robot collaboration. Finally, a prototype of power-assist exoskeleton robot for lower limb is completed and evaluated by experiments successfully.