Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virtual Sensors for Estimating District Heating Energy Consumption under Sensor Absences in a Residential Building

District heating (DH) is an energy efficient building heating system that entails low primary energy consumption and reduced environmental impact. The estimation of the required heating load provides information for operators to control district heating systems (DHSs) efficiently. It also yields historical datasets for intelligent management applications. Based on the existing virtual sensor capabilities to estimate physical variables, performance, etc., and to detect the anomaly detection in building energy systems, this paper proposes a virtual sensor-based method for the estimation of DH energy consumption in a residential building. Practical issues, including sensor absences and limited datasets corresponding to actual buildings, were also analyzed to improve the applicability of virtual sensors in a building. According to certain virtual sensor development processes, model-driven, data-driven, and grey-box virtual sensors were developed and compared in a case study. The grey-box virtual sensor surpassed the capabilities of the other virtual sensors, particularly for operation patterns corresponding to low heating, which were different from those in the training dataset; notably, a 16% improvement was observed in the accuracy exhibited by the grey-box virtual sensor, as compared to that of the data-driven virtual sensor. The former sensor accounted for a significantly wider DHS operation range by overcoming training data dependency when estimating the actual DH energy consumption. Finally, the proposed virtual sensors can be applied for continuous commissioning, monitoring, and fault detection in the building, since they are developed based on the DH variables at the demand side.
Deep artificial neural network based on environmental sound data for the generation of a children activity classification model

Children activity recognition (CAR) is a subject for which numerous works have been developed in recent years, most of them focused on monitoring and safety. Commonly, these works use as data source different types of sensors that can interfere with the natural behavior of children, since these sensors are embedded in their clothes. This article proposes the use of environmental sound data for the creation of a children activity classification model, through the development of a deep artificial neural network (ANN). Initially, the ANN architecture is proposed, specifying its parameters and defining the necessary values for the creation of the classification model. The ANN is trained and tested in two ways: using a 70–30 approach (70% of the data for training and 30% for testing) and with a k-fold cross-validation approach. According to the results obtained in the two validation processes (70–30 splitting and k-fold cross validation), the ANN with the proposed architecture achieves an accuracy of 94.51% and 94.19%, respectively, which allows to conclude that the developed model using the ANN and its proposed architecture achieves significant accuracy in the children activity classification by analyzing environmental sound.
Pressure-induced phase transition of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [bmim][PF6]

We have investigated the pressure-induced Raman spectral change of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) using Raman spectroscopy. The relative Raman intensity at 590 cm−1 of the CH2 rocking band assigned to the gauche conformer of the NCCC dihedral angle of the butyl group in the [bmim]+ cation increases when the pressure-induced liquid-crystalline phase transition occurs, while that at 610 cm−1 assigned to the trans conformer decreases. Our results show that the high-pressure phase transition of [bmim][PF6] causes the increase of the gauche conformer of the [bmim]+ cation.
Call Graph and Model Checking for Fine-Grained Android Malicious Behaviour Detection

The increasing diffusion of mobile devices, widely used for critical tasks such as the transmission of sensitive and private information, corresponds to an increasing need for methods to detect malicious actions that can undermine our data. As demonstrated in the literature, the signature-based approach provided by antimalware is not able to defend users from new threats. In this paper, we propose an approach based on the adoption of model checking to detect malicious families in the Android environment. We consider two different automata representing Android applications, based respectively on Control Flow Graphs and Call Graphs. The adopted graph data structure allows to detect potentially malicious behaviour and also localize the code where the malicious action happens. We experiment the effectiveness of the proposed method evaluating more than 3000 real-world Android samples (with 2552 malware belonging to 21 malicious family), by reaching an accuracy ranging from 0.97 to 1 in malicious family detection.
Technical efficiency of sea bass and sea bream farming in the Mediterranean Sea by European firms: A stochastic production frontier (SPF) approach

Abstract In recent years, European producers of cultured sea bass and sea bream have experienced a highly competitive market with low prices that have caused profitability challenges. An important factor of economic competitiveness for firms is to produce efficiently. In this paper, technical efficiency of European producers of cultured sea bass and sea bream is evaluated for the period 2008–2017 using the stochastic production frontier (SPF) approach. In addition, the effect of a set of specific-firm factors on firms’ efficiency is investigated. The majority of firms in the sample were found to have a technical efficiency over 90% with Cypriot and Greek firms being, on average, the most efficient. We also found evidence that the technical efficiency of these firms is positively related to their size. Moreover, the high degree of average efficiency means that further production growth requires innovations that move up the production frontier.
Protective behavior or ‘true’ tool use? Scrutinizing the tool use behavior of ants

Abstract In the genus Aphaenogaster, workers use tools to transport liquid food to the colony. During this behavior, ants place or drop various kinds of debris into liquids or soft food, and then, they carry the food‐soaked tools back to the nest. According to some authors, this behavior is not "true" tool use because it represents two separate processes: a defense response to cover the dangerous liquid and a transport of food. Here, we investigated the debris dropping and retrieving behavior of the ant Aphaenogaster subterranea to establish which of the two hypotheses is more probable by conducting manipulative experiments. We tested the responses of eight colonies (a) to liquid food (honey‐water) and nonfood liquids (water) in different distances from the nest and (b) to nonthreatening liquids previously covered or presented as small droplets. We also tested whether the nutritional condition of colonies (i.e., starved or satiated) would affect the intensity and rate of debris dropping. Our results were consistent with the tool‐using behavior hypothesis. Firstly, ants clearly differentiated between honey‐water and water, and they directed more of their foraging effort toward liquids farther from the nest. Secondly, ants performed object dropping even into liquids that did not pose the danger of drowning or becoming entangled. Lastly, the nutritional condition of colonies had a significant effect on the intensity and rate of object dropping, but in the opposite direction than we expected. Our results suggest that the foraging behavior of A. subterranea is more complex than that predicted by the two‐component behavior hypothesis and deserves to be considered as "true" tool use.
Black Friday and Consumer Misbehavior: A Qualitative Analysis of Pakistan’s Black Friday Sale

The purpose of the research was to observe, explore, and analyze the behaviours and misbehaviours of Pakistani consumers during the Black Friday sale. The factors that lead the consumers to misbehave in the discounted event were observed and explored as well. This study undertook the consumers who were shopping during the Black Friday sale. The observations, interviews, and images were collected to analyze. The data analysis was done by coding major themes. By using these factors a conceptual framework of factors generating the consumer misbehaviour was proposed. The suggestions to solve these problems were also given to retailers.
Random packing and random tessellation in relation to the dimension of space

The random packing of non‐overlapping objects and the random tessellation of space by objects are discussed with relation to the dimension of space. The random packing discussed here is random ‘sequential’ packing and random tessellation is defined in this paper as the Voronoi tessellation of Poisson point processes. The conjecture by Palásti is examined for homothetic packing of cubes by using the existing data up to four dimensions; the generalized Palásti conjecture for spheres is also examined from the results of Monte Carlo simulations for two‐ and three‐dimensional space. As for the random tessellation, Kiang's conjecture is examined using the data for two‐ and three‐dimensional space. The results of the study indicate that all of the conjectures are false. Some details are given of the simulation methods.
Exploitation and exploration of IT in times of pandemic: from dealing with emergency to institutionalising crisis practices

ABSTRACT When looking at changes in IT adoption and use in organisations, our theories rely – for the most part – on slow adoption timespans or – to a lesser extent – abrupt crises of short duration. We lack a model of IT adoption during a crisis of extended duration. This paper tackles this gap by looking at the IT-explorative and -exploitative teaching-related practices of university lecturers in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Based on qualitative data from three European higher education institutions and their responses to the COVID-19 crisis, we propose a process model of IT exploration/exploitation under a condition of extended crisis. The model shows that IT use and practices in response to a prolonged crisis go through phases, presenting predictable challenges that management can alleviate with a well-timed approach.
The Role of Human Operators in Safety Perception of AV Deployment—Insights from a Large European Survey

Autonomous vehicles are anticipated to play an important role on future mobility offering encouraging solutions to today’s transport problems. However, concerns of the public, which can affect the AVs’ uptake, are yet to be addressed. This study presents relevant findings of an online survey in eight European countries. First, 1639 responses were collected in Spring 2020 on people’s commute, preferred transport mode, willingness to use AVs and demographic details. Data was analyzed for the entire dataset and for vulnerable road users in particular. Results re-confirm the long-lasting discourse on the importance of safety on the acceptance of AVs. Spearman correlations show that age, gender, education level and number of household members have an impact on how people may be using or allowing their children to use the technology, e.g., with or without the presence of a human supervisor in the vehicle. Results on vulnerable road users show the same trend. The elderly would travel in AVs with the presence of a human supervisor. People with disabilities have the same proclivity, however their reactions were more conservative. Next to safety, reliability, affordability, cost, driving pleasure and household size may also impact the uptake of AVs and shall be considered when designing relevant policies.
Effect of supercritical carbon dioxide dyeing conditions on the chemical and morphological changes of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers

Commercially available regular denier poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics were used in this investigation. PET fabric samples were wound on a bobbin and then exposed to supercritical CO2 under conditions representing a typical supercritical CO2 dyeing cycle. Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the chemical and morphological changes of the PET fibers. The results showed that exposure to supercritical CO2 did not cause chemical changes in the fibers; the crystal size and the Tmp of the PET fabric after treatment in supercritical CO2 did not significantly change; the crystallinity decreased; and the treatment in supercritical CO2 at higher temperature caused surface morphology changes (increased oligomer migration). However, there was no pitting, cracking, or crazing on the surface of the treated fibers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2008–2012, 2004
New synthetic fiber armored cable for freezing-in thermal ice probes

Abstract A series of new synthetic armored cables were developed and tested to ensure that they were suitable for use with the RECoverable Autonomous Sonde (RECAS), which is a newly designed freezing-in thermal ice probe. The final version of the cable consists of two concentric conductors that can be used as the power and signal lines. Two polyfluoroalkoxy jackets are used for electrical insulation (one for insulation between conductors, and the other for insulation of the outer conductor). The outer insulation layer is coated by polyurethane jacket to seal the connections between the cable and electrical units. The 0.65 mm thick strength member is made from aramid fibers woven together. To hold these aramid fibers in place, a sheathing layer was produced from a polyamide fabric cover net. The outer diameter of the final version of the cable is ~6.1 mm. The permissible bending radius is as low as 17–20 mm. The maximal breaking force under straight tension is ~12.2 kN. The cable weight is only ~0.061 kg m−1. The mechanical and electrical properties and environmental suitability of the cable were determined through laboratory testing and joint testing with the probe.
On the robust regression for a censored response data in the single functional index model

Abstract Let be an independent and identically distributed (iid) sequence of interest random variables (rv) distributed as T when the latter is subject to an independent censored rv C. In this work, we built and study a family of robust non parametric estimators for a regression function based on a kernel method. The covariates data are random functional type iid linked to single-index model. Under general conditions, we establish the pointwise almost sure convergence with rate an asymptotic normality of the estimator. The asymptotic standard deviation is explicitly given. By product, confidence bands are given and the special case is studied. Finally, simulations are drawn to illustrate both quality of fit and robustness.
The Physiology of Esophageal Reflexes

Several digestive tract reflexes involving the esophagus and its sphincter muscles have been identified, but to date, no comprehensive review has addressed most of these reflexes. The current review presents the known physiology of different esophageal reflexes in which either the esophagus or its sensory or motor portion of the reflex response is elaborated. The current review comprehensively examines the known and possible mechanisms underlying major esophageal reflexes, highlights the huge gaps in current knowledge and limitations of previous research, helps shed light on the physiology of these reflexes, and suggests how the knowledge gaps can be bridged. In conclusion, this review will be very useful for researchers, clinicians, and academicians around the world.
Mineralization Dynamics of Different Commercial Organic Fertilizers from Agro-Industry Organic Waste Recycling: an Incubation Experiment

The mineralization process of different commercial organic fertilizers was investigated in controlled laboratory conditions. The soil was mixed with the following organic fertilizers: Emos CAP ® , Organ CAP ® , Sic Stal ® and urea (as a control) at the rate of 300 mg N/kg dry soil. Emos CAP ® is made of cattle and poultry manure, meat, bone meal and dried blood, Organ CAP ® is a product made of leather and skins, while Sic Stal ® contains cow and horse manure. During the incubation the concentration of NO 3 - -N, NH 4 + -N, microbial biomass and carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions were determined. All fertilizers showed a peak of NH 4 + -N after 7 days from the beginning of the test. The decomposition of Sic Stal ® caused a rapid rise of CO 2 production associated to the growth of microbial biomass while Emos CAP ® promoted a release of N 2 O in the first 16 days. In conclusion, all the commercial organic fertilizers tested can be considered fertilizers with a fast release of N, among them Emos CAP ® and Sic Stal ® allow a rapid N supply to plants while Organ CAP ® could be used when the N request of plants is not immediate.
Establishment of the Causal Agent(s) of Spike Shedding and Stem Wilting of Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Morogoro District, Tanzania

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) serves as a source of income to smallholder spice farmers in Morogoro district of Tanzania. Recently, spike shedding and stem wilting of pepper plants were reported to cause about 30% yield loss of the crop. This study was undertaken to identify the causal agent(s) of the problems. Three pepper gardens in each of the four hamlets (Nyange, Doga, Tandai, and Lukenge) in Tandai village (Kinole ward) were surveyed, and plant tissue and soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis. An experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Pepper cultivars, Babu kubwa, Babu ndogo, Babu kati, and Ismailia grown in the study area, were used as treatments for evaluation of the prevalence of spike shedding and stem wilting. Treatments mean separation was conducted based on Duncan’s multiple range test at p = 0.05 . Regression (R2) and simple correlation (r) analyses between stem wilting (incidence and severity) and termite pest infestation were performed. The identified pathogen in most of the soil and plant tissue samples was Fusarium oxysporum. The nutrients, N, P, Mg, and Cu, concentration in soil and leaf samples was below the optimal ranges. Termite attacks were significantly high in some farmer’s gardens where up to 50.5% of the pepper plants was damaged. Hence, a significant positive correlation was observed between termite pest infestation in gardens and both incidence (r = 0.881, R2 = 0.74, p < 0.001 ) and severity of stem wilting (r = 0.918, R2 = 0.84, p < 0.001 ) of pepper plants. Most of the termite attacks and damages (70%) were observed on pepper plants supported on silver oak, unlike those trained on Jatropha. A higher percentage of undeveloped berries (36%) and intermediate-size berries (34%) was recorded on cultivars “Babu kati” and “Babu kubwa,” respectively. Multiple factors have been associated to be the causes of spike shedding and stem wilting of pepper, which could be used to develop appropriate control solutions useful to farmers. Confirmation of F. oxysporum pathogenicity is recommended. A comprehensive study is suggested on the repellent or lethal activities of Jatropha against F. oxysporum and termites. Furthermore, studies through field experiments are needed to generate site-specific soil nutrient improvement recommendations and design an integrated approach to control F. oxysporum and termites and to determine existing alternative host plants for these pests.
MODELING OF MATERIAL BALANCE FROM THE EXPERIMENTAL UCG

The underground coal gasification is a continually evolving technology, which converts coal to calorific gas. There are many important parameters in this technology, which are difficult to measure. These parameters include the underground cavity growth, amount gasified coal, and the leakage of input and output gaseous components into the surrounding layers during the coal gasification process. Mathematical modeling of this process is one of the possible alternatives for determining these unknown parameters. In this paper, the structure of the mathematical model of laboratory underground coal gasification process from the material balance aspect is presented. The material balance consists of mass components entering and leaving from the UCG process. The paper shows a material balance in the form of a general mass balance and atomic species balance. The material balance was testing by six UCG laboratory experiments, which were realized in two ex-situ reactors.
The objective approach to sensory tests of food

The use of a technique, previously described, for assessing the quality factors of iced white fish is discussed. Results are given to show that the explicit training of a panel of assessors to agree is a chief factor in achieving accuracy. The validity of comparing results from different investigations is then examined, with reference to such factors as the internal consistency of the panel, the use of control samples or standards and of certain physicochemical criteria.
Safety Performance of Rural Offset-T Intersections

Offset-T intersections represent a special geometric configuration where two three-leg intersections adjoin the major road from opposite directions within a short separation distance. The prevalence of offset-T intersections in rural areas coupled with the lack of research evaluating their safety performance led to the development of a series of safety performance functions for rural stop-controlled intersections that considered the effects of the offset direction and separation distance. In addition, crash modification factors (CMFs) were developed to estimate the change in crash frequency associated with converting a rural offset-T intersection into a conventional four-leg intersection. A series of mixed-effect negative binomial models for crash occurrence was generated based on 10 years of crash data from a sample of 299 offset-T intersections and 301 four-leg intersections with minor stop control along rural two-lane highways in Michigan. Compared with conventional four-leg intersections, offset-T intersections exhibited 35% more crashes regardless of the offset distance or direction. Considering crash types, single motor vehicle crashes occurred more frequently at offset-T intersections, and increased as the offset distance increased. Rear-end crashes also occurred more frequently at offset-T intersections, with left offsets having greater crash occurrence than right offsets. However, angle crashes were 40%–69% lower at offset-T intersections because of the elimination of the direct crossing maneuver. Considering the ranges of offset distance and direction utilized within this study, the total (non-animal) CMF for converting an offset-T into a four-leg intersection was 0.74.