Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Willingness to pay for improving water supply continuity in case of climatic extreme natural events: an empirical approach for Chile

ABSTRACT In this study, a single-bounded dichotomous contingent valuation design was employed to examine customers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a water company’s initiatives to increase the drinking water service’s autonomy during extreme climatic events in the Metropolitan Region of Chile in 2020. Considering that this country is a paradigmatic case of almost full access to drinking water service in urban areas, this research is one of the first attempts to measure customers’ WTP for initiatives to increase the drinking water service’s autonomy when natural extreme events occur. Findings indicate an average WTP of CLP 1,371 (USD 1.81), equivalent to 16.72% of the average water bills per month. We also found significant differences in WTP among water suppliers. Although most sociodemographic predictors are not relevant, the results regarding WTP determinants also suggest that political attitudes are especially important, revealing polarized preferences about water suppliers in need of climate change adaptation.
Dynamics of Linear Elastic Structures with Selfstress: A Unified Treatment for Linear and Nonlinear Problems

A semi-numerical method for the solution of dynamic problems of linear and nonlinear structures is presented under the unifying aspect of sources of self-stresses. Conceptually applications are possible to the Finite Element and the Boundary Element Method in time as well as in the frequency domain. In addition to physical nonlinearities of viscoplasticity also geometrically nonlinear problems are considered. Effects of refined linear theories are discussed. Unter dem einheitlichen Aspekt der Eigenspannungsquellbelastung wird ein seminumerisches Verfahren zur Berechnung linearer und nichtlinearer Konstruktionen vorgestellt. Die numerische Realisierung erscheint sowohl mittels der Finiten Elemente- als auch der Randelement-Methode im Zeit- wie im Frequenzbereich moglich, und die Zusammenhange werden hergestellt. Zusatzlich zu den Materialnichtlinearitaten viskoplastischer Korper werden auch geometrisch nichtlineare Probleme behandelt. Der Unterschied zwischen den klassischen und den verfeinerten Theorien linear elastischer Konstruktionen wird ebenfalls unter dem Gesichtspunkt einer Belastung durch Eigenspannungsquellen betrachtet.
Synthesis of self-assembling carbon nanotube-polyaniline nanocomposite on a flexible graphene-coated substrate for electrochemical electrode applications

Multi-wall carbon nanotube/polyaniline (CNT/PANI) nanocomposite thin films for electrochemical electrode applications are synthesized on flexible graphene-coated indium-tin-oxide (ITO) substrates by using a drop-casting technique. Graphene serves as an adhesion layer between the CNT/PANI nanocomposite film and the flexible ITO substrate. A nanoscale vermicular morphology of PANI films containing well-dispersed CNTs is formed on the surface of graphene. The electrochemical characteristics of the nanocomposite films are investigated in a 0.5-M LiClO4 + PC electrolyte. The electrical conduction of the CNT/PANI/graphene/ITO film is considerably superior to that of a PANI/ITO film. The cyclic voltammogram measurements indicate that the specific capacitance of the CNT/PANI film is ~134 F/g which is ~11% higher than that (~120 F/g) of the pure PANI film. Most importantly, the nominal capacitance loss of the PANI/CNT film (~1.2%) is significantly improved relative to that of the pure PANI film (~18.1%) after 100 charge-discharge cycles. We attribute the considerably improved capacity retention of the flexible CNT/PANI electrode to the graphene adhesion layer.
DAMNet: Dual Attention Mechanism Deep Neural Network for Underwater Biological Image Classification

Due to the complex background and biodiversity of underwater biological images makes the identification of marine organisms difficult. To solve these above problems, we propose a dual attention mechanism deep neural network for underwater biological image classification (DAMNet). Firstly, tthe proposed DAMNet uses multi-stage stacking to suppress the complex underwater background, and the multiple stacking can reduce the number of parameters of the model and improve the generalization ability. Secondly, the dual attention mechanism module is combined with the improved reverse residual bottleneck based on deep convolution to extract the feature information of underwater biological images from space and channel aspects to obtain better discrimination and feature extraction capability. Finally, the gravity optimizer is selected to update the model weights, and the exponential translation can improve the model’s convergence speed and learning rate. Extensive experiments on a dataset consisting of seven types of underwater biological images demonstrate that the DAMNet model has higher learning ability and robustness compared to the state-of-the-art methods. Our DAMNet model achieves 96.93% classification accuracy in all categories, which is at least a 2 percentage point improvement compared to other models.
Transition probabilities of neutral scandium

The electric dipole transition probabilities and the oscillator strengths of neutral scandium have been calculated using the quantum defect orbital theory and the Cowan code for the 3d4s2–3d4s4p, 3d24s–3d24p, and 3d4s2–4s24p transitions. In addition, a parametric analysis of the fine structure for the 3d4s2 configuration of even parity is performed using Cowan code. The transition probabilities and the oscillator strengths obtained in this work are mostly in agreement with the data obtained from different theoretical works given in the literature. Moreover, transition probabilities for 24 levels of neutral scandium are given for the first time.
Decay of excited molecules in absorbing planar cavities

The decay rate of an excited molecule (atom) embedded in a dispersive and absorbing planar cavity is derived by using a recently obtained compact form of the Green's function for a multilayer. As a by-product, a hint is provided for a straightforward extension of the results obtained for lossless cavities of other shapes to the corresponding absorbing cavities. The decay rate in an absorbing cavity consists of the spontaneous emission rate and of the nonradiative rates caused by the near-field interaction of the molecule with the cavity medium and, for nearby molecules, with the cavity mirrors. Only the spontaneous emission rate is satisfactorily described in the macroscopic approach adopted. The theory is applied to an analysis of the effects of the weak cavity absorption on the decay rate in a dielectric microcavity formed by two metallic mirrors. As expected, dissipation in the cavity medium spoils the conditions for controlled spontaneuos emission and strongly suppresses the intensity of spontaneous emission. However, its effect on the spontaneous emission rate is much less pronounced.
The Perspectives of Nurses and HIV-Positive Women on a Selected Model of Pregnancy Decision-Making Processes in Northeast Thailand

Many women living with HIV intend to become pregnant. This is especially true for women who have received ARV treatment for a certain period. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of nurses and Thai pregnant women living with HIV on pregnancy decision-making processes. This is a descriptive and qualitative study. Small group discussions were conducted with five nurses working with HIV-positive women and in-depth interviews were conducted with five Thai HIV-positive pregnant women. A model of the pregnancy decision-making process was provided to participants for the discussion. The nurses’ and women's perspectives on the model can be divided into two themes: 1) The perspective of the selected model and its five sub-themes, namely: 1.1) How the substantive model reflects the pregnancy decision-making process; 1.2) Complexity; 1.3) Usability; 1.4) Strength; 1.5) Weaknesses, in addition to the perspectives of women and nurses on the application of the model. The model reflects the real-life experiences and decision-making processes of Thai women with HIV, where each category shows the trail of the women's decision-making process. However, the model is complex and requires substantial explanation. From the participant's point of view, the model reflects the barriers to the practices and services provided.
AI-Based Reliability Assessment of Power Electronic Systems

One of the most important elements for market acceptance of new technologies is ensuring reliability. Nowhere is this truer than in the shift from well characterized fossil fuel technologies to newer renewable and sustainable energy technologies. The key enabling technology driving these shifts is the development of power converters and inverters. Conventional approaches to assess reliability of these devices have severe drawbacks. Frequent redesigns, often with new parts having no historical data, limit the usefulness of methods based on historical data. Conversely, physics-of-failure approaches often do not capture the most relevant failure mechanisms, including those related to operationally induced electrical overstress and software. In this paper, we will discuss a revolutionary new reliability assessment approach that utilizes advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics, along with new techniques for characterizing and modeling failure mechanisms to improve power electronics reliability. The reliability assessment method combines AI and machine learning algorithms for analyzing field failure data, with top down models that translate the impacts of grid-connected and grid-parallel mode dynamics and mode-transition dynamics on power systems, and reliability physics degradation models for key failure mechanisms that simulate the effects of both electrical and environmental degradation under field operational stresses. These models can be embedded in digital twins created specifically to replicate the design of current and new inverters. The output of these digital twins reflects the effects of aging and component degradation on system performance and will be transferable to multiple power electronic systems and platforms.
Cyanobacteria Application Ameliorates Floral Traits and Outcrossing Rate in Diverse Rice Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Lines

In rice, cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) represents an irreplaceable strategy for producing high-yielding hybrid rice based on the commercial exploitation of heterosis. Thereupon, enhancing floral traits and outcrossing rates in CMS lines increase hybrid seed production and ensure global food security. The exogenous application of cyanobacteria could enhance outcrossing rates in CMS lines and, accordingly, hybrid rice seed production. In the present study, we aimed at exploring the impact of cyanobacteria implementation such as Anabaena oryzae, Nostoc muscorum, and their mixture to promote the floral traits, outcrossing rates, and seed production in hybrid rice. The impact of cyanobacteria (Anabaena Oryza (T2), Nostoc muscorum (T3), and their combination (T4) versus the untreated control (T1) was investigated for two years on the growth, floral, and yield traits of five diverse CMS lines, namely IR69625A (L1), IR58025A (L2), IR70368A (L3), G46A (L4), and K17A(L5). The evaluated CMS lines exhibited significant differences in all measured floral traits (days to heading (DTH), total stigma length (TSL), stigma width (SW), duration of spikelet opening (DSO), spikelet opening angle (SOA)). Additionally, L4 displayed the uppermost total stigma length and stigma width, whereas L1 and L5 recorded the best duration of spikelet opening and spikelet opening angle. Notably, these mentioned CMS lines exhibited the highest plant growth and yield traits, particularly under T4 treatment. Strong positive relationships were distinguished between the duration of the spikelet opening, panicle exertion, panicle weight, seed set, grain yield, total stigma length, spikelet opening angle, stigma width, and number of fertile panicles per hill. Cyanobacteria is a potential promising tool to increase floral traits and seed production in hybrid rice.
Impacts of publicly funded health insurance for adults on children's academic achievement

Publicly funded adult health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had positive effects on low-income adults. We examine whether the ACA’s Medicaid expansions influenced child development and family functioning in low-income households. We use a difference-in-differences framework that exploits cross-state policy variation and focus on children in low-income families from a nationally representative, longitudinal sample followed from kindergarten to fifth grade. The ACA Medicaid expansions improved children’s reading test scores by approximately 2 percent (0.04 SD). Potential mechanisms for these effects within families are more time spent reading at home, less parental help with homework, and eating dinner together. We find no effects for children’s math test scores or socioemotional skill development.
Bacteriological studies on wastewater in some cities in Egypt

: Comparative assessments of drinking water quality and wastewater were carried out at different cities of El Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. The results showed that the presence of bacterial contamination was found in drinking water samples. These bacteria contain enteric and pathogens genera when identified. Therefore, in this study was carried out to compare the levels, total counts and identification bacteria of wastewater at the same cities of previous collected drinking water samples. The results wastewater showed that the highest number of total bacteria counts were found in summer season at El mehala Elkobra. And the total bacterial counts were tested on different selective media. The bacterial isolates belonging to : Aeromonas sobria, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp . , Proteus mirabilis, Serratia plymuthica and Pantoea agglomerans. These isolates are recorded as enteric and pathogenic in bacterial taxonomy. The results indicated that the drinking water must be safe and with high quality for human life and the presence of these enteric bacteria here are the source to contaminate drinking water by wastewater. Finally, water contamination are commonly used to evaluate the microbiological quality of drinking water and as a parameter to estimate water pollution by wastewater
A Two-Stage Deep-Learning Model for Link Prediction Based on Network Structure and Node Attributes

Link prediction, which is used to identify the potential relationship between nodes, is an important issue in network science. In existing studies, the traditional methods based on the structural similarity of nodes make it challenging to complete the task of link prediction in large-scale or sparse networks. Although emerging methods based on deep learning can solve this problem, most of the work mainly completes the link prediction through the similarity of the representation vector of network structure information. Many empirical studies show that link formation is affected by node attributes, and similarity is not the only criterion for the formation of links in reality. Accordingly, this paper proposed a two-stage deep-learning model for link prediction (i.e, TDLP), where the node representation vector of the network structure and attributes was obtained in the first stage, while link prediction was realized through supervised learning in the second stage. The empirical results on real networks showed that our model significantly outperforms the traditional methods (e.g., CN and RA), as well as newly proposed deep-learning methods (e.g., GCN and VGAE). This study not only proposed a deep-learning framework for link prediction from the perspective of structure and attribute fusion and link distribution capture, but also lays a methodological foundation for practical applications based on link prediction.
Causation and avoidance of catastrophic flooding along the Indus River, Pakistan

The catastrophic flood of 2010 along the Indus River began in July with unusually intense but not unprecedented rainfall in the upland catchment. During four months, close to 2,000 fatalities occurred and ~20,000,000 inhabitants were displaced. The meteorological events triggered but did not cause this “natural” disaster. Analysis of multi-temporal remote sensing and topography instead indicates that most damage was caused by dam and barrage-related backwater effects, reduced water and sediment conveyance capacity, and multiple failures of irrigation system levees. The numerous failures extended from upstream areas, where some record discharges occurred, to downstream reaches and the delta, where peak discharges were not extreme. In Sindh, Pakistan, two major river avulsions (sudden changes in flow location) occurred. At one of these (the northern avulsion), Indus water flooded ~8,000 km of agricultural land to depths of 1–3 m; part of the river flowed 50–100 km west of its pre-flood location. The avulsion was caused by breaching of the Tori Bund, an artificial levee upstream of Sukkur Barrage, on 6–7 August, two days before arrival of the first flood crest and long before attainment of peak river flow at Chacharan, 100 km upstream, on 24 August. The early breach, during the rising stages of the flood, permitted much of the incoming flood wave to feed the avulsion over a sustained period. As was the case for the dramatic and temporary avulsion of the Kosi River, India, in 2008, the lack of planned accommodation to the river’s high sediment load and its super-elevation above the surrounding terrain set the stage for exceptionally dangerous levee failures and channel avulsions. Major translocations of river flow will continue to occur during large flood events whether flood warning is improved or not. The observed dynamics indicate that reinforcing the existing engineering structures is not a sustainable strategy for avoiding future flood catastrophes. Instead, planning for major water and sediment flow diversions is required for effective flood control along the Indus and other sediment-rich and avulsion-prone rivers.
Conservation Study of Imprinted Genes in Maize Triparental Heterozygotic Kernels

Genomic imprinting is a classic epigenetic phenomenon related to the uniparental expression of genes. Imprinting variability exists in seeds and can contribute to observed parent-of-origin effects on seed development. Here, we conducted allelic expression of the embryo and endosperm from four crosses at 11 days after pollination (DAP). First, the F1 progeny of B73(♀) × Mo17(♂) and the inducer line CAU5 were used as parents to obtain reciprocal crosses of BM-C/C-BM. Additionally, the F1 progeny of Mo17(♀) × B73(♂) and CAU5 were used as parents to obtain reciprocal crosses of MB-C/C-MB. In total, 192 and 181 imprinted genes were identified in the BM-C/C-BM and MB-C/C-MB crosses, respectively. Then, by comparing the allelic expression of these imprinted genes in the reciprocal crosses of B73 and CAU5 (BC/CB), fifty-one Mo17-added non-conserved genes were identified as exhibiting imprinting variability. Fifty-one B73-added non-conserved genes were also identified by comparing the allelic expression of imprinted genes identified in BM-C/C-BM, MB-C/C-MB and MC/CM crosses. Specific Gene Ontology (GO) terms were not enriched in B73-added/Mo17-added non-conserved genes. Interestingly, the imprinting status of these genes was less conserved across other species. The cis-element distribution, tissue expression and subcellular location were similar between the B73-added/Mo17-added conserved and B73-added/Mo17-added non-conserved imprinted genes. Finally, genotypic and phenotypic analysis of one non-conserved gene showed that the mutation and overexpression of this gene may affect embryo and kernel size, which indicates that these non-conserved genes may also play an important role in kernel development. The findings of this study will be helpful for elucidating the imprinting mechanism of genes involved in maize kernel development.
Combining structure and appearance cues for real-time pedestrian detection

We present a real-time pedestrian detection system which uses cues derived from structure and appearance classification We discuss several novel ideas to achieve computational efficien y while improving on both detection and false-alarm rates: (i) At the front end of our system we employ stereo to detect pedestrians in 3D range maps, and to classify surrounding structure such as buildings, trees, poles etc. in the scene. The structure classificatio efficientl labels substantial amount of non-relevant image regions and guides the further computationally expensive process to focus on relatively small image parts; (ii) We improve the appearance-based classifier based on HoG descriptors by performing template matching with 2D human shape contour fragments that results in improved localization and accuracy; (iii) We train individual classifier at several depth ranges that allow us to account for appearance and 2D shape changes at variable distances in front of the camera. Our method is evaluated on publicly available datasets and is shown to match or exceed the performance of leading pedestrian detectors in terms of accuracy as well as achieving real-time computation (10 Hz), which makes it adequate for deployment in fiel robots and other navigation platforms.
Sardinia Radio Telescope: the new Italian project

This contribution gives a description of the Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT), a new general purpose, fully steerable antenna proposed by the Institute of Radio Astronomy (IRA) of the National Institute for Astrophysics. The radio telescope is under construction near Cagliari (Sardinia) and it will join the two existing antennas of Medicina (Bologna) and Noto (Siracusa) both operated by the IRA. With its large antenna size (64m diameter) and its active surface, SRT, capable of operations up to about 100GHz, will contribute significantly to VLBI networks and will represent a powerful single-dish radio telescope for many science fields. The radio telescope has a Gregorian optical configuration with a supplementary beam-waveguide (BWG), which provides additional focal points. The Gregorian surfaces are shaped to minimize the spill-over and the standing wave between secondary mirror and feed. After the start of the contract for the radio telescope structural and mechanical fabrication in 2003, in the present year the foundation construction will be completed. The schedule foresees the radio telescope inauguration in late 2006.
Erratum: Atomic structure of a thin silica film on a Mo(112) substrate: A combined experimental and theoretical study [Phys. Rev. B 73, 165414 (2006)]

The atomic structure of the thin SiO2 film on a Mo(112) substrate has been determined based on a combination of density functional theory calculations and high-quality experimental data obtained from scanning tunneling microscopy, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The film consists of a honeycomblike, two-dimensional network of corner-sharing [SiO4] tetrahedra. One oxygen atom of each tetrahedron binds to the Mo(112) substrate and is located in a bridge position between Mo atoms located in rows protruding from the metal surface. The other three oxygen atoms form Si-O-Si bonds with the neighboring tetrahedra.