Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term monitoring of pesticide residues on public sites: A regional approach to survey and reduce spray drift

Plant protection strongly increased food safety and agricultural productivity, but with societal and environmental costs as the downside. Especially the contamination of non-target areas via spray drift represents an adverse side-effect. Residential zones and playgrounds are so-called “sensitive zones”, where spray drift is considered to have an increased potential for human health risk. To study the residue profile potentially associated with spray drift we analyzed data of a residue monitoring program in South Tyrol (Northern Italy). From 2018 to 2021, 39 playgrounds were analyzed multiple times per year for the presence and concentration of pesticide residues on grass samples. In a total of 399 samples, we identified 39 different residues deriving primarily from agricultural production. Mean concentration (0.0645 mg kg−1, SD: ± 0.1013 mg kg−1) and comparison to Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) of food, revealed that 98.2% of the residues were in the range of MRLs and close to the analytical limit of quantification. We found that 6 out of 334 residues had relatively elevated concentrations clearly above the MRLs. Finally, a time series analysis of the study period revealed a significant decrease in the number of detected residues and their concentration by 72% and 78%, respectively. In the last year of this study, playgrounds showed on average 1.46 residues (SD: ± 1.252) with a mean concentration of 0.012 mg kg−1 (SD: ± 0.025), which is almost equal to the limit of detection (0.01 mg kg−1). The presented results demonstrate that 1) spray drift decreased significantly within 4-year and that 2) the introduced measures to decrease spray drift have been effective. Consequently, these results imply 3) that improved farming practice represents an important leverage point of further spray drift reduction.
Influence of patch size on hydrodynamic flow in submerged aquatic vegetation

Blue carbon, or carbon dioxide captured and stored by submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in ecosystems, has been attracting attention as a measure to mitigate climate change. Since the scale of SAV meadows is smaller than that of topography length scale, with the former often occurring in patches, the flexibilities of SAV motion induce complicated interactions with water flows and make it difficult to estimate carbon sequestration rates. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the influences of SAV patches on water flows and mass transport using laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. An SAV model was successfully applied to analyze the results of laboratory experiments, revealing good agreement and showing that the size of an SAV patch significantly affects the water flows. The extent to which the patch occupies the channel width was revealed to be the most substantial factor in controlling carbon absorption by SAV, and deflection was found to be another significant factor. Implementing global warming countermeasures is a critical goal of climate change mitigation, so our study outcome is expected to be helpful for improving and promoting blue carbon as a negative emission strategy.
Transparent flexible resistive random access memory fabricated at room temperature

We report the room temperature fabrication of highly transparent and flexible resistive random access memory devices based on an ITO (indium tin oxide)/ZnO (zinc oxide)/ITO/Ag/ITO capacitor structure on a polyethersulfone flexible substrate. The ITO/Ag/ITO multilayered bottom electrode provides superior flexibility as well as high transparency compared to devices with ITO single bottom electrode during repetitive bending tests. The devices exhibit a high transmittance and the excellent reliability of data retention. Moreover, they show consistent memory performance, even under thermal stress. The results of this study provide a breakthrough solution for the era of transparent and flexible electronic systems in the near future.
Partial Order Reduction for Planning

OF THE THESIS Partial Order Reduction for Planning by You Xu Master of Science in Computer Science Washington University in St. Louis, 2009 Research Advisor: Professor Yixin Chen Partial Order Reduction (POR) is a technique that reduces the search space by recognizing interchangeable orders between actions and expanding only a subset of all possible orders during the search. It has been extensively studied in model checking and has proven to be an enabling technique for reducing the search space and costs. Several POR algorithms have been proposed in planning, including the Expansion Core (EC) and Stratified Planning (SP) algorithms. Being orthogonal to the development of accurate heuristic functions, these reduction methods show great potential to improve the planning efficiency from a new perspective. However, it is unclear how these POR methods relate to each other and whether there exist stronger reduction methods. In this thesis, we have proposed a unifying theory that provides a necessary and sufficient condition for two actions to be semi-commutative. We have also revealed that semi-commutativity is the central property that enables POR. We have also interpreted both EC and SP algorithms using this new theory. Further, we have ii proposed new, stronger POR algorithms based on the new theory. We have also applied these new algorithms to solve benchmark problems across various planning domains. Experimental results have shown significant search cost reduction.
The Construction of Phosphorus-Doped g-C3N4/Rh-Doped SrTiO3 with Type-II Band Alignment for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

It is of great importance to promote charge separation in photocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. In this work, a type-II heterostructured photocatalyst was constructed by compositing phosphorus-doped g-C3N4 (P-CN) and Rh-doped SrTiO3 (Rh-STO) via a thermal calcination treatment. A series of characterizations were conducted to investigate the structure of heterostructured P-CN/Rh-STO. It was found that Rh-STO interacted with in situ generated P atoms from the decomposition of P-CN during the calcination process, thus leading to the formation of heterojunction of P-CN/Rh-STO. Compared with the single component, i.e., P-CN or Rh-STO, the obtained P-CN/Rh-STO showed superior photocatalytic activity to that of both P-CN and Rh-STO due to the effective charge separation across the heterojunction between P-CN and Rh-STO.
APPLYING SOCMINT TO EXTRACT CYBER THREAT INTELLIGENCE FROM THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT

The paper applied SOCMINT (Social Media Intelligence) techniques to discover cybersecurity-related information from the contemporary Russia-Ukraine conflict. Using open-source tools and APIs, datasets created were assessed through topic modeling, thematic analysis (word cloud), Logit function, and neural network classification. The topic modeling and word cloud yielded trifling insights, but Logit and neural network classifier, MLP, suggested statistically significant features that were important to the outcome of the tweets with reasonable accuracy of 91%. Through the use of synthetic data (GaussianCopula) and feature selection(stepAIC), the model was extended to improve accuracy, which resulted in 96% accuracy, though, such competent performance requires further investigation. While deciphering the right intelligence is a challenge due to the unruly nature of social media, this nascent technique can be helpful with the proper framework and approach.
FirmSolo: Enabling dynamic analysis of binary Linux-based IoT kernel modules

The Linux-based firmware running on Internet of Things (IoT) devices is complex and consists of user level programs as well as kernel level code. Both components have been shown to have serious security vulnerabilities, and the risk linked to kernel vulnerabilities is particularly high, as these can lead to full system compromise. However, previous work only focuses on the user space component of embedded firmware. In this paper, we present Firm ware Sol uti o n ( FirmSolo ), a system designed to incorporate the kernel space into firmware analysis. FirmSolo features the Kernel Configuration Reverse Engineering (K.C.R.E.) process that leverages information (i.e., exported and required symbols and version magic) from the kernel modules found in firmware images to build a kernel that can load the modules within an emulated environment. This capability allows downstream analysis to broaden their scope into code executing in privileged mode. We evaluated FirmSolo on 1,470 images containing 56,688 kernel modules where it loaded 64% of the kernel modules. To demonstrate how FirmSolo aids downstream analysis, we integrate it with two representative analysis systems; the TriforceAFL kernel fuzzer and Firmadyne, a dynamic firmware analysis tool originally devoid of kernel mode analysis capabilities. Our TriforceAFL experiments on a subset of 75 kernel modules discovered 19 previously-unknown bugs in 11 distinct proprietary modules. Through Firmadyne we confirmed the presence of these previously-unknown bugs in 84 firmware images. Furthermore, by using FirmSolo , Firmadyne confirmed a previously-known memory corruption vulnerability in five different versions of the closed-source Kcodes’ NetUSB module across 15 firmware images.
ARTÍCULO EN AVANCE ON LINE Strengthening of existing concrete structures with fibre reinforced polymers (

This paper aims to introduce the content of Annex J “Strengthening of Existing Concrete Structures with CFRP” of Eurocode 2 [1]. This is first time that the design of adhesively bonded reinforcement with CFRP has been introduced in the European regulations through an informative annex. Annex J considers two different bonded strengthening techniques: externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) that consists of bonding CFRP strips or sheets to the surface of concrete elements
The Influence of Grammatical Gender on the Sequence of Near-synonyms in Serbian Dictionaries in Contrast to English Thesauri

: It has been noticed that Serbian dictionaries of synonyms do not provide a clear insight into the lexical relations among the words bearing similar meaning (Prćić 2010). Therefore, we have devised the multi-faceted approach to the research which incorporates the collocational, componential, and contrastive analysis of the descriptive adjectives hrabar, -a, -o, in Serbian, and its English counterpart brave. Specific emphasis has been given to the presence of grammatical gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) in Serbian in contrast to natural gender in English. Electronic databases and electronic corpora are used for the analysis of the most frequent collocational framework of the chosen samples. The results of the research employed illustrate how semantic (and grammatical) aspects of words are reflected onto and within their collocational range indicating idiomatic meaning of the adjectives analysed in both languages. Furthermore, the analysis applied has shown that the most frequent collocations of the adjective hrabar, -a, -o, have varied depending on the grammatical gender implied (masculine, feminine, neuter), as well as the sequence of its near-synonyms. The same changes have not occurred in English due to its lack of grammatical gender.
Signal-noise ratio of genetic associations and statistical power of SNP-set tests

The SNP-set analysis is a powerful tool for dissecting the genetics of complex human diseases. There are three fundamental genetic association approaches to SNR-set analysis: the marginal model ﬁtting approach, the joint model ﬁtting approach, and the decorrelation approach. A problem of primary interest is how these approaches compare with each other. To address this problem, we develop a theoretical platform to compare the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of these approaches under the generalized linear model. We elaborate how causal genetic effects give rise to statistically detectable association signals, and show that when causal effects spread over blocks of strong linkage disequilibrium (LD), the SNR of the marginal model ﬁtting is usually higher than that of the decorrelation approach, which in turn is higher than that of the unbiased joint model ﬁtting approach. We also scrutinize dense effects and LDs by a bivariate model and extensive simulations using the 1000 Genome Project data. Last, we compare the statistical power of two generic types of SNP-set tests (summation-based and supremum-based) by simulations and an osteoporosis study using large data from UK Biobank. Our results help develop powerful tools for SNP-set analysis and understand the signal detection problem in the presence of colored noise.
Complexity in Loan Contracts

Using novel data on 1,240 credit agreements from the leveraged loan market, we propose simple measures of contractual complexity based on clauses qualifying negative covenants. We document a high average level of contractual complexity and significant heterogeneity. Sophisticated borrowers, and larger non-bank funding of a loan, are associated with more complex contractual terms. The 2017 J.Crew debt restructuring, a high-profile case involving a complex contract, corresponds to a market-wide value transfer from lenders to equity holders for borrowers with complex loan contracts. Contractual complexity in lending thus appears to have important economic implications consistent with weaker control rights for lenders.
Workforce Analytics: Building Competencies for the New Change Era of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Nigerian Hospitality Industry

: This paper was designed as a phenomenological investigation into the role of workforce analytics in building competencies for the new change era of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Nigerian hospitality industry. Interviews were adopted as the data collection instrument and data was generated from five (5) 4-star hotels in the South-south of Nigeria with referents comprising human resource managers and supervisory staff of the hotels. The analysis was thematic – adopting the structured approach of the initial, axial and selective coding system. Findings from the analysis showed that while descriptive and diagnostic analytics were are affirmed to characterize the human resource management actions of the Hotels, predictive analytical actions were low. Nonetheless all three forms of workforce analytics are linked to the hotel’s competencies such as teamwork, adaptability and role manifestation – emphasizing both task and interpersonal competencies. It was concluded that workforce analytics provides for learning and a structuring of the organizations human resources in ways that improve its adaptability, role flexibility and teamwork during the new change era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Running-Related Injuries Captured Using Wearable Technology during a Cross-Country Season: A Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT Introduction/Purpose Running-related injuries are prevalent among competitive runners. In a previous prospective descriptive assessment of in situ running biomechanics in collegiate cross-country athletes, a subset of athletes developed repetitive stress lower extremity injuries during study participation. The purpose of this preliminary, observational study was to assess sensor-derived biomechanics in the several days leading up to injury (n = 8; 4 female, 4 male) compared with runners who remained healthy (n = 14; 9 female, 5 male) over a single cross-country season. Methods Wearable sensors were used to collect running biomechanics during two weekly runs, and surveys were used to capture wellness and injury. Individual z scores of biomechanical measures were assessed for runners who developed injuries and compared against healthy male and female z scores. Results Of the eight injuries, four were categorized as bone stress injuries (three female, one male), and four as soft tissue injuries (one female, three male). Bone injury cases had increased contact time, loading, and pronation, and decreased cadence and stride length preceding injury. Hamstring injury cases (n = 2) had increased stride length, whereas foot and ankle soft tissue injuries had increased pronation velocity and decreased shock and braking. Conclusions This assessment of injury cases illuminates several biomechanical patterns associated with running-related injury development. This study sets the precedent for larger-scale prospective running-related injury evaluations.
THE EFFECT OF SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES ON THE INVASION OF WILD PLANTS TO FARMS IN TABUK REGION, KSA

Tabuk region is one of the largest regions in Saudi Arabia in terms of area. The most important challenges that can face agriculture in the region are weeds and environmental damage resulting from human activities. This study was prepared to know the relationship between the physical and chemical components of soil and the spread of weeds in the farms of the region. So field trips were conducted to the study area, then the area was divided into 4 sites, each site was divided into three parts, then divided into ten squares with an area of 1 m 2 . The plant species were identified and named according to the flora books of Saudi Arabia. A total of 65 samples with an amount of 1 kg of soil were collected to a depth of one foot from more than one location. The correlation between the distribution of study sites on the coordination axes (CCA), and the first axis (AX1) was positive with the phosphorous element (r = 0.58). The second axis showed a positive correlation with chlorine (r = 0.46) and calcium (r = 0.42), and a negative correlation with each of the soil organic matter (r = -0.62), soil pH (r = -0.65). The third axis also showed a negative correlation with HCO 3 bicarbonate (r = -0.69) and EC (r = 0.42). The distribution of plants and their relationship to soil factors showed that there are ten plant species whose presence is associated with phosphorous. Multi-dimensional analysis trends for locations and plant species in the study area in Tabuk region using the TWA program TWINSPAN, Coordination (DCA: DECORANA) led to the division into four plant communities and their distribution was related to soil properties.
Error analysis in the digital elevation model of Kuwait desert derived from repeat pass synthetic aperture radar interferometry

The aim of this paper is to analyze the errors in the Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) derived through repeat pass SAR interferometry (InSAR). Out of 29 ASAR images available to us, 8 are selected for this study which has unique data set forming 7 InSAR pairs with single master image. The perpendicular component of baseline (B┴) varies between 200 to 400 m to generate good quality DEMs. The Temporal baseline (T) varies from 35 days to 525 days to see the effect of temporal decorrelation. It is expected that all the DEMs be similar to each other spatially with in the noise limits. However, they differ very much with one another. The 7 DEMs are compared with the DEM of SRTM for the estimation of errors. The spatial and temporal distribution of errors in the DEM is analyzed by considering several case studies. Spatial and temporal variability of precipitable water vapour is analysed. Precipitable water vapour (PWV) corrections to the DEMs are implemented and found to have no significant effect. The reasons are explained. Temporal decorrelation of phases and soil moisture variations seem to have influence on the accuracy of the derived DEM. It is suggested that installing a number of corner reflectors (CRs) and the use of Permanent Scatter approach may improve the accuracy of the results in desert test sites.
Micro/nano-scale integration of polymer optical wires and miniaturized photonic devices for optical printed circuit board (O-PCB) and VLSI photonic applications

We describe our work on the micro/nano-scale design and integration of polymer optical waveguide wires and miniaturized optical devices for applications in an optical module system that we call "optical printed circuit board" (O-PCBs) and VLSI photonic integrated circuits. We fabricate the O-PCBs using planar arrays of polymer waveguides to perform the functions of transporting, switching, routing and distributing optical signals on flat modular boards. The VLSI photonic integrated circuits are designned to perform similar functions on a chip scale. We fabricate the polymer waveguides using thermal or ultra-violet (UV) embossing and imprinting technique. The optical boards which have 2-dimensional array of waveguides are attached to the electrical printed circuit board (E-PCBs) which carry the transmitter circuits and the receiver circuits of 2.5 Gbps or 10Gbps. In order to increase the efficiency of lightwave coupling between the lasers and the waveguide, we perform the alignment experiment between the laser and the waveguide via microlens and between the waveguide and the detector via microlens. The microlenses are fabricated by placing droppings of resins. Also, the 45-degree mirror to couple the light between the laser and the waveguide and the waveguide and the detector are fabricated by embossing technique to reduce the processing steps and for low-cost production purpose. For VLSI nano-scale photonic integration, we use photonic band-gap crystals and plasmonic waveguide structures. We discuss scientific issues and technological issues concerning the integration of micro- and nano-photonic devices and circuits.
Direct continuous-wave measurement of n2 in various types of telecommunication fiber at 1.55 μm

A method for measuring the nonlinear refractive index of optical fibers with an error of less than 5% is demonstrated. The technique is based on measuring the nonlinear phase shift experienced by a dual-frequency beat signal, permitting a simple, highly sensitive, accurate, repeatable, and easily automated measurement procedure and sampling. Measurements of the nonlinear coefficient in standard telecommunication, dispersion-shifted, and a number of dispersion-compensated fibers are presented.
An Algebraic Approach to Quantum Field Theory

It is shown that two quantum theories dealing, respectively, in the Hilbert spaces of state vectors H1 and H2 are physically equivalent whenever we have a faithful representation of the same abstract algebra of observables in both spaces, no matter whether the representations are unitarily equivalent or not. This allows a purely algebraic formulation of the theory. The framework of an algebraic version of quantum field theory is discussed and compared to the customary operator approach. It is pointed out that one reason (and possibly the only one) for the existence of unitarily inequivalent faithful, irreducible representations in quantum field theory is the (physically irrelevant) behavior of the states with respect to observations made infinitely far away. The separation between such ``global'' features and the local ones is studied. An application of this point of view to superselection rules shows that, for example, in electrodynamics the Hilbert space of states with charge zero carries already all the relevant physical information.
Fabrication of Sub-100 nm Sized Patterns on Curved Acryl Substrate Using a Flexible Stamp

As small as 100 nm patterns were successfully transferred onto a non-planar acryl substrate using both UV nanoimprinting and hot embossing techniques. Two different types of flexible imprint stamps, electroformed nickel foil stamp and molded water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) stamp, were used. 100 nm line and space pattern of Si master was successfully transferred to nickel foil stamp and PVA stamp and their patterns were also transferred to the surface of curved acryl substrate using either UV nanoimprint lithography or hot embossing lithography.
THE NUCLEAR SURFACE ENERGY

The kinetic and potential parts of the nuclear surface energy are calculated on the basis of the statistical model of the nucleus taken to first order and using a gaussian interaction between particles. The resulting surface energy is found to be of the right order of magnitude, the calculated figure being in fact 55% of the empirical value.