Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Impact on Historical Buildings: A Case Study Within the Interreg Ita-Slo Secap Project

Climate change effects on human activities have become more and more evident in the last few decades and human society is looking for new solutions to deal with such consequences. One of the measures that can be developed to tackle this problem is the development of the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs), aiming at reducing the mutual impact between human activities and climate at municipal level. To develop such policies, an extensive study of the building stock, of its current and future performances, and its possible improvements is fundamental. Therefore, an energy analysis for a historical building used as a museum and situat-ed in Trieste, a location included in the Interreg ITA-SLO Secap Project, is carried on in this work. The building represents a challenging task due to its historical nature and architectural features. The current climate for Trieste was represented through a Test Reference Year that was then projected into the future using different climate models. The building was numerically modeled, high-lighting its main structural and plant features and usage patterns. Future projections for the climate of Trieste showed a general increase in temperatures for all the studied models, leading to a forecasted decrease in heating gas consumption and an increase in electricity-cooling usage of the base building. Regarding the refurbishment interventions applicable in accordance with the preservation regulations, the results show an obtainable reduction of both gas and electricity consumption for every climatic condition considered. However, the interventions proved not to be economically feasible, showing a too-long simple economic return on the investment.
A Digital Imaging Tool for Identifying Photoactive Zinc Oxide Watercolor Pigments

The Book and Paper Group Annual is a non-juried publication. Papers presented at the Book and Paper Session of the annual meeting of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works are selected by committee based on abstracts. After presentation authors have the opportunity to revise their papers before submitting them for publication in the Annual; there is no further selection review of these papers. Independent submissions are published at the discretion of the BPG Publications Committee. Authors are responsible for the content and accuracy of their submissions and for the methods and/or materials they present. Publication in the Annual does not constitute official statements or endorsement by the BPG or by AIC. Article: A Digital Imaging Tool for Identifying Photoactive Zinc Oxide Watercolor Pigments Authors: Vanessa Johnson, Jane Colbourne, and Kate Nicholson Source: Book and Paper Group Annual 40, 2021 Pages: 27-43 Editors: Kimberly Kwan, Managing Editor, and Roger S. Williams, Assistant Editor Editorial Office: bpgannual@gmail.com ISSN: 0887-8978
On the mechanism of highly efficient p-type conduction of Mg-doped ultra-wide-bandgap AlN nanostructures

Free hole concentrations up to ∼6 × 1017 cm−3 were measured in Mg-doped AlN nanowires at room-temperature, which is several orders of magnitude larger than that of previously reported AlN epilayers. Detailed studies suggest that such unusually high carrier concentrations stem from the efficient hole hopping conduction in the Mg impurity band, driven by the significantly enhanced Mg-dopant incorporation in nearly defect-free AlN nanostructures. Distinct signatures of hole hopping conduction in the Mg impurity band are observed experimentally, including a relatively small activation energy for electrical conductivity and an increase in hole mobility with increasing temperature.
Fine-Tuned Verification for Verifiable Delay Functions in Blockchains

Verifiable Delay Functions (VDFs) are a set of new cryptographic schemes ensuring that an agent has spent some time (evaluation phase) in an unparalleled computation. A key requirement for such a construction is that the verification of the computation’s correctness has to be done in a significantly shorter time than the evaluation phase. This has led VDFs to recently gain exposure in large-scale decentralized projects as a core component of consensus algorithms or spam-prevention mechanisms. In this work, due to the increasing relevance and the lack of literature, we will focus on the optimization of the verification phase of Wesolowski’s VDF and provide a three-fold improvement concerning multi-exponentiation computation, prime testing techniques, and hashing tricks. We will show that our optimizations reduce the computation time of the verification phase between 12% and 35% for the range of parameters considered.
Automation-Related Complacency into the 21st Century

Complacency potential is an important measure to avoid performance error, such as neglecting to detect a system failure. This study updates and expands upon Singh, Molloy, and Parasuraman’s 1993 Complacency-Potential Rating Scale (CPRS). We updated and expanded the CPRS questions to include technology commonly used today and how frequently the participants used this technology. The goal of our study was to update the scale and to explore whether there was a relationship between frequency of use and the responses on the updated CPRS measure, based on the original measure’s four subscales: confidence-related complacency, reliance-related complacency, trust-related complacency, and safety-related complacency. We hypothesized that 1) higher use would be related with higher complacency scores in each subscale and 2) lower use would be related with lower complacency scores in each subscale. Our research found that there was one frequency of use scale question where the high/low use groups significantly differed in both the confidence-related complacency and trust related complacency subscales.
Estimating the causal effects in randomized trials for survival data with a cure fraction and non compliance

ABSTRACT We consider causal inference in randomized studies for survival data with a cure fraction and all-or-none treatment non compliance. To describe the causal effects, we consider the complier average causal effect (CACE) and the complier effect on survival probability beyond time t (CESP), where CACE and CESP are defined as the difference of cure rate and non cured subjects’ survival probability between treatment and control groups within the complier class. These estimands depend on the distributions of survival times in treatment and control groups. Given covariates and latent compliance type, we model these distributions with transformation promotion time cure model whose parameters are estimated by maximum likelihood. Both the infinite dimensional parameter in the model and the mixture structure of the problem create some computational difficulties which are overcome by an expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. We show the estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal. Some simulation studies are conducted to assess the finite-sample performance of the proposed approach. We also illustrate our method by analyzing a real data from the Healthy Insurance Plan of Greater New York.
Same-day correction of baselines for demand response using long short-term memory

In incentive-based the Demand Response, the amount of electricity demand reduction is calculated by subtracting actual electricity demand from the baseline (BL). The BL is the estimated electricity demand of households when no electricity demand suppression is performed. In Japan, the high 4 of 5 method is used to forecast the BL by averaging the actual demand of the day. In this study, we refer to the high 4 of 5 method as BL1. BL2 is the BL to which the value of the same-day adjustment is added based on the actual demand of the day. BL3 is BL1 plus the value of the same-day adjustment predicted using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). The average MAE values for BL2 and BL3, calculated using actual electricity demand data from October 15, 2021, to December 24, 2021, were 11.2 kW and 8.1 kW, respectively, with BL3 being 3.1 kW smaller than BL2. To estimate the confidence intervals for BL2 and BL3, we calculated the error by subtracting each BL from the actual value and calculated the ±3σ equivalent for the distribution of the error. The confidence interval calculated for BL3 was found to be ±9.2 kW lower than that for BL2. The F-test for the distribution of the errors for BL2 and BL3 yielded a P-value of 4.05 × 10-50, indicating that the variances of the two distributions were not equally distributed.
A Realistic Surface-based Cloth Rendering Model

We propose a surface-based cloth shading model that generates realistic cloth appearance with ply-level details. It generalizes previous surface-based models to a broader set of cloth including knitted and thin woven cloth. Our model takes into account the most dominant visual features of cloth, including anisotropic S-shaped reflection highlight, cross-shaped transmission highlights, delta transmission, and shadowing masking. We model these elements via a comprehensive micro-scale BSDF and a meso-scale effective BSDF formulation. Then, we propose an implementation that leverages the Monte Carlo sampler of path tracing for reducing precomputation to the bare minimum, by evaluating the effective BSDF as a Monte Carlo estimate, and encoding visibility using anisotropic spherical Gaussians. We demonstrate our model by replicating a set of woven and knitted fabrics, showing good match with respect to captured photographs.
OPTIMAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WITH WORKER PROFILING

I study the design of an optimal profiling policy within welfare-to-work programs, by embedding dynamic learning about worker’s ability into the principal-agent framework of Pavoni and Violante (2007). In optimal profiling, a fraction of low-skilled workers is persuaded to be highly skilled and referred to delegated search together with actual high-skilled workers (positive type-II error), whenever the government prefers to have over-optimist low-skilled workers searching for jobs (at small incentive costs) rather than referring them to passive labor-market policies. On the contrary, no high-skilled worker is ever profiled as low skilled and referred to any passive policy (zero type-I error). To ease agency costs, workers who are profiled on a statistical basis and referred to delegated search suffer a reduction in the generosity of transfers. In Florida, the optimal profiling program would generate around 540 millions USD savings each year. JEL classification: D82, I38, J65, J68
Liver brosis quanti ed by image morphometry predicts clinical outcomes in patients with non- alcoholic fatty liver disease

Zhengyi Wang (  jenny.z.wang@uwa.edu.au ) The University of Western Australia Medical School https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1738-2207 Gary P Jeffrey The University of Western Australia Medical School Yi Huang The University of Western Australia Medical School Bastiaan De Boer PathWest Laboratory Medical WA: PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA George Garas The University of Western Australia Medical School Michael Wallace The University of Western Australia Medical School Luis Bertot The University of Western Australia Medical School Leon A Adams The University of Western Australia Medical School
Comments on ‘Linguistic structure: A plausible theory’

This comment on Sydney Lamb’s article “Language structure: A plausible theory” explores the similarities and differences between Lamb’s theory and my own theory called Word Grammar, which was inspired by Lamb’s work in the 1960s. The two theories share Lamb’s view that language is a symbolic network, just like the rest of our knowledge. The note explains this claim, then picks out a number of differences between the theories, all of which centre on the distinction between types and tokens. In Word Grammar, tokens are represented as temporary nodes added to the permanent network, and allow the theory to use dependency structure rather than phrase structure, to include mental referents, to recognise the messiness of spreading activation and to include a monotonic theory of default inheritance.
Climate Risk Profile for Eastern Africa

parameters and related impacts on different sectors in Eastern Africa until 2080 under different climate change scenarios (called Representative Concentration Pathways, RCPs). RCP2.6 represents the low emissions scenario that aims to keep global warming likely below 2 °C above pre-industrial temperatures. RCP6.0 represents a medium to high emissions scenario that is likely to exceed 2 °C. Model projections do not account for effects of future socio-economic impacts, unless indicated otherwise. Climate change is likely to cause damage to the infrastructure sector in Eastern Africa including major roads and urban areas. Roads are the backbone of the region’s transportation network and essential in linking farmers and markets. Investments will need to be made into building climate-resilient roads and other infrastructure to maintain agricultural supply chains and foster economic growth.
Hemodynamics of thrombus formation in intracranial aneurysms: An in silico observational study

How prevalent is spontaneous thrombosis in a population containing all sizes of intracranial aneurysms? How can we calibrate computational models of thrombosis based on published data? How does spontaneous thrombosis differ in normo- and hypertensive subjects? We address the first question through a thorough analysis of published datasets that provide spontaneous thrombosis rates across different aneurysm characteristics. This analysis provides data for a subgroup of the general population of aneurysms, namely, those of large and giant size (>10 mm). Based on these observed spontaneous thrombosis rates, our computational modeling platform enables the first in silico observational study of spontaneous thrombosis prevalence across a broader set of aneurysm phenotypes. We generate 109 virtual patients and use a novel approach to calibrate two trigger thresholds: residence time and shear rate, thus addressing the second question. We then address the third question by utilizing this calibrated model to provide new insight into the effects of hypertension on spontaneous thrombosis. We demonstrate how a mechanistic thrombosis model calibrated on an intracranial aneurysm cohort can help estimate spontaneous thrombosis prevalence in a broader aneurysm population. This study is enabled through a fully automatic multi-scale modeling pipeline. We use the clinical spontaneous thrombosis data as an indirect population-level validation of a complex computational modeling framework. Furthermore, our framework allows exploration of the influence of hypertension in spontaneous thrombosis. This lays the foundation for in silico clinical trials of cerebrovascular devices in high-risk populations, e.g., assessing the performance of flow diverters in aneurysms for hypertensive patients.
Elliptic genus of singular algebraic varieties and quotients

This paper discusses the basic properties of various versions of the two-variable elliptic genus with special attention to the equivariant elliptic genus. The main applications are to the elliptic genera attached to non-compact GITs, including the theories regarding the elliptic genera of phases on N = 2 introduced in Witten (1993 Nucl. Phys. B 403 159–222).
Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect: A Review of Currently Used Devices

Over the past seven decades, significant advancements and innovations have occurred in the field of percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure using transcatheter-based devices. This article focuses on the current literature surrounding the three Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved devices for ASD and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in the United States, namely, the Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO), Amplatzer Cribriform Occluder, and Gore Cardioform ASD Occluder. The ASO has been widely used since its FDA approval in 2001. Studies have shown its high success rate in closing ASDs, especially small-sized defects. The RESPECT trial demonstrated that PFO closure using the ASO reduced the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke compared to medical therapy alone. The Closure of Atrial Septal Defects With the Amplatzer Septal Occluder Post-Approval Study (ASD PMS II) evaluated the safety and effectiveness of ASO in a large cohort of patients, reporting a high closure success rate and rare hemodynamic compromise. The Amplatzer Cribriform Occluder is designed for the closure of multifenestrated ASDs and has shown promising results in small-scale studies. It successfully closed the majority of fenestrated ASDs, leading to improved right ventricular diastolic pressure without major complications. The REDUCE trial compared PFO closure using the Gore Helex Septal Occluder and Gore Cardioform Septal Occluder with antiplatelet therapy alone. The study demonstrated that PFO closure significantly reduced the risk of recurrent stroke and brain infarction compared to antiplatelet therapy alone. However, the closure group had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. There is a risk of atrial fibrillation with the use of ASO as well. The FDA-approved Gore Cardioform ASD Occluder showed excellent performance in the ASSURED clinical study. The device achieved high technical success and closure rates, with low rates of serious adverse events and device-related complications. A meta-analysis comparing transcatheter ASD closure with surgical closure revealed that the transcatheter approach had a high success rate, lower rates of adverse events, and shorter hospital stays compared to surgery, without any mortality. Complications associated with transcatheter ASD closure have been reported, including femoral arteriovenous fistulas, device embolization, cardiac erosion, aortic incompetence, and new-onset migraine. However, these complications are relatively rare. In conclusion, transcatheter ASD closure using FDA-approved devices has proven to be safe and effective in the majority of cases. These devices offer excellent closure rates, reduced risk of recurrent stroke, and shorter hospital stays compared to surgery. However, careful patient selection and follow-up are necessary to minimize complications and ensure optimal outcomes.
Barriers and Facilitators to Pediatric Resident Education in the Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study

Objective Local resident evaluations of the pediatric emergency department (ED) declined over the last five years. Sparse literature exists on resident perspectives of educational experiences. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to resident education in the Pediatric ED. Methods This qualitative study utilized focus groups at a large pediatric training hospital. Trained facilitators performed semi-structured interviews prompting discussion of resident experiences in the pediatric ED. One pilot and six focus groups (38 pediatric residents) achieved data saturation. Sessions were audio recorded, de-identified and transcribed by a professional service. Three authors (CJ, JM, SS) analyzed the transcripts independently using line-by-line coding. Following code agreement, authors identified central themes drawing on grounded theory. Results Six categories emerged: (1) ED environment, (2) consistent goals, expectations, and resources, (3) ED workflow, (4) preceptor accessibility, (5) resident growth and development, (6) ED preconceived notions. Residents value a respectful work environment despite the chaotic nature of the ED. They need clear goals and expectations with a strong orientation. Autonomy, open communication and shared decision-making allow residents to feel like team members. Residents gravitate toward welcoming, available preceptors that enthusiastically teach. More ED environment exposure increases comfort and efficiency and helps develop medical decision-making skills. Residents admit ED preconceptions and personality traits affect performance. Conclusion Residents self-identified barriers and facilitators to ED education. Educators must provide a safe and open learning environment, clear rotation expectations and goals, consistent positivity supporting shared decision making, and allow residents autonomy to build their practice styles.
Numerical solutions of rough differential equations and stochastic differential equations

In this dissertation, we investigate time-discrete numerical approximation schemes for rough differential equations and stochastic differential equations (SDE) driven by fractional Brownian motions (fBm). The dissertation is organized as follows. In Chapter 1, we introduce the basic settings and define time-discrete numerical approximation schemes. In Chapter 2, we consider the Euler scheme for SDEs driven by fBms. For a SDE driven by a fBm with Hurst parameter H > 2 it is known that the existing (naive) Euler scheme has the rate of convergence n1−2H . Since the limit H → 2 of the SDE corresponds to a Stratonovich SDE driven by standard Brownian motion, and the naive Euler scheme is the extension of the classical Euler scheme for Itô SDEs for H = 2 , the convergence rate of the naive Euler scheme deteriorates for H→ 2 . The new (modified Euler) approximation scheme we are introducing in this chapter is closer to the classical Euler scheme for Stratonovich SDEs for H = 2 and it has the rate of convergence γ −1 n , where γn = n2H− 1 2 when H < 4 , γn = n/ √ logn when H = 4 and γn = n if H > 3 4 . Furthermore, we study the asymptotic behavior of the fluctuations of the error. More precisely, if {Xt ,0≤ t ≤ T} is the solution of a SDE driven by a fBm and if {Xn t ,0≤ t ≤ T} is its approximation obtained by the new modified Euler scheme, then we prove that γn(X−X) converges stably to the solution of a linear SDE driven by a matrix-valued Brownian motion, when H ∈ (2 , 3 4 ]. In the case H > 3 4 , we show the L p convergence of
Symbiosis between cyanobacteria and plants: from molecular studies to agronomic applications

Abstract Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria from the order Nostocales are able to establish symbiotic relationships with diverse plant species. They are promiscuous symbionts, as the same strain of cyanobacterium is able to form symbiotic biological nitrogen-fixing relationships with different plants species. This review will focus on the different types of cyanobacterial–plant associations, both endophytic and epiphytic, and provide insights from a structural viewpoint, as well as our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the symbiotic crosstalk. In all these symbioses, the benefit for the plant is clear; it obtains from the cyanobacterium fixed nitrogen and other bioactive compounds, such as phytohormones, polysaccharides, siderophores, or vitamins, leading to enhanced plant growth and productivity. Additionally, there is increasing use of different cyanobacterial species as bio-inoculants for biological nitrogen fixation to improve soil fertility and crop production, thus providing an eco-friendly, alternative, and sustainable approach to reduce the over-reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Robust stability analysis of uncertain multiorder fractional systems: Young and Jensen inequalities approach

Robust stability analysis of multiorder fractional linear time‐invariant systems is studied in this paper. In the present study, first, conservative stability boundaries with respect to the eigenvalues of a dynamic matrix for this kind of systems are found by using Young and Jensen inequalities. Then, considering uncertainty on the dynamic matrix, fractional orders, and fractional derivative coefficients, some sufficient conditions are derived for the stability analysis of uncertain multiorder fractional systems. Numerical examples are presented to confirm the obtained analytical results.