cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward an expert system shell for a Common Ada Programming Support Environment

The authors report on a tool for the development of expert systems, to overcome the common conviction that Ada is unsuitable for artificial intelligence. It uses object-oriented concepts for both the design and implementation. The authors describe an approach to expert-system development, the requirements for the shell, its design using object-oriented techniques, and its control and inference mechanisms. >
Stewardship, learning, and memory in disaster resilience

In this contribution, we propose and explore the following hypothesis: civic ecology practices, including urban community forestry, community gardening, and other self‐organized forms of stewardship of green spaces in cities, are manifestations of how memories of the role of greening in healing can be instrumentalized through social learning to foster social–ecological system (SES) resilience following crisis and disaster. Further, we propose that civic ecology communities of practice within and across cities help to leverage these memories into effective practices, and that these communities of practice serve as urban iterations of the collaborative and adaptive management practices that play a role in SES resilience in more rural settings. We present two urban examples to build support for this hypothesis: the Living Memorials Project in post‐9/11 New York City, and community forestry in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. These cases demonstrate what we refer to as a memorialization mechanism that...
Practicing School Psychology While Impaired: Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues

Studies on impairment in psychologists and other mental health practitioners began appearing in the literature 30–35 years ago. Since then, research and related scholarly writings have continued to be published to more fully understand this concept and its components. In school psychology, however, little has been written regarding school psychologists’ delivery of psychological services while they are impaired. This is true even though the provision of such services violates numerous ethical principles and standards of professional conduct in the ethics code of the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association. In this article, the authors review the prevalence and incidence data regarding impairment, as well as definitional issues regarding what constitutes impairment. Ethical and legal issues associated with practicing while impaired are also discussed, followed by a discussion of assessing risk for impairment in school psychologists and the presentation of a s...
Condor and the Grid

Ready access to large amounts of computing power has been a persistent goal of computer scientists for decades. Since the 1960s, visions of computing utilities as pervasive and as simple as the telephone have motivated system designers [1]. It was recognized in the 1970s that such power could be achieved inexpensively with collections of small devices rather than expensive single supercomputers. Interest in schemes for managing distributed processors [2, 3, 4] became so popular that there was even once a minor controversy over the meaning of the word ‘distributed’ [5].
A Proposed Alliance of Midwives and Family Practitioners in the Care of Low‐Risk Pregnant Women

: Only 63.4 percent of family practitioners have hospital privileges for obstetrics, and this number is declining. Family practitioners who do not practice obstetrics also are less involved in child care and tend to treat only one member of the family. Teaming up with nurse-midwives and functioning as midwives may be a way for doctors to overcome the barriers to practicing maternity care, including the disruptive nature of obstetrics on their personal and professional lives, high mal-practice insurance rates, and lack of adequate reimbursement from insurers when care must be transferred to an obstetrician. Midwives and family practitioners often have common philosophies of maternity care that could be advantageous to both practitioners and families in their childbearing years.
Model-based failure analysis of journaling file systems

We propose a novel method to measure the robustness of journaling file systems under disk write failures. In our approach, we build models of how journaling file systems order disk writes under different journaling modes and use these models to inject write failures during file system updates. Using our technique, we analyze if journaling file systems maintain on-disk consistency in the presence of disk write failures. We apply our technique to three important Linux journaling file systems: ext3, Reiserfs, and IBM JFS. From our analysis, we identify several design flaws and correctness bugs in these file systems, which can cause serious file system errors ranging from data corruption to unmountable file systems.
Simulation-based uniform value function estimates of discounted and average-reward MDPs

The value function of a Markov decision problem assigns to each policy its expected discounted reward. This expected reward can be estimated as the empirical average of the reward over many independent simulation runs. We derive bounds on the number of runs needed for the convergence of the empirical average to the expected reward uniformly for a class of policies, in terms of the V-C or pseudo dimension of the policy class. Uniform convergence results are also obtained for the average reward case. They can be extended to partially observed MDPs and Markov games. The results can be viewed as an extension of the probably approximately correct (PAC) learning theory for partially observable MDPs (POMDPs) and Markov games.
Physician attitudes toward the use of type IC antiarrhythmics after the cardiac arrhythmia suppression trial (CAST)

Abstract In the mid 1980s, 2 compounds considered to be class IC 1 antiarrhythmic agents, flecainide and encainide, received approval in the U.S. for treating symptomatic, or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, or both. Despite a notable proarrhythmia risk, 1–12 their use grew because of high efficacy, low organ toxicity, and otherwise excellent patient tolerance. In August 1989, however, the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST) 13,14 high-lighted the proarrhythmic risk of these 2 agents and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded by re-labeling these drugs. They are now approved in the U.S. only for the treatment of lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmias. FDA sanctions and specific package labeling, however, have never guaranteed that a drug will be used according to such sanctions and instructions. Physicians are free to exercise therapeutic judgment, assuming an appropriate rationale and support from the medical literature. Given the favorable efficacy, convenience and side effect profiles of encainide and flecainide apparent before CAST, we hypothesized that their use might continue despite the recent FDA guidelines. To test this belief, we formulated a questionnaire concerning the use of class IC agents after CAST. We assumed this information would interest drug regulators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, investigators and those physicians in practice who prescribe or avoid IC agents without certainty as to peer behavior.
Three-step emergency cricothyroidotomy.

ABSTRACT Objective: Surgical cricothyroidotomy is the airway of choice in combat. It is too dangerous for combat medics to perform orotracheal intubation, because of the time needed to complete the procedure and the light signature from the intubation equipment, which provides an easy target for the enemy. The purpose of this article was to provide a modified approach for obtaining a surgical airway in complete darkness, with night-vision goggles. Methods: At our desert surgical skills training location at Nellis Air Force Base (Las Vegas, Nevada), Air Force para-rescue personnel received training in this technique using human cadavers. This training was provided during the fall and winter months of 2003–2006. Results: Through trial and error, we developed a “quick and easy” method of obtaining a surgical airway in complete darkness, using three steps. The steps involve the traditional skin and cricothyroid membrane incisions but add the use of an elastic bougie as a guide for endotracheal tube placement....
Predictors of long-term success after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in African-American women.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) provides sustained weight loss. However, short-term studies have suggested that African Americans (AAs) are not as successful as Caucasians (CAs) after LRYGB. Objective The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that at longer term follow-up AAs are just as successful as CAs after LRYGB. Setting University hospital, United States. Methods A nested case-control study designed to examine the effect of race as covariate in the long-term success of women undergoing LRYGB. The study matched 3 controls per case subject, and the final numbers for analyses were 78 case patients (AA) and 204 control patients (CA). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression analysis. Results The 2 cohorts (N = 282) were well matched for age (AA 40.3±9.1 years versus CA 41.1±8.9 years), preoperative body mass index (AA 50.6±7.5 kg/m 2 versus CA 50.2±7.1 kg/m 2 ), prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) (AA 20.5% versus CA 21.1%), hypertension (AA 69.1% versus CA 52%), and sleep apnea (AA 35.9% versus CA 34.8%). In the AA group, the long-term curve for percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) was significantly ( P P = .002) predicted adequate EWL at 3 years, after controlling for relevant confounders. Conclusion Race significantly affected the long-term EWL at 3 years for patients undergoing LRYGB at the authors' institution. Future research should be directed at determining potential genetic reasons for these differences, including genes associated with T2D.
A Thermally-Regenerative Ammonia-Based Flow Battery for Electrical Energy Recovery from Waste Heat.

Large amounts of low-grade waste heat (temperatures <130 °C) are released during many industrial, geothermal, and solar-based processes. Using thermally-regenerative ammonia solutions, low-grade thermal energy can be converted to electricity in battery systems. To improve reactor efficiency, a compact, ammonia-based flow battery (AFB) was developed and tested at different solution concentrations, flow rates, cell pairs, and circuit connections. The AFB achieved a maximum power density of 45 W m(-2) (15 kW m(-3) ) and an energy density of 1260 Wh manolyte (-3) , with a thermal energy efficiency of 0.7 % (5 % relative to the Carnot efficiency). The power and energy densities of the AFB were greater than those previously reported for thermoelectrochemical and salinity-gradient technologies, and the voltage or current could be increased using stacked cells. These results demonstrated that an ammonia-based flow battery is a promising technology to convert low-grade thermal energy to electricity.
Factors to Consider When Planning Short-Term Global Health Work

Volunteer opportunities in short-term global health work can be rewarding experiences, but careful planning and preparation are vital. Potential problems to avoid include ineffective, harmful care; cultural ego-centrism; and lack of sustainability and cost effectiveness. Short-term global health work is most effective when the focus is on ongoing sustainable projects that include a long-term commitment and partnership with host communities.
TactileVR: Integrating Physical Toys into Learn and Play Virtual Reality Experiences

We present TactileVR, an immersive presence and tactile feedback into virtual reality. Our system allows users free to move around and interact with physical objects and toys, which co-exist in the virtual world. By integrating tracking information from the space as well as head, hands and feet of the user, we represent this information as virtual proxies in the 3D environment. Each object has a unique appearance and behavior e.g. in an electric circuits lab toy blocks serve as switches, batteries and light bulbs. By tracking and integrating toys and other everyday objects into VR, we are able to create educational and recreational experiences for children, an environment in which they can play and learn more autonomously.
High-spin states in Nb 92

High-spin states have been investigated with the $^{88}\mathrm{Sr}$($^{7}\mathrm{Li}$,$3n$)$^{92}\mathrm{Nb}$ reaction by $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray angular distribution, and pulsed beam-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ timing measurements with Ge(Li) detectors. Decay schemes, level energies, and spin-parity information were obtained for $^{92}\mathrm{Nb}$ from the data. The positive-parity yrast level sequence was established up to a ${13}^{+}$ state at 3326 keV. An ${11}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomeric level at 2203 keV was found and observed to have a mean lifetime of $\ensuremath{\tau}=241\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5$ nsec. The $g$ factor of this isomer was measured to be $g=0.88\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$. The observed properties of levels in $^{92}\mathrm{Nb}$ are compared with shell-model calculations.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{88}\mathrm{Sr}$($^{7}\mathrm{Li}$,$3n$), ${E}_{\mathrm{Li}}=34$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coin, $\ensuremath{\gamma}(E,\ensuremath{\theta},t)$, spin rotation in $B=11.2$ kG; deduced level scheme in $^{92}\mathrm{Nb}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ multipolarities, ${T}_{\frac{1}{2}}$,${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$, $g$ factor. Natural target, Ge(Li) detectors.
Impact Of α-Blockers In Men With Spinal Cord Injury And Upper Tract Stasis

AbstractObjective: Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of α1-blockers on upper tract stasis in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) who use reflex voiding for bladder management.Methods: A retrospective chart review of men with SCI at or above T6, who used reflex voiding for bladder management and had upper tract stasis diagnosed by renal scan. Inclusion was based on the availability of the following tests both before and after α1-receptor blockade: renal scan, urodynamic studies, and arterial pressures. Part I evaluated the impact of α1-blockers on upper tract stasis. Part II evaluated the impact of α1-blockers on urodynamic parameters in those with and without resolution of stasis. Statistical methods: Chi-square test was used to determine the statistical significance of resolution of upper tract stasis. Student's t test for 2-paired samples was used to evaluate whether urodynamic parameters differed significantly before and after treatment with α1-blockers.Main Outcome Measures: Urodynamic pa...
Students and Small-Dollar Credit

We present a student survey based on a recent Treasury convening on uses and abuses of small-dollar fringe credit. Financially inexperienced students may be particularly vulnerable to negative outcomes from this type of credit. Using a sample from a small liberal arts university, we find that our students are highly unlikely to use fringe products like payday loans. The news is not all good, however. While our students are very familiar with mainstream credit and savings products, they are almost entirely ignorant of their costs. Should less advantaged students display this sort of blase attitude when transacting in the small-dollar markets, they could easily fall into a fringe-loan "debt trap."
Rough Draft: Towards a Framework for Metagaming Mechanics of Rewinding in Interactive Storytelling

Recently an increasing number of narrative games have incorporated the metagaming elements of rewinding as their core mechanics. Although there has been research on metagaming as a whole, there is little that focuses on interactive storytelling and on the act of rewinding to remake a choice. In this paper, we present two main contributions. First, we propose a theoretical framework on the structure of rewinding. Based on our survey of related games, we categorize common designs into Restricted Rewind, the Unrestricted Rewind and the External Rewind. Second, we created an rewind-based interactive story called Rough Draft and we report the design lessons we learned.
Maximum likelihood event estimation and list-mode image reconstruction on GPU hardware

The scintillation detectors commonly used in SPECT and PET imaging and in Compton cameras require estimation of the position and energy of each gamma ray interaction. Ideally, this process would yield images with no spatial distortion and the best possible spatial resolution. In addition, especially for Compton cameras, the computation must yield the best possible estimate of the energy of each interacting gamma ray. These goals can be achieved by use of maximum-likelihood (ML) estimation of the event parameters, but in the past the search for an ML estimate has not been computationally feasible. Now, however, graphics processing units (GPUs) make it possible to produce optimal, real-time estimates of position and energy, even from scintillation cameras with a large number of photodetectors. In addition, the mathematical properties of ML estimates make them very attractive for use as list entries in list-mode ML image reconstruction. This two-step ML process — using ML estimation once to get the list data and again to reconstruct the object — allows accurate modeling of the detector blur and, potentially, considerable improvement in reconstructed spatial resolution.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Associations Between Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines, United States, 2013-2014.

Author(s): Yi, Stella S; Trinh-Shevrin, Chau; Yen, Irene H; Kwon, Simona C | Abstract: IntroductionNeighborhood factors are increasingly recognized as determinants of health. Neighborhood social cohesion may be associated with physical activity, but previous studies examined data aggregated across racial/ethnic groups. We assessed whether neighborhood social cohesion was associated with physical activity in a nationally representative data set and explored the role of race/ethnicity.MethodsWe combined National Health Interview Survey data from 2013 and 2014 (n = 64,754) and constructed a neighborhood social cohesion score by summing responses to 4 questions. The outcome of meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines was defined as 150 or more minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 or more minutes of vigorous activity. Multivariable models regressing physical activity on neighborhood social cohesion were adjusted for demographic factors; interaction analyses assessed effect modification by race/ethnicity.ResultsIn adjusted analyses, a 1-unit increase in the neighborhood social cohesion score was associated with higher odds of meeting physical activity guidelines (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.05). Neighborhood social cohesion and physical activity were associated among non-Hispanic white adults (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.42) and Hispanic adults (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.34]) but not among non-Hispanic black or Asian American adults (Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indians).ConclusionNeighborhood social cohesion was associated with meeting physical activity guidelines in a nationally representative sample; this association may be most meaningful for non-Hispanic white and Hispanic populations. Additional studies are needed to identify neighborhood factors that help non-Hispanic black and Asian Americans to meet physical activity guidelines.
Influence of intrinsic phonon modes in nonlinear optical crystals on the performance of ultrafast frequency conversion devices

We demonstrate that coherently-excited Raman-/IR-active phonons in certain nonlinear optical crystals (KTiOPO 4 , KTiOAsO 4 ) significantly affect the operation of ultrashort-pulse pumped optical parametric amplifiers. The photon-phonon coupling in these materials leads to non-instantaneous, pump-dependent 2nd-order susceptibility.
Bronx Faces and Voices: Sixteen Stories of Courage and Community. By Emita Brady Hill and Janet Butler Munch (eds)

The South Bronx has become synonymous, nationally and even internationally, with urban deterioration and failure. It was not until the late 1960s and the 1970s, however, when the southern parts of ...
Switched dual-actuator control for AFM subresonant tapping modes

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) subresonant tapping (SRT), for example, Peak Force QNM mode enables high-resolution imaging of properties such as probe-surface adhesion or viscoelastic dissipation that are typically beyond the capability of other AFM scanning modes. However, SRT is among the slowest methods for obtaining an AFM image. This paper presents a method for increasing the scanning speed of a commercial AFM system by several times by adding a second actuator and implementing a novel switched dual-actuator control scheme. The tracking portion of the control for the fine actuator operates for only a part of the tapping cycle to track a force versus time trajectory when the AFM probe comes in contact with the sample. A correction bias is applied to the stage actuator in between taps. The strategy allows the use of classical control methods for compensator design, because the control for each actuator is active at non-overlapping intervals of the tap cycle.
Discharge controls on the sediment and dissolved nutrient transport flux of the lowermost Mississippi River: Implications for export to the ocean and for delta restoration

Abstract Lagrangian longitudinal surveys and fixed station data are utilized from the lowermost Mississippi River reach in Louisiana at high and low discharge in 2012–2013 to examine the changing stream power, sediment transport capacity, and nitrate conveyance in this backwater reach of the river. Nitrate appears to remain conservative through the backwater reach at higher discharges (>15,000 m 3 /s), thus, nitrate levels supplied from the catchment are those exported to the Gulf of Mexico, fueling coastal hypoxia. At lower discharges, interaction with fine sediments and organic matter stored on the bed due to estuarine and tidal processes, likely elevates nitrate levels prior to entering the Gulf: a further 1–2 week long spike in nitrate concentrations is associated with the remobilization of this sediments during the rising discharge phase of the Mississippi. Backwater characteristics are clearly observed in the study reach starting at river kilometer 703 (Vicksburg) in both longitudinal study periods. Stream power at the lowermost station is only 16% of that at Vicksburg in the high discharge survey, and 0.6% at low flow. The high-to-low discharge study differential in unit stream power at a station increases between Vicksburg and the lowermost station from a factor of 3 to 47–50 times. At high discharge, ∼30% of this energy loss can be ascribed to the removal of water to the Atchafalaya at Old River Control. Suspended sediment flux decreases downstream in the studied reach in both studies: the lowermost station has 75% of the flux at Vicksburg in the high discharge study, and 0.9% in the low discharge study. The high discharge values, given that this study was conducted during the highest rising hydrograph of the water year, are augmented by sediment resuspended from the bed that was deposited in the previous low discharge phase. Examination of this first detailed field observation studies of the backwater phenomenon in a major river, shows that observed suspended particle sizes and calculated shear velocities compare favorably with suspension coefficients derived by previous investigators using flume experiments and modeling.
Large datasets, logistics, sharing and workflow in screening

Cancer screening initiatives exist around the world for different malignancies, most frequently breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer. A number of cancer registries exist to collect relevant data, but while these data may include imaging findings, they rarely, if ever, include actual images. Additionally, the data submitted to the registry are usually correlated with eventual cancer diagnoses and patient outcomes, rather than used with the individual's future screenings. Developing screening programs that allow for images to be submitted to a central location in addition to patient meta data and used for comparison to future screening exams would be very valuable in increasing access to care and ensuring that individuals are effectively screened at appropriate intervals. It would also change the way imaging results and additional patient data are correlated to eventual outcomes. However, it introduces logistical challenges surrounding secure storage and transmission of data to subsequent screening sites. In addition, in the absence of standardized protocols for screening, comparing current and prior imaging, especially from different equipment, can be challenging. Implementing a large-scale screening program with an image-enriched screening registry-effectively, an image-enriched electronic screening record-also requires that incentives exist for screening sites, physicians, and patients to participate; to maximize coverage, participation may have to be supported by government agencies. Workflows will also have to be adjusted to support registry participation for all screening patients in an effort to create a large, robust data set that can be used for future screening efforts as well as research initiatives.center.
How much do consumers really value air travel on-time performance, and to what extent are airlines motivated to improve their on-time performance?

Abstract This paper estimates the value consumers place on air travel on-time performance (OTP), and the extent to which airlines are motivated to improve their OTP. We find robust evidence that consumers value OTP and are willing to pay to avoid delays. Airlines can invest to improve OTP, but would independently choose to do so only if on-time performance improvement leads to increases in profitability. Using a methodology that does not require having actual cost data to draw inference on cost changes associated with improvement in OTP, we analyze airlines' optimal OTP-improvement investment choice. The modeling framework allows us to provide estimates of OTP-related marginal investment costs per minute of improvement necessary to achieve specific percent reductions in arrival delay minutes from the current levels of arrival delay minutes observed in the data.
SmartProvenance: A Distributed, Blockchain Based DataProvenance System

Blockchain technology has evolved from being an immutable ledger of transactions for cryptocurrencies to a programmable interactive environment for building distributed reliable applications. Although the blockchain technology has been used to address various challenges, to our knowledge none of the previous work focused on using Blockchain to develop a secure and immutable scientific data provenance management framework that automatically verifies the provenance records. In this work, we leverage Blockchain as a platform to facilitate trustworthy data provenance collection, verification, and management. The developed system utilizes smart contracts and open provenance model (OPM) to record immutable data trails. We show that our proposed framework can securely capture and validate provenance data that prevents any malicious modification to the captured data as long as the majority of the participants are honest.
Importance of surface modification of γ-alumina in creating its nanostructured composites with zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-67

Application of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) as an adsorbent has been greatly hindered by slow mass transfer of adsorbate molecules due to its inherent microporosity. To address this limitation, we have developed binary nanostructures composed of ZIF-67 and γ-alumina (GA) containing respectively micropores and large mesopores. The nanostructured composites were successfully prepared by coupling ZIF-67 and GA with and without surface modification with imidazole silane that mimics the building blocks of ZIF-67 to obtain GA-Im-ZIF-67 (with imidazole silane) and GA-ZIF-67 (without imidazole silane). The sizes of ZIF-67 crystals in these composites were smaller as compared to those of pure ZIF-67, and the textural properties of these composites with and without surface modification were quite similar. However, the surface grafting of alumina with imidazole silane played an important role in improving interfacial coupling between GA and ZIF-67, which resulted in significant changes in the dispersion of ZIF-67 crystals and better adsorption properties. The presence of large mesopores in the alumina-based composites containing smaller ZIF-67 crystals improved their adsorption properties toward dyes such as Rhodamine B (RhB). The RhB adsorption capacity of GA-Im-ZIF-67 was much higher than that of GA-ZIF-67, suggesting that the imidazole silane modification of GA before its coupling with ZIF-67 and the GA mesoporosity were essential for a substantial increase in the adsorption capacity of RhB.
Assessment of post-wildfire debris flow occurrence using classifier tree

Besides the dangers of an actively burning wildfire, a plethora of other hazardous consequences can occur afterwards. Debris flows are among the most hazardous of these, being known to cause fatali...
A Superluminal Raman Laser with Enhanced Cavity Length Sensitivity

We demonstrate experimentally an optically pumped Raman laser with a self-pumped Raman depletion employing two isotopes of rubidium, achieving an inferred spectral sensitivity to cavity length change by a factor of more than a thousand.
Gobernar sin gobierno la integración centroamericana: Apuntes para una reforma del SICA

En este trabajo se presenta un estudio teorico y empirico sobre la gobernanza del SICA y sus repercusiones sobre el proyecto integracionista. Se sostiene que el problema de gobernanza del SICA no se encuentra tanto en el numero ni en el coste de organos y agencias, sino en un cumulo de deficiencias vinculadas al diseno institucional y a la falta de compromiso de los actores gubernamentales con el marco de integracion vigente. El modelo actual, basado en el control intergubernamental de los organos de gobierno, no es adecuado para alcanzar los objetivos de la integracion ni para llevar a cabo con exito un proceso de regionalizacion que propicie la construccion de una region
Market Evaluation of Energy Storage Systems Incorporating Technology-Specific Nonlinear Models

A generic constant-efficiency energy flow model is commonly used in techno-economic analyses of grid energy storage systems. In practice, charge and discharge efficiencies of energy storage systems depend on state of charge, temperature, and charge/discharge powers. Furthermore, the operating characteristics of energy storage devices are technology specific. Therefore, generic constant-efficiency energy flow models do not accurately capture the system performance. In this work, we propose to use technology-specific nonlinear energy flow models based on nonlinear operating characteristics of the storage devices. These models are incorporated into an optimization problem to find the optimal market participation of energy storage systems. We develop a dynamic programming method to solve the optimization problem and perform two case studies for maximizing the revenue of a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) and a Li-ion battery system in Pennsylvania New Jersey Maryland (PJM) interconnection's energy and frequency regulation markets.
Spectral calibration for spectral domain optical coherence tomography based on B-scan Doppler shift with tissue images

Abstract: We propose a simple method of linearizing spectral interference fringes of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) based on B-scan Doppler frequency shift (DFS), which can be obtained by offsetting the laser beam from the pivot of a scanning mirror. We show that DFS is proportional to wavenumber. A DFS based calibration curve can be then extracted from either a single mirror image or multiple tissue images. By examining the convergence of the nonlinear coefficients of the DFS curve fitted with a polynomial equation, tissue images themselves can be used to linearize the wavenumber without requiring mirror images or additional hardware. The method is verified with both ex vivo and in vivo tissue images. Using B-scan Doppler shift, we also demonstrate significantly improved imaging quality by combining complex conjugate ambiguity removal, speckle reduction, and spectral calibration with tissue images.
Asteroid belt survival through stellar evolution: dependence on the stellar mass

Polluted white dwarfs are generally accreting terrestrial-like material that may originate from a debris belt like the asteroid belt in the solar system. The fraction of white dwarfs that are polluted drops off significantly for white dwarfs with masses $M_{\rm WD}\gtrsim 0.8\,\rm M_\odot$. This implies that asteroid belts and planetary systems around main-sequence stars with mass $M_{\rm MS}\gtrsim 3\,\rm M_\odot$ may not form because of the intense radiation from the star. This is in agreement with current debris disc and exoplanet observations. The fraction of white dwarfs that show pollution also drops off significantly for low mass white dwarfs $(M_{\rm WD}\lesssim 0.55\,\rm M_\odot)$. However, the low-mass white dwarfs that do show pollution are not currently accreting but have accreted in the past. We suggest that asteroid belts around main sequence stars with masses $M_{\rm MS}\lesssim 2\,\rm M_\odot$ are not likely to survive the stellar evolution process. The destruction likely occurs during the AGB phase and could be the result of interactions of the asteroids with the stellar wind, the high radiation or, for the lowest mass stars that have an unusually close-in asteroid belt, scattering during the tidal orbital decay of the inner planetary system.
‘Sit in the Shadows’: The Black Body as American Event

Analyzing Kaepernick’s kneeling body as an event, using Badiou’s (1988/2007) three subjective response categories, a typology for interrogating the civil discourses inscribed onto Kaepernick’s body is created. Public responses to the event are analysed highlighting that the Black body is subject to the authority of the (US) nation in the form of state-sanctioned violence, while concurrently remaining deprived of the rights the nation provides its citizens. Black bodies are subject to Political power but deprived of political power, indicating an experience of American citizenry that is liminal (Thomassen in International Political Anthropology 2:5–27, 2009). Excavating the embodied politics and discussing the reverberations at the nexus of the sport–nation complex demonstrates the affinities that work across the denigration of Kaepernick’s [Black] body, and, considering future analysis, the veneration of [White] bodies.
Saving Capitalism: Bring Empathy into Mind and Action

Metaeconomics points to an Empathy-based, humane liberalism in the foundation of capitalism, the kind originally envisioned by Adam Smith. In light of Metaeconomics framing, the natural tendencies to Fascism must be addressed. That is, when the various bad liberalism frames come to overly influence the system, bad capitalism emerges. As soon as it arrives, Fascism again becomes popular, as well as the other “isms” at the ends of the spectrum. Metaeconomics is a direct counter to “bad-isms” of all kinds, due to being based in empirical reality and pointing to the essential need for an ethical foundation, both especially missing in Fascism. Metaeconomics holds the potential to help in saving capitalism by shifting the conversation to making it good, which keeps Fascist tendencies at bay.
Standard versus reduced genus-one Gromov–Witten invariants

We give an explicit formula for the difference between the standard and reduced genus-one Gromov‐Witten invariants. Combined with previous work on geometric properties of the latter, this paper makes it possible to compute the standard genus-one GW-invariants of complete intersections. In particular, we obtain a closed formula for the genus-one GW-invariants of a Calabi‐Yau projective hypersurface and verify a recent mirror symmetry prediction for a sextic fourfold as a special case. 14D20, 14N35; 53D45, 53D99
The First Orally Deliverable Small Molecule for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is 1 of the leading causes of infant mortality. SMA is mostly caused by low levels of Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein due to deletion of or mutation in the SMN1 gene. Its nearly identical copy, SMN2, fails to compensate for the loss of SMN1 due to predominant skipping of exon 7. Correction of SMN2 exon 7 splicing by an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), nusinersen (Spinraza™), that targets the intronic splicing silencer N1 (ISS-N1) became the first approved therapy for SMA. Restoration of SMN levels using gene therapy was the next. Very recently, an orally deliverable small molecule, risdiplam (Evrysdi™), became the third approved therapy for SMA. Here we discuss how these therapies are positioned to meet the needs of the broad phenotypic spectrum of SMA patients.
Land Tenure Security as a Market Stimulator in China

This paper builds on economists' theory that land tenure security can create access to credit and capital for emerging economies. The paper posits that, while the land title security that a nation's land title registration system provides may suffice to make mortgage loans available from local banks and mortgage lenders, emerging economies may benefit in important additional ways if their land titles are sufficiently secure to attract foreign investors. The paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of private land title insurance as an enhancement to the land title security that a developing country's laws and land title registration system can give. The paper applies the preceding concepts to the relatively new legal concept of transferable land use rights in The People's Republic of China. Making title to its new transferable land use rights secure is of paramount importance if China is to attract foreign investors and sustain its new market economy. After introducing the economic theory to lawmakers, the author examines China's existing real estate laws, regulations, and land title registration system and identifies specifically where risks exist to owners, lessees, and lenders' titles that may discourage investment of capital. Based on the risks discovered, the author then recommends that the government improve land title security for investors by (a) adhering to the rule of law, (b) amending certain existing laws and regulations and adopting implementing regulations to reduce ambiguity, (c) adopting laws and practices that can make China's land registration system more conclusive, reliable, accessible, efficient and economical, and (d) permitting private title insurance, but requiring that it be tailor-made to create improved land title security for investors in real estate interests in China.
Skull Base Tumors: Neuropathology and Clinical implications.

Tumors that arise in and around the skull base comprise a wide range of common and rare entities. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of their pathogenesis, which in some cases, have significantly influenced clinical practice. The genotype of meningiomas is strongly associated with their phenotype, including histologic subtype and tumor location, and clinical outcome. A single molecular alteration, NAB2-STAT6 fusion, has redefined the category of solitary fibrous tumors to include the previous entity hemangiopericytomas. Schwannomas, both sporadic and familial, are characterized by near ubiquitous alterations in NF2, with additional mutations in SMARCB1 or LZTR1 in schwannomatosis. In pituitary adenohypophyseal tumors, cell lineage transcription factors such as SF-1, T-PIT, and PIT-1 are now essential for classification, providing a more rigorous taxonomy for tumors that were previously considered null cell adenomas. The pituicyte lineage transcription factor TTF-1 defines neurohypophyseal tumors, which may represent a single nosological entity with a spectrum of morphologic manifestations (ie, granular cell tumor, pituicytoma, and spindle cell oncocytoma). Likewise, the notochord cell lineage transcription factor brachyury defines chordoma, discriminating them from chondrosarcomas. The identification of nonoverlapping genetic drivers of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas and papillary craniopharyngiomas indicates that these are distinct tumor entities and has led to successful targeted treatment of papillary craniopharyngiomas using BRAF and/or mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors. Similarly, dramatic therapeutic responses have been achieved in patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, both with BRAF-mutant and BRAF-wildtype tumors. Familiarity with the pathology of skull base tumors, their natural history, and molecular features is essential for optimizing patient care.
Fairness and the set of optimal rankings for the linear ordering problem

The goals of this paper are: (1) to bring attention to the existence and utility of multiple optimal rankings for the linear ordering problem, (2) to make the case for finding some or all of these multiple optimal rankings, (3) to provide an efficient algorithm that determines the existence of multiple optimal rankings, (4) to provide algorithms that find a sample of all optimal rankings, and (5) to connect multiple optimal rankings to fairness in ranking. We create algorithms to find the two nearest optimal rankings, the two farthest optimal rankings, and a so-called centroid ranking nearest to the centroid, which summarizes the information in all optimal rankings.
Estimating the concordance probability in a survival analysis with a discrete number of risk groups

A clinical risk classification system is an important component of a treatment decision algorithm. A measure used to assess the strength of a risk classification system is discrimination, and when the outcome is survival time, the most commonly applied global measure of discrimination is the concordance probability. The concordance probability represents the pairwise probability of lower patient risk given longer survival time. The c-index and the concordance probability estimate have been used to estimate the concordance probability when patient-specific risk scores are continuous. In the current paper, the concordance probability estimate and an inverse probability censoring weighted c-index are modified to account for discrete risk scores. Simulations are generated to assess the finite sample properties of the concordance probability estimate and the weighted c-index. An application of these measures of discriminatory power to a metastatic prostate cancer risk classification system is examined.
Impact of using advanced human computer interaction to design ground vehicle systems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the impact of using advanced human computer interaction to design ground vehicle systems. Optimization of the user interface in conjunction with the virtual prototyping process has several benefits. It results in improved requirements because the user has the opportunity to explore more concepts and determine what technologies provide the greatest payoff prior to committing to a system development. The intrinsic modeling flexibility, together with the great potential as a human-factor tool, makes virtual reality applications the choice for new simulation and simulator designs. The time from concept to production can be significantly shortened (50% goal) by eliminating the test build cycles (for hardware) required in the traditional prototyping process, and significant cost savings can be achieved in system development and production.
Evaluating a conservation investment designed to reduce human-wildlife conflict

Outreach programs are interventions that have the potential to influence the unique context of human–wildlife conflict as well as the political, economic, and social systems within which human–wildlife conflict occurs. However, evaluation of these programs is limited. The purpose of this research was to determine a human–wildlife conflict outreach intervention's effect on environmentally responsible behavior using the case of human–black bear conflict in New York, The New York NeighBEARhood Watch Program, and the Elaboration Likelihood Model. We found no short-term evidence of environmentally responsible behavior change after the program was implemented. We discuss inhibitors of desired program impact and the utility of our evaluation framework to measure program effect. Given the staying power of outreach interventions and their unknown effects on mitigating human–wildlife conflict, it is imperative that evaluation of programs be a required part of their implementation. Results presented herein can advance discussion about the role of outreach interventions by highlighting assumptions, realistic expectations, and outcome measures.
Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of bacteria isolated from three municipal wastewater treatment plants on tetracycline-amended and ciprofloxacin-amended growth media.

Aims: The goal of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from three municipal wastewater treatment plants. Methods and Results: Numerous bacterial strains were isolated from three municipal wastewater treatment facilities on tetracycline- (n = 164) and ciprofloxacin-amended (n = 65) growth media. These bacteria were then characterized with respect to their resistance to as many as 10 different antimicrobials, the presence of 14 common genes that encode resistance to tetracycline, the presence of integrons and/or the ability to transfer resistance via conjugation. All of the characterized strains exhibited some degree of multiple antimicrobial resistance, with nearly 50% demonstrating resistance to every antimicrobial that was tested. Genes encoding resistance to tetracycline were commonly detected among these strains, although intriguingly the frequency of detection was slightly higher for the bacteria isolated on ciprofloxacin-amended growth media (62%) compared to the bacteria isolated on tetracycline-amended growth media (53%). Class 1 integrons were also detected in 100% of the queried tetracycline-resistant bacteria and almost half of the ciprofloxacin-resistant strains. Conjugation experiments demonstrated that at least one of the tetracycline-resistant bacteria was capable of lateral gene transfer. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that multiple antimicrobial resistance is a common trait among tetracycline-resistant and ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria in municipal wastewater. Significance and Impact of the Study: These organisms are potentially important in the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance because they appear to have acquired multiple genetic determinants that confer resistance and because they have the potential to laterally transfer these genetic determinants to strains of clinical importance.