<p>The canopy storage of CO<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>, latent heat, and sensible heat within agricultural crops has not yet been fully examined, particularly on small farms situated in complex terrain. Reported canopy storage terms are consistently smaller than those found in forest ecosystems, such that they are often neglected. Our multiport profile system has been developed to examine these storage terms. The system sequentially samples air from four heights to a single non-dispersive Infrared Gas Analyzer (IRGA). Following laboratory testing, the system has been field proven in an east Tennessee maize crop in 2023. The new system enables quantifications of CO<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>, latent and sensible heat atmospheric storage terms and, with supporting temperature measurements, allows improved examination of the surface heat energy budget and the net air-surface exchange of CO<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>. It offers a valuable tool for a better understanding of gas-energy fluxes on small farms on topographically varied landscapes.</p>
The philosophical foundations of statistics involve issues in theoretical statistics, such as goals and methods to meet these goals, and interpretation of the meaning of inference using statistics. They are related to the philosophy of science and to the philosophy of probability. We review the core and partly interrelated themes and place them in context.
Foundations of computer science are a key area in theoretical research, one to which Stefano has made significant contributions, particularly from a logical and proof-theoretic perspective. Recently, we have been involved, with him, in teaching an introductory course on this topic, guided by the idea that understanding and writing ordinary, discursive proofs is a valuable skill for future programmers. This shared experience has inspired the pedagogical approach at the basis of this paper. Behind specific foundational topics in computer science lie core techniques that are best taught through examples. However, standard textbooks often do not place enough emphasis on these ubiquitous techniques and frequently lack examples that are directly relevant to informatics. We believe that highlighting fundamental techniques, rather than focusing solely on specific foundational topics, would offer significant pedagogical benefits for an introductory course. In this paper we propose transitive closure of relations as a case study supporting our approach. While all proofs are elementary, we claim that this is a suitable topic for putting to work paradigmatic notions -- intrinsically tied to computational thinking -- that can serve as structural anchors for a course in the foundations of computer science. In particular, we highlight the techniques employed in proofs, that constitute a comprehensive summary of those that are normally taught in an introductory logic course, and the abstract structures, that allow to connect transitive closure with Kleene star (via quantales) and closure operators (on complete lattices). We then outline a series of further examples that may be used, as in our case study on stars, as a hands-on approach to basic analytic skills to be learned in a course on the foundations of computing. -- To Stefano Berardi on the occasion of his birthday.
This paper aims to analyze elements of coloniality by studying the various conceptions or layers in which this phenomenon has operated within Mexican philosophy. The methodology is based on the history of ideas in Mexican philosophy as proposed by Rovira (1998), who was a professor and principal researcher of the history of Mexican philosophy. This methodology focuses on analyzing historical sources of Mexican philosophical thought from political and ethical perspectives with the aim of contributing to the reconstruction of historical educational projects from a contemporary perspective. Let us consider that the foundation of education were supported by nationalist horizons that had effects on social homogenization. The paper also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by contemporary Mexican philosophies in light of the legacy of coloniality. The first part examines the discovery of the Americas, considering the forms of slavery and social stratification produced by modernity. This section presents the foundation of education from the perspective of colonial tension, as the evangelization was supported by pedagogical horizons in conflict with the resistance of the indigenous peoples. The pedagogical proposal of Bartolomé de Las Casas is analyzed, as he remained critical of the injustices of the imperial economic system. Subsequently, the main theses of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Mexican philosophy are reviewed to identify the close relationship between racism and coloniality that persisted in the nationalist discussions of these centuries.
<p>The submillimeter-wave radiometer operating in the along-track scanning mode continuously collects brightness temperature (TB) data over a two-dimensional (2D) cloud cross-section as the platform moves forward. TB observations from multiple positions and viewing angles show great promise in better constraining the 2D cloud microphysical properties compared to single-angle observations. In this study, we develop two types of tomographic reconstruction algorithms to retrieve 2D ice water content (IWC) profiles using multi-angle TB observations. The one-dimensional (1D) tomographic algorithm performs 1D retrievals beam by beam using each TB observation at a specific sensor position and viewing angle to derive cloud properties along the propagation path. It then integrates the 1D retrieval results to construct 2D cloud cross-section. The 2D tomographic algorithm directly constrains the 2D cloud microphysical properties using multi-angle scanning TB observations. Starting with an initial assumption, the algorithm iteratively refines the 2D cloud microphysical quantities by minimizing discrepancies between TB simulations and observations under prior constraints. Both tomographic algorithms are developed based on a hybrid of Bayesian Monte Carlo integration (MCI) and the optimal estimation method (OEM). A simulation experiment is conducted to evaluate the performance of two tomographic reconstruction algorithms. The experiment demonstrates stable convergence of both tomographic methods, with the 2D tomographic algorithm exhibiting superior performance. The experiment results highlight the significant advantage of using multi-angle observations to constrain 2D cloud structure. Compared to nadir-only retrievals, the tomographic technique provides a detailed reconstruction of ice clouds' inner structure with high spatial resolution. Also, the technique significantly improves retrieval accuracy by correcting systematic biases and reducing the derivation of retrieval errors. Furthermore, the tomography technique effectively increases detection sensitivity for small ice cloud particles.</p>
<p>The initial weather measurements from two polarimetric phased-array radars (PPARs) with cylindrical and planar configurations, both developed by the Advanced Radar Research Center (ARRC) at the University of Oklahoma (OU), were compared with those from the dish antenna systems, the operational KTLX Weather Surveillance Radar 1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (<span class="inline-formula">∼</span> 23 km northeast of OU). Both the cylindrical PPAR (CPPAR) and the planar PPAR (PPPAR) Horus are S-band two-dimensional (2D) electronic scan PPARs. This comparison investigates the error statistics of the polarimetric measurements in one-dimensional (1D) electronic scans from each radar during two convective rain events. The first event occurred on 30 August 2019, when the CPPAR performed a 3.3° elevation plan-position indicator (PPI) scan at 25 azimuth angles. The second event took place on 4 October 2023, when Horus conducted range–height indicator (RHI) scans at 64 elevations. For both events, KTLX provided volumetric polarimetric radar data and served as the reference. To ensure temporal and spatial alignment between the radars, reconstructed RHI scans and PPI sectors from KTLX were matched to the corresponding Horus rays and CPPAR domain, respectively. The standard deviations and mean biases of the PPAR weather measurements were calculated and analyzed. The standard deviations of the two PPARs were similar and met the Radar Functional Requirements (RFR) set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service. However, as noted in previous studies, the standard deviation and biases of polarimetric variables from Horus exhibited varying error characteristics depending on the electronic steering angle from broadside. The present results suggest that PPPARs may have difficulties in producing high-quality polarimetric data at large steering angles, and further investigation on CPPARs is required to find the optimal design for future weather applications.</p>
<p>Mass spectrometry is an established method for studying the chemical composition of gases and particles in the atmosphere. Using this technique, signals corresponding to thousands or even tens of thousands of compounds may be detected from ambient air. The process of identifying all the peaks in the mass spectra is often arduous and time-consuming, in particular when multiple overlapping peaks are present. This manual peak fitting and identification may take even experienced analysts anywhere from weeks to months to complete, depending on the desired accuracy and completeness.</p>
<p>In this work, we attempted to automate the fitting and formula assignment workflow and evaluate how far the process can get using a “one-button” algorithm. The algorithm constructed in this work takes in commonly known parameters specific to the instrument type, and by pressing one button it runs and ultimately provides a list of likely peaks for the mass spectrum. The algorithm utilizes weighted-least-squares fitting and a modified version of the Bayesian information criterion along with an iterative formula assignment process. We applied it to synthetic mass spectra and both a gas-phase chemical-ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) dataset and an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) dataset. The results were largely comparable with manual peak fitting and identification done previously but were achieved in a fraction of the time. Erroneous assignments mainly appeared at low-intensity signals, with interference from nearby higher-intensity signals, a case that is challenging also for manual peak fitting. This algorithm provides an excellent starting point for a peak list, which, if needed, can be manually revised.</p>
<p>The main result of this study is the algorithm itself. While further improvements and tweaks are possible, the algorithm presented here is currently being implemented into the commonly used Tofware analysis software package to allow easy utilization by the broader community. We hope this can save valuable time of researchers for data interpretation rather than data processing and curation.</p>
Text classification stands as a cornerstone within the realm of Natural Language Processing (NLP), particularly when viewed through computer science and engineering. The past decade has seen deep learning revolutionize text classification, propelling advancements in text retrieval, categorization, information extraction, and summarization. The scholarly literature includes datasets, models, and evaluation criteria, with English being the predominant language of focus, despite studies involving Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, and others. The efficacy of text classification models relies heavily on their ability to capture intricate textual relationships and non-linear correlations, necessitating a comprehensive examination of the entire text classification pipeline. In the NLP domain, a plethora of text representation techniques and model architectures have emerged, with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) at the forefront. These models are adept at transforming extensive textual data into meaningful vector representations encapsulating semantic information. The multidisciplinary nature of text classification, encompassing data mining, linguistics, and information retrieval, highlights the importance of collaborative research to advance the field. This work integrates traditional and contemporary text mining methodologies, fostering a holistic understanding of text classification.
<p>Stratiform rain and the overlying ice play crucial roles in Earth's climate system. From a microphysics standpoint, water mass flux primarily depends on two variables: particles' concentration and their mass. The Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) on the Global Precipitation Measurement mission core satellite is a spaceborne instrument capable of estimating these two quantities through dual-wavelength measurements. In this study, we evaluate bulk statistics on the ice particle properties derived from dual-wavelength radar data in relation to the properties of rain underneath. Specifically, we focus on DPR observations over stratiform precipitation, characterized by columns exhibiting a prominent bright band, where the melting layer can be easily detected.</p>
<p>Our analysis reveals a large increase in the retrieved mass flux as we transition from the ice to the rain phase in the official DPR product. This observation is in disagreement with our expectation that mass flux should remain relatively stable across the bright band in cold-rain conditions. To address these discrepancies, we propose an alternative retrieval algorithm that ensures a gradual transition of <span class="inline-formula"><i>D</i><sub>m</sub></span> (mean mass-weighted particle melted-equivalent diameter) and the precipitation rate across the melting zone. This approach also helps in estimating bulk ice density above the melting level. These findings demonstrate that DPR observations can not only quantify ice particle content and their size above stratiform rain regions but also estimate bulk density, provided uniform conditions that minimize uncertainties related to partial beam filling.</p>
Moral Foundations Theory proposes that individuals with conflicting political views base their behavior on different principles chosen from a small group of universal moral foundations. This study proposes using a set of widely accepted moral foundations (Fairness, Ingroup loyalty, Authority, and Purity) as proxies to determine the degree of radicalization of online communities. The fifth principle, Care, is generally surpassed by others, which are higher in the radicalized groups' moral hierarchy. Moreover, the presented data-driven methodological framework proposes an alternative way to measure whether a community complies with some moral principle or foundation: not evaluating its speech, but its behavior through interactions of its individuals, establishing a bridge between structural features of the interaction network and the intensity of communities' radicalization regarding the considered moral foundations. Two foundations may be assessed using the network's structural characteristics: Ingroup loyalty measured by group-level modularity, and Authority evaluated using group domination for detecting potential hierarchical substructures within the network. By analyzing the set of Pareto-optimal groups regarding a multidimensional moral relevance scale, the most radicalized communities are identified among those considered extreme in some of their attitudes or views. The application of the proposed framework is illustrated using real-world datasets. The radicalized communities' behavior exhibits increasing isolation, and its authorities and leaders show growing domination over their audience. There were also detected differences between users' behavior and speech, showing that individuals tend to share more 'extreme' ingroup content than that they publish: extreme views get more likes on social media.
In October 2023 Bauer has completed the execution of deep foundations for the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind farm 16 km off coast north of France. Once operational, the 496MW wind farm will generate enough clean energy for 835,000 inhabitants. Ailes Marines, owned by Iberdrola, contracted Van Oord who deployed Bauer. In total, 190 shafts have been drilled and the same number of pin piles were grouted to support 62 wind turbines, based on triple jackets, and an offshore substation, based on a four-pile jacket. Bauer did the works from Van Oord’s offshore installation vessel called “Aeolus”. The Atlantic environmental conditions in combination with the extremely hard and rocky seabed and high requirements to geometrical tolerances and other key quality indicators challenged the contractor’s expertise and equipment in several ways. The paper shall illustrate the planning, execution and particular solutions to meet the client’s demands to their full satisfaction. First of all, an innovative drilling method was used to install the foundations for which project-specific “dive drills” were engineered and constructed by Bauer. Secondly, the underwater survey tasks needed smart solutions and skilled personnel to prove the accurate final position of the pin piles. The survey must ensure the precise position of the newly designed drilling template, which functioned as a positioning and casing drilling tool, but also the subsequent placement of the pin piles. Last but not least, the pin piles inserted into the shafts needed a fixed and force-locked connection with the ground. Great efforts were done to get to the necessary fresh and hardened properties of the cementitious grout itself, and to control the complete filling and necessary integrity of the structural sleeve grouting. All above three aspects, the dive-drill method, the underwater survey and the sleeve grouting will be explained in detail and challenges experienced offshore will be showcased. Eventually, a full set of individual expert features for drilling, monitoring and grouting techniques have been developed towards an optimized installation system of which parts have been already introduced into other fields of geotechnical works. Accepting challenges based on passion for progress for this outstanding project has brought innovative techniques and features into the deep foundations industry with great potential for adaptions in other fields of geotechnical works.
The paper examines the existing methodology for determining the main design parameters of the model in the form of a continuous linearly strained layer of finite distribution capability (the design thickness of the layer H0 and design stress-strain modulus E0) to simulate the adequate interaction between soil bases and large-size slab foundations. The aim of this work is to numerically study the stress-strain state of a uniformly loaded flexible rectangular foundation slab when the thickness of the soil base model layer is reduced in the form of a continuous linearly deformed layer of finite distribution capacity. Numerical studies of the effect of the thickness of the layer of the specified soil base model that interacts with a large-size flexible slab foundation of various rectangular shapes in plan were conducted in the SCAD package using the finite element method. The numerical study results have shown that when the ratio H0/Ha (the design thickness of the layer of the soil base model H0 to the actual compressible thickness of the soil base Ha) decreases, the maximum moment forces along the orthogonal axes of rectangular foundations decrease to 50% because of the decrease in the distribution capability of the soil base model and, accordingly, in the edge reactions R under the slab at equal average settlements of the slab saver. Numerical studies have shown interesting results on the distribution of moment forces in flexible rectangular slabs, where the maximum is outside the center of gravity of a uniformly loaded raft, which confirms the peculiarity of the interaction of flexible slabs with relatively narrow compressible layers under the sole. With an appropriate in-situ experimental justification, the use of the soil base model in the form as a continuous linearly strained layer of finite distribution capability with the design parameters (H0 and E0) rather than with the actual parameters (Ha and Ea) in calculations of large-size slab foundations can be of fundamental practical importance in their rational design, as the reinforcement can be reduced to 50%
H. Strizhelchyk, O. Bondarenko, I. Khrapatova
et al.
After conducting engineering and geological investigations, it became necessary to provide scientific support for construction in terms of engineering preparation of the soil base for the foundations of the structures due to extreme unsustainability in the plan and depth of the rocks. Such engineering-geological conditions significantly impact the choice of foundation structures and the justification of measures to reduce or eliminate the negative effect on the environment and the development of dangerous geological processes and phenomena. We thoroughly studied the deformation and strength properties of the supporting soil layers and developed recommendations for their engineering preparation and improvement of the indicators. Bulk soil is present in local depressions: construction debris, sand, and compacted loam. Based on the analysis of physical and mechanical properties, we could conclude that this soil cannot be used as a soil base for the foundations of buildings due to its loose composition and enrichment with organic substances and must be completely replaced during the production of earthworks. They can be used as a basis for laying engineering networks. After excavation pits for individual columns, before setting up the preparation, it is necessary to carefully inspect the soil foundation to ensure that it is the same engineering and geological element specified in the project. The soil base of the foundations is redeposited subsidence loess loams, which have mostly lost their subsidence properties, but local inclusions with subsidence properties have remained in the thickness of these soils. If there are lenses of soils in the soil base with indicators of physical and mechanical characteristics that are lower than those adopted in the project and that have a thickness of less than one meter, they should be removed and replaced with sand or sand-crushed soil with layer-by-layer compaction and compaction quality control. Doing so will create the same soil conditions for the building foundation. The performed scientific and technical support of the construction made it possible to choose a method of technical soil reclamation—partial replacement of weak soils with sand and crushed stone, which, after layer-by-layer compaction, can withstand a significant load and stability under vibrational influences. Keywords: landfills, solid household waste.
Construction of large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) is becoming prevalent throughout the United States to meet demands of the electric grid and optimize effectiveness of alternative energy sources. Helical pile foundations are regularly used for support of battery containers and transformers. This type of foundation system is reuseable and sustainable, and is advantageous because of its ability to carry high axial loads at relatively low cost. This paper presents multiple case histories of BESS supported on helical pile foundations and explores the design and implementation aspects of helical piles. Case histories include several sites in Texas, one in Mississippi, and one in Nevada. The quantity of individual BESS units at each site ranged from approximately fifty to two-hundred. Each individual unit was supported on six or eight helical piles, resulting in thousands of helical piles utilized across all sites. For design, the feasibility of using helical pile foundations is first considered by review of the site-specific geotechnical report. A boring analysis is constructed. If the project site is suitable for helical pile foundations, an initial helix sizing is performed. Given the dimensions and weight of the BESS units and environmental factors, the required helical pile loads and layout is developed. Helical pile capacity can be verified based on torque correlations. To confirm the helical pile design is acceptable, test installation programs are implemented at each site. The purpose of the test is to measure the depth at which the required installation torque is achieved. Based on the data collected, helical pile length is optimized across the subject site. If site grading has not been performed prior to the test installation, adjustments are made to account for expected cut/fill. This method of optimization through field testing results in an economic and speedy foundation system for rapid deployment of BESS.
Abstract Deep foundations were necessary to support bridges, retaining walls, and other structures at the I405 Improvement Project in Orange County, California. The ground properties and stratigraphy were primarily investigated using cone penetration tests (CPTs), with confirmatory boreholes and laboratory tests. A CPT-based design calculation method, the LCPC-CPT by Bustamante and Gianeselli, was followed to predict the axial geotechnical resistance. To justify a resistance factor of 0.7, extensive Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) measurements were performed to allow calculation of the driving resistance using Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP). The piles included open ended 24-inch diameter steel pipe piles, 14, 16, and 18 inch H Piles, and 14-inch square Precast Prestressed Concrete Piles. The paper presents the subsurface conditions and ground properties from the CPTs and the predicted versus CAPWAP axial capacities for the various types of piles. The paper will also present challenges encountered and opportunities from lessons learned. It was observed that, in general, the CAPWAP axial capacities were in acceptable agreement with the LCPC-CPT predictions, although capacity incorporating full setup was not measured on all piles. Also, the correlations between LPCP-CPT predictions versus CAPWAP axial capacities depended on the type of pile.