Power Program Research Articles

An Empirical Study of Type-Related Defects in Python Projects

In recent years, <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Python</monospace> has experienced an explosive growth in adoption, particularly among open source projects. While <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Python</monospace> 's dynamically-typed nature provides developers with powerful programming abstractions, that same dynamic type system allows for type-related defects to accumulate in code bases. To aid in the early detection of type-related defects, type annotations were introduced into the <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Python</monospace> ecosystem (i.e., PEP-484) and static type checkers like <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">mypy</monospace> have appeared on the market. While applying a type checker like <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">mypy</monospace> can in theory help to catch type-related defects before they impact users, little is known about the real impact of adopting a type checker to reveal defects in <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Python</monospace> projects. In this paper, we study the extent to which <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Python</monospace> projects benefit from such type checking features. For this purpose, we mine the issue tracking and version control repositories of 210 <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Python</monospace> projects on GitHub. Inspired by the work of Gao <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">et al.</i> on type-related defects in JavaScript, we add type annotations to test whether <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">mypy</monospace> detects an error that would have helped developers to avoid real defects. We observe that 15 percent of the defects could have been prevented by <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">mypy</monospace> . Moreover, we find that there is no significant difference between the experience level of developers committing type-related defects and the experience of developers committing defects that are not type-related. In addition, a manual analysis of the anti-patterns that most commonly lead to type-checking faults reveals that the redefinition of <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Python</monospace> references, dynamic attribute initialization and incorrectly handled Null objects are the most common causes of type-related faults. Since our study is conducted on fixed public defects that have gone through code reviews and multiple test cycles, these results represent a lower bound on the benefits of adopting a type checker. Therefore, we recommend incorporating a static type checker like <monospace xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">mypy</monospace> into the development workflow, as not only will it prevent type-related defects but also mitigate certain anti-patterns during development.

Optimal Design of Earthquake-Resistant Buildings Based on Neural Network Inversion

An effective seismic design entails many issues related to the capacity-based assessment of the non-linear structural response under strong earthquakes. While very powerful structural calculation programs are available to assist the designer in the code-based seismic analysis, an optimal choice of the design parameters leading to the best performance at the lowest cost is not always assured. The present paper proposes a procedure to cost-effectively design earthquake-resistant buildings, which is based on the inversion of an artificial neural network and on an optimization algorithm for the minimum total cost under building code constraints. An exemplificative application of the method to a reinforced-concrete multi-story building, with seismic demands corresponding to a medium-seismicity Italian zone, is shown. Three design-governing parameters are assumed to build the input matrix, while eight capacity-design target requirements are assigned for the output dataset. A non-linear three-dimensional concentrated plasticity model of the structure is implemented, and time-history dynamic analyses are carried out with spectrum-consistent ground motions. The results show the promising ability of the proposed approach for the optimal design of earthquake-resistant structures.

Evaluating 3D Printers Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is an established powerful mathematical programming technique, which has been employed quite extensively for assessing the efficiency/performance of various physical or virtual and simple or complex production systems, as well as of consumer and industrial products and technologies. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether DEA may be employed for evaluating the technical efficiency/performance of 3D printers, an advanced manufacturing technology of increasing importance for the manufacturing sector. For this purpose, a representative sample of 3D printers based on Fused Deposition Modeling technology is examined. The technical factors/parameters of 3D printers, which are incorporated in the DEA, are investigated and discussed in detail. DEA evaluation results compare favorably with relevant benchmarks from experts, indicating that the suggested DEA technique in conjunction with technical and expert evaluation could be employed for evaluating the performance of a highly technological system, such as the 3D printer.

Systematic Approach to Transboundary Radioactivity Monitoring for Accidents in External Nuclear Power Plants

AbstractPast nuclear accidents demonstrated that radioactive materials from an accident in a nuclear power station (NPS) can disperse to other countries or even across the globe. This means all countries need to be prepared to respond to a nuclear power emergency even if they have no nuclear power program. This study aims to propose a structured framework to enable transboundary radio activity monitoring of accidental releases in external NPSs in such a country with limited calculation resources. A trial calculation of a hypothetical release from an interfacing system loss of coolant accident (ISLOCA) in Unit 1 of Fangchenggang NPS during different representative meteorological scenarios is carried out to demonstrate the usability of the proposed framework. It was found that a relatively large release can reach the border of Thailand within 24 h when the wind along the dispersion pathway is basically in northeast direction with significant amount of rainfall, though it may not be able to trigger the alarm at the radiation monitoring stations. However, it is highly likely that the release that fulfills the aforementioned conditions be detected by one of the stations within 48 h-timeframe. As the trial calculation could deliver insightful findings with limited calculation resources, the proposed transboundary atmospheric dispersion calculation framework can be used in other nonnuclear power countries to prepare for emergency response to accidents in external NPSs.

An Online Voting Platform for Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission

Elections in Nigeria has been plagued by vote buying, ballot box snatching, weak and independent(but dependent on the Executive) electoral management body, corruption and legitimacy crises as well as other forms of election malpractice, violence and irregularities. To curb the incidences of fraud, malpractice and the flagrant absence of transparency, this study introduces the concept of the design and implementation of an online voting platform (OVP) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This application implemented with Python, a powerful web programming language suggests an impartial, electronic and easily managed form of conducting gubernatorial elections (in one of the states) in Nigeria. The database was created using MySQL. The analyses and design of the web application involved some unified modeling diagrams (case, class). The web application promises to eradicate several weakness of the existing system such as slower vote counting, physical location for conducting the gubernatorial polls, inconsistencies and errors resulting from the manual tasks, costliness of the election and most especially delay/ time wastage.

Testing the Efficacy of Coping Power Universal on Behavioral Problems and Pre-academic Skills in Preschoolers

The Coping Power Program is an evidence-based intervention for children identified to be at risk for developing externalizing behavioral problems. The Coping Power Program has been adapted to universally prevent behavioral problems in school-aged children. This study sought to test the efficacy of this adaptation, the Coping Power Universal program, on preschoolers' behavioral difficulties and pre-academic skills. Teachers delivered the intervention in their classes. The study included a sample of Italian children (N = 250, 125 boys) with a mean age of 4.50 years (SD = .50) at the beginning of the study. Classrooms of these children were randomly assigned to receive either the intervention or the Italian preschool standard curriculum. Measures included a questionnaire and objective and standardized measures for numerical intelligence and metaphonological skills delivered by a psychologist to the preschoolers. Classes in which teachers applied the Coping Power Universal program showed lower problematic behaviors and higher pre-academic skills than those in which teachers followed the standard curriculum only. Although further studies are still needed, the current findings showed that the Coping Power Universal program can be adapted for preschoolers with good results. Implications for practice, methodological limitations, and directions for future research are reviewed.

Headache related to mask use of healthcare workers in COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundIt has been reported that a new type of headache may develop as a result of face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features of face mask-related headache during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study carried out on healthcare workers at the Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University. The number of workers at our university was established. Sample size was calculated using the G*Power program. A questionnaire consisting of questions relating to pre-existing headache, an aggravation in headache, and de-novo headache was filled out by 3 neurologists with all participants.ResultsData was collected from a total of 375 participants, after the exclusion of 5 individuals who refused to participate. Out of all participants, 26 (6.9%) used a filtering mask, 274 (73.1%) used a surgical mask, 75 (20.0%) participants used a combination of both masks. The number of participants with preexisting headache was 114 (30.4%) had pre-existing headache. Of those with pre-existing headache, 77 (67.5%) healthcare workers had reported an aggravation in their headache after mask use. De-novo headache was observed in 116 (30.9%) of participants. De-novo headache characteristics included throbbing in 17 (14.7%) participants and pressing in 99 (85.3%) participants. In addition, symptoms such as tachypnea, sleep disturbance, and fatigue were found to be significantly higher.ConclusionsThis study indicates that healthcare workers develop headaches due to use of masks during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Power-up School Library Media Centers: New York Library Power

The National Library Power program, funded by the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, was designed to create public elementary and middle school library programs that improve teaching and leaming. Using the school library media program as a catalyst for school reform, the Library Power program demonstrated how to change the role of the school librarian. During its eight-year grant period, New Visions for Public Schools' professional development program taught participants how to administer a collaboratively planned, flexible access library, and address issues such as management, collection development, and technology. The authors describe its features and its applicability to other school systems.

The United States National Library Power Program: Research, Evaluation and Implications for Professional Development and Library Education

The Library Power Program is a school improvement initiative of the DeWitt-Wallace Reader's Digest Fund that began in 1988. With a total investment exceeding US$45 million, Library Power is the largest nongovernmental funding for school library media programs in over 30 years. It operated in approximately 700 schools and served more than one million students. Library Power sought to create a national vision of public elementary and middle school library media programs through the instructional leadership of the library media specialist, and through partnerships within the district and with the community. An evaluation of the Library Power Program found that the Library Power initiative advanced the notion of a student-centered library media program in a learning community. It showed that given the right conditions, school library media programs can promote positive opportunities for excellence in teaching and learning.

Inside Front Cover: pyFOOMB: Python framework for object oriented modeling of bioprocesses

DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202000088 The cover illustrates the close integration of experimental work and in silico analyses to study and optimize bioprocesses. In pages 242–257 of this issue, Hemmerich et al. introduce the tool pyFOOMB that enables a guided and flexible implementation of bioprocess models in the form of ordinary differential equation systems (ODEs). By building on Python as powerful and multi-purpose programming language, ODEs can be formulated in an object-oriented manner, which facilitates their modular design, reusability and extensibility. Moreover, in combination with Jupyter notebooks the education in bioprocess engineering and the applied learning of Python as scientific programming language is supported. The cover image was designed by Verena Resch (http://luminous-lab.com/). For details see article DOI 10.1002/elsc.202000088 on page 242.

Triploidy in Citrus Genotypes Improves Leaf Gas Exchange and Antioxidant Recovery From Water Deficit.

The triploidy has proved to be a powerful approach breeding programs, especially in Citrus since seedlessness is one of the main consumer expectations. Citrus plants face numerous abiotic stresses including water deficit, which negatively impact growth and crop yield. In this study, we evaluated the physiological and biochemical responses to water deficit and recovery capacity of new triploid hybrids, in comparison with diploid hybrids, their parents (“Fortune” mandarin and “Ellendale” tangor) and one clementine tree used as reference. The water deficit significantly decreased the relative water content (RWC) and leaf gas exchange (Pnet and gs) and it increased the levels of oxidative markers (H2O2 and MDA) and antioxidants. Compared to diploid varieties, triploid hybrids limited water loss by osmotic adjustment as reflected by higher RWC, intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE Pnet/gs) iWUE and leaf proline levels. These had been associated with an effective thermal dissipation of excess energy (NPQ) and lower oxidative damage. Our results showed that triploidy in citrus enhances the recovery capacity after a water deficit in comparison with diploids due to better carboxylation efficiency, restored water-related parameters and efficient antioxidant system.

Design and Testing of a Power Analyzer Monitor and Programming Device in Industries with a LoRA LPWAN Network

Electrical installations represent an important part of the industry. In this sense, knowing the state of the electrical installation in real time through the readings of the installed power analyzers is of vital importance. For this purpose, the RS485 bus can be used, which most electrical installations already have. An alternative to the bus wiring and its distance limitation is the use of low-power wide area networks (LPWAN). The long range (LoRa) protocol is ideal for industries due to its low-power consumption and coverage of up to 10 km. In this research, a device is developed to control all the reading and programming functions of a power analyzer and to integrate the device into the LoRa LPWAN network. The power analyzer monitor and programming device (PAMPD) is inexpensive and small enough to be installed in electrical panels, together with the power analyzer, without additional wiring. The information collected is available in the cloud in real time, allowing a multitude of analysis be run and optimization in real time. The results support high efficiency in information transmission with average information loss rate of 3% and a low average transmission time of 30 ms.

An improved two-stage robust optimization model for CCHP-P2G microgrid system considering multi-energy operation under wind power outputs uncertainties

The combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) microgrid has the advantages of promoting cleaner production and improving energy utilization efficiency. With the development of renewable energy sources (RES), it is more and more significant to study the optimal operation of CCHP based on the uncertainties of RES outputs. This paper proposes a CCHP-P2G microgrid system, which combined the power-to-gas (P2G) device with traditional CCHP microgrid. And a Data-driven Set based robust optimization (DSRO) model considering the uncertainties of wind power and multiple demand response programs (DRPs) have been presented, which consists of two stages: Day-ahead dispatching stage and Real-time adjusting stage. Simulations are delivered to show the following outcomes: (1) the P2G device can improve the electricity-gas coupling in the CCHP-P2G system, enhancing the system’s stability and economy of the system operation; (2) the multiple DRPs in the DSRO model can play the role of peak shaving and valley filling of electrical load, heating load and cooling load, so as to further reduce the operating cost of the system; (3) the DSRO model can resist the interferences of uncertain wind power outputs and keep both the conservativeness and computational complexity in relatively low levels.

Nuclear power in the Middle East: Financing and geopolitics in the state nuclear power programs of Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates

The International Atomic Energy Agency proscribes contracting and ownership models for the construction and operation of new nuclear power plants, but a country-specific risk allocation strategy must contend with long-term interdependencies codified with nuclear leaders. Four case studies examine the State’s role in nuclear negotiations and illustrate an exchange of sovereign assurances for better financing to overcome the commercial obstacles to construction. Turkey is employing the Build-Own-Operate model for the first time ever in nuclear. Egypt’s state-owned industry model retains all the risk, and sovereign assurances are exchanged for favorable financial terms. Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) occupy the middle ground by attempting joint-ownership models, but their energy demand and need for foreign financing is vastly different. In the complex security environment of the Middle East, sovereign assurances or the exposure of state assets may be left as a last resource to irreconcilable political realities, which means the negotiations must be analyzed in its historical context. There is a need for cooperation on a regional level to enhance the negotiating powers of nuclear newcomers. Commercially viable financing for nuclear construction can be awarded, but the State must identify the sovereign assurances it is willing to grant.

Hybrid Java: The creation of a Hybrid Programming Environment

This article details the creation of a hybrid computer programming environment combining the power of the text-based Java language with the visual features of the Snap! language. It has been well documented that there exists a gap in the education of computing students in their mid-to-late teenage years, where perhaps visual programming languages are no longer suitable and textual programming languages may involve too steep of a learning curve. There is an increasing need for programming environments that combine the benefits of both languages into one.&#x0D; Snap! is a visual programming language which employs “blocks” to allow users to build programs, similar to the functionality offered by Scratch. One added benefit of Snap! is that it offers the ability to create one’s own blocks and extend the functionality of those blocks to create more complex and powerful programs. This will be utilised to create the Hybrid Java environment. The development of this tool will be detailed in the article, along with the motivation and use cases for it.&#x0D; Initial testing conducted will be discussed including one phase that gathered feedback from a pool of 174 first year Computer Science students. These participants were given instructions to work with the hybrid programming language and evaluate their experience of using it. The analysis of the findings along with future improvements to the language will also be presented.

Partial identification of the distribution of treatment effects with an application to the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP)

We bound the distribution of treatment effects under plausible and testable assumptions on the joint distribution of potential outcomes, namely that potential outcomes are mutually stochastically increasing. We show how to test the empirical restrictions implied by those assumptions. The resulting bounds substantially sharpen bounds based on classical inequalities. We apply our method to estimate bounds on the distribution of effects of attending a Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) charter school on student achievement, and find that a substantial majority of students' math achievement benefited from attendance, especially those who would have fared poorly in a traditional classroom.

Dynamic and static response of a slightly compressible hyperelastic solid

The paper presents dynamic and static response of a slightly compressible hyperelastic solid. Material models under consideration are obtained by extending incompressible material models which are consistent second and third order approximation of existing stored energy function in terms of a deformation measure, namely MCMV and MCIZ. The problems of a uniaxial compression of a rod and a twisting column are solved using ABAQUS which is a powerful finite element program designed for general use in nonlinear problems. The models are defined with a help of user subroutine UHYPER. In the case of including dynamic effects, an implicit integration scheme available in the software is used. For the twisting column problem, results are compared against available in the ABAQUS library polynomial model where the volumetric stored energy function does not meet basic growth conditions. Experimental data on synthetic rubber neoprene published in the literature is utilized.

A New Methodology for the Development of Secure and Paranoid Operating Systems

Abstract It has recently been discovered that large companies and nations “observe” their customers and citizens, disregarding any remaining moral and technological lines, being able to listen to telephone conversations and monitoring communications, through powerful monitoring and surveillance programs. Elsewhere on the planet, nations in turmoil or wrapped in a cloak of censorship persecute their citizens, controlling them by denying them access to the free Web without the threat of repercussions that threatens their dignity. To support the present research, an analysis of platforms that allow anonymous and secure browsing and a study of technologies and programs with potential privacy breach and computer intrusion were performed. The main objective of this work was to analyse the computer monitoring and surveillance technologies, identifying the available tools, trying to find potential solutions, developing and providing a methodology that enhances any desktop, server or mobile operating system, with characteristics that combat the exposed in this summary.

Neonatal Continuing Education That Powers Family-Centered Care Like Never Before.

Families in the NICU struggle on a daily basis and they are at high risk for mental health challenges ongoing due to the trauma inflicted at birth and during the NICU and beyond. Starting parents down a path of psychosocial support is key at bedside and can have a major impact on that infant and family's long-term outcomes. This is the most powerful family-centered care program in existence thanks to the collaboration of three well-respected organizations-National Perinatal Association, NICU Parent Network, and Patient + Family Care.

Проектирование базы пространственно-временных данных о магистральных электрических сетях Pоссии

Backbone power lines in Russia have a complex spatial structure. There are no systematized and topologically consistent spatio-temporal data about them. however, the study of their evolution requires not only data mining, but also a comprehensive design of the structure of the spatio-temporal database. The structure should provide effective data storage, be convenient for filling the database and editing data, provide the ability to reconstruct the network for a given period and apply spatial analysis methods. Open sources like power grid operator reports, schemes and programs of power grid development, public cadastral map, information from Situational and Analytical Center of the Ministry of Energy and very high spatial resolution remote sensing data are the main data sources. Users do not have direct access to the database but refer to it using queries. Interaction with the database is carried out through Application programming Interface (API). This allows downloading data from the database as well as embedding them into external systems, for example, connecting analysis tools to them, creating cartographic web applications with this data. Data preprocessing is performed in python using the Arcpy module, the database is created with PostgreSQl, the API works on PostgREST. Consistent multi-temporal spatial database serves as the basis for analyzing the structural features of electrical networks, makes it possible to visualize the history of the development of the power grid of the territory in an interactive web-based mapping application, allows to apply geoprocessing tools and special network analysis tools. The detailed study of the evolution of backbone power grids is crucial in long-term strategies for the development of the power grid. Abroad, studies of the evolution of electrical networks usually operate with a schematic graph of a network without reference to real spatial geometry, therefore, there is no problem of designing the structure of spatio-temporal database. yet, ignoring topomorphological relationships in the network leads to the loss of information about electrical networks, which leads to a loss in the quality of spatial analysis.