Stress Testing Chain-of-Thought Prompting for Large Language Models

This report examines the effectiveness of Chain-of-Thought (CoT) prompting in improving the multi-step reasoning abilities of large language models (LLMs). Inspired by previous studies \cite{Min2022RethinkingWork}, we analyze the impact of three types of CoT prompt perturbations, namely CoT order, CoT values, and CoT operators on the performance of GPT-3 on various tasks. Our findings show that incorrect CoT prompting leads to poor performance on accuracy metrics. Correct values in the CoT is crucial for predicting correct answers. Moreover, incorrect demonstrations, where the CoT operators or the CoT order are wrong, do not affect the performance as drastically when compared to the value based perturbations. This research deepens our understanding of CoT prompting and opens some new questions regarding the capability of LLMs to learn reasoning in context

DPM-TSE: A Diffusion Probabilistic Model for Target Sound Extraction

Common target sound extraction (TSE) approaches primarily relied on discriminative approaches in order to separate the target sound while minimizing interference from the unwanted sources, with varying success in separating the target from the background. This study introduces DPM-TSE, a first generative method based on diffusion probabilistic modeling (DPM) for target sound extraction, to achieve both cleaner target renderings as well as improved separability from unwanted sounds. The technique also tackles common background noise issues with DPM by introducing a correction method for noise schedules and sample steps. This approach is evaluated using both objective and subjective quality metrics on the FSD Kaggle 2018 dataset. The results show that DPM-TSE has a significant improvement in perceived quality in terms of target extraction and purity.Comment: Submitted to ICASSP 202

Evaluation of Current Technologies for Training, Web Apps, and New Technologies

This report details the activities conducted to assess the feasibility of using new technology tools for safety training. Utilizing established research studies, risk frameworks, and vendor quotations, we compared the different attributes of training methods such as Traditional Training (classroom/presentations), LMS (Learning Management System) based gamification, Computer Simulation, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). The anticipated benefits include improved training program development, higher interactivity and long-term retention, and the chance to reduce work zone risk. The project was divided in three phases, and the following are our four key takeaways. (1) Quality of Safety Training: Benchmarking training practices provided strong evidence that participative programs, such as role plays, demonstrations of safety devices, and risk mapping are some of the best practices. Additionally, training engineers on work zone design, auditing, and recording safe work zones can influence project attributes, such as the length and duration of work zone. Including all these aspects during the project planning phase has a greater chance of influencing work zone safety. (2) Effectiveness of New Technology Tools: Our vendor outreach project phase allowed us to determine the different attributes in training course development and customer experience using new technology tools. Established research studies provided significant support to our hypothesis that new technology tools are more effective and interactive compared to traditional learning. (3) Risk-Based Approach to Training: Analyzing the risk index for work zone attributes indicate the degree of risk that a worker faces while performing a task characterizing those attributes. We concluded that implementation of new technology tools should be planned based on this risk index and optimization model. This will ensure better worker performance and perception of the course content in alignment with the severity of that work attribute. (4) Optimizing Selection of Training Tools for Tasks: We provide an optimization model to choose the optimal mix of training tools to attain the desired level of risk reduction. The tool is spreadsheet-based and shows the benefit of using a portfolio of modules across training tools, each targeted at attaining the desired risk reduction by attribute for a task. By using the risk reduction due to training tools from the literature, the cost data from vendors and task characteristics, this tool can enable INDOT managers to manage risk cost efficiently

Impact of vaccination and non-pharmacological interventions on COVID-19: a review of simulation modeling studies in Asia

IntroductionEpidemiological modeling is widely used to offer insights into the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Asia. We reviewed published computational (mathematical/simulation) models conducted in Asia that assessed impacts of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions against COVID-19 and their implications for vaccination strategy.MethodsA search of the PubMed database for peer-reviewed, published, and accessible articles in English was performed up to November 2022 to capture studies in Asian populations based on computational modeling of outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic. Extracted data included model type (mechanistic compartmental/agent-based, statistical, both), intervention type (pharmacological, non-pharmacological), and procedures for parameterizing age. Findings are summarized with descriptive statistics and discussed in terms of the evolving COVID-19 situation.ResultsThe literature search identified 378 results, of which 59 met criteria for data extraction. China, Japan, and South Korea accounted for approximately half of studies, with fewer from South and South-East Asia. Mechanistic models were most common, either compartmental (61.0%), agent-based (1.7%), or combination (18.6%) models. Statistical modeling was applied less frequently (11.9%). Pharmacological interventions were examined in 59.3% of studies, and most considered vaccination, except one study of an antiviral treatment. Non-pharmacological interventions were also considered in 84.7% of studies. Infection, hospitalization, and mortality were outcomes in 91.5%, 30.5%, and 30.5% of studies, respectively. Approximately a third of studies accounted for age, including 10 that also examined mortality. Four of these studies emphasized benefits in terms of mortality from prioritizing older adults for vaccination under conditions of a limited supply; however, one study noted potential benefits to infection rates from early vaccination of younger adults. Few studies (5.1%) considered the impact of vaccination among children.ConclusionEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, non-pharmacological interventions helped to mitigate the health burden of COVID-19; however, modeling indicates that high population coverage of effective vaccines will complement and reduce reliance on such interventions. Thus, increasing and maintaining immunity levels in populations through regular booster shots, particularly among at-risk and vulnerable groups, including older adults, might help to protect public health. Future modeling efforts should consider new vaccines and alternative therapies alongside an evolving virus in populations with varied vaccination histories

MULTI NOZZLE AGRICULTUERE SPRAYER

ABSTRACT OVERVIEW and OBJECTIVE Agriculture plays a vital role in Indian economy. Around 65% of population in every state is depending on agriculture. Although its contribution to GDP is now around one sixth, it provides 56% of Indian work force. There are marginal and small farmer is around 81% and land operated is 44 % in 1960-61. As far as Indian scenario is concerned, more than 75 percent farmers are belonging to small and marginal land carrying and cotton is alone which provide about 80 % employment to Indian workforce. So any improvement in the productivity related task help to increase Indian farmer's status and economy. The current backpack sprayer has lot of limitation and it required more energy to operate. The percentage distribution of farm holding land for marginal farmers is 39.1 percentages, for small fanners 22.6 percentage, for small and marginal farmers 61.7 percentage, for semi-medium farmers 19.8 percentage, for medium farmers 14 percentage and for large farmers 4.5 percentage in year 1960-61. The maximum percentage of farm distribution belonged to small and marginal category. The invention of a sprayer brings revolution in the agriculture or horticulture sector, this enables farmers to obtain the maximum agricultural output. They are used for garden spraying, weed and pest control, liquid fertilizing and plant leaf polishing. There are many advantages of using sprayers such as easy to operate, maintain and handle, it facilitates uniform spread of the chemicals, capable of throwing chemicals at the desired level, precision made nozzle tip for adjustable stream and capable of throwing foggy spray, light or heavy spray, depending on requirement. The objective of the application of pesticide is to keep the pest under check. The pest population has to be kept suppressed to minimum biological activities to avoid economic loss of crop yields. Thorough killing of pest or eradication of pest is neither practical nor necessary. The objective of pesticide application besides keeping the pest population under check should also be to avoid pollution and damage to the non targets. The success of pest control operations by pesticide application greatly depends on the following factors:-1. Quality of pesticid

Juvenile granulosa cell tumour of the ovary with unilocular pure cystic presentation : a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary are rare, hormonally active, oestrogen-secreting tumours of the ovary existing in two forms: the adult form and the even rarer juvenile form. These tumours present as predominantly solid lesions while the cystic, unilocular presentation is uncommon. CASE REPORT: We present an 18-year-old unmarried girl who presented with complaints of chronic pain, abdominal distension and presence of facial hair. Radiological examination revealed a large, purely cystic, unilocular lesion without any solid components, debris or septations. Histopathological diagnosis was of a juvenile granulosa cell tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological criteria suggestive of malignant ovarian masses include thick, irregular walls and septae; papillary projections and solid, echogenic foci. Nonetheless, we propose that a malignant ovarian lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis of a unilocular, purely cystic ovarian lesion