Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Vehicle-to-Everything Communication for Intelligent Transportation System: Journey from IEEE 802.11p to 5G and Finally Towards 6G

The rapid development of the Intelligent Transportation System increases the potential of Vehicular communication in a smart transportation network. Although there are several technological attempts to support vehicular communication, they have limitations from various perspectives including mobility, security, resource allocation, and device-to-device communication. In order to address those limitations, this study evaluates the most appropriate communication technology to transmit data in the future Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication system. First, we conduct a performance evaluation of the current main vehicular communication system requirements. Then, we analyze the applications of communication technologies such as wi-fi, LTE, 5G, and 6G to fulfill the requirements of future V2X communication. Later, we explore the advanced features of 6G in the context of the Intelligent Transportation System. Then, we suggest that 6G technology as the corresponding communication technology to future V2X communication systems based on the analysis. Finally, we propose an architecture for the 6G V2X network and discuss security challenges and suggested solutions for the architecture.
Improved Mapping of Long-Term Forest Disturbance and Recovery Dynamics in the Subtropical China Using All Available Landsat Time-Series Imagery on Google Earth Engine Platform

After implementations of many economic and forestry policies during recent 30 years, forest cover in China has experienced significant changes. The fine scale and long-term information on forest temporary (disturbance) loss, persistent loss (deforestation), and gains (afforestation/reforestation) will provide a guide for forest management and policies at regional scale. Using Jiangxi Province as a pilot study region, here we assessed forest cover dynamics in the subtropical China during 1986–2019 by integrating time-series Landsat images, Landsat-based Detection of Trends in Disturbance and Recovery algorithm and Random Forest classifier on the Google Earth Engine Platform. The accuracy assessment indicated a high overall accuracy (>90%) and Kappa coefficient (>0.9) for both forest gain and loss detections as evaluated against various sources of plot-level sample data and the existing global forest change product. The total forest loss area was 18 697.79 km2, with persistent loss area of 3394.31 km2 due to land conversion during 1986–2019, while persistent (net) forest gain area was 45 656.96 km2, accounting for 57.70% of the forest area in 1986. Forest loss area exhibited large interannual variations, but showed a general increase trend from 1986 to 2019. The annual variation patterns of forest gain and loss area were associated with the changes in forestry policies and large disturbance events. Our assessments on the long-term and fine scale forest dynamic patterns will help evaluate the effectiveness of forest management practices and forestry polices on forest resource sustainability, and climate change and greenhouse gases mitigation in Jiangxi Province and China.
Solid-State LiDAR based-SLAM: A Concise Review and Application

An efficient navigation system for the autonomous mobile robot demands the integration of the simultaneous localization and mapping system (SLAM). In general, the SLAM framework employs the camera, IMU, wheel encoder and can not lack the combination of the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors for superior accuracy for the navigation system. Nevertheless, the price of mechanical LiDAR is exceptionally high compared with other sensors, which is the primary reason to introduce a new generation of laser called Solid-State LiDAR (SSL). In this paper, we introduce a back-ground of SSL and several types of commercial SSL and also their characteristic. For developing SLAM framework, we discuss several successful SLAM architectures, which can be capable of integrating into a navigation system for the mobile robot. Last, we propose a low-cost SLAM framework using the visual-inertial-SSL, that can not only reduce the price of a mobile industrial robot but also provide excellent performance.
Yaw Control of a Hovering Flapping-Wing Aerial Vehicle With a Passive Wing Hinge

Flapping-wing insect-scale robots ($< $500 mg) rely on small changes in drive signals supplied to actuators to generate angular torques. Previous results on vehicles with passive wing hinges have demonstrated roll, pitch, and position control, but they have not yet been able to control their yaw (heading) angle while hovering. To actuate yaw, the speed of the downstroke can be changed relative to the upstroke by adding a second harmonic signal at double the fundamental flapping frequency. Previous work has shown that pitching dynamics of a passive spring-like wing hinge reduces the aerodynamic drag available to produce yaw torque. We introduce three innovations that increase yaw actuation torque: 1) a new two-actuator robot fly design that increases the moment arm, 2) wider actuators that increase the operating frequency, and 3) a phase shift to the second harmonic signal. We validated these results through simulation and experiment. Further, we present the first demonstration of yaw angle control on a passive-hinge vehicle in a controlled flight. Our new robot fly design, UW Robofly-Expanded, weighs 160 mg (two toothpicks) and requires only two piezo actuators to steer itself.
An up Conversion Optical System Based on Mesoporous Silica Encapsulated Up-Converting Nanoparticles Labeled Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Procalcitonin Quantification in Plasma

With the advancing of nanotechnology, nanomaterials based biosensors have been widely developed. Among them, optical biosensors stand out due to the high sensitivity and fast detection. In this paper, we demonstrate an up conversion luminescence (UCL) system based on immunochromatography by using core-shell mesoporous silica encapsulated up-converting nanoparticles (UCNPs@mSiO2) as probes for quantitative detection of Procalcitonin (PCT) in plasma. Compared with other structures, UCNPs@mSiO2 possess both great biocompatibility and strong luminous intensity, which is extremely ideal in immune detection. We further design a portable UCL reader for optical signal collecting and processing. As a result, the UCNPs@mSiO2 based lateral flow system can quantify PCT concentration with a range of 1-200 ng/mL, and the limit of detection is 0.5 ng/mL. We believe this UCL system possesses a promising potential in the monitoring and early diagnosis of infections.
Removal, partitioning, and fate of silver and other metals in wastewater treatment plants and effluent‐receiving streams

We investigated the removal of silver in five publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and the fate of Ag in effluent receiving streams. Comparisons were made to several other metals. Silver was removed efficiently (>94%) in all POTWs. The percentage of total Ag removed was independent of the influent Ag concentration, while the concentration of Ag in effluents was directly related to influent concentration. A good correlation (r2 = 0.77) between metal removal (%) and partition coefficient (Kd) indicated that differences among metals in removal efficiency were controlled mainly by metal partitioning (sorption) to particles removed by settling and/or filtration. A large fraction (19–53%) of Ag in the filterable (< 1.0‐μm) fraction of POTW effluents was associated with submicron particles or colloids (>0.05 μm), and the percentage filterable Ag was directly related to DOC concentration (r2 = 0.96). Effluent Ag concentrations (0.06–2.6 μg/L) were several orders of magnitude higher that typical “background” stream levels (1–2 ng/L), but Ag discharged to streams was rapidly dissipated by dilution and incorporation into stream sediments.
A new examination of secondary electron yield data

A new and thorough examination of secondary electron (SE) yield as a function of primary energy (EPE) and atomic number Z for the 44 elements in the database 1 is made. The principles of the semiempirical universal law for the SE yield are described and a template for Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is produced accordingly. Both universal curve fitting and MC simulation are made for the 44 elements. The resulted maximum SE yield δm, corresponding primary energy $E_{\rm {PE}}^{\rm {m}}$, SE excitation energy ε, and effective escape depth λ are tabulated and plotted as a function of atomic number Z. It is found that similarities exist in the profiles of ε and λ, δm and $E_{\rm {PE}}^{\rm {m}}$, and all of these parameters seem to have characteristics associated with atomic shell filling. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tensão superficial dinâmica e ângulo de contato de soluções aquosas com surfatantes em superfícies artificiais e naturais

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of surfactants in water solutions on dynamic surface tension and contact angle formed by the spray droplets in different surfaces: artificial (glass and aluminum oxide slides) and natural (leaves surface of three species of weeds: Euphorbia heterophylla, Ipomoea grandifolia e Brachiaria plantaginea). Were studied six surfactants formulations (AntiderivaTM; UnoTM; Pronto 3TM; Li-700TM; SupersilTM and Silwet L-77TM) in water solution using the dosage recommended by the manufacturer (0.050; 0.025; 0.100; 0.250; 0.100 and 0.100 % v v-1) and twice that dose, respectively. The dynamic surface tension and the angle formed on the surfaces of the leaves were measured by tensiometer. The contact angles of the spray droplets in two surfaces (hydrophilic and hydrophobic) were obtained by the analysis of images captured by digital camera. This study reveals that the use of surfactants affect the physical-chemical properties of water solutions. The solutions with the surfactants Silwet L-77TM and SupersilTM for both appraised dosages provided the highest reductions in the dynamic surface tension and the smallest contact angles of the droplets on artificial and natural surfaces. The organosilicones surfactants in water solutions were more efficient in the reduction of the surface tension and increase the wetting area on artificial and natural surfaces. In natural targets these properties obtained with organosilicones are dependents of surface characteristics of the vegetal species.
Use of ultrasound for phase holdup measurements in multiphase systems

This study evaluates ultrasound as a non-invasive technique for determining the cross-sectional holdups of multiphase systems. Experiments are performed in a column of 292 mm inner diameter with air, water and uniform glass beads of 1.3 mm diameter as the particles. In a bubble column, the signal intensity decayed exponentially with increasing gas holdup. In a liquid–solid fluidized bed, the wave time-of-flight decreased linearly when the solids holdup increased from 25% to 60% (fixed bed), while the signal intensity increased. Signal attenuation limits the use of this method for three-phase fluidized beds. When large particles (mm range) are used, it is difficult to operate at a wavelength that permits transmission through both dispersed phases. For three-phase systems, slurry bubble columns with low dispersed phases holdups and smaller particles present a less attenuative media and are better suited to this technique. Ce travail evalue l'emploi d'ultrasons comme technique de mesure des retentions de phases dans les reacteurs polyphasique. Les experiences sont realises dans une colonne de diametre interne de 292 mm avec de l'air, de l'eau et des billes de verre de 1.3 mm de diametre. Dans une colonne a bulles, le signal est attenue de facon exponentielle avec la retention de gaz. Dans un lit fluidise liquide–solide, le temps de transmission et l'attenuation du signal diminuent lorsque la concentration de particules augmente de 25% a 60% (lit fixe). L'attenuation dramatique du signal empěche l'emploi de cette technique dans les lits fluidises triphasiques. Lorsqu'un systeme contient des particules de l'ordre du millimetre, il est difficile d'operer a une longeur d'onde permettant le passage du signal a travers le gaz et les particules. Dans les systemes triphasique, cette methode est plus appropriee pour les (slurry bubble columns) ou la concentration et taille des particules sont plus petites.
Accelerated degradation of thiocarbamate herbicides in Israeli soils following repeated use of vernolate

Accelerated degradation of vernolate, EPTC and butylate but not of cycloate was detected in soils from three locations in Israel which were treated annually with vernolate. Repeated application of EPTC to soils with and without a history of vernolate application, under laboratory conditions, resulted in a progressive increase in its rate of dissipation with each application. Accelerated degradation of EPTC was also rapidly induced by mixing small amounts (5%) of soil with a history of vernolate treatment with soil that had never received vernolate. Liberation of 14CO2 from [14C]EPTC was more rapid in vernolate-treated soils than in untreated soils, indicating a development of microbial populations in soil capable of rapidly degrading the EPTC. Degradation of [14C]EPTC was faster in soil previously cropped with maize than in non-cropped soil, but slower in soils cropped with cotton or peanuts.
Anaerobic methane oxidation rates at the sulfate‐methane transition in marine sediments from Kattegat and Skagerrak (Denmark)

Concomitant radiotracer measurements were made of in situ rates of sulfate reduction and anaerobic methane oxidation in 2-3-m-long sediment cores. Methane accumulated to high concentrations (> 1 mM CH/sub 4/) only below the sulfate zone, at 1 m or deeper in the sediment. Sulfate reduction showed a broad maximum below the sediment surface and a smaller, narrow maximum at the sulfate-methane transition. Methane oxidation was low (0.002-0.1 nmol CH/sub 4/ cm/sup -3/ d/sup -1/) throughout the sulfate zone and showed a sharp maximum at the sulfate-methane transition, coinciding with the sulfate reduction maximum. Total anaerobic methane oxidation at two stations was 0.83 and 1.16 mmol CH/sub 4/ m/sup -2/ d/sup -1/, of which 96% was confined to the sulfate-methane transition. All the methane that was calculated to diffuse up into the sulfate-methane transition was oxidized in this zone. The methane oxidation was equivalent to 10% of the electron donor requirement for the total measured sulfate reduction. A third station showed high sulfate concentrations at all depths sampled and the total methane oxidation was only 0.013 mmol m/sup -2/ d/sup -1/. From direct measurements of rates, concentration gradients, and diffusion coefficients, simple calculations were made of sulfate and methane fluxes andmore » of methane production rates. « less
Role of the Crystallite Phase of TiO2 in Heterogeneous Photocatalysis for Phenol Oxidation in Water

A series of TiO2 samples with different anatase-to-rutile ratios was prepared by calcination, and the roles of the two crystallite phases of titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2) on the photocatalytic activity in oxidation of phenol in aqueous solution were studied. High dispersion of nanometer-sized anatase in the silica matrix and the possible bonding of Si−O−Ti in SiO2/TiO2 interface were found to stabilize the crystallite transformation from anatase to rutile. The temperature for this transformation was 1200 °C for the silica−titania (ST) sample, much higher than 700 °C for Degussa P25, a benchmarking photocatalyst. It is shown that samples with higher anatase-to-rutile ratios have higher activities for phenol degradation. However, the activity did not totally disappear after a complete crystallite transformation for P25 samples, indicating some activity of the rutile phase. Furthermore, the activity for the ST samples after calcination decreased significantly, even though the amount of anatase did not change muc.
Influence of Zeolites, Humic Acids, and Selenates (VI) on Lead and Cadmium Immobilization and Selected Soil Properties

In order to immobilize heavy metals, sorbents that meet the following three criteria can be used: 1) they are non-toxic 2) they cannot make the physicochemical properties of soil worse, and even improve them 3) they have an immobilizing and specific impact on heavy metals. This study compares the influence of mineral and organic sorbents, as well as the presence of selenates (VI), on limiting lead toxicity in a soil. The investigations have also focused on evaluating the effects of these sorbents on select physicochemical and chemical properties of studied soil material collected during the twoyear strict pot experiment. Achieved results indicate greater affinity of lead to mineral rather than organic sorbents, although it has depended on zealot and humic acid rates, as well as on physicochemical properties such as soil acidity or soil sorption capacity. Sodium selenate (VI) affected the mobilization of Pb 2+ ions in the pot experiment and the effect was probably associated with subsoil pH changes and excessive doses of the sorbent used in the experiments. The study also has aimed at evaluating soil conditions, under which cadmium toxicity appears, as well as at presenting the possibilities of reducing their activities through the use of unconventional immobilizing agents such as zeolites, humic acids, and selenates (VI). The immobilization of Cd 2+ ions has been affected both by zeolites and humic acids, but only when applied at lower rates. The influences of cadmium mobilization and immobilization on changes in Cd:Zn and Fe:Mn ratios in soil also have been indicated. Clinoptilolit has appeared to be a promising binding agent for immobilizing the cadmium ions. Applying the selenium compounds has given hope as well, because the element is more often considered as required for living. However, the selenium action mechanism is complicated and not uniform, which needs to be further examined.
Modeling results of atmospheric dispersion of NO2 in an urban area using METI–LIS and comparison with coincident mobile DOAS measurements

Synergetic use of in–situ measurements, remote sensing observations and model simulations can provide valuable information about atmospheric chemistry and air quality. In this work we present for the first time a qualitative comparison between modeled NO2 concentrations at ground level using dispersion model METI–LIS and tropospheric NO2 columns obtained by mobile DOAS technique. Experimental and modeling results are presented for a Romanian city, Braila (45.26 ° N, 27.95 ° E). In–situ observations of NO2 and meteorological data from four ground stations belonging to the local environmental agency were used to predict the concentration of NO2 at ground level by atmospheric dispersion modeling on two days when mobile DOAS measurements were available. The mobile DOAS observations were carried out using a UV–VIS spectrometer mounted on board a car. The tropospheric Vertical Column Density (VCD) of NO2 is deduced from DOAS observations. The VCD was obtained using complementary ground and space observations. The correlation between model and DOAS observations is described by a correlation coefficient of 0.33. Also, model results based on averaged in–situ measurements for a period of 5 years (2008–2012) are used for an overview of the background NO2 evolution in time and space for the selected urban area.
INTERCULTURATION AND INYERCULTURAL SENSITIVITY: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MAJOR CONCEPTS FOR A BETTER MANAGEMENT OF CULTURAL OTHERNESS

This study aimed to explore the relationship between intercultural sensitivity, namely, the ability to apprehend cultural difference, and interculturation. Specifically, this study investigated the effect of nationality (French, Brazilian, Bolivian, Sri Lankan) and individual characteristics (e.g., number of spoken foreign languages, socioeconomic status, age and gender) on intercultural sensitivity and interculturation. An intercultural sensitivity scale and demographic questions about individual characteristics were administered to a sample of 434 participants. The results showed that intercultural sensitivity depends on the number of spoken foreign languages, which is a strong asset for a better understanding of cultural otherness. Nationality, socioeconomic status and gender had significant effects on ethnocentrism and ethnorelativism aspects of intercultural sensitivity.
Silicene on hydrogen‐passivated Si(111) and Ge(111) substrates

By means of first‐principles calculations we predict the stability of silicene as buckled honeycomb lattice on passivated substrates of group‐IV(111)1 × 1 surfaces. The weak van‐der‐Waals interaction between silicene and substrates does not destroy its linear bands forming Dirac cones at the Brillouin zone corners. Only very small fundamental gaps are opened around the Fermi level.
Preparation and Characterization of Poly(ethylene oxide)/Graphene Nanocomposites from an Aqueous Medium

The nanocomposite films of a functionalized graphene sheet (FGS) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were cast from the physical blend of an aqueous FGS dispersion assisted by sodium dodecyl sulfate and an aqueous PEO solution. The thermal properties observed by differential scanning calorimetry suggested that FGS had a nucleating effect on the PEO crystallization. However, we found FGS actually hindered the growth of PEO crystals. The dynamic mechanical properties indicated that FGS effectively reinforced the matrix PEO. The FGS also efficiently improved the electric conductivity of PEO. With the addition of 2 parts of FGS per 100 parts of PEO, the conductivity was increased by more than 103-fold from that of pristine PEO.
Impacts of Rotational Grazing and Hay Management on the Reproductive Success of Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) in Eastern Ontario, Canada

We investigated the impact of beef cattle (Bos taurus) farm management, including rotationally grazed pastures and managed hayfields, on the reproductive success of bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) in eastern Ontario, Canada. Bobolinks nesting in fields grazed by cattle or cut for hay before 1 July had significantly lower reproductive success than those nesting in untouched fields. Bobolinks did not recolonize or re-nest in paddocks that were grazed early (before 2 June) and followed by a rest period. Bobolink abundance and productivity (based on an index), were lower in managed fields and pastures than in untouched fields and hayfields. As the number of paddocks grazed by a single herd during the nesting season increased, the proportion of paddocks containing bobolinks that reproduced successfully, decreased. We used a clay pigeon target experiment to support our hypothesis that nest loss in paddocks was due to trampling and not predation. With the exception of 1 trial with a low cattle stocking rate, cattle exposure to clay pigeon targets resulted in disturbance of >90% of targets. As with other studies from eastern North America, we conclude that the best method for improving the reproductive success of bobolinks on beef cattle farms is to provide some untouched hayfields and pasture paddocks until nesting is complete. In our study area, bobolinks reproduced successfully on most farm operations that were managed for beef cattle, without incentive programs.