Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Two-Step Approach to Orange Peel Waste Valorization: Consecutive Extraction of Pectin and Hesperidin

Citrus consumption translates into large amounts of residue, the disposal of which is associated with environmental issues and high costs. Current trends in citrus waste focus on the extraction of highly valued bioactive compounds via single-compound extraction. There is a lack of knowledge on how these methodologies can be introduced into extraction schemes of bioactive compounds, maximizing the residue potential and reducing its amount. The present work aimed to address this issue by designing a consecutive extraction of pectin and hesperidin from orange peel waste. A novel method for extraction and precipitation of hesperidin with an eco-friendly approach is also presented. After neutral pretreatment, pectin extraction was conducted under acidic conditions, followed by hesperidin extraction with a drastic pH change. Pectin had a high AUA content (66.20 ± 1.25%), meeting the criteria for use in the food industry. The best-tested conditions for hesperidin extraction (30 min, 70 °C, 1:10 (w/v)) provided a yield of 1% and a purity of 84%. The designed extraction scheme shows the potential of citrus waste as a source of bioactive compounds of good quality and high interest in the food industry while following the principles of green chemistry and circular economy.
Improve target detection on hyperspectral aerial images using simulated atmosphere conditions

In the context of remote sensing classification, the performance of data-driven models in identifying ground objects is influenced by the variability of conditions during the acquisition process. This includes atmospheric conditions which strongly influence the radiance value collected by the hyperspectral camera and can hinder the generalization performance of the algorithms. Moreover, due to the difficulty of obtaining pixel-level annotations, hyperspectral models are typically trained on a limited quantity of data. Although these models may perform well on small validation datasets, their performance may not be adequate for real-world applications of hyperspectral imagery, which entail a wide range of conditions. This paper proposes an augmentation strategy to increase the diversity of data and enhance the robustness of the model under different atmospheric conditions. To achieve this, a physics-based radiative transfer model is used to first correct the atmospheric effects and then simulate new data under different atmospheric conditions. This step increases the diversity of the data by generating a wide range of conditions that the models may encounter in real-world applications. The method employs a 3D convolution-based model that extracts both spatial and spectral features for small houses detection on a proprietary dataset. The study results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method, as the augmented model outperforms the baseline model in terms of F1 score on the augmented test images and shows comparable performances on the original scenario.
A probabilistic approach to calculate R0 in complex epidemic models

Epidemic models are a valuable tool in the decision-making process. Once a mathematical model for an epidemic has been established, the very next step is calculating a mathematical expression for the basic reproductive number, R 0 , which is the average number of infections caused by an individual that is introduced in a population of susceptible. Finding a mathematical expression for R 0 is important because it allows to analyze the eﬀect of the diﬀerent parameters in the model on R 0 , so that we can act on some of them, in an attempt to keep R 0 < 1 to avoid a large epidemic. In this work we show how to calculate R 0 in complex epidemic models by using only basic concepts of Markov chains. We compare our approach with the traditional methods used in epidemiology and demography.
EU Survey on issues related to transport and mobility

The main purpose of the survey was to collect data on car use, on use of transport modes for long distance mobility as well as on some other policy relevant issues (e.g. the attitude towards internalisation of road external costs by means of road charging). The survey involved all the 28 European countries. In each country a sample of 1000 individuals (500 in Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta) was asked to fill in a questionnaire divided into four sections: a. general information on the respondent (e.g. age, gender, living area) as well as details on availability of cars and public transport service. b. information on everyday mobility in terms of mode used, frequency of trips, duration, distance, inter-modality and opinions on main problems experienced. c. information long distance trips (between 300 km and 1000 km as well as over 1000 km) made in the last 12 months; number of trips by purpose and main mode; connections between rail and air transport. d. opinions on aspects related to the European transport policy and especially on the scope for road charging.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN MONOSODIUM GLUTAMAT (MSG) TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI KACANG TANAH (Arachis hypogea L.)

Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian Monosodium Glutamat (MSG) terhadap pertumbuhan dan produksi kacang tanah ( Arachis hypogaea L) . Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 5 perlakuan dengan konsentrasi MSG 0gr, 3gr, 6gr, 9gr dan 12gr dan masing-masing 5 ulangan. Prosedur penelitian meliputi penyediaan benih A. hypogeae L, p enyediaan media tanam, penanaman, pemeliharaan, dan pemberian perlakuan. MSG diberikan pada hari ke-21 (minggu ke 3 setelah tanam) dan hari ke-28 (minggu ke 4 setelah tanam). Pengamatan dilakukan 2 minggu setelah tanam hingga panen. Pemberian MSG tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan (tinggi tanaman, usia tanaman saat mulai berbunga, jumlah bunga, jumlah daun) dan produksi (jumlah polong, berat basah polong, berat kering polong, berat 100 biji per tanaman) A. hypogaea L , namun perlakuan B (3 gr) dan C (6 gr) meningkatkan kualitas A. hypogaea L . Kata kunci: Monosodium Glutamat (MSG), Arachis hypogeae L
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any noncommercial medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

When the disks of a star and of a planet overlap as a consequence of the orbital motion, the total light coming from the system dims. If an instrument is sensitive enough to detect this flux variation, important parameters of the planetary system can be derived from the observed light curve. In this paper I show under which conditions the transits can be detected given the sensitivity of SAFARI.
Vertical Characteristics of Vegetation Distribution in Wuyishan National Park Based on Multi-Source High-Resolution Remotely Sensed Data

Identifying vertical characteristics of mountainous vegetation distribution is necessary for studying the ecological environment quality and biodiversity and for evaluating its responses to climate change. However, producing fine vegetation distribution in a complex mountainous area remains a huge challenge. This study developed a framework based on multi-source high-resolution satellite images to strengthen the understanding of vertical features of vegetation distribution. We fused GaoFen-6 and Sentinel-2 data to produce 2 m multispectral data, combined with ALOS PALSAR digital elevation model (DEM) data, and used an object-based method to extract variables for establishing a classification model. The spatial distribution of vegetation types in Wuyishan National Park (WNP) was then obtained using a hierarchical random forest classifier. The characteristics of different vegetation types along the elevation gradient and their distribution patterns under different human protection levels were finally examined. The results show that (1) An overall accuracy of 87.11% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.85 for vegetation classification was achieved. (2) WNP exhibits obviously vertical differentiation of vegetation types, showing four compound dominant zone groups and five dominant belts. (3) The composition of vegetation types in the scenic area differs significantly from other regions. The proportions of Masson pine and Chinese fir exhibit a noticeably decreasing trend as the distance increases away from roads, while the changes in broadleaf forest and bamboo forest are less pronounced.
The influence of eye model parameter variations on simulated eye-tracking outcomes

The simulated data used in eye-tracking-related research has been largely generated using normative eye models with little consideration of how the variations in eye biometry found in the population may influence eye-tracking outcomes. This study investigated the influence that variations in eye model parameters have on the ability of simulated data to predict real-world eye-tracking outcomes. The real-world experiments performed by two pertinent comparative studies were replicated in a simulated environment using a highcomplexity stochastic eye model that includes anatomically accurate distributions of eye biometry parameters. The outcomes showed that variations in anterior corneal asphericity significantly influence simulated eye-tracking outcomes of both interpolation and model-based gaze estimation algorithms. Other, more commonly varied parameters such as the corneal radius of curvature and foveal offset angle had little influence on simulated outcomes.
Assessment of environmental pollution using indices, transfer factor and source apportionment in soils and plants of wetlands in Northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study assessed metal pollution in wetland ecosystems in North-western Nigeria, which is susceptible to pollution from various sources including agriculture, industry and urbanisation. The study analysed the concentrations of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and iron (Fe) in wetland soils and plants from 10 sites in the region. Pollution indices, including contamination factor, modified degree of contamination, Nemerow pollution index and pollution load index, were used to determine the extent of metal pollution in the study area, while transfer factors were calculated to assess the potential for metal transfer from soils to plants. The results showed that metal concentrations in wetland soils and plants varied widely depending on the location and the metal of interest, with some sites showing higher concentrations due to agricultural and mining activities. The pollution indices indicated that metal pollution was generally moderate to highly polluted in the study areas, with some metals showing higher potential for transfer from soil to plants than others. This study provides valuable insights into the extent and severity of metal pollution in some wetland soils and plants in Northern Nigeria.
Overview of subsurface constructed wetlands application in tropical climates

Subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SFCW) have specific capacity to absorb and retain particulate matters, nutrients and other pollutants which enters water bodies through surface runoff, domestic wastewater, industrial wastewater and also from plantations. However, as the field becomes more releva nt towards sustainability environment, the SFCW study is often significant for developing countries with tropical climates where the zones are warm and humid weather in all years. SFCW showed an increase rate of contaminant up-take in warmer climates; therefore this treatment has been expected to operate more efficiently in tropical regions. SFCW recent techno logies are also excellent in the utilisation of natural processes and the high process stability which cont ributing a high nutrient capturing capacity. Furthermore, the systems are simple to construct and less expensive option than aquatic plant systems which is a benefit in many developing countries. Accordingly, this paper highlights some SFCW applications on nutrients capturing capabilities (nitrogen and phosphorus), general view on construction, operation and maintenance of the SFCW and vegetation selection for start-up. In addition, application of different wastewater types such as landfill leachate, domestic wastewater and industrial wastewater are also discussed in brief. Future considerations in choosing appropriate technology a spect of wetlands applications such geographic information system (GIS), compost material and bio- particle are highlighted.
The Sex Ratio at Birth: The Role of Ionizing Radiation Vs. Social Factors

The concept has been propagated by certain writers that elevation of the radiation background due to nuclear testing and Chernobyl fallout skewed the sex ratio at birth towards more males. This hypothesis remains unproven and seems to camouflage the following tendencies exemplified here on the basis of the former Soviet Union. Almost all regions displayed an increase in the male/total ratio at birth from 1986 onwards. The highest ratios have been reported from the South Caucasus, being explained by the son preference and sex-selective abortions. The same is probably true for the North Caucasus, where birthrate has been the highest in Russian Federation. Elevation of male/fenale ratios at birth coincided with the increasing availability of the prenatal ultrasonic gender testing. Migrations further contribute to the gender imbalance: Shortage of men due to the emigration creates additional stimuli for sex-selective abortions in their native areas. Male/female ratios at birth in developed countries are influenced by the immigration from regions with the son preference and gender imbalance: Immigrants bring their reproductive stereotypes with them. The predominance of males may contribute to antisocial behaviour and militarism. Nuclear facilities are potential targets in armed conflicts. One of the motives to exaggerate consequences of low-dose radiation exposures and threats to use nuclear weapons seems to be boosting fossil fuel prices. In more developed countries, antinuclear resentments have been supported by green activists, well in agreement with the interests of fossil fuel vendors, certain companies and governments. There are no long-term alternatives to the nuclear energy: Non-renewable fossil fuels will become more expensive, contributing to excessive population growth in the regions rich in fossil fuels and decreasing quality of life in the rest of the world.
Fill and spill of giant lakes in the eastern Valles Marineris region of Mars

The existence of Hesperian age (3.7–3.4 Ga) surface water bodies on Mars is a contentious issue, often conflicting with favored climate models. Extensive lakes are proposed to have filled parts of Valles Marineris during this period, yet evidence for their presence and temporal continuity is poorly constrained. Here we report geomorphic and chronologic evidence for the initiation and demise of a voluminous lake system within the basins of eastern Valles Marineris. We find that independent, kilometer-deep lakes were present here well after the wetter, global climate optimum that characterized the previous Noachian epoch (4.1–3.7 Ga). Relative and impact crater chronologies of flood channels emerging from lake basins indicate relatively late lake spillover in the Early Amazonian (ca. 3.0 Ga). Drawdown of the lake and cessation of interbasin sedimentation may be recorded by a similar Early Amazonian (ca. 3.1 Ga) crater retention age on the surface of Capri Mensa, a 4-km-tall, sulfate-bearing interior layered deposit. The topography data demonstrate that incision of the bedrock barriers between the basins during spillover was driven by a dramatic local base-level difference between the lake surface and downstream basin floors. We postulate that the lake spillover process created an integrated drainage routing system between a voluminous equatorial water supply and the northern plains basin.
The Effects of Face Mask Types, Athletic Levels, and Caffeine Intake on Employee Performance, Productivity, and Perception

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been a standard part of our daily lives. Many continue to wear face masks to this day, and some even double up on their face masks. This research is a continuation of a previous investigation of the effect of face mask types, athletic levels, and caffeine intake on retail employees' performance, productivity, and perception. Findings showed that face mask types significantly affected the feeling of unfit and odor. In addition, the kind of face mask had a significant effect on the body temperature ratings. Also, employees who considered themselves to be athletic gave lower ratings of overall discomfort than other employees. The interaction of different types of face masks with the wearing of eyeglasses has been demonstrated to have a significant effect on the stress levels of workers and the amount of time it takes for them to comprehend others.
Teachers’ Perceptions and Experiences of using Digital Technology in Undergraduate Classrooms in Pakistan

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of teachers about the use of technology in faceto-face and online classes. A qualitative case study design was adopted in this study. The year III and IV teachers of thenursing programme who were using technology in their teaching were invited to participate in this study. Data werecollected through semi-structured interviews, class observations and analysis of the university’s virtual learningenvironment course sites. The teachers felt that students wanted activities that were engaging, and through Mentimeter,Kahoot and Padlet this was possible in the class. With online classes, the teachers were using Microsoft Teams, whereasthe students preferred the Zoom platform as they thought it was more user-friendly. It was also felt by the teachers thatstudents do not give much preference to PowerPoint presentations now and want a variety that can enhance their learningexperience. However, the teachers also faced issues with the computers or internet not working smoothly in the class andfor this, they had to keep a backup plan in place. For online classes, the teachers shared course material on Whatsapp orMoodle course sites for students who could not come online during a specific time. The teachers also admit that their ownability to use technology in face-to-face or online classes counted a lot towards how their lessons shaped up. The findingsconcluded that the universities should provide sufficient support and training to teachers in using technology effectivelyfor teaching purposes.
THE PROCEDURE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS OF A CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK TO FINGERPRINT RECOGNITION

The article is devoted to improve the efficiency of the system of biometric authentication on the basis of neural network fingerprint recognition. Analysis of modern neural network biometric authentication tools shows that it is possible to increase efficiency by adapting the structural parameters of the convolutional neural network to the peculiarities of the fingerprint recognition problem. The specified parameters include the size of the input field, the number of input and output neurons, number of neurons in fully connected layer, the number of convolutional layers, the number of feature maps in each convolutional layer and others. It is also shown that the main features of the recognition problem are the number of prints to be recognized, the size and quality of scanned images of prints, as well as the number and parameters of minutiae taken into account. A number of principles of adaptation of structural parameters was formed by analogy with the known solutions in the field of neural network recognition of biometric parameters. Based on the proposed principles and the identified features of the fingerprint recognition problem, a corresponding procedure for determining the structural parameters of the convolutional neural network is developed. The efficiency of the developed procedure is proved by numerical experiments, which confirmed the sufficient accuracy of recognition. It is determined that the prospects for further research are to develop a mechanism for optimizing the mathematical apparatus of the convolutional neural network with respect to the conditions of the problem of fingerprint recognition in the biometric authentication system.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS AS A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO SYNTHETIC FUNGICIDES IN TREATING POWDERY MILDEW IN TUNNEL CUCUMBERS

The use of biological control agents (BCAs) in the past has shown limited success as its application has often been done incorrectly, and in addition, management practices are rarely altered to incorporate BCAs. Criteria for the correct application of BCAs have been devised as part of the research, and companies selling these products may use the said criteria. Such application will ensure the correct BCAs are used and, more specifically, used under the correct conditions. The powdery mildew (PM) fungus is often seen to develop resistance to synthetic fungicides and, therefore, alternative control measures are required. BCAs as an alternative pose less risk to the environment, workers and the consumer. A pre-trial has been conducted with a range of BCAs to see if they can control powdery mildew (PM) in a greenhouse environment on hydroponically grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants using the variety Baccara that has only a moderate tolerance to PM. The BCAs have been compared to the control (synthetic fungicide: Bravo). Comparative work includes Coyier’s model, which has been modified and adapted for these trials to determine the percentage of leaf area covered by the PM infection. Furthermore, the number of fruit harvested per treatment, kilogram yield, total mass of yield and average fruit mass is also used to determine the efficacy of the BCAs as these factors have economic significance to commercial growers. The pre-trial showed promise until the fertigation computer failed, resulting in a nutrient shortage and imbalance, confirming that BCAs alone cannot control PM. Synthetic fungicides were applied until control of PM and plant nutrition was regained. BCAs were re-introduced and used until the end of crop production. The confirmation from the pre-trial has led to the inclusion of silicon in conjunction with the BCAs in the two subsequent trials (Trials 1 & 2). Silicon was applied with the BCAs as a foliar spray on a weekly basis. In trials 1 and 2, the cucumber variety, Palladium, with a high genetic tolerance to PM is used, as this variety is suited to form part of the holistic approach used for trials 1 and 2. Trial 1 showed that treatment A, containing Streptomyces griseovirdis and Streptomyces aureofaciens, had the highest yield. Both of these are bacterial BCAs and demonstrated their adaptability to varied climatic conditions, notably when low humidity was experienced.
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The TCP remains the workhorse protocol for many modern large-scale data centers. However, the increasingly demanding performance expectations—led by advancements in both hardware (e.g., 100Gbps linkspeed network) and software (e.g., Intel DPDK support)—make the kernel-based TCP stack no longer a favorable option. Over the past decade, multiple parties have proposed various user-stack TCP stacks offering things-as-usual TCP support with significant performance improvement. Unfortunately, we find these proposals may not function well in the field, especially when subjected to large-scale deployments. In this paper, we present L UNA , a user-space TCP stack widely deployed at Alibaba Cloud. We elaborate on the de-sign tradeoffs, emphasizing three unique features in thread, memory, and traffic models. Further, we share our lessons and experiences learned from the field deployment. Extensive microbenchmark evaluations and performance statistics collected from the production systems indicate that L UNA outperforms kernel and other user-space solutions with up to 3 . 5 × in throughput, and reduce up to 53% latency.