Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stochastic carbon emission estimation method for construction operation

AbstractLow carbon construction is an important operation management goal because greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction has become a global concern. Major construction resources that contribute GHG, such as equipment and labour, are being targeted to achieve this goal. The GHG emissions produced by the resources vary with their operating conditions. It is commendable to provide a statistical GHG emission estimation method that models the transitory nature of resource states at micro-scale of construction operations. This paper proposes a computational method called Stochastic Carbon Emission Estimation (SCE2) that measures the variability of GHG emissions. It creates construction operation models consisting of atomic work tasks, utilizes hourly equipment fuel consumption and hourly labourer respiratory rates that change according to their operating conditions classified into five categories, and identifies an optimal resource combination by trading off eco-economic performance metrics such as the amount of GHG e.
Study of bypassing Microsoft Windows Security using the MITRE CALDERA Framework

Background: Microsoft Windows Security is a recently implemented safeguard for the Windows operating systems, including the latest versions of Windows10 and 11. However, there is a major shortcoming in this system to stop Advanced Persistent Threat (APT). These are government-financed groups that are funded to attack other government entities. Following the initial security breach, the hacked Windows device is used to access the rest of the network devices in order to transfer data to external storage (Exfiltration). Methods: In this work, we have tested the Microsoft Windows Security system using MITRE CALDERA and ATT&CK frameworks and explain how APT groups are able to bypass Windows Security. Results: In this study we used "54ndc47" agent through GoLang feature in MITRE CALDERA platform to test and bypass Microsoft Windows Security systems (MS Windows 10). Through it, we were able to bypass the Windows Security system and display entire files in the victim's device. Conclusions: In this paper, we have provided recommendations to Microsoft to improve their Windows Security tool through the use of Artificial intelligence (AI).
Microbiological Evaluation of Spoilt Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and Pepper (Capsicum Spp) Sold in Mandate Market, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Tomato and pepper contribute significantly to diet as they are used as ingredients in food preparation. This study evaluated microbiological quality of spoilt tomato and pepper sold in Mandate Market using standard microbiological methods. Results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC), total coliform counts (TCC) and total fungal counts (TFC) of the samples under study. The results from spoilt tomato samples showed that THBC ranged from 1.7 ± 0.07×104 CFU/ml - 9.5±0.21×104CFU/ml, TCC from 0.0×104 CFU/100ml - 9.0×104 CFU/100ml, while TFC ranged from 1.1 ± 0.4×104 CFU/g - 4.1 ±1.27 ×104 CFU/g. THBC of spoilt pepper ranged from 1.7 ± 0.28 × 104 CFC/ml - 8.8± 0.21 × 104 CFC/ml. TCC was between 0.0×104CFU/ml and 6.0± 1.41 ×104 CFU/ml while TFC ranged from 1.5 ± 0.28 CFU/g - 5.5 ± 0.35 ×104 CFU/g. The probable microorganisms present in spoilt tomato samples include, pseudomonas vulgaris, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus, bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, C. freundi, Penicillium chrysogenum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer. In addition, microorganisms identified from spoilt pepper samples were Clostridium sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp, E. coli, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus fumigatus. The study revealed that E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus dominated spoilt tomato and pepper with prevalence of 33.4 % and 28.6 % respectively. Results on the survey showed poor handling, storage and hygienic practices of tomato and pepper vendors in Mandate Market.
On-grid doubly-fed induction generator wind turbine with nine-switch converter as grid side converter for low voltage ride-through

Utility codes for grid-connected Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) have become a standard feature since they are becoming a significant portion of the power grid. However, Doubly-Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs) which make up the bulk of all wind power installations are known to be susceptible to grid disturbances such as voltage sags. In the literature, one of the most robust low voltage ride-through (LVRT) solution for both balanced and unbalanced sags is based on the principle of series voltage compensation used extensively in dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs) and unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) systems. However, the voltage compensation LVRT is expensive as an additional converter is required. This converter however is underutilized idling during normal grid conditions but increases the complexity, cost, size and losses of the entire system.
A prospective, randomized comparison of standard prone position versus flank-free modified supine position in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A single-center initial experience

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the first choice for treatment of large renal stone >2 cm. The prone position is the classical position preferred by most surgeons. Aiming to improve patient anesthesia and surgery-related inconveniences of the prone position, Valdivia et al., 1987, described the performance of PCNL with the patient in the supine position. Hence, we aimed to study the safety and efficacy of flank-free modified supine position in PCNL compared to the standard prone position. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective randomized study for 60 patients with large renal stones planned for PCNL operation during the period from November 2017 to May 2019. Patients were divided into two groups (30 patients each group): Group A – patients underwent PCNL in the prone position and Group B – patients underwent PCNL in the modified flank supine position. Patients' demographics, stone size, Hounsfield unit with intraoperative details as fluoroscopy time, operative time, and complications were recorded. Postoperatively, need for or not to blood transfusions, hospital stay, stone-free status, and postoperative complications were assessed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the prone and supine positions regarding stone size (4 cm vs. 4.5 cm, P = 0.16), Hounsfield unit (940 HU vs. 955 HU, P = 0.78), body mass index (31.2 kg/m2 vs. 32.5 kg/m2, P = 0.49), fluoroscopy time (6.9 min vs. 7.3 min, P = 0.5), operative time (89.5 min vs. 90.4 min, P = 0.9), residual stones (10% vs. 20%, P = 0.8), and hospital stay (45.6 h vs. 48.6 h, P = 0.5). Fever occurred in 3.3% of cases in each group and urine leakage observed in one patient with prone position. No blood transfusion was needed in both the groups. Conclusions: PCNL in the modified supine position proved to be a safe and effective choice compared to the prone position for adult patients with large renal calculi.
Effect of external and blood parasites on fertility of German Shepherd dogs

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Rhipicicephalus sanguineus and Babesia species on the fertility of German shepherd dogs, 80 dogs (41 male and 39 female) were examined in veterinary clinics of Mansoura city and Sinbillawain, Dakahlia Governorate aged from 2-3 years during summer and autumn seasons 2021.Twenty-one dogs (26.5%) were infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog ticks) with different degree of infestation and higher prevalence in male dogs (29.2%) than female(23%). While 12 dogs (15%) showed signs of fever, anorexia, pale mucous membrane, weakness and increase in heart rate, examining of thin blood films indicated infection with Babesia spp . with percentage (17%) and (12.8%) in male and female dogs respectively. Biochemical laboratory examinations were done for estimation of testosterone hormone in male and progesterone hormone in female dogs in the estrus phase to detect the effect of external and blood parasites on their fertility. Laboratory findings of testosterone levels in male infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus ranged from (2.01- 3.2 ng/ml), while others infected with ticks and Babesia spp . showed significant decrease in the testosterone levels in male (0.75 – 1.35 ng/ml). Testosterone levels in apparently healthy male dogs that free from ticks and Babasia spp . ranged from (3.04-4.1 ng/ml). Progesterone levels in bitches infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus ranged from (2.5-3.4 ng/ml) and (0.2 -0.79 ng/ml) for bitches infested with ticks and Babesia spp. , while progesterone levels in bitches free from ticks and Babesia spp . were (2.9-3.4 ng/ml). These results indicate that infestation with ticks ( Rhipicephalus sanguineus ) only had little effect on the fertility of German Shepherd dogs but when more persistence of ticks with presence of babesiosis can affect their fertility.
Benefits and Limitations of Using Hydrochars from Organic Residues as Replacement for Peat on Growing Media

New technologies for the production of peat-substitutes are required to meet the rising demand for growing media in horticulture and the need to preserve natural peatlands. Hydrothermal conversion of organic residues into char materials, hydrochars, with peat-like properties may produce such substitutes, reducing environmental impacts and CO2 emissions from improper management. To assess their potential as a component in growing media, cress seed germination tests are used to assess hydrochars from digestate (D), spent coffee grounds (SCG), and grape marc (GM). Pre- and post-treatments (extraction, washing, and drying) are applied to remove phytotoxic compounds associated with process waters retained on the hydrochars, and a nitrification bioassay with process water is used to predict their toxicity. All hydrochars achieve similar or better germination results compared to their feedstock, showing a potential to replace at least 5% of peat in growing media. SCG and GM hydrochars show inhibition above 5%, while all post-treated D-hydrochar mixtures produce >3 times longer roots than the control. The nitrification test shows a high sensitivity and good agreement with the high inhibition trends found in the germination tests with process water. Such tests can be a good way to optimize process combinations for the hydrothermal production of peat replacements.
Relationship of Depression and Sleep Quality among North Jakarta Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Medical students with high academic load have had elevated baseline rates of depression and poor sleep quality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical students are more susceptible to depression and poor sleep quality. This study aimed to analyze depression and sleep quality among medical students at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia (FKIK UAJ) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among pre-clinical and clinical students of FKIK UAJ academic year 2020/2021. Respondents were selected through proportional systematic random sampling to fulfill the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for depression and sleep quality. The data were analyzed using Mann Whitney U-Test. There were 63.3% of 635 respondents with depression, in which 39.4% respondents had mild depression, 14.2% respondents with moderate depression, and 9.8% respondents with severe depression. There were 59,2% of respondents with poor sleep quality. Depression was highest in females (67.2%) and pre-clinical stage of 2020 intake year (74.6%), and among clinical level students of 2018 (56%) and 2019 (53.9%) intake year. Poor sleep quality was also highest in females (62.8%) and pre-clinical 2020 intake year (69.8%), and among clinical level students of 2018 (53%) and 2019 (51.9%) intake year. The Mann-Whitney U-test showed a significant difference between depression level and sleep quality in pre-clinical and clinical students of FKIK UAJ during the COVID-19 pandemic (p value=0.000). Depression and sleep quality among medical students of FKIK UAJ during the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly associated.
Bacillus subtilis Inoculation Improves Nutrient Uptake and Physiological Activity in Sugarcane under Drought Stress

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Throughout the sugarcane’s growth stages, periods of drought are common, causing detrimental effects on plant growth. Therefore, the search for strategies for minimizing the impact of drought on sugarcane development is of great interest. Plant growth-promoting bacteria hold the potential for improving tolerance to drought in agricultural systems. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate whether inoculation with Bacillus subtilis can reduce the negative effects of drought on the nutritional, physiological, and morphological characteristics of sugarcane plants. For this, sugarcane was cultivated in a greenhouse, under controlled conditions of water and temperature, with the aid of four treatments: without and with inoculation of B. subtilis, in normal conditions of water availability, and in conditions of water restriction (2 × 2 factorial), with four replications. In treatments with inoculation, the pre-emerged seedlings were immersed in a B. subtilis solution and transplanted into experimental pots. Our results showed that inoculation with B. subtilis improved plant nutrition and chlorophyll concentrations. As a result, the gas exchange parameters (especially net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency) were also improved, even under drought conditions. In addition, stress parameters (antioxidant metabolism activity) were reduced in inoculated plants. The sum of these beneficial effects resulted in increased root growth, tillering, stalk weight, and higher sucrose concentration in the stalks.
MAPPING MULTIPLE BRAND-CELEBRITY CONGRUENCE WITH OVERALS: AN EVIDENCE FOR THE MEANING TRANSFER MODEL

This study aims to provide evidence for the meaning transfer model. In Turkey, five apparel retailer brands and five celebrities are evaluated with brand personality and credibility models, respectively via pick any scales. 305 respondents selected with a convenience sampling approach attend the study. In order to compare different types of entities (brands and celebrities) with nominal variables, OVERALS analysis is performed. Associations regarding brands and celebrities are treated as sets of variables in OVERALS analysis. Three out of five brand-celebrity pairs are found to be closely congruent. In the context of multiple brand-celebrity comparisons, this relativistic congruence provides evidence for the meaning transfer model. Moreover, several essential associations in the meaning transfer process (for celebrities sexy, big fan following, and non-controversial public image and for brands stable, responsible, and active) are revealed. Findings of the study and OVERALS analysis are expected to deepen the understanding of the meaning transfer model.
MONOPOLIZATION BY "RAISING RIVALS' COSTS": THE STANDARD OIL CASE*

Standard monopolized the petroleum industry during the 1870s by cartelizing the stage of production where entry was difficult-petroleum transportation. Standard enforced the transportation cartel by shifting its refinery shipments among railroads to stabilize individual railroad market shares at collusively agreed-on levels. This method of cartel policing was effective because Standard possessed a dominant share of refining, a dominance made possible with the assistance of the railroads. The railroads facilitated Standard's refinery acquisi­ tions and prevented new refiner entry by charging disadvantageously high rates to non-Standard refiners. While Standard used its dominant position in refining to sell refined product at a monopoly price and to purchase crude oil at a monop­ sony price, Standard did not possess independent market power in refining. Whenever the transportation cartel broke down, Standard's pricing power van­ ished. DURING the 1870s J. D. Rockefeller established a petroleum refining monopoly in the United States. How he accomplished this remains an economic puzzle. In 1870 the refining industry consisted of hundreds of small firms, and entry into the industry was easy. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company located in Cleveland was one of the largest refining compa­ nies but accounted for only approximately 4 percent of total U.S. refining capacity} In late 1871 Standard began acquiring other Cleveland refiner­ ies and in a little more than 3 months owned virtually all the refineries
Whole mitochondrial genome sequencing of Malaysian patients with cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy (CMP) constitutes a diverse group of myocardium diseases affecting the pumping ability of the heart. Genetic predisposition is among the major factors affecting the development of CMP. Globally, there are over 100 genes in autosomal and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that have been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of CMP. However, most of the genetic studies have been conducted in Western countries, with limited data being available for the Asian population. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mutation spectrum in the mitochondrial genome of 145 CMP patients in Malaysia. Long-range PCR was employed to amplify the entire mtDNA, and whole mitochondrial genome sequencing was conducted on the MiSeq platform. Raw data was quality checked, mapped, and aligned to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS). Variants were named, annotated, and filtered. The sequencing revealed 1,077 variants, including 18 novel and 17 CMP and/or mitochondrial disease-associated variants after filtering. In-silico predictions suggested that three of the novel variants (m.8573G>C, m.11916T>A and m.11918T>G) in this study are potentially pathogenic. Two confirmed pathogenic variants (m.1555A>G and m.11778G>A) were also found in the CMP patients. The findings of this study shed light on the distribution of mitochondrial mutations in Malaysian CMP patients. Further functional studies are required to elucidate the role of these variants in the development of CMP.
Institutions, Occupations and Connectivity: The Embeddedness of Gig Work and Platform-Mediated Labour Market in Hong Kong

Informed by the economic sociology of work, this qualitative study employs a dynamic and multi-dimensional notion of embeddedness to critique the social bases of gig work and the platform-mediated labour market, with a series of embedding, disembedding and re-embedding forces. Conducting in-depth interviews with 24 gig workers, the findings reveal how gig work is incorporated into Hong Kong’s labour market and the ways in which gig work is reshaping the power of workers via digital platforms. First, gig work is institutionally embedded in a policy framework centred on weak regulation and protection, resulting in platforms’ expandable and retractable control over labour. Second, gig work is embedded in occupational norms and professional practices, in which workers practise multi-platforming and marketplace resistance when defending their interests. Finally, the embedded connectivity of gig work boosts the scalability of labour market competition but engenders algorithmic opacity. The marketplace bargaining power of gig workers is twofold: workers’ dependence on platforms and their working status. Hence, the embeddedness of gig work and platforms is far from stable but involves new tensions that challenge the gigification and platformisation of work.
Determination of Constitutive Parameters of Crystalline Limestone Based on Improved RHT Model

This study improves the RHT constitutive model based on some shortcomings, and the main improvements work are as follows: (1) hyperbolic function is used to make up for the deficiency of tensile strain rate enhancement factor of RHT constitutive model at high strain rate; (2) considering the constant change of hydrostatic pressure, the initial damage value of rock is introduced into the constitutive model, and the improved damage accumulation expression is derived based on this value. (3) In the equation of residual failure surface, the influence of the Lode angle factor is considered, the RHT constitutive parameters of crystalline limestone are determined by the SHPB experiment, and the difference in rock failure forms before and after the correction of constitutive parameters is simulated by ANSYS/LS-DYNA software. The results show that the improved constitutive parameters can effectively represent the yield strength surface and residual strength surface of the rock, which verifies the rationality of the improved RHT constitutive model, and also shows that it is an effective and simple method to obtain RHT constitutive parameters by SHPB experiment.
Smartphone-Enabled versus Conventional Otoscopy in Detecting Middle Ear Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Traditional otoscopy has some limitations, including poor visualization and inadequate time for evaluation in suboptimal environments. Smartphone-enabled otoscopy may improve examination quality and serve as a potential diagnostic tool for middle ear diseases using a telemedicine approach. The main objectives are to compare the correctness of smartphone-enabled otoscopy and traditional otoscopy and to evaluate the diagnostic confidence of the examiner via meta-analysis. From inception through 20 January 2022, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched. Studies comparing smartphone-enabled otoscopy with traditional otoscopy regarding the outcome of interest were eligible. The relative risk (RR) for the rate of correctness in diagnosing ear conditions and the standardized mean difference (SMD) in diagnostic confidence were extracted. Sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analyses (TSAs) were conducted to further examine the pooled results. Study quality was evaluated by using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool 2. Consequently, a total of 1840 examinees were divided into the smartphone-enabled otoscopy group and the traditional otoscopy group. Overall, the pooled result showed that smartphone-enabled otoscopy was associated with higher correctness than traditional otoscopy (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.51; p = 0.01; I2 = 70.0%). Consistently significant associations were also observed in the analysis after excluding the simulation study (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.21; p = 0.04; I2 = 0%) and normal ear conditions (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.40; p = 0.04; I2 = 65.0%). For the confidence of examiners using both otoscopy methods, the pooled result was nonsignificant between the smartphone-enabled otoscopy and traditional otoscopy groups (SMD, 0.08; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.40; p = 0.61; I2 = 16.3%). In conclusion, smartphone-enabled otoscopy was associated with a higher rate of correctness in the detection of middle ear diseases, and in patients with otologic complaints, the use of smartphone-enabled otoscopy may be considered. More large-scale studies should be performed to consolidate the results.