Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isotopic and Chemical Assessment of the Dynamics of Methane Sources and Microbial Cycling during Early Development of an Oil Sands Pit Lake

Water-capped tailings technology (WCTT) is a key component of the reclamation strategies in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) of northeastern Alberta, Canada. The release of microbial methane from tailings emplaced within oil sands pit lakes, and its subsequent microbial oxidation, could inhibit the development of persistent oxygen concentrations within the water column, which are critical to the success of this reclamation approach. Here, we describe the results of a four-year (2015–2018) chemical and isotopic (δ13C) investigation into the dynamics of microbial methane cycling within Base Mine Lake (BML), the first full-scale pit lake commissioned in the AOSR. Overall, the water-column methane concentrations decreased over the course of the study, though this was dynamic both seasonally and annually. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) distributions and δ13C demonstrated that dissolved methane, primarily input via fluid fine tailings (FFT) porewater advection, was oxidized by the water column microbial community at all sampling times. Modeling and under-ice observations indicated that the dissolution of methane from bubbles during ebullition, or when trapped beneath ice, was also an important source of dissolved methane. The addition of alum to BML in the fall of 2016 impacted the microbial cycling in BML, leading to decreased methane oxidation rates, the short-term dominance of a phototrophic community, and longer-term shifts in the microbial community metabolism. Overall, our results highlight a need to understand the dynamic nature of these microbial communities and the impact of perturbations on the associated biogeochemical cycling within oil sands pit lakes.
Polyp Detection from Colorectum Images by Using Attentive YOLOv5

Background: High-quality colonoscopy is essential to prevent the occurrence of colorectal cancers. The data of colonoscopy are mainly stored in the form of images. Therefore, artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopy based on medical images is not only a research hotspot, but also one of the effective auxiliary means to improve the detection rate of adenomas. This research has become the focus of medical institutions and scientific research departments and has important clinical and scientific research value. Methods: In this paper, we propose a YOLOv5 model based on a self-attention mechanism for polyp target detection. This method uses the idea of regression, using the entire image as the input of the network and directly returning the target frame of this position in multiple positions of the image. In the feature extraction process, an attention mechanism is added to enhance the contribution of information-rich feature channels and weaken the interference of useless channels; Results: The experimental results show that the method can accurately identify polyp images, especially for the small polyps and the polyps with inconspicuous contrasts, and the detection speed is greatly improved compared with the comparison algorithm. Conclusions: This study will be of great help in reducing the missed diagnosis of clinicians during endoscopy and treatment, and it is also of great significance to the development of clinicians’ clinical work.
Online education expands and evolves

Convenience has always been a big draw of distance courses, but with the prolonged recession, engineers and other professionals are turning to online courses to maintain their job skills and their employability. Corporations have likewise embraced distance learning to keep their employees trained and motivated. Continued evolution in all sectors of engineering education around the world is irreversible. For engineering, the content and presentation lend themselves quite well to distance learning. Given their technical bent, engineering students seem to take to online courses. Flexibility is another attraction of distance learning for the working professional.
EVALUATION OF LOCAL MACHINE PERFORMANCE FOR THRESHING BEAN

The objective of this paper is to study the feasibility of using locally made threshing machine for dry bean( Giaz 6 seed) and selecting the optimum conditions for operation. Threshing drum speeds tested were 11.72 , 13.18 and 15.38 m/sec. , feed rates 10, 15 and 20 kg /min and seed was used at moisture contents of 13.56, 11.53 and 9.20 % . The obtained results show that, the local threshing machine can be successfully used for threshing bean under the following conditions : seed moisture content 9.20 % drum speed 15.38 m / sec and feed rate 20 kg /min, resulting in seed damage of 2.17 % and un-threshed seed of 1.48 % ,threshing efficiency of 98.52 % , consumed power 14.70 kW and criterion cost of 143.20 L.E /ton including operation and losses.
Audio MFCC-gram Transformers for respiratory insufficiency detection in COVID-19

This work explores speech as a biomarker and investigates the detection of respiratory insufficiency (RI) by analyzing speech samples. Previous work [Casanova et al. 2021] constructed a dataset of respiratory insufficiency COVID-19 patient utterances and analyzed it by means of a convolutional neural network achieving an accuracy of 87.04%, validating the hypothesis that one can detect RI through speech. Here, we study how Transformer neural network architectures can improve the performance on RI detection. This approach enables construction of an acoustic model. By choosing the correct pretraining technique, we generate a self-supervised acoustic model, leading to improved performance (96.53%) of Transformers for RI detection.
Environmental contamination with parasites in selected rural farms in the Philippines: impacts of farming practices on leafy greens food safety

Abstract Abstract Fresh vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, however, they can also be agents of transmission of intestinal parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of parasite contamination in vegetable farms as a source of transmission in selected rural communities in Laguna, Philippines. A total of 168 vegetable, 55 soil and 15 water samples collected from four selected farms and a reference farm were processed through various standard parasitological techniques. Of these, 17.3% of vegetables, 47.3% soil and 73.3% water samples were found contaminated with parasites’ eggs or cysts. Interestingly, leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, were found to be more contaminated. Results showed that strongylids/hookworms (egg/larva) showed the highest prevalence in farm soil (38.2%) and vegetable (13.1%); other helminth parasite eggs were also recovered such as Toxocara sp. , Ascaris sp. , Trichiuris, Trichostrongylus sp. and protozoan cysts of Balantidium coli. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts of and Giardia sp. cysts were observed in all water samples in the farms. Furthermore, results revealed that some farming practices such as the use of improperly treated animals manure as fertilizers, unhygienic practice of farmers and sanitation issues were factors that contribute to parasite contamination in the farms. These findings have implications on food safety in poor-resource communities posing public health risks. Recommendations were discussed in the study for the control and prevention of parasite contamination at the farm level.
Human Physiological Parameters Related to Solar and Geomagnetic Disturbances: Data from Different Geographic Regions

It is well known that the various manifestations of space weather can influence a wide range of human activities, from technological systems to human health. Various earlier, as well as more recent multi-disciplinary heliobiological and biometeorological studies have revealed that the human organism is sensitive to environmental physical activity changes and reacts to them through variations of the physiological parameters of the human body. This paper constitutes an overview of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens investigations in regard to the possible effect of solar, geomagnetic, and cosmic ray activity on human physiological parameters. The Athens Cosmic Ray and Solar Physics Groups collaborated with scientific teams from different countries, statistically processing and analyzing data related to human physiological parameters (such as mean heart rate, arterial systolic, and diastolic pressure), or the number of incidents of different types of cardiac arrhythmias and so forth, in relation to data concerning and describing geomagnetic activity (geomagnetic indices Ap and Dst) and variations in cosmic ray intensity (Forbush decreases and cosmic ray intensity enhancements). In total, four projects were carried out concerning data from different geographical regions (Baku, Azerbaijan; Kosice, Slovakia; Tbilisi, Georgia; Piraeus, Greece), covering different time periods and time scales (daily data or yearly data), and referring to different groups of individuals (selected healthy persons or random persons). The studies concluded with interesting results concerning the possible influence of geomagnetic and cosmic ray activity on the human physiological state.
An Integrated Model on Factors Influencing Knowledge Sharing

Knowledge sharing is of great importance to sustain and enhance the competence advantage of the organizations. In order to better promote the knowledge sharing implementation, after a deep review and analysis on literatures and researches, this paper proposes an integrated model on factors influencing knowledge sharing and verify the model by empirical test through the data collected from questionnaires, examining the effect of top management support, organization culture, social relationship, attitude to knowledge sharing, self-efficacy, trust, motivation, intention to knowledge sharing, IT, and training.
Effect of Blended Fly Ashes in Mitigating Alkali–Silica Reaction

The role of chemical composition of fly ash in mitigating alkali–silica reaction (ASR) was examined, and findings were used to evaluate blends of high-lime and low-lime fly ashes in their ability to mitigate ASR. In addition, the influence of particle size (fineness) of fly ashes on ASR mitigation was evaluated, so that the relative significance of fineness and chemical composition of fly ash in mitigating ASR could be established. Findings from these studies confirm results from studies on the influence of lime content of ash on ASR mitigation. Blended fly ashes containing content of no more than 16.5% equivalent calcium oxide and no less than 66% equivalent silicon dioxide were found to be effective in mitigating ASR. The performance of blended fly ashes was comparable with that of virgin fly ashes of equivalent chemical composition. Finer fly ashes showed better ASR mitigation in the case of low- and intermediate-lime fly ashes. However, in the case of high-lime fly ashes, the effect of fineness could not be clearly resolved. Findings from this study indicate that both the physical and the chemical properties of fly ash are important in selecting ashes for developing blends that are effective in ASR mitigation.
Genetic diversity analysis of phenotypic traits among 37 Xanthoceras sorbifolium elite germplasms

ABSTRACT Xanthoceras sorbifolium is one of the most economically important species cultivated in northern China. To analyze the phenotypic variation within X. sorbifolium, 35 phenotypic traits among 37 elite germplasms were analyzed using nested analysis of variance, coefficient of variation (CVs), principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and cluster analysis. Large variation and rich phenotypic diversity were found among and within germplasms of X. sorbifolium. The mean of coefficient of variation for 35 traits among 37 germplasms was 25.49%. It varied from 12.80% to 63.25%, and ranked as follows: branch traits (45.51%) > inflorescence traits (31.01%) > fruit traits (24.67%) > flower traits (24.35%) > seed traits (21.82%) > leaf traits (21.45%). The mean heritability (H2) of 35 phenotypic traits was 75.94%. Significant correlations were observed within and among most branch, leaf, inflorescence, flower, fruit, and seed traits. The cumulative contribution rate of the first nine main principle components reached 80.333%. The 35 phenotypic traits were classified into two main categories and five subcategories by clustering analysis of phenotypic traits. Combined result of correlation, PCA, and clustering of phenotypic traits, 18 representative traits were selected. The 37 elite germplasms were classified into two main groups and six subgroups according to their characteristics by Ward’s method and reasonable utilization of each subgroup were suggested. These results provide useful information for genetic improvement, preservation, and evaluation of X. sorbifolium germplasms.
Temperature Dependency on the Microscopic Mechanism in the Normal Direction of Wrought AZ31 Sheet under Dynamic Compressive Behavior

In order to analyze the competitive relationship of different deformation mechanisms in wrought AZ31 magnesium alloy, the dynamic compressive experiments were conducted by a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus and a resistance-heated furnace in the range of temperature between 20 and 350 °C at the strain rate of 1000 s−1. With the help of Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) observation, theoretical calculated Schmid Factor (SF), Critical Resolved Shear Stress (CRSS), and critical equivalent stress (σ0.2), the dynamic compressive deformation behavior and corresponding mechanism of wrought AZ31 magnesium alloy along the normal direction (ND) were revealed in the current study. The results demonstrate that the c-axis of grains are gradually reoriented parallel to the normal direction of wrought AZ31-ND sheet with the temperature increasing, except the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanism was activated or grains grew up. The non-basal slip and 101¯2 tension twinning are respectively the predominant deformation mechanisms at lower temperatures (≤250 °C) and higher temperatures (≥250 °C). The predominant type of DRX mechanism of wrought AZ31-ND sheet is rotational dynamic recrystallization (RDRX), which is regarded as an obstacle for the kernel misorientation concentration region enhancement.
Optimal Application of Riblets on Compressor Blades and Their Contamination Behavior

During the last decades, riblets have shown a potential for viscous drag reduction in turbulent boundary layers. Several investigations and measurements of skin-friction in the boundary layer over flat plates and on turbomachinery type blades with ideal riblet geometry have been reported in the literature. The question where riblets must be applied on the surface of a compressor blade is still not sufficiently answered. In a first step, the profile loss reduction by ideal triangular riblets with a trapezoidal groove and a constant geometry along the surface on the suction and pressure side of a compressor blade is investigated. The results show a higher potential on the profile loss reduction by riblets on the suction side. In a second step, the effect of laser-structured ribs on the laminar separation bubble and the influence of these structures on the laminar boundary layer near the leading edge are investigated. After clarifying the best choices where riblets should be applied on the blade surface, a strategy for locally adapted riblets is presented. The suction side of a compressor blade is laser-structured with a segmented riblet-like structure with a constant geometry in each segment. The measured profile loss reduction shows the increasing effect on the profile loss reduction of this locally adapted structure compared to a constant riblet-geometry along the surface. Furthermore, the particle deposition on a riblet-structured compressor blade is investigated and compared to the particle deposition on a smooth surface. Results show a primary particle deposition on the riblet tips followed by an agglomeration. The particle deposition on the smooth surface is stochastic.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients with torso injury: a retrospective single-center study

Objective We aimed to identify the risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients admitted to critical care after a torso injury. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 178 patients with torso injury aged >15 years who were intubated in the emergency room and placed on a mechanical ventilator after intensive care unit (ICU) admission, survived for >48 hours, had thoracic and/or abdominal injuries, and had no end-stage renal disease. We compared clinico-laboratory variables between ventilator-associated pneumonia (n = 54, 30.3%) and non-ventilator-associated pneumonia (n = 124, 69.7%) groups. Risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Ventilator-associated pneumonia was associated with a significantly longer stay in the ICU (11.3 vs. 6.8 days) and longer duration of mechanical ventilation (7 vs. 3 days). Injury Severity Score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.048; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.008–1.090), use of vasopressors (AOR: 2.541; 95% CI: 1.121–5.758), and insertion of a nasogastric tube (AOR: 6.749; 95% CI: 2.397–18.999) were identified as independent risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Conclusion Ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with torso injury who were admitted to the ICU was highly correlated with Injury Severity Score, use of vasopressors, and insertion of a nasogastric tube.
Design Artificial Nonlinear Robust Controller Based on CTLC and FSMC With Tunable Gain.

One of the most active research areas in the field of robotics is robot manipulators control, because these systems are multi-input multi-output (MIMO), nonlinear, time variant and uncertainty. An artificial non linear robust controller design is major subject in this work. At present, robot manipulators are used in unknown and unstructured situation and caused to provide complicated systems, consequently nonlinear classical controllers are used in artificial intelligence control methodologies to design nonlinear robust controller with satisfactory performance (e.g., minimum error, good trajectory, disturbance rejection). Sliding mode controller (SMC) and computed torque controller (CTC) are the best nonlinear robust controllers which can be used in uncertainty nonlinear. Sliding mode controller has two most important challenges in uncertain systems: chattering phenomenon and nonlinear dynamic equivalent part. Computed torque controller works very well when all nonlinear dynamic parameters are known. This research is focused on the applied non-classical method (e.g., Fuzzy Logic) in robust classical method (e.g., Sliding Mode Controller and computed torque controller) in the presence of uncertainties and external disturbance to reduce the limitations. Applying the Mamdani’s error based fuzzy logic controller with minimum rules is the first goal that causes the elimination of the mathematical nonlinear dynamic in SMC and CTC. Second target focuses on the elimination of chattering phenomenon with regard to the variety of uncertainty and external disturbance in fuzzy sliding mode controller and computed torque like controller by optimization the tunable gain. Therefore fuzzy sliding mode controller with tunable gain (GTFSMC) and computed torque like controller with tunable gain (GTCTLC) will be presented in this paper.
Sensitivity-Based Non-Linear Model Predictive Control for Aircraft Descent Operations Subject to Time Constraints

The ability to meet a controlled time of arrival while also flying a continuous descent operation will enable environmentally friendly and fuel efficient descent operations while simultaneously maintaining airport throughput. Previous work showed that model predictive control, a guidance strategy based on a reiterated update of the optimal trajectory during the descent, provides excellent environmental impact mitigation figures while meeting operational constraints in the presence of modeling errors. Despite that, the computational delay associated with the solution of the trajectory optimization problem could lead to performance degradation and stability issues. This paper proposes two guidance strategies based on the theory of neighboring extremals that alleviate this problem. Parametric sensitivities are obtained by linearization of the necessary conditions of optimality along the active optimal trajectory plan to rapidly update it for small perturbations, effectively converting the complex and time consuming non-linear programming problem into a manageable quadratic programming problem. Promising results, derived from more than 4000 simulations, show that the performance of this method is comparable to that of instantaneously recalculating the optimal trajectory at each time sample.
Treatment and overall survival among anti-PD-1-exposed advanced melanoma patients with evidence of disease progression.

Background: Little is known regarding treatment patterns and overall survival (OS) for patients with advanced melanoma who progress after anti-PD-1 exposure. Methods: The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate OS from electronic health records for patients with advanced melanoma who progressed on anti-PD-1 therapy and received subsequent therapy. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize treatment. Results: A total of 304 patients who progressed after anti-PD-1 therapy received subsequent therapy: 50% immunotherapy, 36% BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors, 14% other therapies. Median OS was 7.2 months (95% CI: 6.4-8.8), with an association (p < 0.01) with best response to baseline anti-PD-1 therapy and further associations with Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤1 (p < 0.001 compared with ECOG ≥2), normal LDH (p < 0.001 compared with elevated levels) and treatment with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors (p = 0.02 compared with other treatment). There was an association (p < 0.01) of survival with best response to baseline anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusions: OS for advanced melanoma patients who progress on anti-PD-1 therapy is suboptimal, which highlights the need for further research to develop new medications and optimize treatment strategies.
The Effect of Human Factors on the Quality Improvement Practices in Yemeni Industrial Companies

This study conducted an empirical investigation of the total quality management practices in 87 industrial companies in Yemen that had local and international quality certificates. It investigated the effect of human factors of quality management on the quality improvement practices. A self administered questionnaire was distributed to 261 quality managers (three from each company). A total of 210 managers participated in the study with a response rate of 80%. A structural equation modelling (SEM) was carried out by Amos program to test the hypothesis of this study. This study was the first in Yemen as well as in the Middle East interested on the human side of quality management. This study found a direct and significant relationship between the human factors and quality improvement practices (standardized coefficient was 0.80, P<0 .001).
CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF AUSTENITIC AND FERRITIC STEELS IN SUPERCRITICAL WATER

The general corrosion behavior of austenitic and ferritic steels(316L, 304, N controlled 304L, and 410) in supercritical water is investigated in this paper. After exposure to deaerated supercritical water at /25 MPa for up to 500 h, the four steels studied were characterized using gravimetry, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(SEM/EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The results show that the 316L steel with a higher Cr and Ni content has the best corrosion-resistance performance among the steels tested. In addition to the oxide layer mixed with and that formed on all the samples, a loose outer layer was observed on the 410 steel. The corrosion mechanism of stainless steels in supercritical water is discussed based on the above results.