Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subsurface Soil-Geology Interpolation Using Fuzzy Neural Network

Soil geology plays an important role in selection of core soil for constructing rock-fill dams and in geotechnical evaluation while constructing major structures. Inferring the geology formations in the region between one borehole and another (cross-borehole region) is a human-intensive process of only moderate reliability. Improved operation planning and better geological assessment contributing to cost reduction can be achieved if reliability of inference can be improved. Cross-borehole interpolation using neural networks, such as the multilayer perceptron (MLP), is a relatively recent development and offers many advantages in dealing with the nonlinearity inherent in such a problem. However, neural networks alone are not sufficient to accommodate the fuzzy nature of the geological information. Cross-borehole soil-geology interpolation was investigated using a fuzzy-MLP neural network and is summarized in this paper. To train this network, data from borehole investigations were supplemented with artificial data created using human knowledge, which we term “data-based knowledge incorporation. ” The fuzzy-MLP neural network takes advantage of MLP neural networks and fuzzy set theory. Because of this, fuzzy-MLP not only interpolates but also provides an indication about the interpolation accuracy.
The Zoonotic Helminth Parasite Fasciola hepatica: Virulence-Associated Cathepsin B and Cathepsin L Cysteine Peptidases Secreted by Infective Newly Excysted Juveniles (NEJ)

Simple Summary Fasciolosis, caused by the worm parasite Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke), is a global disease of farm animals and a neglected disease of humans. Infection arises from the ingestion of resistant metacercariae that contaminate vegetation. Within the intestine, the parasite excysts as an active larvae, the newly excysted juvenile (NEJ), that borrows through the intestinal wall to infect the host and migrates to the liver. NEJ release, tissue penetration and migration are facilitated by enzymes secreted by the parasite, namely, cathepsin B1 (FhCB1), cathepsin B2 (FhCB2), cathepsin B3 (FhCB3) and cathepsin L3 (FhCL3). While our knowledge of these enzymes is growing, we have yet to understand why the parasites require all four of them to invade the host. In this study, we produced functional recombinant forms of these enzymes and demonstrated that they vary greatly in terms of activity, optimal pH and substrate specificity, suggesting that, combined, these enzymes provide the parasite with an efficient digestion system for different host tissues and molecules. We also identified several compounds that inhibited the activity of these enzymes, but did not affect the ability of the larvae to excyst or survive. However, this does not exclude these enzymes as targets for development of drugs or vaccines. Abstract Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a major global disease of livestock and an important neglected helminthiasis of humans. Infection arises when encysted metacercariae are ingested by the mammalian host. Within the intestine, the parasite excysts as a newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) that penetrates the intestinal wall and migrates to the liver. NEJ excystment and tissue penetration are facilitated by the secretion of cysteine peptidases, namely, cathepsin B1 (FhCB1), cathepsin B2 (FhCB2), cathepsin B3 (FhCB3) and cathepsin L3 (FhCL3). While our knowledge of these peptidases is growing, we have yet to understand why multiple enzymes are required for parasite invasion. Here, we produced functional recombinant forms of these four peptidases and compared their physio-biochemical characteristics. Our studies show great variation of their pH optima for activity, substrate specificity and inhibitory profile. Carboxy-dipeptidase activity was exhibited exclusively by FhCB1. Our studies suggest that, combined, these peptidases create a powerful hydrolytic cocktail capable of digesting the various host tissues, cells and macromolecules. Although we found several inhibitors of these enzymes, they did not show potent inhibition of metacercarial excystment or NEJ viability in vitro. However, this does not exclude these peptidases as targets for future drug or vaccine development.
European Short-term Electricity Market Designs under High Penetration of Wind Power

The EU has ambitious policies for decarbonization of the electricity sector. Due to recent technological developments, wind power already represents a significant share of the generation mix in some European countries. As a result, short-term electricity markets and balancing arrangements must be redesigned to accommodate the increasing variability and unpredictability of generation in an economically efficient way, without endangering system security. Currently, Europe is characterized by heterogeneity of national market designs for short-term electricity markets. This thesis analyzes the efficiency of short-term markets in Europe, in a national context and in the context of cross-border trade. It highlights the effects of interactions between the various short-term markets and balancing arrangements and shows how current market designs and regulations cause distorted price signals. This thesis argues the case for harmonization of national market designs to improve the economic efficiency of cross-border trade in short-term markets. The current initiatives towards the establishment of an Internal Energy Market in Europe are insufficient to ensure economic efficiency and system security of the European electricity system of the future, in which intermittent renewables will play a dominant role.
MÉTHODES DE VISUALISATION DES ÉCOULEMENTS HYDRAULIQUES

Le laboratoire des Analogies hydrauliques de l'O.N. E.R. A. exploite différents dispositifs et méthodes destinés à la visualisation de l'écoulement autour des maquettes. Ces moyens expérimentaux ont permis, comme le prouvent les exemples de résultats présentés (*), d'apporter une contribution qualitative, et même quantitative, à des recherches fondamentales de mécanique des fluides, principalement en aérodynamique (décollements, tourbillons, jets, etc.). Leur domaine d'application peut être étendu à des études telles que : diffuseurs, prises d'air, hélices, etc.
Capsid protein from red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus induces incomplete autophagy by inactivating the HSP90ab1-AKT-MTOR pathway

As a highly important fish virus, nervous necrosis virus (NNV) has caused severe economic losses to the aquaculture industry worldwide. Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved intracellular degradation process, is involved in the pathogenesis of several viruses. Although NNV can induce autophagy to facilitate infection in grouper fish spleen cells, how it initiates and mediates autophagy pathways during the initial stage of infection is still unclear. Here, we found that red-spotted grouper NNV (RGNNV) induced autophagosome formation in two fish cell lines at 1.5 and 3 h post infection, indicating that autophagy is activated upon entry of RGNNV. Moreover, autophagic detection showed that RGNNV entry induced incomplete autophagy by impairing the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. Further investigation revealed that binding of the RGNNV capsid protein (CP) to the Lateolabrax japonicus heat shock protein HSP90ab1 (LjHSP90ab1), a cell surface receptor of RGNNV, contributed to RGNNV invasion-induced autophagy. Finally, we found that CP blocked the interaction of L. japonicus protein kinase B (AKT) with LjHSP90ab1 by competitively binding the NM domain of LjHSP90ab1 to inhibit the AKT-mechanistic target of the rapamycin (MTOR) pathway. This study provides novel insight into the relationship between NNV receptors and autophagy, which may help clarify the pathogenesis of NNV.
Qualitative Analysis of Langevin Integro-Fractional Differential Equation under Mittag–Leffler Functions Power Law

This research paper intends to investigate some qualitative analysis for a nonlinear Langevin integro-fractional differential equation. We investigate the sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the proposed problem using Banach’s and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorems. Furthermore, we discuss different types of stability results in the frame of Ulam–Hyers by using a mathematical analysis approach. The obtained results are illustrated by presenting a numerical example.
Services to the housebound in Adelaide’s metropolitan and regional public libraries: current practices and future needs

The author examines the evolution of the current Australian demographic and its implications for the delivery of public library services. The ‘baby boomers’, the generation born between 1946 and 1961, are the next cohort to be seriously in need of housebound services, and the characteristics and likely needs of this group are considered with particular reference to the public libraries of Adelaide. This case study report presents the findings of interviews conducted with 14 public libraries in metropolitan and regional Adelaide who currently provide a library service to their housebound patrons, including both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to gather data. The chief method used was open-ended interviews conducted with the librarians responsible for the provision of this service at each of the participating libraries.
Further Evidence on Competition in Nonprofit Donor Markets

This article introduces a novel empirical approach to the nonprofit literature that can measure competition between nonprofit organizations. Our approach provides a framework to determine how the number of organizations may be incorporated into empirical competitive analysis. We then systematically estimate the average population needed to support a given number of nonprofits in a market. We find that, for the 10 nonprofit industries examined, markets reach competitive levels once four or more nonprofits have entered. The results suggest that a relatively small number of nonprofits are needed to ensure robust competition. Our findings demonstrate that donor market competition is both predictive in nonprofit entry decisions and remarkably similar to competitive behavior among for-profit firms. We discuss several implications of these findings, in terms of both policy and future empirical research.
Household Food Insecurity, Dietary Diversity, and Stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Background: The significant public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa of household food insecurity is an underlying cause of malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to systematically study the association between household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and stunting. Methods: This review was carried out based on the recommendations of PRISMA (2015). We searched the literature in six bibliographic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The research was based on studies conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa about household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and stunting and was published between 2009 and 2020. Results: Out of 2398 original articles identified, only 21 articles met the specific requirements of this review. Two-thirds of the articles selected showed that stunting was linked to household food insecurity and dietary diversity. Conclusions: This study found that household food insecurity and dietary diversity are significantly associated with stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review recommends that in order to yield a sustainable fight against childhood malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa, reliable guidelines and strategies are needed to address these factors related to malnutrition.
A novel poly-silicon-capped poly-silicon-germanium thin-film transistor

Poly-silicon-capped (poly-Si-capped) polysilicon-germanium (poly-Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/) thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been designed and fabricated with the aim to improve performance of load devices in high-density mega-bit SRAM cells. Poly-Si-capped poly-Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ TFTs utilize the excellent interface between oxide and poly-Si interface as well as the higher mobilities of poly-Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/. P-channel poly-Si-capped poly-Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ TFTs show superior device results compared to similarly-processed poly-Si TFTs.
Optimization oftheEfficiency ofAeolian Vibration Dampers

Stockbridge-type aeolian vibration dampers, ifproperly chosen andapplied, haveproven tobeeffective toprotect overhead linesfrom harmfulwind-induced vibrations. However, conventional dampers withbolted clamps mayhaveshortcomings indamping highfrequency vibrations ofsmall diameter optical groundwires (OPGW)duetotheir highclamp mass.Theoretical considerations basedon waveimpedance analysis predict that reduction ofdamperclamp massshould bebeneficialfor damping efficiency athighfrequencies. A damperclampdesigned for attachment bymeansofhelicalfactory-formed rodsisintroduced, leading toa considerable reduction ofdamperclampmass. Measurements ofpowerdissipation characteristics using testing techniques described inIEEE Std664confirm thepredicted improvement ofdamper performance athigher frequencies.
A fuzzy logic sliding mode controlled electronic differential for a direct wheel drive EV

In this study, a direct wheel drive electric vehicle based on an electronic differential system with a fuzzy logic sliding mode controller (FLSMC) is studied. The conventional sliding surface is modified using a fuzzy rule base to obtain fuzzy dynamic sliding surfaces by changing its slopes using the global error and its derivative in a fuzzy logic inference system. The controller is compared with proportional–integral–derivative (PID) and sliding mode controllers (SMCs), which are usually preferred to be used in industry. The proposed controller provides robustness and flexibility to direct wheel drive electric vehicles. The fuzzy logic sliding mode controller, electronic differential system and the overall electrical vehicle mechanism are modelled and digitally simulated by using the Matlab software. Simulation results show that the system with FLSMC has better efficiency and performance compared to those of PID and SMCs.
On optimization for security and reliability of power systems with distributed generation

Electricity market restructuring and supra-national agreements on the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions have paved the way for an increase in the use of distributed generation - the connection of generation to the lower voltage power system. This paper formulates and discusses a methodology for the optimal siting and sizing of distributed generation a security constrained system can accept. Optimal siting is determined by sensitivity analysis of the power flow equations. The sizing method for a set of loading conditions, generation penetration level and power factor is formulated as a security constrained optimization problem. The information on optimal generation sites is used further to optimize system reliability assessed via reliability indices calculation. A genetic algorithm is designed to solve for optimal recloser positions when distributed generators are deployed in a securely optimal manner.
A conserved viral amphipathic helix governs the replication site-specific membrane association

Positive-strand RNA viruses assemble their viral replication complexes (VRCs) on specific host organelle membranes, yet it is unclear how viral replication proteins recognize and what motifs or domains in viral replication proteins determine their localizations. We show here that an amphipathic helix, helix B in replication protein 1a of brome mosaic virus (BMV), is necessary for 1a’s localization to the nuclear endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane where BMV assembles its VRCs. Helix B is also sufficient to target soluble proteins to the nuclear ER membrane in yeast and plant cells. We further show that an equivalent helix in several plant- and human-infecting viruses of the alphavirus-like superfamily targets fluorescent proteins to the organelle membranes where they form their VRCs, including ER, vacuole, and Golgi membranes. Our work reveals a conserved helix that governs the localization of VRCs among a group of viruses and points to a possible target for developing broad-spectrum antiviral strategies.
Local and Systemic Complications of Local Testosterone Patches and Gels

In recent decades, testosterone therapy has gained the attention of many researchers due to the increased demand for this modality worldwide, the increased average age of the different populations, and increased awareness of the potential uses of the modality in clinical settings. Using testosterone therapy aims to treat erectile dysfunction, libido disorders, and potentially enhance physical strength and general body functions. It should be noted that the administration of this treatment modality has been reported with various adverse outcomes despite the remarkable efficacy and wide rates of administration among the different populations. In the present literature review, we have discussed the potential local and systemic complications of applying local testosterone patches and gel. The main advesre events that were reported for both formulas have been skin reactions at the site of application. However, these reactions are not usually serious, and only a few patients discontinued the therapy due to these reactions. In general, evidence indicates that the exogenous administration of testosterone has been associated with many systemic complications as cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, and elevated hematocrite value. However, evidence regarding this association is still controversial, and additional studies are needed for verfication.
The Current State of the Art in the Teaching of Grammar At Vietnamese High Schools

This paper analyzes the importance of teaching grammar in EFL classrooms and seeks the appropriate answers to the questions of when, what and how to teach grammar at Vietnamese high schools. In this paper, second/foreign language teaching methodologies in the last several centuries will be briefly reviewed in chronological order with a special focus on the role of grammar and grammar teaching. Secondly, the development and the current state of the art of grammar teaching in the world as well as in Vietnam over the last thirty
OSBP-mediated cholesterol transfer determines epithelial polarity and associated cargo secretion

Golgi lipid environment regulates sorting and cargo secretion. However, the mechanisms that spatiotemporally control the lipid composition of the secretory membranes to drive cargo trafficking are poorly understood. Lipid transfer proteins regulate the concentration of specific lipids at membrane contact sites. We hypothesised that by catalysing cholesterol/PI(4)P exchange at ER-trans-Golgi membrane contact sites the lipid transfer protein oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) affects the secretion of a subset of cargoes. Here, we report that OSBP is a major epithelial protein as its inhibition leads to complete loss of apico-basal polarity. By mapping the OSBP proximity proteome with the biotin ligase TurboID, we found that OSBP controls the secretion of multiple membrane associated proteins, including key polarity determinants such as E-cadherin. Mechanistically, we established that OSBP contributes to E-cadherin secretion by supplying cholesterol to post-Golgi membranes. Importantly, when cells downregulate cell-cell junctions upon epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, they re-wire their lipid homeostasis and downregulate OSBP as well, thus altering the trafficking of the OSBP-dependent secretory cargoes.
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems’ Optimisation. A Review and Extended Comparison of the Most-Used Software Tools

To help stakeholders plan, research, and develop Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES), the elaboration of numerous modelling techniques and software simulation tools has been reported. The thorough analysis of these undoubtedly complex systems is strongly correlated with the efficient utilisation of the potential of renewable energy and the meticulous development of pertinent designs. In this context, various optimisation constraints/targets have also been utilised. This specific work initially carries out a thorough review of the modelling techniques and simulation software developed in an attempt to define a commonly accepted categorisation methodology for the various existing HRES simulation methods. Moreover, the widely utilised optimisation targets are analysed in detail. Finally, it identifies the sensitivity of two commercial software tools (HOMER Pro and iHOGA) by examining nine case studies based on different wind and solar potential combinations. The results obtained by the two commercial tools are compared with the ESA Microgrid Simulator, a software developed by the Soft Energy Applications and Environmental Protection Laboratory of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of West Attica. The evaluation of the results, based on the diversification of the renewable energy potential used as input, has led to an in-depth assessment of the deviances detected in the software tools selected.
INTEGRATING DISPARATE KNOWLEDGE TO IMPROVE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Knowledge is a valuable resource in the development of natural resource management (NRM) strategies. However, available knowledge is often under-utilised, particularly that knowledge not created by science. This paper describes some simple processes and tools for unlocking, modeling, combining and using the disparate knowledge held by stakeholder groups in the development of NRM strategies and for adaptive management. These have the potential to improve NRM by utilising a range of existing knowledge in strategy development (planning), by improving the adoption and implementation of those management strategies by local resource managers, and by allowing stakeholders to review that success of their management strategies over time.
Properties of Holographic Elements Based on Periodic Structures in a Wide Range of Angles of Incidence

An experimental study is carried out on the diffraction and angular selectivity properties of gratings for a wide range of angles of incidence in three-dimensional space. Results for three grating types are presented: nonslanted volume gratings, slanted volume gratings, and hybrid structures. The study encompasses a wide range of directions of radiation incidence on structures and reveals grating orientations that can provide maximal diffraction efficiency for angles of incidence of more than 70°. Obtained data are used to assess the efficiency of diffractive deflectors on the basis of the considered structures, taking into account the trajectory of the Sun as applied to solar-energy problems.