Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Slow- and Fast-Light Effect on the Basis of Stimulated Brillouin Scattering for Application in Optical Communication and Information Systems.

In today’s information age demand for ultra-fast information transfer with ultra-high bandwidths has reached extraordinary levels. Hence, the transmission in the future internet-backbone will be increasingly constrained in the network nodes. At the same time, the power consumption of the network systems will increase to unsustainable levels. To overcome these constraints power-efficient photonic networks which provide ultra-fast all-optical switching and routing are essential. Nowadays, optical signal processing and switching can be implemented relatively easily. However, the realization of optical buffers and short-term memories is still an unsolved challenge. The slowand fast-light effect has been investigated as one solution for the optical buffering over the last few years. It means the slowing down and acceleration of the group velocity of light pulses in a medium. To realize this, many different methods and material systems have been developed but due to its significant advantages the nonlinear effect of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) is particularly promising. However, it also suffers from disadvantages which limit the slowand fast-light performance. In this thesis the slowand fast-light effect using SBS is investigated. SBS-based slowand fast-light utilizes the generation of artificial resonances by the coupling of a strong pump wave inside an optical fiber. This creates gain and loss regions in which a counterpropagating signal wave can be amplified and attenuated, but slowed down and accelerated as well. The properties of such a system depend directly on the Brillouin spectrum. Thus, the focus of this work is the analysis of opportunities to overcome the natural limits of SBS-based slow-light by the optimization of the transfer function. Therefore, different novel methods for a bandwidth enhancement, an enhancement of the maximum achievable time delay and a reduction of the output pulse distortions are investigated in theory and experiment. This includes the theoretical background and practical limits of these methods. The most important results are a bandwidth enhancement to a multiple of the natural Brillouin bandwidth up to the GHz range, a time delay enhancement of up to four times of the initial pulse width and a significant distortion reduction of the output pulses by 25 %. Although there are various potential applications for the slowand fast-light effect, this work examines the topic mainly under the aspect of information and communication systems. Thus, this thesis will show that SBS-based slowand fast-light is a reliable and efficient candidate to realize all-optical short-term buffers. Despite the small storage capacity compared to other techniques, it can be used for an accurate synchronization, multiplexing and equalization of multiple high bit rate data channels as well as for phasedarray antennas.
Potential of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as Compost and its Effect on Soil and Plant Properties: A Review

Water hyacinth, the devastating weed grows in water bodies either naturally or as a result of human interference, is considered as threat to environment due to its negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. To alleviate its negative impact utilization of those become as better mean in recent decades. As such, water hyacinth is known to has potential to be utilized as nutrient source via composting, all most all types of composting techniques are applicable in preparation of compost from water hyacinth. Being an organic source, water hyacinth helps build up soil organic matter, in turn play vital role in the enrichment of the soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Aggregation of soil particles, porosity, density, water holding capacity, nutrient availability, cation exchange capacity, pH, soil microorganism are the soil properties reported to improve with water hyacinth compost application. Moreover, water hyacinth compost seems to be far better than the animal manures in improvement of soil properties. As a result, water hyacinth compost shows magnificent effect of plant agronomic growth parameters such as germination percentage, number of leaves, leaf area index, plant height, length of shoot and root, root: shoot ratio, biomass content as well as yield parameters. However, utilization of water hyacinth has few challenges like difficulties in harvesting, chance for heavy metal accumulation, hardness during decomposition, less awareness. Properly managed water hyacinth compost would serve as an alternative for inorganic nutrient sources in future thus indirectly the threat caused by this aquatic weed on environmental would become minimum.
An equity‐based narrative review of barriers to timely postoperative radiation therapy for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Objectives The majority of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) do not commence postoperative radiation treatment (PORT) within the recommended 6 weeks. We explore how delayed PORT affects survival outcomes, what factors are associated with delayed PORT initiation, and what interventions exist to reduce delays in PORT initiation. Methods We conducted a PubMed search to identify articles discussing timely PORT for HNSCC. We performed a narrative review to assess survival outcomes of delayed PORT as well as social determinants of health (SDOH) and clinical factors associated with delayed PORT, using the PROGRESS‐Plus health equity framework to guide our analysis. We reviewed interventions designed to reduce delays in PORT. Results Delayed PORT is associated with reduced overall survival. Delays in PORT disproportionately burden patients of racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, Medicaid or no insurance, low socioeconomic status, limited access to care, more comorbidities, presentation at advanced stages, and those who experience postoperative complications. Delays in PORT initiation tend to occur during transitions in head and neck cancer care. Delays in PORT may be reduced by interventions that identify patients who are most likely to experience delayed PORT, support patients according to their specific needs and barriers to care, and streamline care and referral processes. Conclusions Both SDOH and clinical factors are associated with delays in timely PORT. Structural change is needed to reduce health disparities and promote equitable access to care for all. When planning care, providers must consider not only biological factors but also SDOH to maximize care outcomes.
Experimental Models, Induction Protocols, and Measured Parameters in Dry Eye Disease: Focusing on Practical Implications for Experimental Research

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the major ophthalmological healthcare challenges worldwide. DED is a multifactorial disease characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and its main pathogenesis is chronic ocular surface inflammation related with various cellular and molecular signaling cascades. The animal model is a reliable and effective tool for understanding the various pathological mechanisms and molecular cascades in DED. Considerable experimental research has focused on developing new strategies for the prevention and treatment of DED. Several experimental models of DED have been developed, and different animal species such as rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, and primates have been used for these models. Although the basic mechanisms of DED in animals are nearly identical to those in humans, proper knowledge about the induction of animal models is necessary to obtain better and more reliable results. Various experimental models (in vitro and in vivo DED models) were briefly discussed in this review, along with pathologic features, analytical approaches, and common measurements, which will help investigators to use the appropriate cell lines, animal, methods, and evaluation parameters depending on their study design.
Effect of Sustained Isometric and Isotonic Exercises on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variability – A Comparative Study

Introduction: Isometric exercises are contractions of a particular muscle which doesn’t noticeably change length and the affected joint doesn’t move [1]. Isotonic exercises involve contracting muscle shortens against a constant weight, as when lifting as weight [2,3]. These two different types of exercise have profound changes in the body affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems [4]. Studies comparing the effectiveness of isotonic and isometric exercises on blood pressure and heart rate variability (HRV) were scanty [5]. Objective: The present study planned to investigate and compare the efficacy of isometric as well as isotonic exercises on changes in blood pressure, heart rate and HRV. Materials and methods: 10 normal healthy subjects in the age group 17-20 years of both genders participated in the study. All the subjects were assessed under three different conditions: Resting state, After isotonic exercises (20 repetitions of straight leg raise) and After isometric exercises 2 mins of sustained abdominal exercises). After each procedure, blood pressure and heart rate variability were calculated. Results: Isometric exercises cause reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure while pulse rate increases significantly. Isotonic exercises increase the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure significantly. The result is statistically significant with p<0.050. Conclusion: Thus it can be concluded an innovative finding that isometric exercise causes profound decline in blood pressure and increased heart rate variability thus showing a negative impact on cardiovascular health. So it can be concluded that isotonic exercise improves the circulation and supports the cardiovascular system and strengthens the muscle, improves bone density and boosts cardiac function
Response, readiness and challenges of online teaching amid COVID-19 pandemic: the case of higher education in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Objective Online education is a relatively new phenomenon in Bangladesh. Gathering data online during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines the response, readiness and challenges of online education in the Bangladeshi context. Method Data were collected by applying qualitative approaches such as focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with purposively selected students and teachers involved in online education at two public and three private universities. Results The findings reveal an immediate response from some universities and late or no action from others in continuing education during the pandemic. Since teachers, students or the university administration were unprepared for such a situation, there was a shortage of or creation of initiatives, although a certain degree of success was noticed. Major challenges include the lack of appropriate technology, knowledge of technology use, teachers’ inadequate skills in operating the system and motivating students, poor Internet facilities and high Internet costs, and absence of a calm environment at students’ homes. Conclusion Steps such as workshops for teacher development, improvement of technology and facilities, subsidies in Internet use, revisits to higher education and emergency education laws, and assistance from other professionals and institutions are proposed for consideration. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: A number of higher educational institutions (HEIs) worldwide have introduced online education, and have been continuing teaching–learning activities online from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. HEI teachers in developed countries have prior training and experience in conducting online education; however, several pedagogical, technical and management-related challenges have been identified. HEIs in Bangladesh do not have a specific policy regarding continuing education in an emergency. This is the first time that online education has been launched. What this study adds: This study explores how HEIs, particularly teachers, respond to continuing teaching–learning activities. It illustrates teachers’ pedagogical, technical and management-related readiness necessary for online education. This study also identifies several challenges in continuing online teaching–learning activities in Bangladesh HEIs.
Overview of Recent Results of the Solar Two Test and Evaluations Program

The Solar Two project is a collaborative, cost-shared project between eleven US industry and utility partners and the U.S. Department of Energy to validate the molten-salt power tower technology. The Solar Two plant, located east of Barstow, CA, comprises 1926 heliostats, a receiver, a thermal storage system and a steam generator system that use molten nitrate salt as the heat transfer fluid and storage media. The steam generator powers a 10 MWe, conventional Rankine cycle turbine. This paper describes the test plan and evaluations currently in progress at Solar Two and provides some recent results.
Calibration of the proposed limit states design rules for steel beams and columns

The probabilistic models of steel beams and columns used in the calibration of the proposed limit states design (LSD) rules for these members are presented. Safety indices are computed for members designed to the existing and proposed LSD rules. The components considered are beam segments with and without lateral support including elastic and inelastic response, and axially loaded columns. Components of variability covered by the models include that due to the design process and the inherent variability of the material, fabrication and section properties. It is proposed that the current differential in safety indices between the two groups of beams be maintained in the proposed LSD code and this could be achieved by using only one phi-factor for all steel beams. Similarly, it is proposed that only one phi- factor be used for hot rolled columns for all slenderness ratios. (Author/TRRL)
Women working in construction management roles: is it worth it?

Although women’s experience of working in management has been the subject of extensive comment, the particular challenges they face in this role within male-dominated professions continue to be under-reported. Drawing on ethnographic research into the career experiences of women civil engineers in the UK, this article critically discusses how women perceive management careers in construction in light of what some regard as limited financial rewards for the high levels of stress and the long hours expected in this highly competitive industry. A feminist theoretical framework has been used to thematically analyse data from thirty-one in depth interviews with women working in both the consulting and contracting parts of the business. The study highlights cultural issues of visibility and the presenteeism ethos of the sector. It also draws attention to the material constraints of construction sites where women in authority roles are ‘embattled’ and not taken seriously because the hostile work environment enables men to put women in a subordinate place in the construction hierarchy. Women are taking up senior management posts in construction but only in very few numbers. Their success depends on assuming ‘male’ behavioural norms and intensified work patterns because ‘belonging’ in construction workplace cultures is highly gendered.
PE Teachers' and Pupils' Perceptions of the Delivery of Health-Related Exercise in Physical Education

The concept of health-related exercise (HRE) emerged within the Physical Education (PE) profession during the 1980s (Green, 2008). Subsequently, HRE has gained momentum within many UK schools and the position of health has increased within the National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCPE). The ambiguous nature of the NCPE, over this period, led to educationally undesirable practices in HRE (Cale and Harris, 2009a; Harris, 2009, 2005, 2000a). This has been exacerbated by the NCPE only outlining the content to be taught and not „how‟ the content should be implemented (Harris, 2009). The purpose of this study was to explore HRE delivery methods (permeated-only, discrete-only and combined approaches) in secondary school PE lessons. Fifteen PE teachers (7 female and 8 male; aged 22-54 years) and forty-seven pupils (35 male and 12 female; aged 11-16 years) were selected from four secondary schools. A qualitative multiple site design was adopted that utilised semi-structured interviews of PE teachers and pupils, and direct lesson observations. The study revealed that the discrete approach was by far the most popular method of delivering HRE. PE teachers preferred the discrete approach because it allowed a designated time slot to undertake meaningful health and fitness work. Pupils also preferred HRE being delivered in a discrete manner because it was more „functional‟ than other approaches and allowed them to concentrate on one aspect at a time within a lesson. The two other approaches investigated displayed mixed fortunes. Results are discussed in relation to the implications Abstract vi for research and practice and provided the first insights into pupils‟ and teachers‟ perceptions of the range of HRE delivery methods „in situ‟ HRE practice. Future research should investigate the most effective method of HRE delivery.
Drivers’ Route Choice Behavior: Analysis by Data Mining Algorithms

Decision trees and production rules, which are among the methods used in knowledge discovery and data mining, are applied to investigate drivers’ route choice behavior. These methods have an advantage over artificial neural networks, another data mining method often used in analysis of travel behavior: they facilitate determination of the relationships between the explanatory variables and the choice. Specifically, the C4.5 algorithm, which produces a decision tree and a set of production rules from the tree, is applied here. Two surveys were carried out to collect data on drivers’ route choice behavior between two alternative routes on expressway networks. The two data sets include the expected minimum, maximum, and average travel times along each alternative route, as indicated by the respondent as well as his or her sociodemographic attributes. The results of the analyses suggest that different expected travel times influence route choice in different cases and that a maximum or average travel time determines route choice in some cases regardless of other attributes. The results of a comparison analysis between the C4.5 algorithm and discrete choice models indicate the superior ability offered by the former in representing drivers’ route choice.
Efficient DNN Ensemble for Pneumonia Detection in Chest X-ray Images

Pneumonia is a disease caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which could be fatal if timely medical care is not provided. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, the most common diagnosis for severe COVID-19 is severe pneumonia. The most common method of detecting Pneumonia is through chest X-ray which is a very time intensive process and requires a skilled expert. The rapid development in the field of deep learning and neural networks in recent years has led to drastic improvement in automation of pneumonia detection from analysing chest x- rays. In this paper, a pre-trained Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) on chest x-ray images is used as feature extractors which are then further processed to classify the images in order to predict whether a person has pneumonia or not. The different pre- trained Convolutional Neural Networks used are assessed with various parameters regarding their predictions on the images. The results of pre-trained neural networks were examined, and an ensemble model was proposed that combines the predictions of the best pre-trained models to produce better results than individual models.
Flame blowoff studies using large-scale flameholders

Experimental and theoretical studies are carried out on the factors governing the blowoff velocities of stabilized flames supplied with flowing gaseous combustible mixtures. The test program encompasses wide variations in effective pressure, obtained using the water injection technique, and wide ranges of velocity, flameholder size, and flameholder blockage. An equation for predicting blowoff13; velocities is derived that shows good agreement with the experimental data. In the water-injection technique, low pressures are simulated by injecting water or steam into the fuel-air mixture flowing into the combustion zone. This approach makes it possible for complete stability loops to be drawn for large flameholders, up to 8 cm in
Effect of Electronic Tax System Adoption on Tax Compliance and Users’ Satisfaction in Lagos State Nigeria

Digital revolution has modified the various modes of interaction among economic agents with the rise of social media and the means of do business in the internet age. This has necessitated the introduction of various types of electronic tax systems, as a means to provide taxpayers an effective and efficient means to lodge their tax claims at their convenience. Thus, this study assessed taxpayer compliance and satisfaction with e-tax systems in Lagos using elicit responses from selected taxpayers and private tax practitioners to find how they perceived the introduction of e-tax assessment. A questionnaire was designed and administered to Four hundred respondents in Lagos State. The Cronbach Alpha and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin were used to test the reliability and adequacy of the research instrument. The result of the correlation and regression analysis showed that factors such as accessibility, ease of use, accuracy, reliability, security and privacy have significant influence on taxpayers’ compliance and satisfaction with e-tax services. Thus, it is recommended that ways to increase the features and expectations from the e-tax system must be sought from users that interacts with the system regularly due to diverse expectations by various tax payers in order to cater for multiple cultural perspectives.
Alamandine: Potential Protective Effects in SARS-CoV-2 Patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can occur due to contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 has no confined treatment and, consequently, has high hospitalization and mortality rates. Moreover, people who contract COVID-19 present systemic inflammatory spillover. It is now known that COVID-19 pathogenesis is linked to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). COVID-19 invades host cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor—as such, an individual's susceptibility to COVID-19 increases alongside the upregulation of this receptor. COVID-19 has also been associated with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, which leads to acute respiratory distress, cardiomyopathy, and shock. These outcomes are thought to result from imbalances in angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang-(1-7)/alamandine activity. ACE2, Ang-(1-7), and alamandine have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and some SARS-CoV-2 patients exhibit high levels of ACE2 and Ang-(1-7). This phenomenon could indicate a failing physiological response to prevent or reduce the severity of inflammation-mediated pulmonary injuries. Alamandine, which is another protective component of the RAS, has several health benefits owing to its antithrombogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic characteristics. Alamandine alleviates pulmonary fibrosis via the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor D (MrgD). Thus, a better understanding of this pathway could uncover novel pharmacological strategies for altering proinflammatory environments within the body. Following such strategies could inhibit fibrosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection and, consequently, prevent COVID-19.