Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finding Robust Solutions to Water Resources Problems

Water resources planners and managers are continually faced with decisions to be made under uncertainty. In planning problems such as water supply, flood control, and ground-water remediation, the trade-offs among expected cost, cost variability, and system performance and reliability must be assessed amidst inherent variability and imperfect information. Robust optimization (RO) is introduced as a framework for evaluating these trade-offs and controlling the effects of uncertainty in water resources screening models. Upon the introduction of scenarios, which represent realizations of the random parameters in the model, two types of robustness are defined: a policy is optimality-robust if it remains optimal or nearly optimal for all scenarios, and feasibility-robust if it remains feasible or nearly feasible for all scenarios. Applications to urban water transfer planning and ground-water quality management are presented, with optimality robustness related to cost variability and feasibility robustness rel.
A mobile wireless sensor network platform for use with optical fibre sensors

This paper presents a novel design of a system for using smart mobile robots to deploy a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for different optical fibre sensors, allowing for potential applications where there is a remote and harsh monitoring environment and allowing for the advantages of the optical fibre technology for the sensor itself to be used. The platform which was designed is comprised of a smart mobile robot, an optical fibre sensor module and a WSN module integrated with a localization component based on Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which has important advantages for mobile sensing and tracking, flexible deployment and mesh networking. The design principle and implementation-related issues for the platform have been discussed in this study. To investigate the performance of the mobile WSN platform, an experiment simulating measurement in a real environment has been performed. With the positive experimental data obtained, the functionalities of the platform are successfully demonstrated, which enables the real-time monitoring and transmission of sensor data and in addition estimated positional information. The exploitation of this kind of mobile WSN platform with fibre optic sensors is expected to make an impact on many applications, including those where advanced optical fibre sensing is particularly advantageous, yet where conventional WSNs cannot meet the requirements of the total sensing system.
Root Variation in Common Gardens: Divergent Responses in Native and Nonnative Field Sites of an Annual Ruderal Mediterranean Plant

Premise of research. Root traits of annual plants are known to vary across environmentally manipulated conditions in controlled settings. Roots absorb nutrients and water, essential for individual function and survival. Yet how ruderal plant populations respond belowground to spatial and temporal variation in field conditions is largely unknown. The present study examines the natural variation of root traits and survival among populations of the annual Arabidopsis thaliana across gardens along a fertility gradient. Methodology. We established common gardens in field settings and in raised beds in the plant’s native and nonnative ranges using populations of A. thaliana from western/central Spain. Survival through the growing season and root traits were investigated for garden and population influences and for the relationship between survival and root biomass. Pivotal results. We demonstrate differences in survival among gardens, populations, and years. Survival was highest in the higher-fertility gardens in the native and nonnative ranges. We detected plasticity (among gardens and between years) of root length, lateral root production, primary root length, and biomass. Roots were substantially larger when grown in the more fertile gardens, where water and nutrients were consistently available. Yet lateral root production was also high in a low-fertility field garden. We detected substantial among-population variation in root traits in the higher-fertility gardens. Conclusions. This study demonstrates among-population variation in root traits in field gardens and substantial root plasticity measured across locations. Evidence of local adaptation was indicated by native local populations showing the highest survival and root growth in the home native garden. Such differences in survival and root functional trait responses inform how plants respond to dramatic changes in environmental conditions, particularly in novel sites. We advocate for additional studies of belowground traits to further uncover the extent of natural variation in root phenotypic responses in the field.
All-optical wavelength conversion by semiconductor optical amplifiers

Following a brief introduction to the applications for wavelength conversion and the different available conversion techniques, the paper gives an in depth analysis of cross gain and cross phase wavelength conversion in semiconductor optical amplifiers. The influence of saturation filtering on the bandwidth of the converters is explained and conditions for conversion at 20 Gb/s or more are identified. The cross gain modulation scheme shows extinction ratio degradation for conversion to longer wavelengths. This can be overcome using cross phase modulation in semiconductor optical amplifiers that are integrated into interferometric structures. The first results for monolithic integrated interferometric wavelength converters are reviewed, and the quality of the converted signals is demonstrated by transmission of 10 Gb/s converted signals over 60 km of nondispersion shifted single mode fiber.
Biodynamics of Stand-Up Rider Lift Truck Accidents

This paper describes testing and simulation of operator and truck kinematics during stand-up rider forklift truck accidents. A Hybrid III, ATD was used as an operator surrogate and tested in an off-the-dock accident experiment. A rigid multibody, biomechanical model, representing the ATD, was developed and validated with deceleration sled data. The biomechanical model was then used with a truck model in a simulation of the test. The kinematic results are in agreement with the testing. Various physical and initial conditions of the truck and biomechanical model were studied.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Genotyping of Cryptosporidium species in children suffering from diarrhea in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt.

INTRODUCTION The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is one of the principal reasons for childhood diarrhea around the world. This work aimed to differentiate Cryptosporidium species among children suffering from diarrhea in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt. METHODOLOGY A total of 97 fecal specimens were taken from children suffering from diarrhea, attending Pediatric Clinics of Zagazig University and Al-Ahrar Hospitals. Full history was taken. Stool samples were examined microscopically using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts. To identify Cryptosporidium genotypes, positive samples were then subjected to nested Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism targeting Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene. RESULTS The overall detection rate was 27.8% (27/97) using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain staining method. Using nested polymerase chain reaction, the gene was amplified in 85.2% (23/27). Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that 65.2% (15/23) were Cryptosporidium hominis, 30.4% (7/23) were Cryptosporidium parvum, and one sample was not typed (4.4%). The significant risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in children were animal contact and residence in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS Cryptosporidium is a common enteric parasite affecting children in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt, with the predominance of C. hominis genotype in children.
l-Arginine Alleviates LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via Activating SIRT1-AKT-Nrf2 and SIRT1-FOXO3a Signaling Pathways in C2C12 Myotube Cells

l-arginine (l-Arg) has been reported to possess a wide range of functions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptosis. However, the role of l-Arg in LPS-induced muscle injury and its potential protective mechanism has not been well elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of l-Arg on the LPS-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in differentiated C2C12 myotube cells. Our results demonstrated that myotube cells treated with 0.2 mg/mL LPS significantly decreased cell viability. l-Arg treatment significantly suppressed LPS induced ROS accumulation and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, l-Arg improved antioxidant-related enzymes’ activities; increased antioxidant ability via Akt-Nrf2 signaling pathway; maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); and enhanced FOXO3a expression, leading to a decrease in the mitochondrial-associated apoptotic proteins. In addition, l-Arg exposure dramatically increased the mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT1. The cytoprotective effect of l-Arg was restricted by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527, which led to an increase in ROS level, apoptosis rate, and decreased cell MMP. The results also demonstrated that EX527 treatment significantly eliminated the effect of l-Arg on LPS-induced oxidative damage and mitochondria-mediated cell apoptosis. Our findings revealed that l-Arg could be used as a potential nutraceutical in reducing muscle injury via regulating SIRT1-Akt-Nrf2 and SIRT1-FOXO3a-mitochondria apoptosis signaling pathways.
Design recommendations for steel beams with web holes

Concise design recommendations are given relating to the design of W-shaped beams for building structures when it is necessary to provide large web openings. These recommendations are followed by a commentary describing the background to each of the recommendations, and references are given that will be useful for designers who wish to treat situations beyond the scope of the recommendations presented.
Inelastic Torsion for Preliminary Seismic Design

Because of torsion, the demanded strength and interstory drift at certain parts of the structure increase above those required by just translational deformation. These effects differ for elastic and inelastic behavior, tending to be larger when inelastic behavior involves a torsional mechanism of the structure. A clear contradiction exists in the present consideration of torsion effects during the design process because torsion effects are elastically considered, while most of the seismic code design methodology is based on the safety level earthquake (EQ). This paper shows that for a special class of buildings, the reduction in the building strength resulting from inelastic torsion can be obtained using the classical theorems of plastic analysis. By analyzing an auxiliary structure, a simplified formula for the reduction in strength due to inelastic torsion is obtained. Using this simplified formula, guidelines to control inelastic torsion during preliminary seismic design are offered.
Quinones of Macfadyena cynanchoides for Control of Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus niger in Wine

Antiochratoxigenic activity (anti-OTA) of dichloromethane extract of Macfadyena cynanchoides stems, its antifungal metabolites (lapachol and 1-hydroxy-4-methyl anthraquinone), and sodium metabisulfite were evaluated alone and in combination for their effect on Aspergillus species at sub-lethal concentrations. Grape juice inoculated with 5 × 103 spores/mL of A. carbonarius or A. niger was supplemented with the extract (2500 to 156.3 µg/mL), the quinones (1250 to 78.1 µg/mL), or sodium metabisulfite (2500 to 156.3 µg/mL). OTA accumulation was measured for the sub-lethal concentrations after incubating in the dark for six days at 15°C. The extract and sodium metabisulfite completely inhibited growth of both fungi at 2500 µg/mL, while lapachol and 1H4MA required 1250 µg/mL. Average OTA biosynthesis declined to 30 to 60% less than the control at extract concentrations of 625 to 1250 μg/mL. Both lapachol and 1H4MA at 625 μg/mL exerted a similar anti-OTA effect, with an average inhibition of 30%. Sodium metabisulfite increased OTA production 60 to 100% at all sub-lethal concentrations. Binary mixtures of extract or lapachol or 1H4MA + sodium metabisulfite, at concentrations of 9.8 + 156.3 µg/mL, 19.5 + 312.5 µg/mL, and 39.1 + 625 µg/mL, completely inhibited OTA production. In addition, the mixture lapachol + sodium metabisulfite (9.8 + 156.3 µg/mL) delayed the time required to complete alcoholic fermentation, but did not reduce Saccharomyces cerevisiae viability or modify physicochemical parameters at the end of fermentation. The mixture sodium metabisulfite + lapachol has potential as an antifungal and anti-OTA agent to reduce the dose of sulfites to control Aspergillus on grapes postharvest.
Decolorization of azo dyes by newly isolated Citrobacter sp. strain EBT-2 and effect of various parameters on decolourization

Azo dyes constitute around 70% of the total dyes in the world. Almost 10%–15% of dye is released in wastewater during manufacture of the dye and its application, and is a prime source of pollution. Various physiochemical methods available for their decolorization have some or the other disadvantages like cost or time inefficiency. Hence, bacterial decolorization has been studied for cheap and efficient decolorization. In this study, Citrobacter sp. strain EBT-2 was isolated from a textile industry dumping site and used to optimize dye decolorization conditions for three Azodyes: methyl orange (MO), congo red (CR), and Eriochrome Black T (EBT). Decolorization was measured by UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis. The strain showed 100% decolorization for all the three dyes up to 100 mg/l concentration in 96–120 hours. It was able to decolorize till 300, 500, and 500 mg/l of dye concentration for MO, CR, and EBT, respectively. Decolorization efficiency was independent of initial dye concentration. Optimum pH for decolorization was 7, 7, and 9 for MO, CR, and EBT, respectively. The effect of agitation on decolorization was studied under static and agitated (200 rpm) condition. About 90% decolorization was observed at static condition and about 20% decolorization was observed under agitated condition in all the three dyes in 96 hours. Complete decolorization was obtained for MO and EBT at 35°C and 45°C, respectively. CR showed complete decolorization only at 35°C. The results conclude that Citrobacter sp. can be used for the successful dye decolorization of Azo dyes, primarily MO, CR, and EBT under optimum physiochemical conditions.
COVID-19 vaccine rollout management and communication in Europe: one year on

Abstract Vaccines represent one of the most important methods to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and mortality as a result of COVID-19. To ensure the spread and risk of the Delta variant of COVID-19 is minimised, as many people as possible nationally must be fully vaccinated. Ensuring success in reaching high rates of vaccination relies on both effective risk management and risk communication strategies. This paper evaluates vaccine rollout management and communication strategies in five European nations: France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and England within the UK, updating findings from a previous paper on the same topic from January 2021. This paper evaluates these five nations’ management and communication strategies regarding the vaccine rollout timeline and prioritisation. Further, we discuss the effectiveness and importance of vaccine or immunity passports, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the needs of minoritised groups are considered in promoting the vaccine rollout, and ensuring fairness when prioritising certain groups over others to have earlier access to any vaccine. In conclusion, recommendations for policy makers and public health communicators are put forward.
Fractional spinal anesthesia and systemic hemodynamics in frail elderly hip fracture patients

Background: Systemic haemodynamic effects of intrathecal anaesthesia in an aging and frail population has not been well investigated. We examined the systemic haemodynamics of fractional spinal anaesthesia following intermittent microdosing of a local anaesthetic and an opioid. Methods: We included 15 patients aged over 65 with significant comorbidities, planned for hip fracture repair. Patients received a spinal catheter and cardiac output monitoring using the LiDCOplus system. All measurements were performed prior to start of surgery. Invasive mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), heart rate and stroke volume index (SVI) were registered. Two doses of bupivacaine 2.25 mg and fentanyl 15 µg were administered with 25-minute intervals. Hypotension was defined as a fall in MAP by >30% or a MAP <65 mmHg. Results: The incidence of hypotension was 30%. Hypotensive patients (n=5) were treated with low doses of norepinephrine (0.01-0.12 µg/kg/min). MAP showed a maximum reduction of 17% at 10 minutes following the first dose. CI, systemic vascular resistance index and stroke volume index decreased by 10%, 6%, and 7%, respectively, while heart rate was unchanged over time. After the second dose, none of the systemic haemodynamic variables were affected. Conclusions: Fractional spinal anaesthesia administered prior to surgery induced a minor to moderate fall in MAP, mainly caused by a reduction in cardiac output, induced by systemic venodilation, causing a fall in venous return. Our results are contrary to the widely held belief that hypotension is mainly the result of a reduction of systemic vascular resistance.
Road testing a health and safety worker engagement tool-kit in the construction industry

Purpose – Worker engagement in health and safety (H & S) is a means to reduce risks in construction projects. A measure for worker engagement in H & S is a first step in ensuring improvement and maintenance of worker engagement in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of worker engagement in construction by testing a management instrument (WISH) developed to measure it during a construction project.Design/methodology/approach – A stratified sample of workers in a construction project organisation was studied to test the effectiveness of a site‐wide engagement programme (IIF) run by the main contractor. The measurement was repeated 13 months after the first phase to check engagement at that stage of the project and to reduce bias in scoring.Findings – Four key factors emerged as the independent variables on which worker engagement depends. These are: knowledge and capability to engage, perceptions, attitudes and behaviours and actual involvement in H & S risk managem.
Novel isolate of Cysticercus tenuicollis-Kalar isolate has been revealed in Kalar, Iraq.

INTRODUCTION Although Cysticercus tenuicollis is one of the most economic and veterinary important parasite in Iraq, scanty molecular characterization exists for this helminth. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular description of C. tenuicollis isolates from sheep in Kalar district of Iraq. METHODOLOGY A total of 2,906 slaughtered sheep were examined post-mortem. Up to 20 samples of C. tenuicollis was extracted and amplified using mitochondrial COX1 gene. RESULTS The overall prevalence rate was 6.88%, and female sheep recorded higher rate of infection (24.35%) than male (6.16%) with significant difference (p<0.05). The molecular results showed 14 haplotypes for COX1 gene and the pairwise nucleotide variation among them was ranged from 0.2 to 2.6%. Twelve out of fourteen haplotypes of C. tenuicollis involving one to three base mutations were discovered in Kalar, Iraq for the first time and this could be a unique mutation internationally and did not registered previously. Eleven newly recorded haplotypes involved only one single mutation and the remaining one involved three mutations. Phylogenetic interpretation showed that Cysticercus tenuicollis-Kalar isolate were clustered in one clade, and closely related to isolates discovered in Nigeria, China, Turkey, Poland, and Iran. CONCLUSIONS This study provided a new record data on prevalence and discovered novel strains of C. tenuicollis in the study area for the first time named Cysticercus tenuicollis-Kalar isolate. Novel haplotypes might consider endemic genetic characterization of this metacestode. The present data may be useful to provide a good molecular background for future preventive and control programs.
Impact studies on small composite girder bridge

Two impact studies on a small-span, composite girder highway bridge have given widely scattered impact fractions, with a maximum of 1.32 as compared with the AASHTO code value of 0.30 for this bridge. Field strains were used to measure maximum mid-span bending moments for 170 trucks in normal traffic, and these were compared with equivalent static values computed from axle weights measured by a weighbridge. Impact fractions varied from - 0.08 to + 1.32 for gross vehicle weights from 27 - 44 ton. Large impact values occurred for both light and heavy vehicles and were repeated in two independent series of tests. The scatter of the results suggests that impact is vehicle dependent, and that it may vary with suspension geometry. Possible causes of high impact are discussed. (Author/TRRL)
Theoretical Principles of the Cylindrical, 2-Hole Pneumatic Probe

Appropriate monitoring of the compressor mass flow is of very great importance for compressor condition monitoring systems. This paper describes a system for monitoring the compressor mass flow using a Pitot cylinder. It further describes the information and experience gained in testing this measurement system both in the wind tunnel and in BBC Type 8 gas turbines.Copyright © 1987 by ASME
Assessing base level of service for electronics collection and recycling programs: Seattle-Tacoma case study

The National Electronics Product Stewardship Initiative (NEPSI) was established by the US EPA to examine issues associated with electronics recycling, engage in discussions to build consensus among all stakeholder groups, and recommend a strategy for developing a national electronics recycling program. One of the tasks of the NEPSI Infrastructure Subgroup was to study programs of other nations and the various pilot projects and state initiatives here in the US and develop guidelines for a base level of service for collection and recycling which would apply across the country. Fundamental to the concept of base level of service is the need to balance convenience with cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. To better understand the concept and underlying principles of base service, this project was undertaken to construct and evaluate realistic collection and recycling program scenarios for the Seattle-Tacoma urban area. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the collection, transportation and recycling infrastructure needed for a defined collection service area with associated operational requirements and costs.