Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Graph Federated Learning for CIoT Devices in Smart Home Applications

This article deals with the problem of statistical and system heterogeneity in a cross-silo federated learning (FL) framework where there exist a limited number of Consumer Internet of Things (CIoT) devices in a smart building. We propose a novel graph signal processing (GSP)-inspired aggregation rule based on graph filtering dubbed “G-Fedfilt. ” The proposed aggregator enables a structured flow of information based on the graph’s topology. This behavior allows capturing the interconnection of CIoT devices and training domain-specific models. The embedded graph filter is equipped with a tunable parameter which enables a continuous tradeoff between domain-agnostic and domain-specific FL. In the case of domain-agnostic, it forces G-Fedfilt to act similar to the conventional federated averaging (FedAvg) aggregation rule. The proposed G-Fedfilt also enables an intrinsic smooth clustering based on the graph connectivity without explicitly specified which further boosts the personalization of the models in the framework. In addition, the proposed scheme enjoys a communication-efficient time scheduling to alleviate the system heterogeneity. This is accomplished by adaptively adjusting the amount of training data samples and sparsity of the models’ gradients to reduce communication desynchronization and latency. Simulation results show that the proposed G-Fedfilt achieves up to 3.99% better classification accuracy than the conventional FedAvg when concerning model personalization on the statistically heterogeneous local data sets, while it is capable of yielding up to 2.41% higher accuracy than FedAvg in the case of testing the generalization of the models. Furthermore, the proposed communication optimization scheme can boost the framework’s efficiency by reducing the computation, communication desynchronization, and latency up to 70.21%, 99.65%, and 44.61%, respectively, at the cost of 0.36% accuracy and under the system heterogeneity.
Effects of air pollution and weather on the initial COVID‐19 outbreaks in United States, Italy, Spain, and China: A comparative study

Contrasting effects have been identified in association of weather (temperature and humidity) and pollutant gases with COVID‐19 infection, which could be derived from the influence of lockdowns and season change. The influence of pollutant gases and climate during the initial phases of the pandemic, before the closures and the change of season in the northern hemisphere, is unknown. Here, we used a spatial‐temporal Bayesian zero‐inflated‐Poisson model to test for short‐term associations of weather and pollutant gases with the relative risk of COVID‐19 disease in China (first outbreak) and the countries with more cases during the initial pandemic (the United States, Spain and Italy), considering also the effects of season and lockdown. We found contrasting association between pollutant gases and COVID‐19 risk in the United States, Italy, and Spain, while in China it was negatively associated (except for SO2). COVID‐19 risk was positively associated with specific humidity in all countries, while temperature presented a negative effect. Our findings showed that short‐term associations of air pollutants with COVID‐19 infection vary strongly between countries, while generalized effects of temperature (negative) and humidity (positive) with COVID‐19 was found. Our results show novel information about the influence of pollution and weather on the initial outbreaks, which contribute to unravel the mechanisms during the beginning of the pandemic.
Sub-ps 1030 nm laser-induced damage threshold evaluation of pulsed-laser deposited sesquioxides and magnetron-sputtered metal oxide optical coatings

Crystalline sesquioxide films (Sc2O3, Y2O3, Lu2O3) produced by pulsed-laser deposition were examined for laser damage resistance with pulses of 500 fs duration, at a wavelength of 1030 nm and at a 10 Hz repetition rate. Comparable tests were performed with amorphous magnetron-sputtered thin films (SiO2, HfO2, Nb2O5). We found the laser-induced damage thresholds of the sesquioxides are close to those of HfO2 in the multi-pulse test regime. The results are the basis for designs of damage resistant re ective components used in ultrashort-pulse lasers.
ac and dc conductivity, magnetoresistance, and scaling in cellular percolation systems

Percolation phenomena, which include the ac and dc conductivity, dielectric constant, and magnetoresistance, are studied in a series of seven cellular composites, consisting of small conductor particles embedded on the surface of larger insulator particles. Carbon black (ground and unground), graphite, graphite\char21{}boron-nitride, niobium carbide, nickel, and magnetite $({\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{4})$ powders were the conducting components with talc-wax powder as the common insulating component. The dc conductivity results were fitted to the standard percolation equations and to a two-exponent phenomenological equation, which yields the percolation parameters ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{i},$ ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{c},$ s, t, and ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{c}$ in the ideal limits. Both universal and nonuniversal values of s and t are measured in the systems. Close to the percolation threshold $({\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{c}),$ the ac conductivity $({\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{mr}})$ and the dielectric constant $({\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{\mathrm{mr}})$ are found to scale as ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{mr}}\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{u}$ and ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{\mathrm{mr}}\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{\ensuremath{-}v}. $ All these exponents are examined using the most recent theories and compared with previous studies. The dielectric constant exponent ${(s}^{\ensuremath{'}}),$ from ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\mathrm{mr}}\ensuremath{\propto}({\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{c}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\varphi}{)}^{\ensuremath{-}{s}^{\ensuremath{'}}},$ is shown to be frequency dependent. The exponents ${g}_{c}$ (magnetoresistance) and ${t}_{m}$ (from magnetoconductivity) in composites are not yet clearly understood but these and previous results show that ${t}_{m}gt. $ dc scaling is shown in a real composite comprising ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ and talc wax.
Electrification and lightning in simulated supercell and non-supercell thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm simulations were performed for a strong, airmass storm and three types of superceli storms, and several different electrification parameterizations were used for each type of storm. The main focus of our analysis was characteristics of the resulting charge distributions and lightning, with two major goals: (1) Examine how sensitive the characteristics are to changes in the parameterizations. (2) Begin analyzing how the characteristics are affected by variations in the kinematic and microphysical structure of storms. The numerical cloud model used for the simulations is three dimensional and includes detailed bulk microphysics, with separate categories for cloud water, rain, cloud ice (columns, plates, and rimed), snow aggregates, three graupel densities, two size ranges for hail, and frozen drops. Lightning discharges were produced by a stochastic dielectric breakdown model that extends flashes bidirectionally in a stepby-step manner and creates realistic, fractal-like branch structure. The simulations produced a wide variety of lightning types, including horizontally extensive bilevel intracloud flashes, positive and negative cloud-to-ground flashes, and intracloud discharges involving charge layers at the cloud boundary. Simulated flashes sometimes reversed the net charge density locally, and this added complexity to the charge structure of the storm. Three parameterizations of a noninductive graupel-ice mechanism and various strengths of inductive graupel-droplet charging were tested. For a given storm type, the charge distribution and lightning produced by the different parameterizations had several similarities, but also important differences. For example, choices of average impact angle and separation efficiency that gave greater inductive charging tended to cause earlier development of a lower positive charge region and were more likely to produce enough lower positive charge to cause negative cloud-to-ground lightning. One important result was that all lightning originated between regions of opposite charge, as has been inferred previously for cloud flashes and negative cloud-to-ground
Trauma Care for Forced Migrants

Ever since World War II, forced migrations have increased exponentially, shaping our world, economies, and political discussions. When the United Nations formed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950, it could not predict the escalation of forced migration from civil unrest, personal persecution, war, and recently, climate crises. As forced migrations increase, we must understand the emotional trauma involved, and how to mitigate it. This study examined how providers of refugee services understand, assess, and treat trauma in the forced migration population. This paper is based on qualitative data collected from social work providers who work with forced migrants. Transcribed interviews were analyzed through content analysis regarding assessment and treatment approaches. The findings show that the lack of trauma-informed care was prevalent among the participants. This was reflected in the participants’ experiences. Three main themes emerged: (1) trauma was misdiagnosed; (2) few were trained in evidence-based practices to manage trauma; and (3) providers felt isolated in their work as if working in silos. These themes and their implications are discussed.
Use of E-Waste in Metakaolin Blended Cement Concrete for Sustainable Construction

This paper investigates the use of non-metallic portion (NMP) reclaimed from e-waste (i.e., waste printed circuit board—PCB) as replacement of natural sand in the blended cement concrete by using Metakaolin (MK) as supplementary cementitious material for its effect on the mechanical, durability, microstructural, and mineralogical properties of concrete. It was found that the blended mixes containing NMP and MK outperformed the control mix. With the addition of 10% NMP and 10% MK, the maximum compressive strength was obtained, with the splitting tensile and flexural strength following the same trend. The performance of the mixes was lowered above 10% replacement levels, although it was still better than the control mixture. When compared to other mixes, 10% NMP and 10% MK concrete had the lowest sorptivity and water absorption values, as well as the highest resistance to chloride-ion penetration. FESEM was used to confirm the results, and then XRD was used to determine the elemental classification. This study lays the groundwork for a long-term strategy for utilising NMP and MK as extremely effective concrete additives.
Identification of genotypes possessing GA responsive reduced height genes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The present study was conducted during years 2017-18 and 2018-19 involving 60 wheat genotypes including advance lines and released varieties. Based on the coleoptile length, these were categorised for coleoptile length as short (2.5-4.5 cm), medium (4.6-6.5 cm) and long (6.6-9 cm) respectively. Small and medium coleoptile length genotypes had comparable plant height (100.07cm and 99.29 cm, respectively) whereas, longer coleoptile genotypes were in general taller (103.78cm) numerically and for each class, the speed of germination was almost similar.A set of linked SSRs markers was used to screen the genotypes for molecular characterization based on GA responsive genes. In wheat, longer coleoptile length with reduced height is primarily controlled by GA responsive reduced height genes like Rht8, Rht12 etc., therefore, the material was screened to identify genotypes possessing GA responsive reduced height genes with available molecular markers. Molecular screening for Rht genes revealed five Rht8 positive genotypes having longer coleoptile length and good seedling vigour. Thus, Rht8 genes had positive effect on coleoptile length and had no detrimental effect on root length of seedling and provided better field emergence in field. Hence, these genotypes can be used for the development of variety for dryland agriculture and underconservation agriculture practices.
On the Observability of -SiH Vibrational Stretch on Solid Objects in the Solar System

Abstract In this paper we present the results of experimental studies on the development of -SiH stretching band by H + (1.5 keV) implantation into silicon, quartz, palagonite, and feldspar. The results seem to argue against the possibility of observing asteroidal (or cometary) spectral features due to -SiH groups formed by implantation of solar wind protons in silicate surfaces. Proton implantation in silicon wafers produce in fact an observable -SiH stretching band while proton implantation in silicates fails in forming that band.
The Effect of Financial Literature, Lifestyle and Income of Parents on Student Financial Management Behavior

This This study aims to examine the effect of financial literacy, lifestyle and parental income on student financial management behavior. This research is quantitative research using an analytical tool, namely the Statistical Product and Service Solution or SPSS software. The population in this study were active students of STMIK AKBA in the information systems study program. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling, which is a random sampling technique without regard to the existing strata in the population. The number of samples in this research is 125 students. Data collection techniques used questionnaires and observations with financial literacy variables (X1), Lifestyle (X2), parents' income (X3) and financial management behavior (Y). The results showed that financial literacy had a positive and significant effect on the financial management behavior of students, while the lifestyle and income of parents had no effect on the financial management behavior of STMIK AKBA students.
Artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram screens low left ventricular ejection fraction with a degree of confidence

Background Artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram has become a substitute tool for echocardiography in left ventricular ejection fraction estimation. However, the direct use of artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram may be not trustable due to the uncertainty of the prediction. Objective The study aimed to establish an artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram with a degree of confidence to identify left ventricular dysfunction. Methods The study collected 76,081 and 11,771 electrocardiograms from an academic medical center and a community hospital to establish and validate the deep learning model, respectively. The proposed deep learning model provided the point estimation of the actual ejection fraction and its standard deviation derived from the maximum probability density function of a normal distribution. The primary analysis focused on the accuracy of identifying patients with left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤ 40%). Since the standard deviation was an uncertainty indicator in a normal distribution, we used it as a degree of confidence in the artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram. We further explored the clinical application of estimated standard deviation and followed up on the new-onset left ventricular dysfunction in patients with initially normal ejection fraction. Results The area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of detecting left ventricular dysfunction were 0.9549 and 0.9365 in internal and external validation sets. After excluding the cases with a lower degree of confidence, the artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram performed better in the remaining cases in internal (AUC = 0.9759) and external (AUC = 0.9653) validation sets. For the application of future left ventricular dysfunction risk stratification in patients with initially normal ejection fraction, a 4.57-fold risk of future left ventricular dysfunction when the artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram is positive in the internal validation set. The hazard ratio was increased to 8.67 after excluding the cases with a lower degree of confidence. This trend was also validated in the external validation set. Conclusion The deep learning model with a degree of confidence can provide advanced improvements in identifying left ventricular dysfunction and serve as a decision support and management-guided screening tool for prognosis.
Additive decompositions for Fisher, Törnqvist and geometric mean indexes

Users of a price or quantity index often want to know how much each item in the index contributes to its overall change. Consequently, statistical agencies generally publish items’ contributions to changes in the indexes that they publish. For fixed basket index formulas, calculating contributions to index change that add up to the correct total is straightforward, but for Fisher, Tornqvist and geometric mean index formulas – which statistical agencies are beginning to use – it is not. We use economic and axiomatic approaches to derive additive decompositions of the change in a Fisher index, and we use an axiomatic approach to derive an additive decomposition of the change in a Tornqvist or geometric mean index.
Chemical Constituents of Macaranga occidentalis, Antimicrobial and Chemophenetic Studies

Medicinal plants are known as sources of potential antimicrobial compounds belonging to different classes. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract, fractions, and some isolated secondary metabolites from the leaves of Macaranga occidentalis, a Cameroonian medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of microbial infections. Repeated column chromatography of the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions led to the isolation of seventeen previously known compounds (1−17), among which three steroids (1−3), one triterpene (4), four flavonoids (5−8), two stilbenoids (9 and 10) four ellagic acid derivatives (11−14), one geraniinic acid derivative (15), one coumarine (16), and one glyceride (17). Their structures were elucidated mainly by means of extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric (1D and 2D NMR and, MS) analysis and comparison with the published data. The crude extract, fractions, and isolated compounds were all screened for their antimicrobial activity. None of the natural compounds was active against Candida strains. However, the crude extract, fractions, and compounds showed varying levels of antibacterial properties against at least one of the tested bacterial strains, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 250 to 1000 μg/mL. The n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction was the most active against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, with an MIC value of 250 μg/mL. Among the isolated compounds, schweinfurthin B (10) exhibited the best activity against Staphylococcus aureus NR 46003 with a MIC value of 62.5 μg/mL. In addition, schweinfurthin O (9) and isomacarangin (6) also exhibited moderate activity against the same strain with a MIC value of 125 μg/mL. Therefore, pharmacomodulation was performed on compound 6 and three new semisynthetic derivatives (6a–c) were prepared by allylation and acetylation reactions and screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity. None of the semisynthetic derivatives showed antimicrobial activity against the same tested strains. The chemophenetic significance of the isolated compounds is also discussed in this paper.
Two- and three-dimensional parametric instabilites in finite-amplitude internal gravity waves

Abstract The linearized stability equations of a monochromatic finite-amplitude gravity wave in a Boussinesq fluid are solved for two-dimensional perturbations and three-dimensional perturbations propagating in the plane normal to the primary wave plane and the primary wave fronts. In statically stable primary waves, two-dimensional instability modes grow fastest. They can be divided into two classes: a continuous spectrum of small-scale modes and an isolated mode. In the limit of vanishing primary wave amplitudes, the small-scale modes reduce to second-order resonant wave interactions whereas the underlying wave interaction mechanism of the isolated mode remains uncertain. In statically unstable primary waves, three-dimensional instability modes grow fastest and are either fundamental or subharmonic. They reduce to resonant wave interactions of orders higher than three in the limit of zero primary wave amplitudes. The underlying interaction mechanisms of the fundamental modes also include vortical modes .
A comparative study of intrinsic versus bulk polarized fluorescence in cervical tissues

This study aims towards applying the intrinsic polarized fluorescence technique for obtaining valuable information from human cervical tissue samples. The efficacy of this technique is tested in human tissues by comparing its diagnostic capabilities with the bulk fluorescence. It is seen that biochemical information is hidden due to the presence of distortions by tissue scattering and absorption in the fluorescence spectra. Intrinsic tissue fluorescence provides a complete understanding of the biochemical and/or morphological changes that take place during the progression of disease. Recording of the experimental data and thereafter subsequent extraction of the intrinsic fluorescence serves as fingerprints towards determining the occurrence of these diseases. Here we report a comparative study of intrinsic versus bulk polarized fluorescence in cervical tissues. Intrinsic fluorescence is seen to be a more sensitive technique than bulk fluorescence for diagnosis of cervical cancers. Attempts have been made to study the changes in the amount of different fluorophores found in the epithelial and stromal layer of cervical tissue (both normal and cancerous). It has been seen that collagen decreases and NADH increases as a healthy cervical tissue develops into a cancerous one. Intrinsic fluorescence provides more consistent discriminating results as compared to bulk polarized fluorescence. It is also more sensitive in giving biochemical information from the different layers in cervical tissue. It may be concluded that intrinsic fluorescence shows promise as a viable tool for providing valuable insights towards fruitful diagnosis of the various stages of disease development and changes occurring with age.