Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy harvesting from body motion using rotational micro-generation

Autonomous system applications are typically limited by the power supply operational lifetime when battery replacement is difficult or costly. A trade-off between battery size and battery life is usually calculated to determine the device capability and lifespan. As a result, energy harvesting research has gained importance as society searches for alternative energy sources for power generation. For instance, energy harvesting has been a proven alternative for powering solar-based calculators and self-winding wristwatches. Thus, the use of energy harvesting technology can make it possible to assist or replace batteries for portable, wearable, or surgically-implantable autonomous systems. Applications such as cardiac pacemakers or electrical stimulation applications can benefit from this approach since the number of surgeries for battery replacement can be reduced or eliminated. Research on energy scavenging from body motion has been investigated to evaluate the feasibility of powering wearable or implantable systems. Energy from walking has been previously extracted using generators placed on shoes, backpacks, and knee braces while producing power levels ranging from milliwatts to watts. The research presented in this paper examines the available power from walking and running at several body locations. The ankle, knee, hip, chest, wrist, elbow, upper arm, side of the head, and back of the head were the chosen target localizations. Joints were preferred since they experience the most drastic acceleration changes. For this, a motor-driven treadmill test was performed on 11 healthy individuals at several walking (1-4mph) and running (2-5mph) speeds. The treadmill test provided the acceleration magnitudes from the listed body locations. Power can be estimated from the treadmill evaluation since it is proportional to the acceleration and frequency of occurrence. Available power output from walking was determined to be greater than 1mW/cm3 for most body locations while being over 10mW/cm3 at the foot and ankle locations. Available power from running was found to be almost 10 times higher than that from walking. Most energy harvester topologies use linear generator approaches that are well suited to fixed-frequency vibrations with sub-millimeter amplitude oscillations. In contrast, body motion is characterized with a wide frequency spectrum and larger amplitudes. A generator prototype based on self-winding wristwatches is deemed
Recent progress in amplified undersea systems

The advent of the optical amplifiers has removed the loss limitation of the fiber in the conventional undersea systems using 3R (retiming, reshaping, regenerating) repeaters, and it has introduced new design criteria for the undersea lightwave systems. The accumulation of the small impairment factors that was negligible in the conventional system becomes significant to determine the transmission performances of the amplified system. The fiber nonlinearity is a distinctive limitation factor that dominates the transmission performance of the amplified system, although it was not a limitation factor in the conventional system. This paper describes the recent progress of the undersea lightwave cable systems employing optical amplifier repeaters. The limitation factors and the polarization dependent characteristics of the amplified system are described. The system demonstrations with conventional IM-DD technology are presented using both recirculating loop and straight fiber transmission line. The system maintenance method is also explained briefly. Future technologies adopting the WDM or the optical solitons are also discussed. >
ANALYSIS OF BAFFLE WALL GAP IN THE DESIGN OF STILLING BASIN MODEL

This paper investigates the gap of baffle wall in stilling basin design for the enhancement of energy dissipation in order to protect the downstream structures from excessive scouring. Experiments have been carried out by keeping the baffle wall at same location for Froude numbers 3.85, 2.85 and 1.85 to evolve the new stilling basin model by changing the gap beneath the wall above the basin. Performance of outlet basins having baffle wall of at same location with varying the gap were evaluated based on dimensionless number called as performance index (PI), which is the ratio of grains Froude number to scour index. Higher values of PI indicate better performance of the basin. It is concluded that by placing the appropriate baffle wall size at suitable location with proper gap, the efficiency of basin increases.
The MAP Kinase Phosphatase MKP-1 Modulates Neurogenesis via Effects on BNIP3 and Autophagy

Inherited and acquired defects in neurogenesis contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, dysfunctional neural plasticity, and may underlie pathology in a range of neurodegenerative conditions. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of neural stem cells. While the balance between MAPKs and the family of MAPK dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) regulates axon branching and synaptic plasticity, the specific role that DUSPs play in neurogenesis remains unexplored. In the current study, we asked whether the canonical DUSP, MAP Kinase Phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), influences neural stem cell differentiation and the extent to which DUSP-dependent autophagy is operational in this context. Under basal conditions, Mkp-1 knockout mice generated fewer doublecortin (DCX) positive neurons within the dentate gyrus (DG) characterized by the accumulation of LC3 puncta. Analyses of wild-type neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation in vitro revealed increased Mkp-1 mRNA expression during the initial 24-h period. Notably, Mkp-1 KO NSC differentiation produced fewer Tuj1-positive neurons and was associated with increased expression of the BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kD protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and levels of autophagy. Conversely, Bnip3 knockdown in differentiated Mkp-1 KO NSCs reduced levels of autophagy and increased neuronal yields. These results indicate that MKP-1 exerts a pro-neurogenic bias during a critical window in NSC differentiation by regulating BNIP3 and basal autophagy levels.
Electrostatic feeder for contactless transport of miniature and microparts

Electrostatic forces are omnipresent in everyday life, sometimes a nuisance, such as hairs sticking to the comb, but also a valuable asset in a few technical processes, e.g. the Xerox copy process. Usage of electrostatic forces was so far confined to handling of nanoparticles or biological cells. This paper outlines the development of a device for feeding of Millimeter sized polymer parts by means of electrostatic forces. Starting from a brief assessment of the phenomena that generate electrostatic forces, rules for the design of an electrostatic conveyor are derived. A description of a first prototype is followed by a presentation of the results of the experiments. The paper terminates with a conclusion, that gives perspectives of future work.
Preconception Lifestyle Intervention could Reduce the Incidence of Recurrent or New GDM: An Interventional Body Mass Index-Based Study

Aim: Evaluation of effects of 4-m preconception lifestyle intervention (LSI) on preconception body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance (IR) and glucose homeostasis and on the frequency and severity of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the oncoming pregnancy in women had (Group A)/not (Group B) GDM during previous pregnancy. Patients and Methods: 498 women; 147 in group A and 351 in group B completed the applied LSI consisted of high-fiber and low-calorie diet with mild-moderate aerobic exercise for at least 4-m pre-pregnancy. Pre-LSI (T1) and Post-LSI (T2) evaluations included determination of body mass index (BMI) and determination of variables of glucose homeostasis. Study outcomes included the effect of the applied LSI on the incidence of newly developed or recurrent IR and of GDM, the success rate of the applied LSI as defined as the T2-number of new Av women in comparison to their T1-number. Results: The success rate of the applied LSI was 19.3% and 10.5% among women of groups A and B, respectively for a total success rate of 12.8%. Mean T2-BMI of all LSI participants was significantly decreased in comparison to their T1BMI with significantly higher median value of change in both groups. Moreover, all the glucose homeostasis variables were significantly reduced. During pregnancy all variables of glucose homeostasis were significantly elevated in comparison to T2-levels. However, the total incidence of new IR and GDM was significantly (p=0.011 & <0.0001, respectively) higher in women of group A than women of group B, irrespective of BMI. Conclusion: 4-m preconception LSI could decrease the frequency and severity of new or recurrent GDM mostly through reduction of BMI and minimization of its associated metabolic and hormonal disturbances.
Development of a laser wavefront sensor for measurement of discharges in air

A laser wavefront sensor of the Shack‐Hartmann type capable of simultaneous measurement at two wavelengths was constructed. The sensor uses a single optical path, and is suited for applications such as high‐voltage discharges in air, in which large insulation distances are necessary. The sensor was used to detect optical path differences due to an impulse discharge in air across a needle–plane electrode gap of gap length 17 mm. Optical path differences were measured at laser wavelengths of 532 and 1064 nm at 1.6 µs after insulation breakdown across the gap. From the difference in optical path differences at the two wavelengths, a line‐integrated electron density distribution in the direction perpendicular to the gap was obtained near the high‐voltage electrode. The distribution had a peak value of 1.4 × 1020m−2 and a full width at half maximum of 4.4 mm. Because of the coverage of a large observation area including the entire gap, the spatial resolution was 1.4 mm, which was inadequate to obtain the precise form of the electron density distribution. However, the results show the possibility of applying laser wavefront sensing to electron density measurement. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 146(4): 10–17, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10247
Kinetic Properties and EMG Activity of Normal and Over-Speed Pedaling in Track Sprint Cyclists: A Case Study

Track sprint cycling requires unique skills. We investigate the pedaling kinetics and muscle coordination of a male track sprinter (170cm, 65kg, peak power 1513W) to see if they differ from that of a non-sprinter, and if the subject’s own technique vary from normal riding to an under-load maximal cadence sprint. Two trials were collected using 3D motion capture technology. EMG signals of 8 leg muscles were recorded. Joint torque and power of each trial were calculated using a subject specific musculoskeletal model, with realistic pedal forces as input to our dynamic simulation. Flexion torque appears at the knee during its extension, different from the non-sprinters. Joint torque and power appears similar for both trials, but 6 of the 8 muscles showed differences in EMG patterns. These findings could potentially benefit the evolvement of training methods.
Neurodegeneration and Vascular Burden on Cognition After Midlife: A Plasma and Neuroimaging Biomarker Study

Background and Objectives: Neurodegeneration and vascular burden are the two most common causes of post-stroke cognitive impairment. However, the interrelationship between the plasma beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein, cortical atrophy and brain amyloid accumulation on PET imaging in stroke patients is undetermined. We aimed to explore: (1) the relationships of cortical thickness and amyloid burden on PET with plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, tau protein and their composite scores in stroke patients; and (2) the associations of post-stroke cognitive presentations with these plasma and neuroimaging biomarkers. Methods: The prospective project recruited first-ever ischemic stroke patients around 3 months after stroke onset. The plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, and total tau protein were measured with the immunomagnetic reduction method. Cortical thickness was evaluated on MRI, and cortical amyloid plaque deposition was evaluated by 18F-florbetapir PET. Cognition was evaluated with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS-2). Results: The study recruited 24 stroke patients and 13 normal controls. The plasma tau and tau*Aβ42 levels were correlated with mean cortical thickness after age adjustment. The Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio was correlated with global cortical 18F-florbetapir uptake value. The DRS-2 and GDS scores were associated with mean cortical thickness and plasma biomarkers, including Aβ42/Aβ40, tau, tau*Aβ42, tau/Aβ42, and tau/Aβ40 levels, in stroke patients. Conclusion: Plasma Aβ, tau, and their composite scores were associated with cognitive performance 3 months after stroke, and these plasma biomarkers were correlated with corresponding imaging biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Further longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are warranted to replicate the study results.
Real-time image tracking for traffic monitoring

This paper presents an image tracking system and its application to traffic parameter estimation at a road intersection. An active contour model is adopted to obtain vehicle locations of motorcycles as well as automobiles. Image location measurement is further incorporated with Kalman filter techniques to track the individual vehicle motion. To initialize image tracking at a junction, we propose a design based on the concept of contour growing. Traffic parameters such as vehicle speed and numbers of vehicles can be calculated with satisfactory accuracy. Actual CCD camera images of a busy junction were employed to verify the proposed method.
Photocatalytic Oxidation for Maintenance of Indoor Environmental Quality

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the application of photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) techniques for reduction of indoor air pollutants to assess feasibility for their application in air-tight zero-carbon housing. Due to emissions from building materials, such as coatings and wood-based materials on walls, ceiling and floors, as well as other furnishing materials such as new floor covering, there will always be high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air of a newly completed building, especially air-tight homes. The concentrations could be reduced by the use of low emission products; however, PCO could further reduce the risk of emissions of these VOCs including formaldehyde. The use of PCO could also reduce risks caused by other indoor pollutions such as NOx, CO, CO2, moisture and microbes. The mechanism and applications of PCO reactors such as titania incorporated onto material surfaces of various built environments (roads, building façade and interior); and in HVAC systems for maintenance of indoor environmental quality, especially indoor air quality (IAQ) are discussed in the review as well as discussion on performance. The effects of temperature and moisture and possible toxic effects of PCO on environment are also included for consideration.
NEURAL NETWORK MODEL FOR PARAMETRIC COST ESTIMATION OF HIGHWAY PROJECTS

This paper uses a neural network (NN) approach to effectively manage construction cost data and develop a parametric cost-estimating model for highway projects. Eighteen actual cases of highway projects constructed in Newfoundland, Canada, have been used as the source of cost data. Rather than using black-box NN software, a simple NN simulation has been developed in a spreadsheet format that is customary to many construction practitioners. As an alternative to NN training, two techniques were used to determine network weights: (1) simplex optimization; and (2) genetic algorithms (GAs). Accordingly, the weights that produced the best cost prediction for the historical cases were used to find the optimum NN. To facilitate the use of this NN on new projects, a user-friendly interface was developed using spreadsheet macros to simplify user input and automate cost prediction. For practicality, sensitivity analysis and adaptation modules have also been incorporated to account for project uncertainty and to reoptimize the model on new historical data. Details regarding model development and capabilities have been discussed in an attempt to encourage practitioners to benefit from the NN technique.
Understanding Barriers to Participation in Environmental Education Conferences among Environmental Education Society Members in Asia

Anecdotal evidence suggests that although domestic participation is remaining fairly constant, international participation in environmental conferences in Asia may be declining. This study begins the task of identification and analysis of barriers for participation at environmental education conferences within participants’ domestic environmental education societies, as well as their participation among other societies’ conferences. A survey, translated into the native language of each participating society, was distributed to their members to be anonymously completed via the web service Survey Monkey. A total of 166 viable responses were returned. Data were analyzed within and among societies to identify trends in participation and barriers that tend to prevent or limit participation in their own and other societies’ conferences. Findings indicate that for international participation, the overall top barrier is financial consideration, with, in order of importance, a lack of time, competing obligations, and the language barrier all showing as important but to a lesser degree. The COVID-19 pandemic is playing a factor in conference participation. Over 28% of participants indicated that their research has been greatly affected or stopped due to the pandemic. Based on survey responses, international participation at future environmental education conferences is greatly affected through 2022 and then moderately affected through at least 2025. Domestic participation follows a similar pattern with participation being greatly affected through 2021 and then moderately affected moving through 2023. Virtual conferences are serving as an alternative to in-person conferences. Survey participants indicated that over 90% are open to attending virtually, both international and domestic, as long as the time zone differences and registration fees are reasonable.
Forecasting grain sorghum yields using simulated weather data and updating techniques.

ABSTRACT A methodology was developed by which SORGF, a grain sorghum growth-simulation model, could be used to forecast crop status during the growing season. The methodology utilizes simulated weather data, generated by a Markov chain model, as input to the grain sorghum model. The modeled status of sorghum plants may be updated at any time during the growing season with actual plant status observed in the field. Ap-plication of the methodology was demonstrated by forecasting date of physiological maturity (PM) and head dry weight at PM for grain sorghum crops grown in 10 fields in Central Texas during 1976.
Long COVID a New Derivative in the Chaos of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The Emergent Pandemic?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multisystem illness caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which can manifest with a multitude of symptoms in the setting of end-organ damage, though it is predominantly respiratory. However, various symptoms may remain after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, and this condition is referred to as “Long COVID” (LC). Patients with LC may develop multi-organ symptom complex that remains 4–12 weeks after the acute phase of illness, with symptoms intermittently persisting over time. The main symptoms are fatigue, post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction, and limitation of functional capacity. Pediatric patients developed the main symptoms of LC like those described in adults, although there may be variable presentations of LC in children. The underlying mechanisms of LC are not clearly known, although they may involve pathophysiological changes generated by virus persistence, immunological alterations secondary to virus–host interaction, tissue damage of inflammatory origin and hyperactivation of coagulation. Risk factors for developing LC would be female sex, more than five early symptoms, early dyspnea, previous psychiatric disorders, and alterations in immunological, inflammatory and coagulation parameters. There is currently no specific treatment for LC, but it could include pharmacological treatments to treat symptoms, supplements to restore nutritional, metabolic, and gut flora balance, and functional treatments for the most disabling symptoms. In summary, this study aims to show the scientific community the current knowledge of LC.
Modeling Trade–Employment Elasticity Nexus: Evidence from India

The effect of trade on employment growth in India is a less-discussed issue in the international economics literature. Trade has increased the employment growth in India or not is still a debatable issue for many researchers. This study explores the impact of trade on India’s employment elasticity of growth using World development Indicator data of the World Bank and KLEMS database of India from 1982 to 2016. For this purpose, it has used the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model of cointegration. The result indicates that although the share of trade in the national gross domestic product (GDP) has grown, it has failed to increase employment elasticity in the country. It may occur primarily because of the high volume of Indian imports. The share of the service sector in GDP, inflation, and foreign direct investment (FDI) are other vital factors influencing the employment intensity. Therefore, based on the empirical findings, it is suggested that policymakers should focus more on export, specifically on labor-intensive export. It will undoubtedly help to improve the employment level in the country.
Analysis of the Physico-Chemical, Mechanical and Biological Properties of Crosslinked Type-I Collagen from Horse Tendon: Towards the Development of Ideal Scaffolding Material for Urethral Regeneration

Urethral stenosis is a pathological condition that consists in the narrowing of the urethral lumen because of the formation of scar tissue. Unfortunately, none of the current surgical approaches represent an optimal solution because of the high stricture recurrence rate. In this context, we preliminarily explored the potential of an insoluble type-I collagen from horse tendon as scaffolding material for the development of innovative devices for the regeneration of injured urethral tracts. Non-porous collagen-based substrates were produced and optimized, in terms of crosslinking density of the macromolecular structure, to either provide mechanical properties compliant with the urinary tract physiological stress and better sustain tissue regeneration. The effect of the adopted crosslinking strategy on the protein integrity and on the substrate physical–chemical, mechanical and biological properties was investigated in comparison with a decellularized matrix from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS patch), an extensively used xenograft licensed for clinical use in urology. The optimized production protocols allowed the preservation of the type I collagen native structure and the realization of a substrate with appealing end-use properties. The biological response, preliminarily investigated by immunofluorescence experiments on human adult renal stem/progenitor cells until 28 days, showed the formation of a stem-cell monolayer within 14 days and the onset of spheroids within 28 days. These results suggested the great potential of the collagen-based material for the development of scaffolds for urethral plate regeneration and for in vitro cellular studies.