Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical composition of four selected vegetable spices commonly consumed in Malawi

Spices, regardless of source, play an important role in enhancing or improving flavor of foods or dishes. In this study, determination of phytochemical composition with respect to total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and vitamin C was conducted in four selected vegetable spices consumed in Malawi, namely Allium cepa L, Allium sativum L, green bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.) and Zingiber officinale. Results showed that total phenolic composition, in mg GAE/100 g, was highest in Zingiber officinale rhizomes (326.5±0.39) followed by Allium cepa L. (169.7±0.00), green bell pepper (124.9±0.20) and Allium sativum L. (72.72±0.39), respectively. Results further showed that Zingiber officinale had the highest antioxidant capacity and reducing power and the lowest vitamin C content, in the range of 21.78±0.21 mg AAE/100 g, 24.35±2.24 mg AAE/g and 3.61±0.23 mg AAE/100 g, respectively compared to the other vegetable spices. On the other hand, vitamin C content was highest in Allium sativum L followed by red Allium cepa L registering values of 455.0±2.12 and 443.4±2.50 mg AAE/100 g, respectively. The reducing power (in mg AAE/g) of the vegetable spices was highest in green bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.) with the value of 17.11±1.549 followed by red Allium cepa L. (9.519±0.860) and Allium sativum L. (5.922±0.778), respectively. Total tannins content, in mg TAE/g, was highest in Allium sativum L, which registered the value of 159.56±4.84 followed by Zingiber officinale (91.53±0.33), bell pepper (79.94±0.21) and Allium cepa L (49.36±1.98). Furthermore, phytic acid and oxalic acid contents were highest in Zingiber officinale registering values of 5.504±0.822 mg/kg and 37.25±2.83 mg/g, respectively. Red Allium cepa L. was found to contain 20.53±0.916 mg/g oxalic acid but had the lowest phytic acid content registering the value of 2.057±0.095 mg/kg. It can be concluded that the high phytochemical composition in the four vegetable spices, with low antinutrients like phytic and oxalic acids, can play an important role in improving human nutrition and health of consumers. Key words: Phytochemicals, Vegetable spices, Antioxidant capacity, Phenolic, Phytic acid, reducing power
Long-term effect of forest and landscape restoration practices on soil organic carbon stock in semi-arid Burkina Faso

In semi-arid areas, forest and landscape restoration (FLR) practices are being implemented to reverse the land degradation process. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of FLR practices on soil organic carbon stock (SOCs) under different land uses in the semi-arid region of Burkina Faso. The study was conducted on degraded land under rehabilitation practices for 45, 27, 18 and 11 years, which were compared to similar land without specific rehabilitation measures. The soil was collected in 2018 in 35 sampling plots of 30 m x 30 m. Soil analysis concerned bulk density, soil particle size, soil pH, soil organic carbon content, and respiratory activity of microorganisms. SOCs increased by 150%, 98% and 29% over 0-10 cm depth in 45-, 27- and 11-year of FLR practices, and decreased by 6% in 18-year of FLR practices compared to their respective control. SOCs were not linearly increased with the duration of the implementation of FLR practices because the variation of SOCs depends on several other parameters such as soil texture, and types of combination of FLR practices. The highest SOCs were recorded for 27 years (9.5 t.ha-1) and 45 years (8.5 t.ha-1) of FLR practices. This study revealed the importance of including Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) as one of the combined FLR practices, for improvement of SOCs.
An adaptive continuous action-set learning automata scheme

Learning automata (LA) has been widely encountered in signal processing for images, speeches, videos and so on. One special type of LA, i.e. the CALA (continuous action-set LA) issue is handled. It first fills the existing gap aimed at the classic Beigy's algorithm, based on which a novel adaptive CALA (ACALA) algorithm is proposed. The proposed ACALA algorithm includes a sampling process and an iterating process, where the learning parameters are adaptively adjusted, not only between the two stages but also inside the core stage. Experiments with regard to noisy function optimisation reveal its outperformance, in accordance with the general evaluation system built. Specifically, the final result of the proposed algorithm could always judge as the global optimum even in noise-added scenarios, regardless of the initial parameters.
A review on structural development and recognition–localization methods for end-effector of fruit–vegetable picking robots

The excellent performance of fruit and vegetable picking robots is usually contributed by the reasonable structure of end-effector and recognition–localization methods with high accuracy. As a result, efforts are focused on two aspects, and diverse structures of end-effector, target recognition methods as well as their combinations are yielded continuously. A good understanding for the working principle, advantages, limitations, and the adaptability in respective fields is helpful to design picking robots. Therefore, depending on different grasping ways, separating methods, structures, materials, and driving modes, main characteristics existing in traditional schemes will be depicted firstly. According to technical routes, advantages, potential applications, and challenges, underactuated manipulators and soft manipulators representing future development are then summarized systematically. Secondly, partial recognition and localization methods are also demonstrated. Specifically, current recognition manners adopting the single-feature, multi-feature fusion and deep learning are explained in view of their advantages, limitations, and successful instances. In the field of 3D localization, active vision based on the structured light, laser scanning, time of flight, and radar is reflected through the respective applications. Also, another 3D localization method called passive vision is also evaluated by advantages, limitations, the degree of automation, reconstruction effects, and the application scenario, such as monocular vision, binocular vision, and multiocular vision. Finally portrayed from structural development, recognition, and localization methods, it is possible to develop future end-effectors for fruit and vegetable picking robots with superior characteristics containing the less driving element, rigid–flexible–bionic coupling soft manipulators, simple control program, high efficiency, low damage, low cost, high versatility, and high recognition accuracy in all-season picking tasks.
Global Trends in Physical-Activity Research of Autism: Bibliometric Analysis Based on the Web of Science Database (1980–2021)

The World Health Organization has identified nervous system diseases as one of the biggest public health problems, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Considering the extensive benefits of physical activity (PA), the literature on the PA research of ASD has increased each year, but there is a lack of bibliometric analyses in this field. To investigate the research achievements worldwide, this paper adopts bibliometrics to analyze the trend in the academic literature on the PA research of ASD published from 1980 to 2021. The documents were retrieved from the Web of Science database, and the search strategy was to combine the keywords related to “physical activity” and “autism spectrum disorder” by using the Boolean operator tools “OR” and “AND” in the title. A total of 359 English documents were retrieved. Microsoft Excel, Data Wrapper, VOSviewer, and Biblioshiny were used for the visual analysis. We found that the number of published documents increased the fastest from 2017 to 2021, which may be due to the promulgation of the Global Action Plan for Physical Activity 2018–2030 and the influence of COVID-19 on the world. The United States and the University of California systems are in the leading position in this field. Cooperation among countries with different levels of development will help to jointly promote the PA research progress on ASD. The focus themes include “individual effect”, “social support” and “activity dose”. The analysis of the frontier topic points out that researchers are paying increasing attention to how to improve the health and physical fitness of this group through PA. This research clearly puts forward a comprehensive overview, theme focus, and future trends in this field, which may be helpful to guide future research.
A Hemagglutinin Stem Vaccine Designed Rationally by AlphaFold2 Confers Broad Protection against Influenza B Infection

Two lineages of influenza B viruses (IBV) co-circulating in human beings have been posing a significant public health burden worldwide. A substantial number of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) have been identified targeting conserved epitopes on hemagglutinin (HA) stem domain, posing great interest for universal influenza vaccine development. Various strategies to design immunogens that selectively present these conserved epitopes are being explored. However, it has been a challenge to retain native conformation of the HA stem region, especially for soluble expression in prokaryotic systems. Here, using a structure prediction tool AlphaFold2, we rationally designed a stable stem antigen “B60-Stem-8071”, an HA stem vaccine derived from B/Brisbane/60/2006 grafted with a CR8071 epitope as a linker. The B60-Stem-8071 exhibited better solubility and more stable expression in the E. coli system compared to the naïve HA stem antigen. Immunization with B60-Stem-8071 in mice generated cross-reactive antibodies and protected mice broadly against lethal challenge with Yamagata and Victoria lineages of influenza B virus. Notably, soluble expression of B60-stem-8071 in the E. coli system showed the potential to produce the influenza B vaccine in a low-cost way. This study represents a proof of concept for the rational design of HA stem antigen based on structure prediction and analysis.
Bayesian Model Average for Student Learning Location

The paper was conducted to understand the factors affecting the student’s learning location. The official study carried out an online survey through Google forms using a questionnaire with the participation of 125 samples. The Bayesian Model Selection shows that 03 factors are affecting student studying location (SSL), which are Students’ perception (PP), Price perception (PRI), Perception of universities in a big city (UNI). From the results, we have proposed many implications for improving student learning. This study uses the optimal choice of Bayesian Model Selection for the student learning location. Students’ perceptions (PP), price perceptions (PRI), and university perceptions in big cities (UNI) all have a 97.1 percent impact on student studying places (SSL). Model 1 is the best option by BIC, and four variables have a probability of 100%.
The Noetic Signature Inventory: Development, Exploration, and Initial Validation

Noetic comes from the Greek word noēsis, meaning inner wisdom or direct knowing. Noetic experiences often transcend the perception of our five senses and are ubiquitous worldwide, although no instrument exists to evaluate noetic characteristics both within and between individuals. We developed the Noetic Signature Inventory (NSI) through an iterative qualitative and statistical process as a tool to subjectively assess noetic characteristics. Study 1 developed and evaluated a 175-item NSI using 521 self-selected research participants, resulting in a 46-item NSI with an 11-factor model solution. Study 2 examined the 11-factor solution, construct validity, and test–retest reliability, resulting in a 44-item NSI with a 12-factor model solution. Study 3 confirmed the final 44-item NSI in a diverse population. The 12-factors were: (1) Inner Knowing, (2) Embodied Sensations, (3) Visualizing to Access or Affect, (4) Inner Knowing Through Touch, (5) Healing, (6) Knowing the Future, (7) Physical Sensations from Other People, (8) Knowing Yourself, (9) Knowing Other’s Minds, (10) Apparent Communication with Non-physical Beings, (11) Knowing Through Dreams, and (12) Inner Voice. The NSI demonstrated internal consistency, convergent and divergent content validity, and test–retest reliability. The NSI can be used for the future studies to evaluate intra- and inter-individual variation of noetic experiences.
A Hybrid Fault-Tolerant Strategy for Severe Sensor Failure Scenarios in Late-Stage Offshore DFIG-WT

As the phase current sensors and rotor speed/position sensor are prone to fail in the late stage of an offshore doubly-fed induction generator based wind turbine (DFIG-WT), this paper investigates a hybrid fault-tolerant strategy for a severe sensor failure scenario. The phase current sensors in the back-to-back (BTB) converter and the speed/position sensor are in the faulty states simultaneously. Based on the 7th-order doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) dynamic state space model, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm is applied for rotor speed and position estimation. In addition, good robustness of this sensorless control algorithm to system uncertainties and measurement disturbances is presented. Besides, a single DC-link current sensor based phase current reconstruction scheme is utilized for deriving the phase current information according to the switching states. A duty ratio adjustment strategy is proposed to avoid missing the sampling points in a switching period, which is simple to implement. Furthermore, the additional active time of the targeted nonzero switching states is complemented so that the reference voltage vector remains in the same position as that before duty ratio adjustment. The validity of the proposed hybrid fault-tolerant sensorless control strategy is demonstrated by simulation results in Matlab/Simulink2017a by considering harsh operating environments.
Scattering intensity from Brownian dynamics: Application to total internal reflection microscopy

Total internal reﬂection microscopy (TIRM) measures the position of a Brownian particle above an interface by using its scattering of an evanescent wave. From the knowledge of the trajectory it is possible to reconstruct the interaction potential between the Brownian particle and the wall with nanometer and femtonewton resolution. TIRM relies on the a priori knowledge of the relation I(z) between the particle position and the scattering intensity. We introduced a method to determine experimentally I(z) . Such method largely extends the conditions accessible with TIRM.
Aerosol Delivery of Lung Surfactant and Nasal CPAP in the Treatment of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

After shifting away from invasive mechanical ventilation and intratracheal instillation of surfactant toward non-invasive ventilation with nasal CPAP and less invasive surfactant administration in order to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome, fully non-invasive surfactant nebulization is the next Holy Grail in neonatology. Here we review the characteristics of animal-derived (clinical) and new advanced synthetic lung surfactants and improvements in nebulization technology required to secure optimal lung deposition and effectivity of non-invasive lung surfactant administration. Studies in surfactant-deficient animals and preterm infants have demonstrated the safety and potential of non-invasive surfactant administration, but also provide new directions for the development of synthetic lung surfactant destined for aerosol delivery, implementation of breath-actuated nebulization and optimization of nasal CPAP, nebulizer circuit and nasal interface. Surfactant nebulization may offer a truly non-invasive option for surfactant delivery to preterm infants in the near future.
Direct Derivatization in Dried Blood Spots for Oxidized and Reduced Glutathione Quantification in Newborns

The glutathione (GSH)-to-glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio is an essential node contributing to intracellular redox status. GSH/GSSG determination in whole blood can be accomplished by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) after the derivatization of GSH with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). While this is feasible in a laboratory environment, its application in the clinical scenario is cumbersome and therefore ranges reported in similar populations differ noticeably. In this work, an LC-MS procedure for the determination of GSH and GSSG in dried blood spot (DBS) samples based on direct in situ GSH derivatization with NEM of only 10 µL of blood was developed. This novel method was applied to 73 cord blood samples and 88 residual blood volumes from routine newborn screening performed at discharge from healthy term infants. Two clinical scenarios simulating conditions of sampling and storage relevant for routine clinical analysis and clinical trials were assessed. Levels of GSH-NEM and GSSG measured in DBS samples were comparable to those obtained by liquid blood samples. GSH-NEM and GSSG median values for cord blood samples were significantly lower than those for samples at discharge. However, the GSH-NEM-to-GSSG ratios were not statistically different between both groups. With DBS testing, the immediate manipulation of samples by clinical staff is reduced. We therefore expect that this method will pave the way in providing an accurate and more robust determination of the GSH/GSSG values and trends reported in clinical trials.
High-Efficiency Asymmetrical Half-Bridge Converter With Linear Voltage Gain

A conventional asymmetrical half-bridge (AHB) converter is one of the widely used topologies in low to medium power applications. However, when it is designed in a wide input voltage range, it operates with a low duty ratio at nominal input voltage. In addition, it has disadvantages, such as a dc offset of magnetizing current, an unbalanced average current of the diode, and a nonlinear voltage gain due to asymmetrical operation. To solve these disadvantages, an AHB converter with linear voltage gain is proposed. The proposed converter has a structure in which a capacitor is added as a voltage source to obtain a symmetrical operation by extending the commutation period. Therefore, it has a narrow range of operating duty ratio and a zero dc offset of magnetizing current. Due to the zero dc offset of magnetizing current, it has a small size transformer and improved zero-voltage switching conditions of the primary-side switches. In addition, it has a low primary rms current and a balanced average current of the diode. Consequently, the proposed converter has high efficiency under the entire load conditions. A 300–400 V input and 48 V/400 W output prototype is tested to verify the feasibility of the proposed converter.
UVR Exposure and Prevention of Street Construction Workers in Colombia and Germany

(1) Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) poses a major risk factor for developing skin cancer after years of chronic exposure. The irradiation is strongly dependent upon the activity or occupation carried out, but also on the climate conditions at the workplace. Knowledge of both has been tested within the occupational group of road construction workers in Colombia and Germany. (2) The GENESIS-UV measurement system has been used at both locations for consistency. A number of workers in both countries wore an electronic data logging dosimeter for several months to deliver detailed information on UVR exposure. (3) It was found that in a tropical climate, UVR exposure remains constant throughout the year, while in a temperate climate seasonal effects are visible, superimposed by behavioural aspects e.g., in springtime. The daily distribution of the radiation shows a distinct dip, especially in the Colombian data. Derived data show the high fraction of working days exceeding a threshold set by the skin type. (4) Road construction work involves high UVR exposure. In both countries, preventive measures are required to reduce the personal exposure to a minimum. Exceedance of the minimal erythema dose (MED) suggests a possible enhancing effect, especially in fair skinned people. Intercomparison of UVR exposure at workplaces is possible between countries and climate zones, emphasizing efforts for global action against skin cancer.
High-Precision Speed Control Based on Multiple Phase-Shift Resonant Controllers for Gimbal System in MSCMG

The high precision speed control of gimbal servo system in magnetically suspended control moment gyro (MSCMG) suffers from periodic torque disturbances, which lead to periodic fluctuations in speed control. This paper proposes a novel multiple phase-shift resonant controller (MPRC) for a gimbal servo system to suppress the periodic torque ripples whose frequencies vary with the operational speed of the gimbal servo motor and high-speed motor. First, the periodic torque ripples caused by cogging torque, flux harmonics and the dynamic unbalance of the high speed rotor are analyzed. Second, the principle and structure of MPRC parallel with proportional integral (PI) controllers are discussed. The design and stability analysis of the proposed MPRC plus PI control scheme are given both for the current loop and speed loop. The closed-loop stability is ensured by adjusting the phase in the entire operational speed range. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control method is verified through simulation and experimental results.
Selection of optimum projection angles in three dimensional myocardial SPECT

The purpose of our research is to develop a new data acquisition scheme for myocardial single photon emission CT with a semiconductor detector. The gamma camera system with a semiconductor detector enables us to measure projection data with arbitrary angles because the detector is smaller than those of the ordinary gamma cameras with a scintillation detector. The proposed data acquisition scheme is to measure projection data with angles where the signal to noise ratio in projection data is relatively high. We assumed that we could measure twenty projections to the heart, i.e., in the x-y plane the positions of the detector were 0, 30, 60 and 90 deg. (anterior to LAO 90 deg.) and in the y-z plane they were 60, 30, 0, -30 and -60 deg. to the x-y plane. Then to reduce the number of projections required for an acceptable quality of images, we carefully decided the minimum number of projections and selected optimum projection angles. The criterion for selecting the projection angle was an integral value of power spectra for each projection. We listed projection angles in descending order according to this integral value and made four projection subsets.
Comparative Study Between Classical and Optimized Stability Margins of Quadruped Robot Creeping Gait

The ability of the quadruped (four-legged) robot locomotion was used in a lot of different applications like walking over soft and rough terrains. These applications needed to guarantee the flexibility and mobility. Generally, quadruped robots have three basic periodic gaits: creeping gait, running gait and galloping gait. The stability criteria are the main issue of the quadruped robot throughout walking with the slow motion gait like creeping gait. The gait of static stability is completely bases on the stability margins in the walking that was calculated in this paper. The quadruped robot legs walking sequence and creeping gait within the leg fixing and swinging phases carried out. The kinematics model of quadruped robot of the forward and inverse kinematics for each leg 3-DOF was calculated that lead to discover the minimum stability margins with walking on the vertical projection of the robot geometrical body. These stability margins needed to be optimized in order to obtain the best stability margin throughout this robot walking. In this paper we use the PSO optimization algorithm to get the best stability margins value. Simulation and results are verified the range of the stability margin values and the optimized results.