Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alkali-Treated Alumina and Zirconia Powders Decorated with Hydroxyapatite for Prospective Biomedical Applications

The alumina and zirconia surfaces were pretreated with chemical etching using alkaline mixtures of ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide, and followed with application of the powder layer of Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDH). The influence of etching bath conditions time and concentration on surface development, chemical composition and morphology of medicinal ceramic powders were studied. The following analyses were performed: morphology (scanning electron microscopy), phase composition (X-ray diffraction analysis), changes in binding interactions and chemical composition (FT-Infrared and Energy dispersive spectroscopies). Both types of etchants did not expose the original phase composition changes or newly created phases for both types of ceramics. Subsequent decoration of the surface with hydroxyapatite revealed differences in the morphological appearance of the layer on both ceramic surfaces. The treated zirconia surface accepted CDH as a flowing layer on the surface, while the alumina was decorated with individual CDH aggregates. The goal of this study was to focus further on the ceramic fillers for polymer-ceramic composites used as a biomaterial in dental prosthetics.
A Qualitative Exploration of Stakeholder Involvement in Decision-Making for Alcohol Treatment and Prevention Services

The concept of providing individuals with a ‘voice’ via stakeholder involvement has been advocated within English health care policy for several decades. Stakeholder involvement encourages people affected by an issue to contribute to planning and decision making regarding treatment and care, inclusive of providers and recipients of care. This paper explores stakeholder involvement in the design and delivery of public health alcohol services. A qualitative case study approach was adopted, including in-depth interviews with 11 alcohol commissioners, 10 alcohol service providers and 6 general practitioners plus three facilitated focus groups with 31 alcohol service users. Findings show that most participants were aware of, and could name, various methods of stakeholder involvement that they had engaged with; however, the extent and impact of stakeholder involvement in decision making are not transparent. It is essential that a deeper understanding is generated of the different roles that stakeholders can play within the entire decision-making process to maximise its utility.
DeDup.js: Discovering Malicious and Vulnerable Extensions by Detecting Duplication

Browser extensions are popular web applications that users install in modern browsers to enrich the user experience on the web. It is common for browser extensions to include static resources in the form of HTML, CSS, fonts, images, and JavaScript libraries. Unfortunately, the state of the art is that each extension ships its own version of a given resource. This paper presents DeDup.js, a framework that incorporates similarity analysis for achieving two goals: detecting potentially malicious extensions during the approval process, and given an extension as input, DeDup.js discovers similar extensions. We downloaded three snapshots of the Google Chrome Web Store during one year totaling more than 422k browser extensions and conclude that over 50% of the static resources are shared among the extensions. By implementing an instance of DeDup.js, we detect more than 7k extensions that should not have been published and were later deleted. Also, we discover more than 1k malicious extensions still online that send user’s queries to external servers without the user’s knowledge. Finally, we show the potential of DeDup.js by analyzing a set extensions part of CacheFlow, a recently discovered attack. We detect 53 malicious extensions of which 36 Google has already taken down and the rest are investigated.
Stability Enhancement of Wind Energy Conversion Systems Based on Optimal Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Systems Using the Archimedes Optimization Algorithm

Throughout the past several years, the renewable energy contribution and particularly the contribution of wind energy to electrical grid systems increased significantly, along with the problem of keeping the systems stable. This article presents a new optimization technique entitled the Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA) that enhances the wind energy conversion system’s stability, integrated with a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system that uses a proportional integral (PI) controller. The AOA is a modern population technique based on Archimedes’ law of physics. The SMES system has a big impact in integrating wind generators with the electrical grid by regulating the output of wind generators and strengthening the power system’s performance. In this study, the AOA was employed to determine the optimum conditions of the PI controller that regulates the charging and discharging of the SMES system. The simulation outcomes of the AOA, the genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) were compared to ensure the efficacy of the introduced optimization algorithm. The simulation results showed the effectiveness of the optimally controlled SMES system, using the AOA in smoothing the output power variations and increasing the stability of the system under various operating conditions.
Metabolic Insight into Cold Stress Response in Two Contrasting Maize Lines

Maize (Zea mays L.) is sensitive to a minor decrease in temperature at early growth stages, resulting in deteriorated growth at later stages. Although there are significant variations in maize germplasm in response to cold stress, the metabolic responses as stress tolerance mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed at providing insight into the metabolic responses under cold stress at the early growth stages of maize. Two inbred lines, tolerant (B144) and susceptible (Q319), were subjected to cold stress at the seedling stage, and their corresponding metabolic profiles were explored. The study identified differentially accumulated metabolites in both cultivars in response to induced cold stress with nine core conserved cold-responsive metabolites. Guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate was detected as a potential biomarker metabolite to differentiate cold tolerant and sensitive maize genotypes. Furthermore, Quercetin-3-O-(2″′-p-coumaroyl)sophoroside-7-O-glucoside, Phloretin, Phloretin-2′-O-glucoside, Naringenin-7-O-Rutinoside, L-Lysine, L-phenylalanine, L-Glutamine, Sinapyl alcohol, and Feruloyltartaric acid were regulated explicitly in B144 and could be important cold-tolerance metabolites. These results increase our understanding of cold-mediated metabolic responses in maize that can be further utilized to enhance cold tolerance in this significant crop.
Zero-Shot Hashing via Asymmetric Ratio Similarity Matrix

Zero-shot hashing targets to learn the hash codes of images in unseen classes based on the limited training data provided by seen classes. In zero-shot hashing, transferring the supervised knowledge, such as attributes and semantic relations, from seen classes to unseen ones is a widely employed method, where the performance is always subject to the ability to capture these supervised knowledge (which is always difficult to obtain). Therefore, in this study, we propose a new methodology for zero-shot hashing via an asymmetric ratio similarity matrix (ASZH), which only needs to calculate the semantic similarity among seen classes for hash learning. Specifically, we use an asymmetric ratio matrix in the similarity calculation to further explore the influence of similarity, where the values of positive weights for similar samples are not equivalent to those of negative ones for dissimilar samples. Additionally, a theoretical analysis regarding the utilization of an asymmetric ratio matrix is provided in this study. The experiments on three large benchmark datasets indicate that the proposed method achieves excellent performance than several state-of-the-art hashing methods.
Comparison of short-term outcomes between single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery for distal gastric cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Background The technical safety and efficacy of single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery (SILS+1) for distal gastric cancer remain unclear. This study was performed to compare the short-term outcomes of patients with distal gastric cancer undergoing SILS+1 versus conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS). Methods This randomized controlled trial involved patients with clinical stage cT1b-3N0-2M0 distal gastric cancer. The patients were randomized to the CLS group or SILS+1 group. The surgical and pathologic outcomes, postoperative mortality, and pain intensity were compared between the two groups. Results From January 2019 to April 2021, 117 patients were enrolled and assigned to either the CLS group (n=59) or SILS+1 group (n=58). The clinical characteristics, including blood loss, tumor diameter, pathologic stage, number of lymph nodes harvested, and postoperative recovery, were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the overall postoperative complication rates between the CLS group and SILS+1 group (10.2% vs. 6.9%, respectively; P=0.743). The Clavien-Dindo classification was also comparable (P=0.435). However, the operating time was significantly longer in the CLS group than SILS+1 group (207.0±41.2 vs. 185.1±40.7 min, respectively; P=0.005), and the total incision length was significantly shorter in the SILS+1 group than CLS group (6.1±0.6 vs. 7.6±0.7 cm, respectively; P=0.000). Moreover, on the third day after surgery, the visual analog scale (VAS) score was significantly higher in the CLS group than SILS+1 group (1.6±0.6 vs. 0.6±0.7, respectively; P=0.000). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that SILS+1 for distal gastric cancer performed by an experienced surgeon might be a feasible and safe technique with better cosmetic results and less pain in strictly selected patients. Trial Registration This trial was registered at www.chictr. org.cn (ChiCTR2100051491).
Method of Coalbed Methane Reservoir Numerical Simulation Based on COMET3

The paper has discussed the development history of coalbed methane(CBM) reservoir numerical simulation software,and described the process of performing reservoir simulation by using the third generation professional software COMET3.Furthermore,it revealed the effect of history matching and production forecasting based on a simulation example.The results show that COMET3 has a good performance in reverse calculating and revising coal reservoir testing parameters by putting some specific coal reservoir features including triple porosity structure,double diffusion feature,coal matrix expansion and shrinkage effect into consideration,it helps to increase objectivity of coal reservoir property analysis and CBM well production forecasting.
A Survey on Learning-Based Model Predictive Control: Toward Path Tracking Control of Mobile Platforms

The learning-based model predictive control (LB-MPC) is an effective and critical method to solve the path tracking problem in mobile platforms under uncertain disturbances. It is well known that the machine learning (ML) methods use the historical and real-time measurement data to build data-driven prediction models. The model predictive control (MPC) provides an integrated solution for control systems with interactive variables, complex dynamics, and various constraints. The LB-MPC combines the advantages of ML and MPC. In this work, the LB-MPC technique is summarized, and the application of path tracking control in mobile platforms is discussed by considering three aspects, namely, learning and optimizing the prediction model, the controller design, and the controller output under uncertain disturbances. Furthermore, some research challenges faced by LB-MPC for path tracking control in mobile platforms are discussed.
Women’s Functional Adult Literacy and Access to Community Participation in APAC District, Northern Uganda

This article explores how Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) plays or fails to play a role in women’s community participation in Apac district, Northern Uganda. The article was underpinned by Freire’s literacy and Kabeer’s agency theories, which argue that the element of conscientisation enables the marginalised non-literates realise the reality of the world and recognise how it impedes their development. The research on which this article is based employed qualitative case study design to the life changes of 45 participants resulting from their acquired FAL knowledge and skills to participate in community activities and projects. The major findings revealed that FAL training contributes to women having a voice in community meetings and decision-making process and elected or appointed in different leadership positions. The article concludes that given its critical importance, FAL needs to be strongly and consistently supported by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD) which coordinates the programme in Uganda as well as other local and international stakeholders. Given that FAL creates consciousness and transforms women’s lives to participate within their communities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and development partners should ensure a well-built training programme targeting women for community development purposes.
Experimental Verification and Performance Analysis of Permanent Magnet Wind Turbine Generators Considering Magnetic Losses

This paper deals with experimental verification and performance analysis of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) for wind power generation considering magnetic losses using d-q axis model. The d-q voltage equation of the PMSG is derived. The equations for losses such as copper loss, core loss and mechanical loss are also derived. Finally, by implementing dynamic simulation block diagram for the prediction of generating performance considering losses using MATLAB/SIMULINK, the generating performances of the PMSG are predicted under various speeds and loads. The predicted results are validated extensively by finite element (FE) analyses and measurements.
Possible Ionospheric Influence on Substorm Onset Location

Auroral substorm onset locations are highly unpredictable. Previous studies have shown that the By component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) explains ∼5% of the variation in onset magnetic local time (MLT), while solar wind conditions and the other IMF components have even less explanatory power. In this study, we show that the level of geomagnetic activity before substorm onset, as indicated by the AL index, explains an additional ∼5% of the variation in onset MLT. We discuss our results with regard to recent modeling studies, which show that gradients in the ionospheric Hall conductance can lead to a duskward shift of the magnetotail dynamics. Our findings suggest that this magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling effect may also influence the location of substorm onsets.
Inward eccentric fold failure in the progressive crushing of aluminum-CFRP square hybrid tubes

Abstract To explore the enhancement mechanism of CFRP overwrap in the aluminum-CFRP square hybrid, hybrid tubes with different braided angles were investigated both experimentally and numerically. Hybrid tube of 30 degrees had severe CFRP layers splitting damage in the tube corner. As the braided angle up to 60 degrees, CFRP layers with high transverse resistance force compressed the aluminum tube and caused it to fold inward; This led to the hybrid tube failing in a distinct inward eccentric fold deformation pattern and had an obvious energy absorption improvement in its inner aluminum tube due to its increase in the corner deformation.
Low Thermal Conductivity Adhesive as a Key Enabler for Compact, Low-Cost Packaging for Metal-Oxide Gas Sensors

Metal-oxide (MOX) gas sensors commonly rely on custom packaging solution. With an ever-increasing demand for MOX gas sensors, there is a clear need for a low cost, compact and high-performance package. During normal operation, MOX sensors are heated up to a temperature in the typical range of 200-300°C. However, the generated heat must not damage or degrade any other part of the assembly. Using 3D finite elements modelling, we developed an optimal package configuration. To thermally insulate the assembly from the heated MOX sensor we have developed in-house a low thermal conductivity xerogel-epoxy composite with 22.7% by weight xerogel and a thermal conductivity of 107.9 mW m−1 K−1 which is a reduction exceeding 30% compared to commercially available epoxy. Based on the low thermal conductivity xerogel-epoxy composite, we have developed a novel packaging approach that can suit the large family of MOX sensors. The developed alternative packaging solution includes a small number of assembly steps and uses standard processes and techniques. The assembled MOX sensor is low cost and has a low power consumption, while all thermally sensitive assembly parts remain at low temperature during the system’s lifetime.
Experimental Evaluation of Sandwich Panels with Parallel Shear Connectors for Building Applications

Author(s): Botello, Brian | Advisor(s): Mosallam, Ayman S | Abstract: The present study focuses on the evaluation of the static and dynamic behavior of cementitious sandwich panels with parallel steel wire shear connectors. The study is divided into two parts: (i) large-scale experimental evaluation of different structural sandwich members subjected to different types of loading regimes, and (ii) analytical procedures to predict the behavior of such panels. However, and due to the lack of experimental data on the behavior of such sandwich panels, the emphasis of this study is on full-scale experimental evaluation. In the analytical part of the study, modified procedures, based on the experimental observations, following the general guidelines of the American Concrete Institute (ACI 318-11) were adopted. Also, the experimental program focused on assessing the out-of-plane flexural behavior of floor/roof sandwich slabs. Both simply supported and two-span continuous large-scale floor/roof slabs, with different boundary conditions and details, were evaluated. The experimental results were compared to the analytical predictions and well agreement between the results was achieved. The study also included several large-scale element experiments that were conducted on walls subjected to axial, shear, eccentric and flexural loadings conditions as well as exterior and interior corner connections. These tests are considered to be a pioneering research work that are not available to-date in published literature. A summary of the test setup, test procedures and experimental results that included quasi-static and cyclic load-displacement (P-δ) and Stress- Strain (σ−e) curves are presented and discussed herein.The comprehensive experimental program provided much needed information to the structural engineers that lack the knowledge on the service and ultimate performance of this type of sandwich structural elements. For example, the experimental results provided important information on the suitability of the sandwich panels with parallel wire connectors for the use as floors and roof slabs. In addition, the experimental results identified the different failure modes that are not similar to those for solid concrete elements.The simplified analytical procedures that followed, in general, the requirements of ACI 318-11 with justifiable modifications succeeded to provide conservative estimates to the capacity of each structural sandwich element evaluated in this study. Numerical design examples for typical residential buildings that were performed using the proposed analytical procedures are also presented.Conclusions drawn from this pioneering study is summarized and recommendations for future research work is presented in this thesis.
The Impact of Service Quality Dimensions on Customer Satisfaction: Case Study of University Utara Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of service quality (reliability, empathy, tangibility, assurance, responsiveness) on customer satisfaction in University Utara Malaysia (Education Service). Each variable is measured using 7-point interval scale: reliability (6 items), empathy (6 items), tangibility (5 items), assurance (10 items), and responsiveness (5 items) on customer satisfaction (6 items). Using the primary data collection method, 160 questionnaires were distributed to postgraduate students inside University Utara Malaysia (Sintok Campus), in north Malaysia. The responses collected were 98 completed questionnaires representing with 61.25 % response rate. The data were analyzed using Structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS 7. Confirmatory factor analysis of measurement models indicates adequate goodness of fit after a few items were eliminated through modification indices verifications. Goodness of fit for the revised structural model shows adequate fit. This study has established five direct effects: (1) reliability customer satisfaction; (2) empathy and customer satisfaction; (3) tangibility and customer satisfaction; (4) assurance and customer satisfaction; (5) and responsiveness on customer satisfaction. And, this study concludes that all hypotheses have been asserted in the revised model.
A Rare Case of Acute Calculous Cholecystitis With Gallbladder Hydrops

Gallbladder hydrops or mucocele is usually due to the obstruction of the gallbladder by a gallstone. It is usually characterized by an increase in gallbladder volume, which remains clinically silent and is often incidentally diagnosed during exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy. We report a rare case of acute calculous cholecystitis with gallbladder hydrops (measuring 17 cm in maximum dimension) due to the obstruction of the cystic duct by a gallstone in a 67-year-old female. We highlight the importance of early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain to rule out gallbladder hydrops especially in those with a history of gallstones.
Transform Waveforms Into Signature Vectors for General-Purpose Incipient Fault Detection

Power system equipment presents special signatures at the incipient stage of faults. As more renewables are integrated into the systems, these signatures are harder to detect. If faults are detected at an early stage, economical losses and power outages can be avoided in modern power grids. Many researchers and power engineers have proposed a series of signature-specific methods for one type of equipment’s waveform abnormality. However, conventional methods are not designed to identify multiple types of incipient faults (IFs) signatures at the same time. Therefore, we develop a general-purpose IF detection method that detects waveform abnormality stemming from multiple types of devices. To avoid the computational burden of the general-purpose IF detection method, we embed the abnormality signatures into a vector and develop a pre-training model (PTM) for machine understanding. In the PTM, signal “words,” “sentences,” and “dictionaries” are designed and proposed. Through the comparison with a machine learning classifier and a simple probabilistic language model, the results show a superior detection performance and reveal that the training radius is highly related to the size of abnormal waveforms.