Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MODELING INITIAL DESIGN PROCESS USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

The preliminary design model is of vital importance in the synthesis of a finally acceptable solution in a design problem. The initial design process is extremely difficult to computerize because it requires human intuition. It has often been impossible to form declarative rules to express human intuition and past experience. The suitability of an artificial neural network for modeling an initial design process has been investigated in this paper. Development of a network for initial design of reinforced-concrete rectangular single-span beams has been reported. The network predicts a good initial design (i.e., tensile reinforcement required, depth of beam, width, cost per meter, and the moment capacity) for a given set of input parameters (i.e., span, dead load, live load, concrete grade, and steel type). Various stages of development and performance evaluation with respect to rate of learning, fault tolerance, and generalization have been presented.
Olive orchard microbiome: characterisation of bacterial communities in soil-plant compartments and their comparison between sustainable and conventional soil management systems

ABSTRACT Background Beneficial bacteria-plant interactions play an important role in agriculture, positively affecting plant status and improving product quality. Bacterial endophytes contribute to host plant protection and survival. Aim This study characterised the bacterial communities present in soil, leaf surface and xylem sap of olive trees, and investigated their response under a sustainable (Smng) or a conventional (Cmng) management system in an olive grove located in southern Italy. The aims are: (a) to understand if soil bacteria enter xylem and reach leaves and (b) to verify if the bacterial communities in the two management systems deeply differ due to the different agronomic practices applied in Smng and in Cmng. Methods Therefore, a metagenomic approach was used to detect microorganisms, in order to estimate bacterial diversity and abundance, and to identify the bacterial taxa in the three analysed compartments in plants subjected to Smng and Cmng systems. Results Bacterial communities came from the soil and reached aerial plant parts through xylem sap. The application of different agronomic practices influenced the composition of soil bacterial communities. Conclusions The potential benefits of the specific bacterial taxa detected under the Smng system could improve plant growth protection and provide a higher crop quality in fruit plants.
Using landsat satellite images for assessing riverbank changes in the Mekong and Bassac rivers in the An Giang province

An Giang Province is one of the key economic regions of Mekong Delta and of Vietnam. With the development of urbanization and industrialization, An Giang has been suffering a burden from natural disasters, including salinity intrusion, drought, and riverbank erosion, due to natural and anthropological drivers. Amongst them, riverbank erosion is a key problem of the An Giang province, caused by changes in hydrological and sediment characteristics because of hydropower development and sand exploitation in the upstream part. In this study, we investigated the riverbank changes by using the water extraction index based on the Landsat imagery data. Amongst three extraction indices, such as Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Water Index (MNDWI), and Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI), AWEI was identified the suitable index for the study area replied on the assessment of the index performance in extracting the riverbank in the four test sites in An Giang province (An Phu District, Vinh Hoa District, Cho Moi District, and Vam Nao River). Based on that, AWEI was then used for riverbank extraction for the study area in the period 1989-2015. After using the AWEI riverbank extracting method, Linear Regression Rate (LRR) had been applied to estimate the rate of the riverbank changes in the study area. The results stated that the rate of riverbank erosion was high in meandering river segments and upper part of islets, such as Tan Chau (-33m/year), Cho Moi (-36m/year) and Vam Nao (-3.07m/year). Besides analyzing the rate of erosion, this research also discusses some potential reasons as well as protection method to mitigate this problem. This study reveals that it is crucial to take sustainable measures to mitigate erosion in An Giang province.
Antitumor Effect of Bio-Fabricated Silver Nanoparticles Towards Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma

The current study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anticancer potential of the silver nanoparticles fabricated with butanol fraction of Pinus roxburghii needles (PNb-AgNPs). In vitro results revealed significant cytotoxicity of PNb-AgNPs towards Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells with an IC50 of 47.02 ± 1.11 μg/ml. Further, morphological changes, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial depolarization, and DNA fragmentation elucidated EAC cell death by PNb-AgNPs exposure. The cell cycle analysis displayed an increase in the Sub-G1 population (52%), further confirmed by nuclear fragmentation in EAC cells after PNb-AgNPs treatment. The hemolytic investigation revealed the biocompatible nature of PNb-AgNPs. In vivo experiments were performed using the liquid Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma tumor model, which clearly showed a reduction in tumor growth and body weight following PNb-AgNPs treatment in EAC-bearing mice as compared to untreated controls. Moreover, elevated hematological and biochemical parameters were found to restore to normal range in EAC-bearing mice treated with PNb-AgNPs. Overall, PNb-AgNPs effectively induced apoptotic cell death in EAC cells and exhibited remarkable in vivo antitumor potential.
Gate Leakage Variability in Nano-CMOS Transistors

Gate leakage variability in nano-scale CMOS devices is investigated through advanced modelling and simulations of planar, bulk-type MOSFETs. The motivation for the work stems from the two of the most challenging issues in front of the semiconductor industry - excessive leakage power, and device variability - both being brought about with the aggressive downscaling of device dimensions to the nanometer scale. The aim is to deliver a comprehensive tool for the assessment of gate leakage variability in realistic nano-scale CMOS transistors. We adopt a 3D drift-diffusion device simulation approach with density-gradient quantum corrections, as the most established framework for the study of device variability. The simulator is first extended to model the direct tunnelling of electrons through the gate dielectric, by means of an improved WKB approximation. A study of a 25 nm square gate n-type MOSFET demonstrates that combined effect of discrete random dopants and oxide thickness variation lead to starndard deviation of up to 50% (10%) of the mean gate leakage current in OFF(ON)-state of the transistor. There is also a 5 to 6 times increase of the magnitude of the gate current, compared to that simulated of a uniform device. A significant part of the research is dedicated to the analysis of the non-abrupt bandgap and permittivity transition at the Si/SiO2 interface. One dimensional simulation of a MOS inversion layer with a 1nm SiO2 insulator and realistic band-gap transition reveals a strong impact on subband quantisation (over 50mV reduction in the delta-valley splitting and over 20% redistribution of carriers from the delta-2 to the delta-4 valleys), and enhancement of capacitance (over 10%) and leakage (about 10 times), relative to simulations with an abrupt band-edge transition at the interface.
Photocatalytically Active Amorphous and Crystalline TiO2 Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition

In this work, the photocatalytic properties of amorphous and crystalline TiO2 deposited on oxide and polymer nanoparticles by atomic layer deposition (ALD) were studied. Beside TiO2, as reference, both ALD grown amorphous Al2O3 and crystalline ZnO layers were also examined. When choosing the carrier, the priority was that it had no effect on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2; therefore the oxide layers were deposited on SiO2 and poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles. The amorphous SiO2 particles were synthetized by the Stöber method, while the PMMA particles were prepared by emulsion polymerization. Both the bare and core/shell composite nanoparticles were investigated by SEM-EDX, TEM, FT-IR, and XRD. Finally, the photocatalytic activity of PMMA, SiO2 and the core/shell nanoparticles was measured by the decomposition of methylene orange, monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Based on the results, the SiO2 was uniformly coated with the deposited oxide films, while in the case of the PMMA a contiguous web-like polymer/TiO2 matrix was formed. During the photocatalytic reactions, the amorphous Al2O3 was not active, while the crystalline ZnO and TiO2 showed good photocatalytic activity. The amorphous TiO2 deposited by ALD on the SiO2 and PMMA nanoparticles had smaller, but a clearly detectable photocatalytic effect on the photodegradation of methylene orange.
An Inlet Area for Particle Mixing in a Two-Dimensional Fluidized Bed Using a CFD-DEM Model

Fluidized beds are widely used in many industries since they are effective in mixing process. The distinct element method (DEM) has recently received more attention for investigating the phenomena of multiphase flow because the technique is effective in gathering detailed information on the complex phenomena without physically disturbing the flows. A CFD-DEM model has been developed for calculating the minimum fluidization velocity and particle mixing in a two-dimensional fluidized bed. In this research, the inlet area on the particle mixing was investigated. From the result, it was indicated that the developed CFD-DEM model was performed adequately in predicting the phenomena in a two dimensional fluidized bed. The minimum fluidization velocity predicted by the developed model agreed well with the theory and correlation of Grace. Based on Lacey mixing index, it was found that the mixing index increased with an increase in time and superficial gas velocity. In addition, the inlet area of 20% gave a good mixing.
A Historical Metamorphosis of Physical Education and Extra-curricular School Sport Activities in Chatsworth, Durban, South Africa (1960–2020)

Chatsworth is a township, which was consciously designed by the South African apartheid government in order to suppress its residents’ educational, social, financial, spiritual, and physical development. The primary aim of this article is to chronologically describe the history of Physical Education and extra-curricular school sport from 1960 to 2020, in the community of Chatsworth, through review of national, provincial, and local educational policies and extra-curricular school sport management structures. A narrative literature surveillance was completed using Google Scholar and Sabinet. Key search terms were “Chatsworth,” “physical education,” and “school sport. ” The search identified 2050 records, of which only six were ultimately included. The records were assessed for researcher, bias employing a modified Downs and Black Appraisal scale. Due to the paucity of literature recounting the history of Chatsworth’s Physical Education and extra-curricular school sport, interviews were conducted with two proponent Chatsworth physical education teachers. The article describes the national and provincial education curriculum reforms that influenced Physical Education and extra-curricular school sport in Chatsworth.
WATER QUALITY AT THE BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER, ARKANSAS, 1991-2001

The Buffalo National River (BNR) is a relatively unpolluted, free-flowing river with riffle-pool geomorphology, located in north-central Arkansas. The specific objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate differences between physicochemical properties and concentrations in water quality samples representing base flow and surface runoff conditions, (2) determine trends in physicochemical properties and concentrations using three datasets (all data, data representing base flow conditions, and data representing surface runoff conditions), and (3) compare flow-weighted constituent concentrations and yields at the BNR to relatively undisturbed catchments and a relatively developed catchment. Water quality trends were evaluated (. = 0.1) using constituent data from 1991 through 2001 and using subsets of these data representing water quality samples collected during either base flow or surface runoff conditions. Trends were assessed by (1) appropriately transforming water quality data and daily discharge, (2) flow-weighting water quality data using a smoothing technique, and (3) evaluating residuals from smoothing versus time for trends. Trend analyses suggested that only nitrogen, sediment, and E. coli concentrations increased from 1991 through 2001 in the BNR, particularly during surface runoff conditions. Most temporal changes in constituents occurred during surface runoff conditions, and these changes were not necessarily reflected during base flow conditions. Flow-weighted nutrient concentrations and yields were greater at the BNR compared to median values for relatively undeveloped basins across the U.S. Nutrient concentrations and yields at the BNR were only slightly greater than or equal to the values representing the 75th percentile of reference streams. However, nutrient concentrations and yields at the BNR were less than at relatively developed basins within the same ecoregion. By evaluating base flow and surface runoff water quality samples separately for trends, we gained additional insight into the particular flow conditions exhibiting significant trends. Identification of flow conditions associated with trends aids in determining constituent sources and hence appropriate constituent abatement.
Integrated MIMO antenna with high isolation characteristic

A novel two-channel multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna for handset terminals is proposed. The antenna is basically composed of two folded monopoles and is designed to operate in WiBro (Wireless Broadband Internet; the Korean version of mobile WiMax) service band, 2.30–2.39 GHz. To decrease mutual coupling between the antennas, ground wall and connecting line are added. Good impedance matching and enhanced isolation performances are observed. Radiation patterns clearly show omnidirectional performance of the proposed antenna.
Lowering the sink temperature for a desert solar air conditioning system

The paper addresses the problem of cooling air conditioning systems in desert environments where ambient air temperatures are high, and cooling towers should be avoided because of scarcity of water resources. A proposed ground heat-sink is proposed which exploits the highly effective night-time desert cooling by long-wave atmospheric radiation. A simple computer model is presented for the performance of the heat-sink design, which integrates with a load calculation model for a hypothetical zero energy house, in which the air conditioning equipment is solar driven. The load-calculation and thermal-sink models are matched dynamically with the time dependent solar energy characteristics of the selected site, and predicted results are displayed and discussed.
Design and performance of a reconfigurable mesh reflector antenna, Part 1 antenna design

The theory and design of a reconfigurable mesh reflector antenna is described with particular reference to satellite applications. As an example, it is shown that antenna pattern reconfiguration can be achieved for a 50-wavelength-diameter antenna using 78 actuators with performance very comparable with that prescribed for an antenna fed from an array. The predicted performance relies on an accurate mechanical model for the knitted mesh surface, which is developed here using a network of elastic springs. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated. Other factor affecting performance, such as boundary constraints and the means to control the mesh surface, are discussed together with tolerances on actuator settings. < >
Gauge and tension control system for hot strip finishing mill

In this paper, a gauge and strip tension control system for a hot strip finishing mill based on the optimal regulator theory is presented. In hot strip finishing rolling, there exists a mutual interaction between gauge and strip tension control. Since the conventional control system, which consists of single-input and single-output controllers, is limited in improving the control performance, a multivariable control is introduced. First, a mathematical model of the gauge and strip tension control system is derived. Then, in order to improve the control performance, a multivariable compensator based on the optimal regulator theory is designed. It is shown by simulation studies and experimental results that the new control system with a multivariable compensator is effective for improving gauge and tension control accuracy. <<ETX>>
Release, establishment and realised geographic distribution of Diorhabda carinulata and D. elongata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in California, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT This report summarises efforts to establish Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers) and D. elongata (Brullé) in California for the control of invasive saltcedars (Tamarix spp.), which degrade riparian ecosystems in the western United States. Over 14,000 D. carinulata individuals were released in California among four locations between 1999 and 2002 but beetles only established at the Tinemaha Reservoir site, the most eastern release location. More than 236,000 D. elongata individuals were released between 13 sites from 2003–2009 and establishment was limited to two sites, along the Cache and Pope creeks in northwestern California. The D. carinulata population did not disperse beyond the release area despite the presence of nearby (ca. 20 km) patches of the host plant. In contrast, D. elongata spread along Cache Creek and branches of related tributaries within the same watershed at ca. 14 km per year. A survey of 122 Tamarix stands across 15 California counties revealed that neither introduced beetle colonised other host patches, including those in neighbouring watersheds. Despite exclusive use of T. parviflora for ca. 36 generations, field collected D. elongata adults demonstrated strong preferences for T. ramosissima over T. parviflora when selecting both resting and ovipositional sites in caged choice tests. The proportion of D. elongata ovipositing on T. parviflora varied over time but with no clear trend of shifting host preference despite strong selection pressure. Explanations for the limited establishment and spread of Diorhabda spp. as well as impact to the target weeds are discussed.
High Throughput Virtual Screening and Mutational Studies Using Docking and Molecular Dynamics on a Shared Memory GPU Supercomputer

Human Fructose 1,6 Bisphosphatase (FBPase), an enzyme which serves as the control point in the gluconeogenesis pathway, was selected as a protein target for this study. FBPase is a putative target for drug development to combat Type II Diabetes. The FBPase protein structure has previously been solved (Zhang et al., 1995), and coordinates were readily available (PDB code IFTA) and downloaded for docking studies from the Rutgers Consortium of Structural Biology (RCSB) Protein Data Bank (PDB). The potential inhibitory molecules (IBS Natural Products Catalog) were downloaded from the ZINC Database (Irwin et al., 2012) in pdbqt file format. AutoDock Vina was selected as the ideal docking program for FBPase as determined by comparing co‐crystallized ligands to docked ligand positions. Selected compounds were chosen and docked into the FBPase active site and allosteric binding sites. Following the identification of promising theoretical binding constants for each molecule, molecular dynamics studies were performed for the FBPase protein target in the absence and presence of these promising molecules. Studies were caeried out using a NAMD/VMD (Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics with Visual Molecular Dynamics) system. NAMD implemented with CHARMM foce field is known to be highly efficient in simulating large systems for molecular motions. Dissociation constants (Ki) for the protein‐ligand complexes were calculated through NAMD runs, and respective conformational changes in the FBPase binding pockets were observed. Binding pockets were evaluated based on two factors: 1) pocket shape, and 2) pocket volume. Laboratory‐based site‐directed mutagenesis results revealed various levels of activation/inhibition of the enzyme as a result of mutations, an outcome with genetic implications for disease. Mutant enzymes resisted attempts at crystallization so molecular dynamics (MD) studies were performed on models of mutants. Focused on the active site of allosteric binding sites, further analysis was performed with key residues (virtually mutated) to initiate activation or inhibition of the enzyme (retention in T‐state or transition to R‐state) using NAMD. Resulting models of FBPase after MD runs shed light on possible interfacial structural changes produced in response to these mutations. Structural alterations in the models were observed in the active site, AMP (adenosine monophosphate) allosteric binding site, dimer interface allosteric binding site, and the interface between the active site and the AMP binding site. The signal from one part of the molecule is trasmittedto another part of the molecule through a known hydrogen‐bonding network (a sequential allosteric transition) vconnecting the active sites to the AMP allosteric binding sites. Novel hydrophobic networks were identified to connect the active sites to the allosteric binding sites using the NAMD protocol.
Modal analysis of optical waveguides using prony's method and bpm

We present the application of Prony's method to the problem of computing the complex propagation constants of guided optical modes from data obtained with the beam propagation method (BPM). Prony's method provides accurate results for the complex propagation constants and also gives the amount of power carried by each of these modes as well as their relative phases, for both absorbing and nonabsorbing waveguides. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Can mobile technology reduce the Digital Divide? A study in a South African tertiary education context

Undergraduate software engineering students are often required to participate in problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based project work. Assessment of information communication and technology (ICT) project deliverables contributes a major portion of the course mark. Collaboration and communication are supported to some extent by mobile hand-held devices, yet are limited by the digital divide created from not all students having access to smartphone devices and mobile Internet connectivity. This study describes the findings of a mobile learning and digital divide (MLDD) survey undertaken by the primary researcher as part of an ICT4D 2.0 project. The survey investigated the nature and extent of the digital divide between software engineering students on two Western Cape campuses of the same tertiary education institution. A survey questionnaire synthesised for this purpose was administered to 35 fulltime software engineering students in March 2012. Survey findings indicate the nature and extent of the digital divide between students enrolled for the same course on the same campus and between students at the two different campuses. Although survey findings indicate positive student attitudes to and perception of an m-learning solution to the digital divide, challenges associated with extending a face-to-face classroom experience to a blended mobile technology environment materialised. Study results indicate that whilst mobile technology does offer digital divide reduction opportunities, mobile technology implementation in itself could result in a paradoxical mobile technology digital divide.