Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of touch screen mobile devices and e-book systems on students’ reading performance: A usability evidence

The development of e-books is gradually changing the reading habits of mobile users as the mobile device market grows. This study conducts a user-centered experiment on the touchscreen mobile device and the desktop computer with two popular e-book systems. 48 Taiwanese college students are recruited to perform 10 experimental tasks for collecting the quantitative and qualitative data. The experimental results show the touchscreen mobile device is more intuitive for the students to read e-books than the desktop computer. But, interestingly, they prefer to read e-books page by page as reading a traditional physical book. Furthermore, students’ reading performance on the touchscreen mobile device could be compromised by poor interface design (e.g. ‘Memory Retrieval’ and ‘Search’ functions) of an e-book system. Consequently, this study suggests that the ‘virtual keyboard’ on the touchscreen should be improved and incorporated into new generation touchscreen mobile devices to satisfy students’ reading requirements. In addition, most students prefer to combine two or three options (e.g. ‘Up/Down Page’ with ‘Drag and Scroll’) to read e-books. Therefore, the e-book interface should be more effective, flexible, and adaptable for students to enhance their reading performance.
Effect of mineral and organic additions on soil microbial composition

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different mineral-organic mixtures on changes in soil microbial composition and chemical properties. The design of the pot exper iment included 6 treatments: soil without fertilization – C, soil fertilized with mineral NPK fertilizers – MF, soil with NPK + 3 or 6% lignite and 3% zeolite-vermiculite composite (MF+CW3%, MF+CW6%), soil with NPK + 3 or 6% leonardite and 3% zeolite-vermiculite composite (MF+CL3%, MF+CL6%). The test plants were spring oilseed rape and spring wheat. The highest number of microorganisms was observed: for oilseed rape – in the soil of the MF+CW3% and MF+CW6% treatments, and for wheat – in the soil of the MF+CL3% and MF+CL6% treatments. The maximum percentage increase in the number of analysed micro organisms, for spring rape and spring wheat, respectively, was: bacteria 190% (MF+CW3%) and 1198% (MF+CL3%), mould fungi 221% (MF+CW3%) and 1601% (MF+CL3%), Azotobacter spp. 248% (MF+CW6%) and 251% (MF+CL3%), actinomycet es 116% (MF+CW3%) and 251% (MF+CL3%). The beneficial effect of the applied mineral-organic mixtures on soil biological activity is closely related to the effect of these materials on soil chemical properties, such as pH or electrical conductivity, which was confirmed by the calculated correlation coefficients.
A new subspecies of the Asiatic softshell turtle Amyda ornata (Gray, 1861) from its northern distribution range

We describe a new subspecies of Amyda ornata (Gray, 1861) from the southeastern parts of Bangladesh (Chittagong hill tracts), adjacent regions of north-eastern India (Mizoram, Assam and Tripura) and Myanmar, based on morphological characteristics. The holotype comprises some skeletal elements held by the Natural History Museum of Vienna; the five paratypes consist of living specimens in the private collection of PP “Turtle Island” (a turtle conservation zoo in Graz, Austria). After the genetic identity had been determined in a previous investigation, the morphological description was carried out by examining living specimens and photo documents; and additionally, by evaluating the computed tomography of further living animals with exact location data. Amyda ornata jongli ssp. nov. differs from the other Amyda ornata subspecies mainly by its relatively compact and stout head in subadults and adults, its paler, greyish and less contrasting colouration missing distinct bright yellow pigments, ochre-coloured irises, and the existence of more distinct tubercles in the neck region and in the posterior section of the carapace than both other subspecies of Amyda ornata. The tubercles along the front of the carapace protrude clearly in subadult and adult specimens. This softshell turtle is heavily exploited within its limited distribution. Therefore, special comments on conservation aspects are given together with a final discussion on distribution and systematics.
Optimization of Photothermal Therapy Treatment Effect under Various Laser Irradiation Conditions

The photothermal effect refers to a phenomenon in which light energy is converted into heat energy, and in the medical field, therapeutics based on this phenomenon are used for anticancer treatment. A new treatment technique called photothermal therapy kills tumor tissue through a temperature increase and has the advantages of no bleeding and fast recovery. In this study, the results of photothermal therapy for squamous cell carcinoma in the skin layer were analyzed numerically for different laser profiles, intensities, and radii and various concentrations of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). According to the heat-transfer theory, the temperature distribution in the tissue was calculated for the conditions under which photothermal therapy was performed, and the therapeutic effect was quantitatively confirmed through three apoptotic variables. In addition, the laser intensity and the volume fraction of AuNPs were optimized, and the results provide useful criteria for optimizing the treatment effects in photothermal therapy.
Deep-Learning-Based Algorithm for the Removal of Electromagnetic Interference Noise in Photoacoustic Endoscopic Image Processing

Despite all the expectations for photoacoustic endoscopy (PAE), there are still several technical issues that must be resolved before the technique can be successfully translated into clinics. Among these, electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise, in addition to the limited signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), have hindered the rapid development of related technologies. Unlike endoscopic ultrasound, in which the SNR can be increased by simply applying a higher pulsing voltage, there is a fundamental limitation in leveraging the SNR of PAE signals because they are mostly determined by the optical pulse energy applied, which must be within the safety limits. Moreover, a typical PAE hardware situation requires a wide separation between the ultrasonic sensor and the amplifier, meaning that it is not easy to build an ideal PAE system that would be unaffected by EMI noise. With the intention of expediting the progress of related research, in this study, we investigated the feasibility of deep-learning-based EMI noise removal involved in PAE image processing. In particular, we selected four fully convolutional neural network architectures, U-Net, Segnet, FCN-16s, and FCN-8s, and observed that a modified U-Net architecture outperformed the other architectures in the EMI noise removal. Classical filter methods were also compared to confirm the superiority of the deep-learning-based approach. Still, it was by the U-Net architecture that we were able to successfully produce a denoised 3D vasculature map that could even depict the mesh-like capillary networks distributed in the wall of a rat colorectum. As the development of a low-cost laser diode or LED-based photoacoustic tomography (PAT) system is now emerging as one of the important topics in PAT, we expect that the presented AI strategy for the removal of EMI noise could be broadly applicable to many areas of PAT, in which the ability to apply a hardware-based prevention method is limited and thus EMI noise appears more prominently due to poor SNR.
Synthesis of 1-Amino-3-oxo-2,7-naphthyridines via Smiles Rearrangement: A New Approach in the Field of Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds

In this paper we describe an efficient method for the synthesis of new heterocyclic systems: furo[2,3-c]-2,7-naphthyridines 6, as well as a new method for the preparation of 1,3-diamino-2,7-naphthyridines 11. For the first time, a Smiles rearrangement was carried out in the 2,7-naphthyridine series, thus gaining the opportunity to synthesize 1-amino-3-oxo-2,7-naphthyridines 4, which are the starting compounds for obtaining furo[2,3-c]-2,7-naphthyridines. The cyclization of alkoxyacetamides 9 proceeds via two different processes: the expected formation of furo[2,3-c]-2,7-naphthyridines 10 and the ‘unexpected’ formation of 1,3-diamino-2,7-naphthyridines 11 (via a Smiles type rearrangement).
Technical Overview of Bunch Compressor System for PAL XFEL

Pohang Accelerator Laboratory(PAL) is developing a SASE X-ray Free Electron Laser based on 10 GeV linear accelerator. Bunch compressor (BC) systems are developed to be used for the linear accelerator tunnel. It consists of three(BC1, BC2, BC3_H) hard X-ray line and one(BC3_S) soft X-ray line. BC systems are composed of four dipole magnets, three quadrupole magnet, BPM and collimator. The support system is based on an asymmetric four-dipole magnet chicane in which asymmetry and variable R56. can be optimized. This flexibility is achieved by allowing the middle two dipole magnets to move transversely. In this paper, we describe the design of the stages used for precise movement of the bunch compressor magnets and associated diagnostics components.
Quasi-CW Lasing from Directly Patterned and Encapsulated Perovskite Cavity at 260 K

Metal halide perovskites have emerged as promising gain materials for on-chip lasers in photonic integrated circuits. For these to become commercially relevant as economical on-chip light sources, a clear onset of quasi-continuous wave (quasi-CW) and, eventually, continuous wave (CW) lasing at room temperature or Peltier-cooling accessible temperatures from directly patterned perovskite cavities is a critical milestone that must be achieved. Herein, through directly patterning with nanoimprint lithography and encapsulation of the cavity with a thin layer of polycarbonate (PC), quasi-CW lasing from CH3NH3PbBr3 (MAPbBr3) is demonstrated up to 260 K. The PC layer is also shown to effectively encapsulate the surface defects of MAPbBr3 and protect devices from environmental hazards. Through the combined analysis of the crystal quality, degradation process during optical pumping, defect encapsulation, and laser performance, room temperature CW lasing from directly patterned perovskite cavities should be within reach.
A Powerful Plant Disease Classification based on Ensemble Learning

: Intelligence in agriculture is becoming more and more necessary. Several tools have been proposed and used to make farmers' tasks automatic. Plant disease detection is a tough and challenging step, especially for inexperienced farmers. In several countries, the production quality is significantly reduced due to various plant diseases, which has a negative impact on the economic sector. To reduce the impact of these diseases, early plant disease diagnosis is seen as a way to treat them in time. In this context, several solutions using artificial intelligence and image processing have been proposed. In this paper, we propose an Ensemble Learning-based approach for the detection and classification of plant diseases. Thus, we propose to combine the performance of 5 Deep Learning architectures to design a robust system for plant disease classification. Simulation results proved the efficiency of the proposed approach, comparing it first with the results obtained for each different DL architecture and with also other approaches from the literature.
Living Spaces: A Participatory Design Process Model Drawing on the Use of Boundary Objects

This paper focuses on the study of individuals, collectives and organisations in the creative sector, experienced in participatory design processes, using media and technology. We want to discover how they introduce media and technology to stimulate the sometimes difficult conversation between different disciplines, but also between experts and users. We call the used media and technology ‘boundary objects’ and use the method of ‘mapping’ to represent good practices in participatory design in a spatial way. The boundary objects used in the studied cases are often hybrid in nature: different and sometimes strange ‘things’ are introduced at different moments in time and place, according to the needs in the conversation with user groups or across disciplines. The mapped spaces where conversations took place were as open as possible for input and own design (open space). This enables the prediction of the uses of the design after the design process, often through iterative design processes (metaand agile design). In interaction with the observation of these real-world cases a participatory design model, using a hybrid set of boundary objects to collaborate with other disciplines and with ‘users’, is developed. This frames in a European and a Belgian research project Living Spaces (EFRO and IvOK). Liesbeth Huybrechts, Tanguy Coenen, Thomas Laureyssens, Priscilla Machils (2009): Living Spaces: A Participatory Design Process Model Drawing on the Use of Boundary Objects. In Steffen Budweg, Sebastian Draxler, Steffen Lohmann, Asarnusch Rashid, Gunnar Stevens (Eds.), International Reports on Socio-Informatics (IRSI), Open Design Spaces Supporting User Innovation Proceedings of the International Workshop on Open Design Spaces (ODS'09) (Vol. 6, Iss. 2, pp. 6-21)
Maximum Power Point Tracking of PV Grids Using Deep Learning

In this paper, we develop a deep learning model using back propagation neural network (BPNN) that helps to obtain maximum power point. This deep learning model aims to maximise the output power from the solar grids when the panels are connected with the boost converter under different variable load conditions. BPNN-DL enables the prediction of reference voltage at different weather conditions for severing the various output power that ensures maximum power with stable output voltage. The proposed BPNN-DL is tested under different conditions to estimate the robustness of the modules under internal/external interferences. The results of the simulation show that the proposed method achieves maximum output power from each panel compared with existing methods in terms of regression analysis on training, testing, and validation.
The Modified Analytical Model of Sine Pole‐Shaping Surface‐Mounted PM Motor

According to the air‐gap flux density (AGFD) and the thickness of the permanent magnet (PM) in the direction of magnetization, this paper proposes a modified analytical model for the sine pole‐shaping surface‐mounted permanent magnet motor (SPMM) under parallel magnetization. The construction of the model also involves the Carter coefficient formula, the principle of magnetic‐circuit equivalence, and the distributed magnetic‐circuit method, which are used to deal with such influential factors as stator slotting, interpolar magnetic leakage, edge effect, and magnetic‐circuit saturation. Then, a finite‐element model is established to verify the analytical model through simulation. The results show that the fundamental amplitude of AGFD of the modified sine pole‐shaping motor is respectively 6.4 and 0.15% higher than that of the simplified sine pole‐shaping motor and the eccentric pole‐shaping motor, and that the total harmonic distortion of AGFD the former is respectively 67.2 and 11.1% lower than that of the latter, thereby causing an increase in average torque of the sine pole‐shaping motor and a decrease in its radial electromagnetic harmonics and torque ripple. Experiments show that both the modified analytical and finite‐element model are accurate. And, the proposed analytical model which does not need ergodic scanning as the eccentric pole‐shaping method can further optimize the electromagnetic performance of the motor. It can not only improve the motor design but also provide reference for the optimal design of high‐quality PM motors. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Properties of Extracts and Fractions from Polygoni Avicularis Herba

Our research focused on the hypoglycemic capability and the possible mechanisms of extract and fractions from Polygoni Avicularis Herba (PAH) based on α-glucosidase, α-amylase inhibition assays, glucose uptake experiment, HPLC-MS analysis, and molecular docking experiment. In addition, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were used for determining the antioxidant capability. The results of total flavonoids and phenolics contents showed that ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) possessed the highest flavonoids and phenolics with values of 159.7 ± 2.5 mg rutin equivalents/g and 107.6 ± 2.0 mg galic acid equivalents/g, respectively. The results of in vitro hypoglycemic activity showed that all samples had effective α-glucosidase inhibition capacities, and EAF possessed the best inhibitory effect with IC50 value of 1.58 ± 0.24 μg/mL. In addition, n-butanol fraction (NBF) significantly promoted the glucose uptake rate of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. HPLC-MS analysis and molecular docking results proved the interactions between candidates and α-glucosidase. The results of antioxidation capacities showed that EAF possessed the best antioxidation abilities with DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. In summary, the hypoglycemic activity of PAH might be related to the inhibition of α-glucosidase (EAF > PEF > NBF) and the promotion of glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (NBF). Simultaneously, the antioxidation capacity of PAH might be related to the abundant contents of flavonoids and other phenolics (EAF > PEF > NBF).
Valorization of Rice Husk and Straw Agriculture Wastes of Eastern Saudi Arabia: Production of Bio-Based Silica, Lignocellulose, and Activated Carbon

Bio-based silica, lignocellulose, and activated carbon were simply produced via the recycling of Hassawi rice biomass waste of Al-Ahsa governorate in the eastern Saudi Arabia region using a fast chemical treatment procedure. Rice husk and rice straw wastes were collected, ground, and chemically treated with sodium hydroxide to extract silica/silicate from the dried plant tissues. The liquid extract is then treated with acid solutions in order to precipitate silica/silicate at neutral medium. Lowering the pH of the supernatant to 2 resulted in the precipitation of lignocellulose. Thermal treatment of the biomass residue under N2 gas stream resulted in activated carbon production. Separated products were dried/treated and characterized using several physical examination techniques, such as FT-IR, SEM/EDX, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy in order to study their structure and morphology. Silica and lignocelluloses products were then preliminarily used in the treatment of wastewaters and water-desalination processes.
Doing Meta-Analysis with R - A Hands-On Guide

Scientific synthesis is a diverse field of contemporary science. Syntheses advance knowledge in many domains and can include data compilation, theory syntheses, methods contrasts, and systematic reviews with meta-analyses through an integrated and big-picture view of evidence (Halpern et al. 2020). All these knowledge tools are typically strongly supported by statistical software including the open-source programming language R. Within this environment, there are nearly 100 packages to support meta-analyses each with different functions and specific capabilities (Lortie and Filazzola 2020). Meta-analyses are defined in most domains as the calculation of effect sizes or a weighted relative strength of evidence from a set of studies or trials to then subsequently examine high-level statistical patterns and variance (Gurevitch, Koricheva, Nakagawa, and Stewart 2018). They are increasingly used in many fields of science to examine consilience in hypotheses (Lortie 2014) and have been proposed as the gold or even platinum standard of evidence when there is statistical agreement in the efficacy of an intervention across studies (Stegenga 2011). Consequently, there is a critical need for accessible, pragmatic publications, resources, and texts that enable scientists with varying levels of expertise to engage in scientific syntheses using meta-analysis.
A Theoretical Study of the Sensing Mechanism of a Schiff-Based Sensor for Fluoride

In the current work, we studied the sensing process of the sensor (E)-2-((quinolin-8ylimino) methyl) phenol (QP) for fluoride anion (F–) with a “turn on” fluorescent response by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The proton transfer process and the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) process of QP have been explored by using potential energy curves as functions of the distance of N-H and dihedral angle C-N=C-C both in the ground and the excited states. According to the calculated results, the fluorescence quenching mechanism of QP and the fluorescent response for F– have been fully explored. These results indicate that the current calculations completely reproduce the experimental results and provide compelling evidence for the sensing mechanism of QP for F–.
Flood and Traffic Wireless Monitoring System for Smart Cities

Flood and Traffic Wireless Monitoring System for Smart Cities Moustafa Osama Ahmed Moussa The convergence of computation, communication and sensing has led to the emergence of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), which allow distributed monitoring of physical phenomena over extended areas. In this thesis, we focus on a dual flood and traffic flow WSN applicable to urban environments. This fixed sensing system is based on the combination of ultrasonic range-finding with remote temperature sensing, and can sense both phenomena with a high degree of accuracy. This enables the monitoring of urban areas to lessen the impact of catastrophic flood events, by monitoring flood parameters and traffic flow to enable public evacuation and early warning, allocate the resources efficiently or control the traffic to make cities more productive and smarter. We present an implementation of the device, and illustrate its performance in water level estimation and rain detection using a novel combination of L1 regularized reconstruction and machine learning algorithms on a 6-month dataset involving four different sensors. Our results show that water level can be estimated with an uncertainty of 1 cm using a combination of thermal sensing and ultrasonic distance measurements. The demonstration of the performance included the detection of an actual flash flood event using two sensors located in Umm Al Qura University (Mecca). Finally, we show that Lagrangian (mobile) sensors can be used to inexpensively increase the performance of the system with respect to traffic sensing. These sensors are based on Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), which have never 5 been investigated in the context of traffic flow monitoring before. We investigate the divergence of the speed estimation process, the lack of the calibration parameters of the system, and the problem of reconstructing vehicle trajectories evolving in a given transportation network. To address these problems, we propose an automatic calibration algorithm applicable to IMU-equipped ground vehicles, and an L1 regularized least squares formulation for vehicle speed estimation. Results show that this system can be used to generate accurate traffic monitoring data, and significantly outperforms GPS sensors (traditionally used as traffic flow sensors) in terms of cost, accuracy and reliability.