Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of Hydrological and Sediment Modeling with Limited Data in the Abbay (Upper Blue Nile) Basin, Ethiopia

In most developing countries, biophysical data are scarce, which hinders evidence-based watershed planning and management. To use the scarce data for resource development applications, special techniques are required. Thus, the primary goal of this study was to estimate sediment yield and identify erosion hotspot areas of the Andasa watershed with limited sediment concentration records. The hydrological simulation used meteorological, hydrological, suspended sediment concentration, 12.5 m Digital Elevation Model (DEM), 250 m resolution African Soil Information Service (AfSIS) soil, and 30 m resolution land-cover data. Using the limited sediment concentration data, a sediment rating curve was developed to estimate the sediment yield from discharge. The physical-based Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was employed to simulate streamflow and sediment yield in a monthly time step. The result shows that SWAT predicted streamflow with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.88 and 0.81, Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.88 and 0.80, and percent of bias (PBIAS) of 6.4 and 9.9 during calibration and validation periods, respectively. Similarly, during calibration and validation, the model predicted the sediment yield with R2 of 0.79 and 0.71, NSE of 0.72 and 0.66, and PBIAS of 2.7 and −8.6, respectively. According to the calibrated model result in the period 1992–2020, the mean annual sediment yield of the watershed was estimated as 17.9 t ha−1yr−1. Spatially, around 22% of the Andassa watershed was severely eroded, and more than half of the watershed (55%) was moderately eroded. The remaining 23% of the watershed was free of erosion risk. Therefore, the findings suggests that applying the sediment rating curve equation, in conjunction with hydrological and sediment modeling, can be used to estimate sediment yield and identify erosion hotspot areas in data-scarce regions of the Upper Blue Nile Basin in particular, and the Ethiopian highlands in general with similar environmental settings.
Calcium Carbonate Mineralization of Microalgae

Biological substrates catalyze the nucleation and growth of sparingly soluble salts however, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study, the growth of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), on Acutodesmus obliquus (AO) microalgae was investigated. The test microalgae favored the growth of CaCO3 from solutions supersaturated with respect to calcite (7.94 < SRcalcite < 104.71). The precipitation of calcite on AO was not preceded by measurable induction times, and the rates of calcite crystal growth were higher for higher microalgae cell concentrations. The presence of the microalgae cultivation medium and illumination of the supersaturated solutions accelerated the precipitation of CaCO3, increasing the rate by 75% in comparison with the respective value in its absence. AO cultures, air dried at 25 °C yielded higher precipitation rates, in comparison with the respective rates in the presence of active AO cultures. At 70 °C, nucleation and growth were suppressed, due to the destruction of the molecular structure of the microalgae. The CaCO3 precipitation rates on calcite precipitated on air-dried AO culture, were doubled in comparison with the respective rates obtained with the respective quantities of each component of the composite substrate.
IONIZATION IN ATMOSPHERES OF BROWN DWARFS AND EXTRASOLAR PLANETS. V. ALFVÉN IONIZATION

Observations of continuous radio and sporadic X-ray emission from low-mass objects suggest they harbor localized plasmas in their atmospheric environments. For low-mass objects, the degree of thermal ionization is insufficient to qualify the ionized component as a plasma, posing the question: what ionization processes can efficiently produce the required plasma that is the source of the radiation? We propose Alfvén ionization as a mechanism for producing localized pockets of ionized gas in the atmosphere, having sufficient degrees of ionization (⩾10−7) that they constitute plasmas. We outline the criteria required for Alfvén ionization and demonstrate its applicability in the atmospheres of low-mass objects such as giant gas planets, brown dwarfs, and M dwarfs with both solar and sub-solar metallicities. We find that Alfvén ionization is most efficient at mid to low atmospheric pressures where a seed plasma is easier to magnetize and the pressure gradients needed to drive the required neutral flows are the smallest. For the model atmospheres considered, our results show that degrees of ionization of 10−6–1 can be obtained as a result of Alfvén ionization. Observable consequences include continuum bremsstrahlung emission, superimposed with spectral lines from the plasma ion species (e.g., He, Mg, H2, or CO lines). Forbidden lines are also expected from the metastable population. The presence of an atmospheric plasma opens the door to a multitude of plasma and chemical processes not yet considered in current atmospheric models. The occurrence of Alfvén ionization may also be applicable to other astrophysical environments such as protoplanetary disks.
Formulation of Dosage Forms with Proton Pump Inhibitors: State of the Art, Challenges and Future Perspectives

Since their introduction to pharmacotherapy, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been widely used in the treatment of numerous diseases manifested by excessive secretion of gastric acid. Despite that, there are still unmet needs regarding their availability for patients of all age groups. Their poor stability hinders the development of formulations in which dose can be easily adjusted. The aim of this review is to describe the discovery and development of PPIs, discuss formulation issues, and present the contemporary solutions, possibilities, and challenges in formulation development. The review outlines the physicochemical characteristics of PPIs, connects them with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and describes the stability of PPIs, including the identification of the most important factors affecting them. Moreover, the possibilities for qualitative and quantitative analysis of PPIs are briefly depicted. This review also characterizes commercial preparations with PPIs available in the US and EU. The major part of the review is focused on the presentation of the state of the art in the development of novel formulations with PPIs covering various approaches employed in this process: nanoparticles, microparticles, minitablets, pellets, bilayer, floating, and mucoadhesive tablets, as well as parenteral, transdermal, and rectal preparations. It also anticipates further possibilities in the development of PPIs dosage forms. It is especially addressed to the researchers developing new formulations containing PPIs, since it covers the most important formulary issues that need to be considered before a decision on the selection of the formula is made. It may help in avoiding unnecessary efforts in this process and choosing the best approach. The review also presents an up-to-date database of publications focused on the pharmaceutical technology of formulations with PPIs.
The High-Dose of Exogenous Melatonin Did Not Alter the Sleep-Wake Cycle in Anoxic Brain Injury Patients

Disturbance in circadian rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle is typical for patients in the intensive care unit, which retards rehabilitation. To assess the effect of exogenous melatonin and simultaneous mitigation of intensive care unit environmental factors on sleep duration. We studied five patients with chronic disorder of consciousness caused by anoxic brain injury. In addition, we varied the level of melatonin secretion in blood plasma to assess melatonin’s bioavailability and elimination time. We evaluated the sleep-wake cycle using continuous videoelectroencephalogram monitoring with the addition of oculographic and myographic channels for 72 hours. All the patients received melatonin tablets on the second day, wore masks and ear plugs, and had no feeding and nursing manipulations at night on the second and third days. There was no significant difference in sleep time between the first, second, and third days. Future studies of the circadian rhythm should aim at gaining a deeper analysis of the characteristics of the sleep-wake cycle in patients with severe anoxic brain injury together with further research for possible ways to influence the circadian component of sleep.
The orbits of subdwarf B + main-sequence binaries I: The sdB+G0 system PG 1104+243

Context. The predicted orbital period histogram of a subdwarf B (sdB) population is bimodal with a peak at short ( 250 days) periods. Observationally, however, there are many short-period sdB systems known, but only very few long-period sdB binaries are identified. As these predictions are based on poorly understood binary interaction processes, it is of prime importance to confront the predictions to well constrained observational data. We therefore initiated a monitoring program to find and characterize long-period sdB stars. Aims. In this contribution we aim to determine the absolute dimensions of the long-period binary system PG 1104+243 consisting of an sdB and a main-sequence (MS) component, and determine its evolution history. Methods. High-resolution spectroscopy time-series were obtained with HERMES at the Mercator telescope at La Palma, and analyzed to determine the radial velocities of both the sdB and MS components. Photometry from the literature was used to construct the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the binary. Atmosphere models were used to fit this SED and determine the surface gravity and temperature of both components. The gravitational redshift provided an independent confirmation of the surface gravity of the sdB component. Results. An orbital period of 753 ± 3 d and a mass ratio of q = 0.637 ± 0.015 were found for PG 1104+243 from the radial velocity curves. The sdB component has an effective temperature of Teff = 33 500 ± 1200 K and a surface gravity of log g = 5.84 ± 0.08 dex, while the cool companion is found to be a G-type star with Teff = 5930 ± 160 K and log g = 4.29 ± 0.05 dex. When a canonical mass
Impact of Greenwashing Perception on Consumers’ Green Purchasing Intentions: A Moderated Mediation Model

When consumers perceive that companies are engaging in greenwashing, this often has many negative impacts on the company, industry, and society. Based on the psychological contract theory, this study constructs a moderated mediation model in an attempt to demonstrate that consumers’ greenwashing perception influences their green purchasing intentions and, more importantly, that this influence is mediated by consumers’ perceived betrayal and moderated by their sense of environmental responsibility. An online questionnaire was used to distribute 220 questionnaires and regression analysis was conducted using SPSS24.0 and Amos24.0 to test the hypothesis. The results show that consumers’ greenwashing perception negatively influences consumers’ green purchasing intentions, that perceived betrayal plays a partially mediating role in this influence relationship, and that environmental responsibility reinforces the negative influence of greenwashing perception on green purchasing intentions. This paper enriches the study of the mechanisms of individual consumer psychological effects after consumers perceive corporate greenwashing behaviour, which is of great value to both corporate performance and the sustainable development of the social environment.
A feedforward network of learning automata for pattern classification

A model made of units of teams of learning automata is developed for the three layer pattern classifier. The algorithm is approximated by an ordinary differential equation (ODE), using weak convergence methods. The pattern recognition problem is posed as a constrained maximization problem. It is shown that the zeros of the ODE correspond to points satisfying first order necessary conditions of the maximization problem. Partial results are obtained showing that the ODE, and hence the algorithm, converge to the local maxima of the maximization problem. <<ETX>>
Construction of Semantic Model for GUI of Mobile Applications Using Deep Learning

Modeling the graphical user interface (GUI) of mobile applications is a crucial task for automated robotic testing. Pixel-based modeling methods are non-intrusive and thus have potential for truly black-box automation. However, existing modeling methods can hardly produce accurate models because they do not take the semantic and structural information of GUI into account. In this paper, we propose a layered semantic approach to modeling GUI for mobile applications to address this important problem. The proposed approach adopts a method for recognizing GUI elements and a novel strategy for semantics acquisition using deep learning. The model generated using the proposed approach can support the fully black-box automated robotic testing. We evaluate the approach by conducting a small experiment on 10 mobile applications. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is effective in generating the GUI models.
Two-Phase Localization Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks

Sensor localization is one of the fundamental problems in wireless sensor networks. Previous localization algorithms can be classified into two categories, the GGB (Global Geometry-Based) approaches and the LGB (Local Geometry-Based). In the GGB approaches, there are a fixed set of reference nodes of which the coordinates are pre-determined. Other nodes determine their positions based on the distances from the fixed reference nodes. In the LGB approaches, meanwhile, the reference node set is not fixed, but grows up dynamically. Most GGB algorithms assume that the nodes are deployed in a convex shape area. They fail if either nodes are in a concave shape area or there are obstacles that block the communications between nodes. Meanwhile, the LGB approach is vulnerable to the errors in the distance estimations. In this paper, we propose new localization algorithms to cope with those two limits. The key technique employed in our algorithms is to determine, in a fully distributed fashion, if a node is in the line-of-sight from another. Based on the technique, we present two localization algorithms, one for anchor-based, another for anchor-free localization, and compare them with the previous algorithms.
An Output-Capacitorless Low-Dropout Regulator with Slew-Rate Enhancement

A novel output-capacitorless low-dropout regulator (OCL-LDO) with an embedded slew-rate-enhancement (SRE) circuit is presented in this paper. The SRE circuit adopts a transient current-boost strategy to improve the slew rate at the gate of the power transistor when a large voltage spike at the output is detected. In addition, a feed-forward transconductance cell is introduced to form a push–pull output structure with the power transistor. The simulation results show that the maximum transient output voltage variation is 23.5 mV when the load current ILOAD is stepped from 0 to 100 mA in 100 ns with a load capacitance of 100 pF, and the settling time is 1.2 μs. The proposed OCL-LDO consumes a quiescent current of 30 μA and has a dropout voltage of 200 mV for the maximum output current of 100 mA.
Modeling the spectral evolution of PWNe inside SNRs

We present a new model for the spectral evolution of Pulsar Wind Nebulae inside Supernova Remnants. The model couples the long-term dynamics of these systems, as derived in the 1-D approximation, with a 1-zone description of the spectral evolution of the emitting plasma. Our goal is to provide a simplified theoretical description that can be used as a tool to put constraints on unknown properties of PWN-SNR systems: a piece of work that is preliminary to any more accurate and sophisticated modeling. In the present paper we apply the newly developed model to a few objects of different ages and luminosities. We find that an injection spectrum in the form of a broken-power law gives a satisfactory description of the emission for all the systems we consider. More surprisingly, we also find that the intrinsic spectral break turns out to be at a similar energy for all sources, in spite of the differences mentioned above. We discuss the implications of our findings on the workings of pulsar magnetospheres, pair multiplicity and on the particle acceleration mechanism(s) that might be at work at the pulsar wind termination shock.
Dynamic market share through advertising and loyalty reward programs: A case study of Ofo versus Mobike

The emerging business models have impelled firms’ competition in a brand-new and fast-growing market. This study examines such a competition for market share through advertising and loyalty reward programs. Two stages can be distinguished based on the transformation of the competition strategies. These stages can be formulated as a dynamic differential game model and a static Hotelling game model. The operation strategies and performances of two firms are determined and compared via analytical studies and case analyses toward a bicycle-sharing program, i.e., Ofo versus Mobike. Historical data are used to fit the curve of the market size and to estimate the parameter values of these models. The results show that during the first stage, the difference in market share between these firms gradually decreases (increases) when the advertising response constant is low (high). Meanwhile, in the second stage, these firms offer converse reward strategies.
Construction of a non-overlapping panoramic mosaic in wireless multimedia sensor networks

As a result of the rapid development of hardware whose operation has low power requirements, a great deal of interest has been shown in wireless multimedia sensor networks for various applications. In sensor networks in which the sensor nodes are distributed randomly and have low-power cameras, the fields of view of some adjacent sensor nodes may overlap. The authors introduce a scheme for constructing a non-overlapping panoramic mosaic by transmitting partial images. In particular, a solution of the joint cost function for network lifetime and video quality is used to select the boundary lines between adjacent images. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme increases the network lifetime while providing better video quality.
Double Your Corners, Double Your Fun: The Doorway Camera

In a built environment, wanting to see without direct line of sight is often due to being outside a doorway. The two vertical edges of the doorway provide occlusions that can be exploited for non-line-of-sight imaging by forming corner cameras. While each corner camera can separately yield a robust 1D reconstruction, joint processing suggests novelties in both forward modeling and inversion. The resulting doorway camera provides accurate and robust 2D reconstructions of the hidden scene. This work provides a novel inversion algorithm to jointly estimate two views of change in the hidden scene, using the temporal difference between photographs acquired on the visible side of the doorway. Successful reconstruction is demonstrated in a variety of real and rendered scenarios, including different hidden scenes and lighting conditions. A Cramer-Rao bound analysis is used to demonstrate the 2D resolving power of the doorway camera over other passive acquisition strategies and to motivate the novel biangular reconstruction grid.
Near Infrared Emitting Semiconductor Polymer Dots for Bioimaging and Sensing

Semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) are rapidly becoming one of the most studied nanoparticles in fluorescence bioimaging and sensing. Their small size, high brightness, and resistance to photobleaching make them one of the most attractive fluorophores for fluorescence imaging and sensing applications. This paper highlights our recent advances in fluorescence bioimaging and sensing with nanoscale luminescent Pdots, specifically the use of organic dyes as dopant molecules to modify the optical properties of Pdots to enable deep red and near infrared fluorescence bioimaging applications and to impart sensitivity of dye doped Pdots towards selected analytes. Building on our earlier work, we report the formation of secondary antibody-conjugated Pdots and provide Cryo-TEM evidence for their formation. We demonstrate the selective targeting of the antibody-conjugated Pdots to FLAG-tagged FLS2 membrane receptors in genetically engineered plant leaf cells. We also report the formation of a new class of luminescent Pdots with emission wavelengths of around 1000 nm. Finally, we demonstrate the formation and utility of oxygen sensing Pdots in aqueous media.
Apelin, a Circulating Biomarker in Cancer Evaluation: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary Despite advances in science and technology for the care of patients with cancer, providing effective treatment remains challenging. The lack of sensitive markers for early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression leads to suboptimal outcomes and decreased survival. There is a need to identify objective and reliable biomarkers that can be used in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating cancer. Apelin as a protein plays a role in cancer development and may predict treatment response and prognosis; however, research is limited. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on associations of apelin circulating in blood with cancer and highlight knowledge gaps to direct future research. Results showed significant variations in methods of measuring apelin in the blood among various cancer studies and indicated inconsistent associations between apelin and clinical characteristics such as BMI, tumor pathology, and survival. Future research warrants more studies to advance in standardized measurement methods, produce a body of evidence based on the cancer types, and define the optimal cutoff points of apelin for accurate and early detection of cancer for personalized treatment. Abstract Apelin is a promising biomarker for the detection and prognosis of cancer. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on associations of circulating apelin with cancer, illustrate knowledge gaps, and discuss future research. Following PRISMA guidelines, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched using terms “cancer AND apelin” between 2011 and 2021, full text, and English language. Inclusion criteria: measured circulating apelin in adults 18 years or older with cancer, and observational, cross-sectional, longitudinal, case–control, cohort, quasi-experimental, or randomized control trials. Excluded were studies with animal models, tissue samples only, secondary data analyses, systematic reviews, literature reviews, grey literature, and conference abstracts. 16 articles were included. There were significant variations in measurement methods between studies. Comparison of circulating apelin between cases and controls and associations of circulating apelin with clinicopathological characteristics were inconsistent. Variations in results suggest that the relationship between circulating apelin and cancer differs among cancer types. Differences in measurement methods between studies highlight the need for consistency in future research to draw meaningful conclusions. Future research should seek to standardize methods of detecting circulating apelin and examine its associations with specific cancer types to determine what role that circulating apelin may play in cancer development and progression.