Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Multilevel Structure of Sulfonated Syndiotactic-Polystyrene Model Polyelectrolyte Membranes Resolved by Extended Q-Range Contrast Variation SANS

Membranes based on sulfonated synditoactic polystyrene (s-sPS) were thoroughly characterized by contrast variation small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) over a wide Q-range in dry and hydrated states. Following special sulfonation and treatment procedures, s-sPS is an attractive material for fuel cells and energy storage applications. The film samples were prepared by solid-state sulfonation, resulting in uniform sulfonation of only the amorphous phase while preserving the crystallinity of the membrane. Fullerenes, which improve the resistance to oxidation decomposition, were incorporated in the membranes. The fullerenes seem to be chiefly located in the amorphous regions of the samples, and do not influence the formation and evolution of the morphologies in the polymer films, as no significant differences were observed in the SANS patterns compared to the fullerenes-free s-sPS membranes, which were investigated in a previous study. The use of uniaxially deformed film samples, and neutron contrast variation allowed for the identification and characterization of different structural levels with sizes between nm and μm, which form and evolve in both the dry and hydrated states. The scattering length density of the crystalline regions was varied using the guest exchange procedure between different toluene isotopologues incorporated into the sPS lattice, while the variation of the scattering properties of the hydrated amorphous regions was achieved using different H2O/D2O mixtures. Due to the deformation of the films, the scattering characteristics of different structures can be distinguished on specific detection sectors and at different detection distances after the sample, depending on their size and orientation.
A packet sniffing and synchronization technique to boost P 2 P satellite networks

In this paper we propose a collaborative technique to improve the performance of P2P (Peer-to-Peer) protocols over satellite networks, called P2P-SatBoost, and evaluate it from the perspective of user satisfaction. The proposed technique exploits user ubiquitous access (within a given satellite footprint) and it relies on packet sniffing and a synchronization protocol between peers. We provide a brief description of the packet sniffing procedure and propose a synchronization protocol. Simulation results indicate that the joint usage of packet sniffing and a synchronization protocol can substantially speed up P2P downloads.
Stagnation Point Flow with Time-Dependent Bionanofluid Past a Sheet: Richardson Extrapolation Technique

The study of laminar flow of heat and mass transfer over a moving surface in bionanofluid is of considerable interest because of its importance for industrial and technological processes such as fabrication of bio-nano materials and thermally enhanced media for bio-inspired fuel cells. Hence, the present work deals with the unsteady bionanofluid flow, heat and mass transfer past an impermeable stretching/shrinking sheet. The appropriate similarity solutions transform the boundary layer equations with three independent variables to a system of ordinary differential equations with one independent variable. The finite difference coupled with the Richardson extrapolation technique in the Maple software solves the reduced system, numerically. The rate of heat transfer is found to be higher when the flow is decelerated past a stretching sheet. It is understood that the state of shrinking sheet limits the rate of heat transfer and the density of the motile microorganisms in the stagnation region.
The Effects of Economic Growth , Energy Consumption , Trade , Urbanization , and Financial development on CO 2 Emissions in Canada by Fia Andersson fi 1686

A noteworthy cause of climate change is the amount of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere. This study ́s objective, therefore, is to examine the relationship between CO2 emissions, economic growth, energy consumption, urbanization, trade and financial development in the case of Canada, one of the largest CO2 emitters both in per capita and in absolute terms, over the period 1960-2014. For this purpose, this study applies both an ADFand ZA-unit root test, an ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration, a Granger causality test based on a VECM and lastly an innovative accounting approach. The results confirm that the variables are cointegrated and that GDP, GDP, energy consumption, and trade expands CO2 emissions, in the long-run, whereas financial development and urbanization remain insignificant. The evidence, therefore, does not support the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis since both GDP and GDP positively relates to CO2 levels. The causal analysis confirms that in the long-run, bidirectional causality is present between CO2 emissions and energy consumption, CO2 emissions and economic growth, as well as between economic growth and energy consumption. Moreover, the study confirms that urbanization, trade, and financial development all have bidirectional causal links with CO2 emissions. Therefore, to expect economic growth to solve environmental issues, as suggested by the environmental Kuznets curve, is in the case of Canada not correct. Instead, there is an urgency for financial support, targeted policies, and advanced technologies to develop the Canadian economy and its energy sector sustainably.
Detection of Age-Induced Makeup Attacks on Face Recognition Systems Using Multi-Layer Deep Features

Makeup is a simple and easy instrument that can alter the appearance of a person’s face, and hence, create a presentation attack on face recognition (FR) systems. These attacks, especially the ones mimicking ageing, are difficult to detect due to their close resemblance with genuine (non-makeup) appearances. Makeups can also degrade the performance of recognition systems and of various algorithms that use human face as an input. The detection of facial makeups is an effective prohibitory measure to minimize these problems. This work proposes a deep learning-based presentation attack detection (PAD) method to identify facial makeups. We propose the use of a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract features that can distinguish between presentations with age-induced facial makeups (attacks), and those without makeup (bona-fide). These feature descriptors, based on shape and texture cues, are constructed from multiple intermediate layers of a CNN. We introduce a new dataset AIM (Age Induced Makeups) consisting of 200+ video presentations of old-age makeups and bona-fide, each. Our experiments indicate makeups in AIM result in 14% decrease in the median matching scores of a recent CNN-based FR system. We demonstrate accuracy of the proposed PAD method where 93% presentations in the AIM dataset are correctly classified. In additional testing, it also outperforms existing methods of detection of generic makeups. A simple score-level fusion, performed on the classification scores of shape- and texture-based features, can further improve the accuracy of the proposed makeup detector.
Work-in-Progress: Video Analytics From Edge To Server

Deep learning algorithms are an essential component of video analytics systems, in which the content of a video stream is analyzed. Although numerous studies target optimizing server-based video analysis, partially processing videos on edge devices is beneficial. Since edge devices are closer to data, they deliver initial insights on data before sending it to cloud. In this paper, we present an edge-tailored video analytics system by using a multi-stage network designed to run on heterogeneous computing resources.
Analysis of a Reduced Switch Count Single Phase Cascaded H-Bridge 33-level Inverter Topology with Asymmetrical Configuration of DC Sources

Inverters are not mere power converters, rather they provide a wide range of control over the output voltage which makes them an important part of modern power systems. Majority of industrial applications includes multilevel inverters (MLI) for the numerous advantages they possess. This paper presents the analysis of an asymmetrical cascaded multilevel H-Bridge inverter topology with reduced number of switches for increasing the number of output voltage levels, thereby reducing losses and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) compared to the conventional MLI topology. The proposed topology reduces the THD level to below that of IEEE standard. Here, Phase Disposition (PD) multi-carrier pulse width modulation (PWM) approach with sinusoidal reference is used to control the gating pulses. To produce the different pulse pattern for each switch, the decimal to binary conversion technique is employed. The proposed circuit is quite simple to analyze, and it is suitable for medium and high power applications. Time domain simulations are carried out in MATLAB / SIMULINK environment for 31and 33-level multilevel inverter topologies. The results demonstrate that the proposed PDPWM technique provides low %THD value for 33-level inverter compared to that for 31-level inverter, and the output voltage closely resembles the desired sinusoidal waveshape.
Kaurenoic acid from Annona squamosa L. exhibits antiproliferative effect on human tumor cell lines and induces apoptosis in Aspergillus nidulans

Annona squamosa is a source of bioactive compounds, with several pharmacological activities. However, tests are needed to confirm the safety of these compounds in terms of cytogenotoxic potential and their possible medicinal activity. Thus, the aims of the present study were to isolate kaurenoic acid from sugar apple peel and determine its antiproliferative activity in nine human tumor cell lines and mutagenic activity in germinating Aspergillus nidulans conidia. Chemical extraction resulted in the isolation of kaurenoic acid, a terpene that demonstrated a cytostatic effect at concentrations of 25 and 250 µg mL-1 and antiproliferative at a concentration 250 µg mL-1. The germination test showed that this compound can activate apoptosis, since there was an increase in dead conidia and a decrease in malformed individuals in all treatments. These results indicate its antiproliferative effect and apoptosis activation, representing a useful tool in the development of new chemotherapy drugs.
Efeitos do método pilates no torque isocinético dos extensores e flexores do joelho: estudo piloto

INTRODUCCION: a pesar de la popularizacion del metodo Pilates, como una forma de ejercicio fisico, los estudios con la tecnica aun no han explorado sus efectos sobre el torque isocinetico de los musculos extensores y flexores de la rodilla.OBJETIVOS: verificar los efectos del metodo Pilates, el torque isocinetico de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla en mujeres jovenes.METODOS: diez voluntarias fueron sometidas a evaluacion isocinetica (60°/s y 300o/s) de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla, del miembro inferior dominante, antes y despues de la intervencion con el metodo Pilates, considerandose el pico de torque (PT) y trabajo total (TT). Ocho intervenciones fueron realizadas durante cuatro semanas, siendo 28 ejercicios de alongamiento y fortalecimiento para los principales grupos musculares. Fue aplicado analisis estadistico utilizando los tests t de Student o de Wilcoxon para muestras dependientes (p <0,05). RESULTADOS: los resultados mostraron mejora significativa para la mayoria de las variables observadas, tanto en extension de la rodilla (TT 60°/s - 8,98%, p = 0,0166, PT 300°/s - 11,80%, p = 0,0077, TT 300°/s - 19,68%, p = 0,0051) como en la flexion (PT 60°/s - 11,44%, p = 0,0171; TT 60°/s - 11,55%, p = 0,0395; TT 300°/s - 12,86%, p = 0,0145), como excepcion a dos variables: una referente al movimiento de extension de la rodilla (PT 60°/s - 3,04 %, p = 0,4413) y otra al movimiento de flexion (PT 300°/s - 2,30%, p = 0,3873). CONCLUSION: fue posible verificar que ocho sesiones de Pilates, realizadas a lo largo de cuatro semanas, proporciono mejora significativa en el torque isocinetico, de los musculos extensores y flexores de la rodilla en mujeres jovenes, en relacion al PT y TT (60°/s y 300o/s), para la mayoria de las variables analizadas.
Gear Faults Analysis Using Finite Element Method by Rhaishazrin Amirul

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . iv LIST OF FIGURES . vi LIST OF TABLES . viii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION. 1 1.1 Background of Study . 1 1.2 Problem Statement . 3 1.3 Objectives . 3 1.4 Scope of Study . 3 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 4 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY . 7 3.1 Project Methodology . 7 3.2 Project Key Milestone . 19 3.3 Gantt Chart . 21
DPIV Analysis for Slug Flow Detection in Micro-channels

Standard 3D optical velocity measurements in micro-channels is based on Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), bulky and costly equipment are necessary to run this analysis. Recently, the computer-based image processing approach called Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) has brought the possibility of obtaining a satisfactory evaluation of micro-particles displacements by the analysis of fast CCD data acquired during experiments, with no-need of any laser set-up. In our previous studies the DPIV algorithm was used for the analysis of RBCs velocity in micro-channels, in this work this method was extended to analysis of the slugs flow (obtained by two immiscible fluids) in a microchannel. The slugs flow was monitored simultaneously by a CCD and a photodiode. The results show the possibility to have a detailed information on the flow by the DPIV analysis of the CCD data and envisage a further simplification in the experimental set-up thanks to an approach based on a photodiode acquisition.
Ovarian histology and reproductive health of short mackerel , Rastrelliger brachysoma ( Bleeker , 1851 ) , as threatened marine fish in Thailand

The ovarian structure and reproductive health of short mackerel, Rastrelliger brachysoma in the upper Gulf of Thailand from non-breeding (October to November 2013) and breeding seasons (December 2013 to February 2014), were examined by histological and histochemical techniques. The results revealed that the ovary in this species was enclosed by the tunica albuginea. It was considered as an asynchronous type, which could be classified into seven stages based on its histological characteristics. These seven stages were oogonium, chromatin nucleolar, perinucleolar, oil droplet and cortical alveolar, early, late and post vitellogenic stages. During the oogenic processes, the change and characterization of inclusions including lipids, cortical alveoli and yolk granules were detected by histolochemical techniques. The ovarian histopathology in R brachysoma was detected. This includes ovarian degeneration, ovarian atrophy and atresia in different stages (oogonia, previtellogenic stages and vitellogenic stages) as well as melano-magcrophage centers. Atretic follicles and ovarian atrophy were also observed and could negatively affect the reproductive health of the species, which could lead to population declines in R. brachysoma as well as threaten other marine fishes connected through the food web in Thailand.
Mirror therapy to improve hand function in spastic cerebral palsy children

Hand function is one of the important functional activities of the human being to perform a daily activity. One of the impairments is hand function commonly observed in spastic hemiplegics. Spasticity is one of themajor factors affecting children, as a result of increasedmuscle tone, that in luences handmovement. Children become more dependent when hand function is impaired. Normal muscle tone is a prerequisite for moving the hand to activity for normal hand function. Hand movement improves by reducing spasticity, which in daily living activity helps the child functionally independent. The aim of this research is therefore to enhance the hand function by using mirror therapy in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. 46 subjects are studied and divided into two groups, namely the group of mirror therapy (Experimental) and the conventional group. The informed concern was taken from their parents. Conventional training was given to one group and mirror therapy was given to another group. Both groups were treated for 60 min/ each session, 5 days/week for the duration of 4 weeks. Modi ied Ashworth scale was used to evaluate spasticity, 9 hole peg boards were used to measure inger dexterity, Fegl Meyer assessment upper limb was used to assess changes in the motor improvement, and Upper Extremity Functional Index was self-evaluating questionnaire done my parents or caretakers. The independent ”t” test was used to analyze the outcomemeasures, the effect of spasticity effect and ability to function by hand. Themean post-test values of all mirror therapy variables were better than those of the conventional group (p<0.005). The study shows spasticity reduction and improvement in the function of the hand in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy using mirror therapy.
Outlier detection methods and sensor data fusion for precision agriculture

Precision agriculture is a concept regarding the use of technology to increase production yield while preserving and optimizing resources. One of the means to achieve that goal is to use sensors to monitor crops and adjust the cultivation according to its needs. This paper compares different techniques for sensor data fusion and detection and removal of outliers from gathered data to improve sensors accuracy and to identify possible sensor malfunction. As a case study, we monitored an experimental crop of precocious dwarf cashew using soil moisture sensors. Combining generalized ESD method and a weighted outlierrobust Kalman filter generated the best result, leading to more accurate data.
An overview of Product Service System through Integrated Vehicle Health Management in an information sensitive industry

Purpose – The research purpose is to enhance knowledge of how organizations can form a PSS through an IVHM system when information is sensitive. Method – A single case study design of abductive approach was used, with data collection through six semi-structured interviews. Findings – A system combining IVHM and PSS has many potential benefits, however there are several challenges that need to be overcome in order to implementing a successful model. Theoretical implications – This study treads a new area not previously explored in the literature when it combines PSS and IVHM, which relies heavily on information flow to succeed, with a case of information sensitivity. This study hence explores a problematic area for either PSS or IVHM, expanding the current literature and providing initial suggestions of how to navigate this. Practical implications – Firstly, it shows managers the challenges that comes with implementing PSS-IVHM and increasing involvement in the customers’ processes. Secondly, this study shows the theoretical and general challenges of PSS-IVHM and applies the case study’s perspective of information management, granting managers a larger foundation of knowledge before starting their initiatives of PSS-IVHM. Limitations and future research – This study provides a limited amount of empirical data. Therefore, future research should focus on increasing and widening data collection. The study suggests there is a considerable challenge in conservatism within the defence industry and therefore future research is suggested to explore how change management can combat this challenge.
ADENOIDS : softwAre DEfined NetwOrking-based Intrusion Detection System

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are systems aimed at analyzing and detecting security problems. IDS based on anomaly detection and, in particular, on statistical analysis, inspect each traffic flow in order to get its statistical characterization, which represents the fingerprint of the flow. Software Defined Networking (SDN) is revolutionizing the networking industry by enabling programmability, easier management and faster innovation. These benefits are made possible by its centralized control plane architecture which allows the network to be programmed and controlled by one central entity. The fusion of these two technologies can lead to an innovative system of malware detection. This paper introduces ADENOIDS a Statistical Fingerprint based Intrusion Detection System that is build on top of an SDN architecture.
Intelligent Library and Tutoring System for EURASIA Project

Most advantage construction and real estate libraries select, organize, retrieve, and transmit tacit and explicit information/knowledge. Different reports contained an explicit criticism of the libraries’ focus on their specific collections and a recommendation to focus more on user needs. There is a need to overpass the key limitations in the development of traditional libraries, which have been developed for a particular content and a specific group of learners. We suppose that the future libraries will become a practical knowledge storehouse and will offer intelligent opportunities for people. In order to increase the efficiency and quality of EURASIA project activities, an Intelligent Library and Tutoring System for EURASIA project (ILTS-EAP) was developed. ILTS-EAP have the ability to personalize, maximum-reuse, index, analyze and integrate valuable information and knowledge from a wide selection of existing sources in all building life cycle. ILTS-EAP is briefly analyzed in the paper.
Dictionary of Abstract and Concrete Words of the Russian Language: A Methodology for Creation and Application

The paper describes the first stage of a project on creating an electronic dictionary with numerical estimates of the degree of abstractness and concreteness of Russian words. Our approach is to integrate data obtained from several different sources: text corpora, psycholinguistic experiments, published dictionaries, markers of abstractness (certain suffixes) and a translation of a similar dictionary for English. The article describes in detail the method for obtaining data. We provide correlation coefficients calculated using different methods. We pay special attention to cases of inconsistent results obtained by different methods. The statistical model behind the experimental data is discussed. The results of experiments with the Google Books Ngram corpus on the coexistence of concrete words are given. Possible applications of the dictionary are demonstrated on the example of the frequency of using the dictionary in Russian textbooks for high schools.
Fast Memory Design Space Exploration Reusing Past Simulation Results

In the state-of-the-art microprocessor designs, considering the structure of memory systems is much important. This is because it has a great impact on the total processor performance. Trace-driven simulations are well-known, widely used for memory performance evaluations. Although the trace-driven simulations can sometimes run three orders of magnitude faster than execution-driven simulations, it is still required to boost the simulation speed in order to find the best memory configuration from the extensive design space in a short term. In this paper, we propose a fast design space exploration technique for cache designs. In our evaluation, it is observed that the proposed approach is able to predict the cache miss rate in high accuracy.
Consideration of inaccurate outdating parameters in adaptive OFDMA

In this paper, an adaptive multi-user OFDMA scheme in the downlink is considered which is aware of outdated channel knowledge. Assuming that the base station has knowledge about the outdating parameters in terms of correlation coefficients between the outdated channels and the actual channels of the different users, it is possible to adjust the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) thresholds for the applied modulation schemes to guarantee a certain target Bit Error Rate (BER) in the presence of outdated Channel Quality Information (CQI). As these outdating parameters cannot be assumed to be perfectly known in a realistic scenario, the impact of inaccurate outdating parameters on the system performance is investigated. Furthermore, a safety margin approach is presented to reduce the loss in system performance.