Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Topology Estimation and Resource Allocation for Power Line Communication

Power line communication (PLC), which uses existing infrastructure of power delivery for data transfer, is regarded as an economical, pervasive and extensive communication solution for smart grid and home broadband applications. One of the challenges of applying communication technologies to power line network lies in acquirement of channel state information (CSI), which is dependent on network topology. Moreover, the knowledge of topology provides a basis for the design of routing protocols and power flow optimization. Therefore, efficient approaches for dynamic topology estimation are highly demanded. While dynamic routing and resource allocation enable high-speed and multi-tasking communication services over power lines. In this thesis, a dynamic topology estimation scheme for PLC is investigated, and a cross-layer routing and resource allocation scheme assisted by dynamic topology estimation is developed to improve the system performance. In the first contribution, a high-resolution and low-complexity dynamic topology estimation scheme for time-varying indoor PLC networks is proposed. The scheme consists of three parts: a) a time-frequency domain reflectometry (TFDR) based path length estimation method, which requires measurement at a single PLC modem and achieves a much higher resolution than the frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) based method; b) a node-by-node greedy algorithm for topology reconstruction, which is much more computationally efficient than the existing peak-by-peak searching algorithm; c) an impulsive noise assisted dynamic topology re-estimation method, which results in a significant complexity reduction over fixed-frequency re-estimation. In the second contribution, a cross-layer routing and resource allocation (RA) scheme assisted by dynamic topology estimation is proposed to optimize the system throughput of indoor PLC network with heterogeneous delay requirements. The proposed scheme provides a multi-layer solution, which conducts the network layer routing based on the result of PHY layer resource allocation which is constrained by the MAC layer queuing delay. With the dynamic topology estimation proposed in the first contribution, the routing can be solved centrally at the source, which is more robust against topology changes compared to distributed solutions. The proposed cross-layer RA scheme consists of subcarrier allocation (SA) to multiple users and power allocation (PA) to subcarriers satisfying heterogeneous delay requirements. It is demonstrated that the proposed centralized routing strategy achieves a much lower packet loss rate (PLR) than a distributed routing scheme; while with optimal RA, the system throughput is significantly improved compared to the routing schemes without considering RA.
Establishing networked misogyny as a counter movement: The analysis of the online anti-Istanbul convention presence

We now live in an age of unhidden gender wars where direct violence occurs within online and offline spaces. These online spaces on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram become venues for attacks on gender and woman’s rights, as well as its intersection with race and ethnicity. Such online hate expressions and networked harassments channelled towards women provide clues for us, social scientists, to understand the underlying dynamics/nature of misogyny. In this paper, by studying the online misogynistic narratives developed around the Istanbul Convention as a counter movement, I aim to highpoint the conservative and polarizing discourses that frames gender-based violence as acceptable in Turkey. More specifically I show how Twitter can be used as a platform for anti-feminist and misogynistic groups, aiming violence and hostility directly at women and their rights. As these tweets illustrate, the right-wing populist and anti-gender discourses and conservative and authoritarian politics, are being implemented on many fronts and social media is one of them.
A Collagen Hydrolysate Containing Tripeptides Ameliorates Sarcopenia in Middle-Aged Mice

Collagen peptide (CP) and collagen tripeptide (CTP) are supplementary health foods that exhibit several biological effects. However, the effects of collagen on age-associated sarcopenia and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. C57BL/6J mice (n = 24, 12 months old) were divided into three dietary groups and administered AIN93G (aging control, AC; JA BIO, Suwon, Korea), AIN93G plus 0.2% CP, and AING93G plus 0.2% CTP supplement for 12 weeks. The results indicated that the CP and CTP supplements significantly increased the weight of the quadriceps tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles and reduced body fat. A morphological analysis revealed that the spaces within the muscle cells were tight with attenuated fibrosis following CP and CTP supplementation. Immunohistochemistry was applied and a Western blot analysis was performed to determine the underlying mechanisms. The CTP supplement increased the expression of IGF-1, PI3K/AKT, and mTOR, whereas the CP supplement increased the expression of IGF-1 and AMPK in the gastrocnemius of aging mice. CP and CTP ameliorate age-associated sarcopenia through different mechanisms.
PSYCHOLINGUISTIC PECULIARITIES OF VERBAL AGGRESSION IN ENGLISH POLITICAL DISCOURSE

Psycholinguistic peculiarities of verbal aggression in English political discourse. The article examines aspects of speech aggression that allows social pressure to be exercised in the conditions of the asymmetric social status of participants in verbal communications. The factors of linguistic objectification are investigated from the perspective of age, social, gender, personal characteristics and characteristics of subjects of discourse. As an example of verbal aggression, the speech acts of public speeches of the incumbent President of the United States of America D. Trump, which are considered as an integral part of an individual's activities, due to high semantic significance and the necessary level of interpersonal interaction, were subjected to linguistic analysis. The use of aggression in Trump's political discourse is is guided by reason, not emotion. His consistent use of derogatory nicknames, constant attention to the media, as well as the selection of offensive words that draw attention to the specific shortcomings of his addressees indicate that aggression is not based on impulsiveness or randomness. Verbal aggression aimed at lowering the opponent's social status is one of the methods of an offensive strategy and affects, sometimes significantly, the decision-making of an offended person. The use of methods of verbal aggression by D. Trump in the context of political discourse can be a powerful "weapon" both in relation to the internal political situation and in the external political arena. Such aspects, in the context of the increasing influence of forms of digital culture on the psycho-emotional sphere of a person, leave researchers with ample opportunities in the field of scientific research.
The Role of Gum Arabic for a Protective Kidney Dysfunction Induced Gentamicin on Diabetes Rats

The target of this study was to estimate Gum Arabic for total phenols and flavonoids. In addition to antioxidant activities, estimate gum Arabic for total phenols and flavonoids. In addition to antioxidant activities, the problem of studying the potential effect of experimental diabetes kidney failure induced by gentamicin and the effect of taking gum Arabic. The results were observed to increase the content of phenols and total flavonoids. The method of study was that diabetic rats groups were fed on a basal diet, and intake of drinking water separately at concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 g gum Arabic dissolved in 100 ml of water/day indicated that the lipid profile gradually decreased in triglycerides from group (1) was 128.30 mg/dL to group (4) was 77.53, total cholesterol-lowering from 163.18 mg/dL to 111.19 mg/dL, LDL reducing from 101.61 mg/dL to 37.83 mg/dL, VLDL lessening from 25.73 mg/dL to 15.51 mg/dL, and glucose reduced from 192.52 mg/dL to 111.24 mg/dL. and glucose became less from 192.52 mg/dL to 111.24 mg/dL. The kidney functions indicated to creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, and bilirubin were decreased from 1.34, 0.95, 2.24, 45.61, and 0.66 mg/dl in group (1) to 0.78, 29.84, 2.12, 16.25, and 018 mg/dL in group (4), respectively, when taking Gum Arabic. Furthermore, in the treatment group with Gum Arabic at different doses, the results could be noticed that sodium and calcium were gradually increased, and there was gradual reduction in potassium, phosphor, and magnesium. The results found that the treatment with GA had lowered the effects of gentamicin and streptozotocin, as evidenced by improvement of the lipids profile, kidney function, some minerals in serum, and antioxidant enzyme in kidney tissue, which may be referred to as its content of antioxidant active ingredients. Therefore, it is recommended that Gum Arabic is a beneficial dietary tool in reducing the advancement of chronic kidney disease in diabetic rats.
Hybrid excited synchronous machine with flux control possibility

The paper presents simulation and experimental results of an Electric Controlled Permanent Magnet Synchronous (ECPMS) machine that offers an extended magnetic field control capability which makes it suitable for battery electric vehicle drives. Rotor, stator and additional direct current supplied coil of the machine have been analyzed in detail. Control and power supply systems of the machine have been presented. Influence of the additional excitation on the machine performance has also been discussed.
Phospholipid-Based Microemulsions for Cutaneous Imiquimod Delivery

Imiquimod (IMQ) is a potent immune response modifier with antiviral and antitumor properties. IMQ’s low aqueous solubility and unsatisfactory cutaneous permeability limit its formulation into effective dosage forms. This work aimed to develop IMQ-loaded microemulsions (MEs) based on phospholipids and oleic acid to improve IMQ penetration into the epidermis. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed, and the microstructure of the formulations was examined by measuring the conductivity values. Selected MEs were characterized and studied for their ability to deliver IMQ into and through ex vivo human skin. ME1 with 1% IMQ (bicontinuous ME with Bingham rheology) delivered similar IMQ quantities to the human epidermis ex vivo as the commercial product while having a 5-fold lower IMQ dose. IMQ was not detected in the acceptor phase after the permeation experiment, suggesting a lower systemic absorption risk than the established product. Infrared spectroscopy of the stratum corneum revealed less ordered and less tightly packed lipids after ME1 application. The ME1-induced barrier disruption recovered within less than 5 h after the formulation removal, as detected by transepidermal water loss measurements. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that phospholipid and oleic acid-based MEs could become a promising alternative for topical IMQ administration.
Potential Use of Chitosan-TiO2 Nanocomposites for the Electroanalytical Detection of Imidacloprid

The detection of toxic insecticides is a major scientific and technological challenge. In this regard, imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid that is a systemic insecticide that can accumulate in agricultural products and affect human health. This work aims to study the properties of chitosan–TiO2 nanocomposites in which nanoparticles with high surface area serve as molecular recognition sites for electroanalytical imidacloprid detection. We show that the best sensitivity to imidacloprid was obtained using a modified electrode with a chitosan–TiO2 nanocomposite with a 40 wt. % of TiO2 nanoparticles. By using a three-phase effective permittivity model which includes chitosan, TiO2, an interface layer between nanoparticles and a matrix, we showed that nanocomposites with 40 wt. % of TiO2 the interface volume fraction reaches a maximum. At higher nanoparticle concentration, the sensitivity of the sensor decreases due to the decreasing of the interface volume fraction, agglomeration of nanoparticles and a decrease in their effective surface area. The methodology presented can be helpful in the design and optimization of polymer-based nanocomposites for a variety of applications.
Altered Intestinal Production of Volatile Fatty Acids in Dogs Triggered by Lactulose and Psyllium Treatment

The intestinal microbiome of dogs can be influenced by a number of factors such as non-starch polysaccharides as well as some non-digestible oligo- and disaccharides. These molecules are only decomposed by intestinal anaerobic microbial fermentation, resulting in the formation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which play a central role in maintaining the balance of the intestinal flora and affecting the health status of the host organism. In the present study, the effects of lactulose and psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) were investigated regarding their influence on concentrations of various VFAs produced by the canine intestinal microbiome. Thirty dogs were kept on a standard diet for 15 days, during which time half of the animals received oral lactulose once a day, while the other group was given a psyllium-supplemented diet (in 0.67 and in 0.2 g/kg body weight concentrations, respectively). On days 0, 5, 10 and 15 of the experiment, feces were sampled from the rectum, and the concentration of each VFA was determined by GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). Lactulose administration caused a significant increase in the total VFA concentration of the feces on days 10 and 15 of the experiment (p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively); however, in the case of psyllium supplementation, the concentration of VFAs showed a significant elevation only on day 15 (p = 0.003). Concentrations of acetate and propionate increased significantly on days 5, 10 and 15 after lactulose treatment (p = 0.044, p = 0.048 and p < 0.001, respectively). Following psyllium administration, intestinal acetate, propionate and n-butyrate production were stimulated on day 15, as indicated by the fecal VFA levels (p = 0.002, p = 0.035 and p = 0.02, respectively). It can be concluded that both lactulose and psyllium are suitable for enhancing the synthesis of VFAs in the intestines of dogs. Increased acetate and propionate concentrations were observed following the administration of both supplements; however, elevated n-butyrate production was found only after psyllium treatment, suggesting that the applied prebiotics may exert slightly different effects in the hindgut of dogs. These findings can be also of great importance regarding the treatment and management of patients suffering from intestinal disorders as well as hepatic encephalopathy due to portosystemic shunt.
Binding and Degradation Reaction of Hydroxide Ions with Several Quaternary Ammonium Head Groups of Anion Exchange Membranes Investigated by the DFT Method

Commercialization of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) has been limited due to the chemical degradation of various quaternary ammonium (QA) head groups, which affects the transportation of hydroxide (OH−) ions in AEMs. Understanding how various QA head groups bind and interact with hydroxide ions at the molecular level is of fundamental importance to developing high-performance AEMs. In this work, the binding and degradation reaction of hydroxide ions with several QA head groups—(a) pyridinium, (b) 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2. 2] octane (DABCO), (c) benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA), (d) n-methyl piperidinium, (e) guanidium, and (f) trimethylhexylammonium (TMHA)—are investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) method. Results of binding energies (“∆” EBinding) show the following order of the binding strength of hydroxide ions with the six QA head groups: (a) > (c) > (f) > (d) > (e) > (b), suggesting that the group (b) has a high transportation rate of hydroxide ions via QA head groups of the AEM. This trend is in good agreement with the trend of ion exchange capacity from experimental data. Further analysis of the absolute values of the LUMO energies for the six QA head groups suggests the following order for chemical stability: (a) < (b)~(c) < (d) < (e) < (f). Considering the comprehensive studies of the nucleophilic substitution (SN2) degradation reactions for QA head groups (c) and (f), the chemical stability of QA (f) is found to be higher than that of QA (c), because the activation energy (“∆” EA) of QA (c) is lower than that of QA (f), while the reaction energies (“∆” ER) for QA (c) and QA (f) are similar at the different hydration levels (HLs). These results are also in line with the trends of LUMO energies and available chemical stability data found through experiments.
Creating memorable experiences of cultural hallmark event in Thailand

This study examined the relationship between distinctiveness, perceived crowding and memorable experience in creating attendees’ subjective well-being in the context of a cultural hallmark event in Thailand. Using an online self-administered survey, usable data from 770 respondents were used to assess the proposed conceptual model. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses. The results of this study confirmed that distinctiveness in the event was positively associated with memorable experience, which then played a significant role in enhancing attendees’ subjective well-being. Further, this study found that memorable experience partial mediated the relationship between distinctiveness and subjective well-being. Additionally, perceived crowding positively moderated the relationship between distinctiveness and memorable experience. The implications for the literature on special events and hospitality and for practicing managers are discussed.
A 3D LIDAR RECONSTRUCTION APPROACH FOR VEGETATION DETECTION IN POWER TRANSMISSION NETWORKS

Abstract. Vegetation management is important to the power transmission and distribution networks. The encompassed towering tree is always the key factor of the high impedance faults(HIFs). LiDAR is an efficient way to detect trees with 3D point cloud. The classical tree detection algorithm can handle the tree with high and distinct trunk,but limited to the tree with messy trunks. While the deeplearning based detection algorithms are also suffered from the terrain noise points. In this paper, we propose an efficient LiDAR reconstruction system which can efficiently reconstruct the point cloud of surrounding vegetation without the ground plane noise. We also use different weight strategies to improve the localization accuracy. We have conducted our system on the real power network environment and the height detection result shows that our algorithm has a better accuracy and robustness compared with the classical methods.
How to Account for Changes in Carbon Storage from Coal Mining and Reclamation in Eastern China? Taking Yanzhou Coalfield as an Example to Simulate and Estimate

Carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems plays an essential role in coping with global climate change and achieving regional carbon neutrality. In mining areas with high groundwater levels in eastern China, underground coal mining has caused severe damage to surface ecology. It is of practical significance to evaluate and predict the positive and negative effects of coal mining and land reclamation on carbon pools. This study set up three scenarios for the development of the Yanzhou coalfield (YZC) in 2030, including: (1) no mining activities (NMA); (2) no reclamation after mining (NRM); (3) mining and reclamation (MR). The probability integral model (PIM) was used to predict the subsidence caused by mining in YZC in 2030, and land use and land cover (LULC) of 2010 and 2020 were interpreted by remote sensing images. Based on the classification of land damage, the LULC of different scenarios in the future was simulated by integrating various social and natural factors. Under different scenarios, the InVEST model evaluated carbon storage and its temporal and spatial distribution characteristics. The results indicated that: (1) By 2030, YZC would have 4341.13 ha of land disturbed by coal mining activities. (2) Carbon storage in the NRM scenario would be 37,647.11 Mg lower than that in the NMA scenario, while carbon storage in the MR scenario would be 18,151.03 Mg higher than that in the NRM scenario. Significantly, the Nantun mine would reduce carbon sequestration loss by 72.29% due to reclamation measures. (3) Carbon storage has a significant positive spatial correlation, and coal mining would lead to the fragmentation of the carbon sink. The method of accounting for and predicting carbon storage proposed in this study can provide data support for mining and reclamation planning of coal mine enterprises and carbon-neutral planning of government departments.
Assuring virtual network reliability and resilience

A framework developed that uses reliability block diagrams and continuous-time Markov chains to model and analyse the reliability and availability of a Virtual Network Environment (VNE). In addition, to minimize the unpredicted failures and reduce the impact of failure on a virtual network, a dynamic solution proposed for detecting a failure before it occurs in the VNE. Moreover, to predict failure and establish a tolerable maintenance plan before failure occurs in the VNE, a failure prediction method for VNE can be used to minimise the unpredicted failures, reduce backup redundancy and maximise system performance.
Low-Cost Microplate Reader with 3D Printed Parts for under 500 USD

A 96-well microplate reader for absorption spectroscopy was designed, constructed, and tested at a total cost of ca. 500 USD. The reduced cost of the device represents the major technical contribution of this manuscript, as costs were reduced 7 fold from previous reports. The device was able to achieve 3σ limits of detection of ca. 0.01 absorbance units (AU) over a 60 second measurement for the mid-visible wavelength range. Component parts are either commercially available, or 3D printed from plans. Analysis wavelength can be altered throughout the visible region through use of various photographic or theatrical filters. This feature allows the well plate reader to be used for typical laboratory assays such as cell population estimation by optical density (OD) at 600 nm, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) at 450 nm. This manuscript reports on the motivation and process of constructing the device, lists required parts, presents data demonstrating device function, and provides the community of scholars with plans to reproduce the work. The device can be reproduced in laboratories lacking sufficient resources to purchase commercially available options and this outcome contributes towards empowerment of individuals and equity of scientific enquiry.
Electrified Powertrains for a Sustainable Mobility: Topologies, Design and Integrated Energy Management Strategies

The Special Issue “Electrified Powertrains for a Sustainable Mobility: Topologies, Design and Integrated Energy Management Strategies” has been proposed with the main objective of contributing to the sustainable mobility agenda through enhanced scientific and multi-disciplinary topics, aimed at addressing concerns and real possibilities in the achievement of a greener mobility [. ]