Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Terbium(III) as a Fluorescent Probe for Molecular Detection of Ascorbic Acid

Fluorescence analysis is a simple and a highly sensitive method for detection of small amounts of biologically active substances. In this study, a complexation of terbium(III) chelates with 1,10-phenanthroline and ascorbic acid (AA) and luminescent properties of complexes were investigated. The influence of pH and solubilization of complexes by micellar solutions of nonionic, cationic, and anionic surfactants on fluorescence was studied. The quenching effect of terbium ion fluorescence was detected upon an introduction of ascorbic acid. The quenching effect of the complex with mixed ligands Tb(1,10-phenanthroline)-AA allows for the detection of ascorbic acid with the limit of 7.4 × 10−5 mol·L−1.
Effort Minimization Theory in the Data Analytics Era

ABSTRACT While there is an explosion in data analytic activity, certain behavioral aspects of a data analyst’s modeling efforts are not well understood. Through the lens of effort minimization theory, this research considers how data analysts make decisions to engage with more data as a part of their modeling process, and the effects that modeling tools have on these decisions. Previous research found that decision aids have no effect on reducing effort in terms of the amount of information referenced and processed. However, our results indicate that there are indeed significant differences in the amount of data analyzed with less effort-intensive modeling methods, and increasing amounts of available data. These results offer new implications for effort minimization research and organizations engaged in data analytics.
A Deep Learning Integrated Cairns-Blake-Dowd (CBD) Sytematic Mortality Risk Model

Many actuarial science researchers on stochastic modeling and forecasting of systematic mortality risk use Cairns-Blake-Dowd (CBD) Model (2006) due to its ability to consider the cohort effects. A three-factor stochastic mortality model has three parameters that describe the mortality trends over time when dealing with future behaviors. This study aims to predict the trends of the model, kt(2) by applying the Recurrent Neural Networks within a Short-Term Long Memory (an artificial LSTM architecture) compared to traditional statistical ARIMA (p,d,q) models. The novel deep learning (machine learning) technique helps integrate the CBD model to enhance its accuracy and predictive capacity for future systematic mortality risk in countries with limited data availability, such as Kenya. The results show that Long Short-Term Memory network architecture had higher levels of precision when predicting the future systematic mortality risks than traditional methods. Ultimately, the results can be implemented by Kenyan insurance firms when modeling and forecasting systematic mortality risk helpful in the pricing of Annuities and Assurances.
Evaluation of ICEYE Microsatellites Sensor for Surface Motion Detection—Jakobshavn Glacier Case Study

The marine-terminating glaciers are one of the biggest contributors to global sea-level rise. Research on this aspect of the effects of global climate change is developing nowadays in several directions. One of them is monitoring of glaciers movements, especially with satellite data. In addition to well-known analyzes based on radar data from available satellites, the possibility of studying glacier displacements from new sensors, the so-called microsatellites need to be studied. The main purpose of research was evaluation of the possibility of applying new high-resolution ICEYE radar data to observe glacier motion. Stripmap High mode were used to obtain velocities for the Jakobshavn glacier with an Offset-Tracking method. Obtained results were compared with displacements obtained from the Sentinel-1 data. The comparative analysis was performed on displacements in range and azimuth directions and for maximum velocity values. Moreover, correlation plots showed that in different parts of glaciers, a comparison of obtained velocities delivers different correlation coefficients (R2) in a range from 0.52 to 0.97. The analysis showed that the scale of movements is similar from both sensors. However, Sentinel-1 data present underestimation of velocities comparing to ICEYE data. The biggest deviations between results were observed around the maximum velocities, near the Kangia Ice Fjord Bay. In the analysis the amplitude information was used as well. This research presents that data from the ICEYE microsatellites can be successfully used for monitoring glacial areas and it allows for more precise observations of displacement velocity field.
Cyber Wellness Among Malaysian Youth: The Case Of Cyberreadi Malaysia

The cyber world is a contemporary platform for world society to interact in this era. The use of social media is not only a method for all these groups to socialise, but it is also a medium for information, education, politics and economics. While we enjoy the various benefits of interacting in cyberspace, this phenomenon has also proven the various challenges and threats that exist. In this regard, CyberREADI Malaysia 2020, a regional project at the ASEAN level has been implemented to foster a culture of cyber wellness among the youth. The results of this four-month program found that the participants have shown a high level of knowledge and understanding of cyber wellness. Data analysis of the results of this experimental study also showed a high level of intention to behave towards cyber well-being. In this regard, it is recommended that programs with direct participation of youth being implemented as it able to better enhance their understanding and behaviour to build a cyber-wellness community.
Asymmetric layer‐by‐layer polyelectrolyte nanofiltration membranes with tunable retention

Nanofiltration (NF) membrane processes are attractive to remove multivalent ions. As ion retention in NF membranes is determined by both size and charge exclusion, negatively charged membranes are required to reject negatively charged ions. Layer-by-layer assembly of alternating polycation (PC) and polyanion layers on top of a support is a versatile method to produce membranes. Especially the polyelectrolyte (PE) couple polydiallyldimethylammoniumchloride and poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) (PDADMAC/PSS) is extensively investigated. This PE couple cannot form highly negatively charged membrane surfaces, due to interdiffusion and charge overcompensation of PDADMAC into the PSS layers, which limits the operational window to tailor membrane properties. We propose the use of asymmetric layer formation and show how combining two charge densities of one PC can produce negatively charged NF membranes. Starting from hollow fiber ultrafiltration supports coated with base layers of PDADMAC/PSS, they are coated with PDADMAC/PSS or poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammoniumchloride), P(AM-co-DADMAC)/PSS layers. P(AM-co-DADMAC) has a charge density of only 32% compared to 100% for PDADMAC. The particular novel membranes coated with P(AM-co-DADMAC) have a highly negatively charged surface and high permeabilities (7 – 19 L/[m 2 hbar]), with high retentions for Na 2 SO 4 of up to 95%. These values position the developed membranes in the top range compared to commercial and other layer-by-layer membranes.
A retrospective audit of the timescales involved in the diagnosis and management of suspected Achilles tendon ruptures at a single National Health Service trust: A quality service improvement and redesign project

Introduction The Achilles tendon is the most frequently ruptured tendon. Prompt diagnosis of this injury ensures optimal management decisions are instituted early ensuring the best outcome and patient experience, at minimal cost to the United Kingdom National Health Service. Despite this, regional and national variations to diagnosis and management exist, with anecdotal evidence of inefficiencies in the local patient pathway. To explore this further, a retrospective departmental audit of timescales from presentation to ultrasound diagnosis and definitive treatment decision was undertaken. Methods All suspected Achilles tendon ruptures in 2018 were identified through electronic and written patient records, and information on timescales involved in the diagnosis and management of each compiled. Descriptive statistics were used to map each step of the pathway and timescales involved, with performance assessed against local departmental standards and the Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) protocol. Results In total, 119 patients were identified, of which 113 received an ultrasound examination. Local departmental standards were met in the majority of cases, with 78% (n = 88) diagnosed by ultrasound within one week of the request and 83% (n = 91) given a treatment decision within two weeks of presentation. However, this was suboptimal when compared with timeframes utilised for developing the SMART protocol, with only 7% (n = 8) scanned within 48 hours of presentation. Conclusions Key areas of the patient pathway were identified for quality service improvement and redesign, with multidisciplinary discussion resulting in the development of a revised patient pathway which expedites diagnosis and treatment for these injuries.
Transnational relationships and virtual technology: an ethnographic study of the left-behind wives in Kerala

Abstract Modern technology plays a complicated role in (re)shaping the transnational relationships between migrated men and their left-behind wives in Kerala. Since the 1990s, the Malabar region in Kerala has witnessed large-scale migration of its workforce to the Gulf countries. As these women juggle between family, migration, and gaps in socio-economic development, multiple forms of technologies and surveillance complicate the institutionalization of patriarchy within the private sphere in the name of women’s safety. Technological devices turn the migrants’ wives into docile bodies, observable at any moment by their husbands’ virtual eyes. This paper argues that using modern technology, which is operated around the idea of surveillance, migrant husbands foster a “mediated patriarchy. ” Further, modern technology (re)shapes transnational relationships and functions as a double-edged weapon in the left-behind wives’ lives. Qualitative approaches and ethnography have been used to understand the demographic profile and personal experiences of the left-behind wives in Kerala.
Travels and Trials of Climate Knowledge in Finnish Municipalities

We examine why implementing climate aims has proven challenging for municipalities. Recognising that climate policy research identifies ‘barriers’ to the forward motion of environmental knowledge, we use STS tools to dismantle ‘barrier thinking’ and analyse the dynamics of climate knowledge in municipal organisations. The primary data are 21 interviews with climate change and risk management experts in Finnish municipalities. We employ the idea of ‘trials of strength’ to analyse not mere barriers but gatherings, translations, and implementations of environmental knowledge. We argue that four kinds of trials are crucial in transforming climate knowledge so it can cohere with ongoing processes: it is gathered and condensed at the organisation’s borders; climate experts embody and transmit the knowledge; meeting tables form obligatory passage points for its implementation; and road maps draw actors together to circulate it. While traveling around municipal organisations, climate knowledge is often sidetracked but can sometimes become unexpectedly effective.
Development of a Virtual Fit Analysis Method for an Ergonomic Design of Pilot Oxygen Mask

In the ergonomic design of wearable products such as an oxygen mask, systematic design methods including the analysis of anthropometric information, evaluation of fit, and product design need to utilize 3D human scan data. The present study intends to develop a virtual fit analysis method that generates an ergonomic shape of an oxygen mask for fighter pilots based on 3D facial scans. The proposed virtual fit analysis method enables iteratively to revise the shape of an oxygen mask until an appropriate level of fit between the mask and a group of pilot faces is achieved. The proposed method of virtual fit analysis and design optimization was applied to find ergonomic shapes of oxygen masks for four size categories (small narrow, medium narrow, medium wide, and large wide) to accommodate 336 pilots of the Republic of Korea Air Force. The virtual fit analysis results in the study showed that the revised oxygen mask shapes achieved significantly higher accommodation percentages (4.8~88.7%) at facial areas (nasal root, nasal side, cheek, and chin) compared to the existing oxygen mask shapes. The proposed method can be applied to develop an ergonomic product design that fits the face and other human body parts.
Communication blackout and media gag: state-sponsored restrictions in conflict-hit region of Jammu and Kashmir

ABSTRACT The communication restrictions in Indian administered Kashmir has come to an end on 5 February 2021, the ban on high-speed internet was going on since 5 August 2019 when Narendra Modi led government stripped Article 370 of the Indian constitution that provides quasi-autonomy to the region. Though Kashmiris are very much used to these kinds of blackouts but what makes it unprecedented is the duration of this longest ever communication blockade [550 days] in the history of any democracy. These challenges, coupled with intimidation, threats and movement restrictions by the state make it too difficult for the media to operate freely in the region. This paper is an attempt towards analysing the events after the abrogation of Article 370 and the impact it has on press freedom in the region. Also, an effort has been made to understand the perception of local journalists reporting from ground zero post August 2019.
Combining lean and agile manufacturing competitive advantages through Industry 4.0 technologies: an integrative approach

Abstract Lean manufacturing and agile manufacturing have been two prominent manufacturing paradigms over the past decades, with the respective aims of reducing waste to achieve low-cost and being flexible in production processes. Industry 4.0 is transforming traditional manufacturing systems into smart ones. The current competitive market requires manufacturing companies to improve both cost-efficiency and flexibility with the application of Industry 4.0 technologies. This study is the first systematic literature review linking Industry 4.0 with both lean and agile manufacturing. A conceptual framework is proposed concerning their relationships. It shows Industry 4.0 supports both manufacturing systems, and they, in turn, facilitate the implementation of Industry 4.0. The integration of Industry 4.0 with lean manufacturing mainly enhances cost-competitiveness in the performance dimension; with agile manufacturing, it mainly enhances flexibility. The finding implies Industry 4.0 is the enabling technology that allows two manufacturing systems to co-exist while overcoming the trade-off among various competitive objectives.
Reuse of Exhausted Air from Multi-Actuator Pneumatic Control Systems

In order to improve the energy efficiency of multi-actuator pneumatic systems, a control scheme for the recovery of exhausted compressed air is designed and studied herein. This paper explains the procedure for the development of the balanced operation of a multi-actuator pneumatic system through the collection and reuse of exhausted compressed air. Compared with traditional motion control of pneumatic actuators, significant energy savings can be achieved, while the dynamic behavior of the cylinders from which the exhausted air is collected is maintained.
Adsorption of methylene blue by biochar produced through torrefaction and slow pyrolysis from switchgrass

The present work involves a study of sorption of methylene blue (MB) by charcoal samples produced through torrefaction and pyrolysis processes from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The adsorption of MB was determined using the spectrometric analysis method at various pH, temperature values and MB concentrations. The heat treatment temperature during biochar production significantly influenced the surface chemistry of biochars indicating that biochar samples, based on their thermal history alone, can behave significantly differently in the rhizosphere or in their ability to adsorb pollutants. The pH of the solution containing MB significantly affected its adsorption by biochars but trends were markedly different. The concentration of MB was also affected adsorption behavior of the two charcoals. The results indicate that biochars can be produced with desired properties to solve specific agricultural or environmental needs.
Transcriptome Dynamics Reveal Stage-specific and Melatonin-triggered Gene Expression Patterns During the Cashmere Growth Cycle in Capra Hircus

Background: Cashmere goat is famous for its high-quality fibers. The growth of cashmere in secondary hair follicles exhibits a seasonal pattern arising from circannual changes in the natural photoperiod. Although several studies have compared and analyzed the differences in gene expression between different cashmere growth stages, the selection of samples in these studies relies on research experience or morphological evidence. Distinguishing cashmere growth cycles according to gene expression patterns may help to explore the regulation mechanisms related to cashmere growth and the effect of melatonin from a molecular level more accurately. Results: In this study, we applied RNA-sequencing to the hair follicles of three normal and three melatonin-treated Inner Mongolian cashmere goats sampled every month during a whole cashmere growth cycle. A total of 3559 and 988 genes were subjected as seasonal changing genes (SCGs) in the control and treated groups, respectively. The SCGs in the normal group are divided into three clusters, and their specific expression patterns help to group the cashmere growth cycle into anagen, catagen and telogen stages. Some canonical pathways such as Wnt, TGF-beta and Hippo signaling pathways are detected as promoting the cashmere growth, while Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Jak-STAT, Fc epsilon RI, NOD-like receptor, Rap1, PI3K-Akt, cAMP, NF-kappa B and many immune-related pathways are detected in the catagen and telogen stages. The PI3K-Akt signaling, ECM-receptor interaction and Focal adhesion are found in the transition stage between telogen to anagen, which may serve as candidate biomarkers for telogen-anagen regeneration. Pairwise comparisons between the control and melatonin-treated groups also indicate 941 monthly differentially expressed genes (monthly DEGs). These monthly DEGs are mainly distributed from April and September, which reveal a potential signal pathway map regulating the anagen stage triggered by melatonin. Enrichment analysis shows that Wnt, Hedgehog, ECM, Chemokines and NF-kappa B signaling pathways may be involved in the regulation of non-quiescence and secondary shedding under the influence of melatonin. Conclusions: Our study decodes the key regulators of the whole cashmere growth cycle, laying the foundation for the control of cashmere growth and improvement of cashmere yield.
An OCR Post-Correction Approach Using Deep Learning for Processing Medical Reports

According to a recent Deloitte study, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place a huge strain on the global health care sector. Covid-19 has also catalysed digital transformation across the sector for improving operational efficiencies. As a result, the amount of digitally stored patient data such as discharge letters, scan images, test results or free text entries by doctors has grown significantly. In 2020, 2314 exabytes of medical data was generated globally. This medical data does not conform to a generic structure and is mostly in the form of unstructured digitally generated or scanned paper documents stored as part of a patient’s medical reports. This unstructured data is digitised using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) process. A key challenge here is that the accuracy of the OCR process varies due to the inability of current OCR engines to correctly transcribe scanned or handwritten documents in which text may be skewed, obscured or illegible. This is compounded by the fact that processed text is comprised of specific medical terminologies that do not necessarily form part of general language lexicons. The proposed work uses a deep neural network based self-supervised pre-training technique: Robustly Optimized Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (RoBERTa) that can learn to predict hidden (masked) sections of text to fill in the gaps of non-transcribable parts of the documents being processed. Evaluating the proposed method on domain-specific datasets which include real medical documents, shows a significantly reduced word error rate demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach.
Observations of Children With Disability During Arts-Based Multisensory Story and Rhyme Activities: Is It All Just Chimes and Perfumes?

Abstract It is generally acknowledged that alternative strategies are required to enable children with disability to access storytelling activities. In this study, we sought to analyse the benefits of one such strategy: an arts-based multisensory story and rhyme program delivered to children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. In order to determine the engagement and impact of the program on the participants, data were collected through a series of multisensory session observations, focus group interviews with parents of participants, and interviews with performing artists delivering the program. The findings of this study revealed multiple benefits of using sensory stimuli to engage children with disability in storytelling processes, including increased engagement, focus, and interaction with other children and family members. The performing artists used their knowledge and skills to create an engaging environment that was responsive to the children’s needs. It was observed that language development could be further enhanced by integrating written text into the performance and increasing the use of nonverbal communication methods. Further, the engagement of siblings without disability in this program suggested that it could be developed to be inclusive of children with and without disability.