Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consensus of double-integrator multi-agent systems without relative states derivative under relative-state dependent measurement noises*

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a consensus protocol for continuous-time double-integrator multi-agent systems under noisy communication in directed topologies. Each agent’s control input relies on its own velocity and the relative positions with neighbours; it does not require the relative velocities. The agent receives its neighbours’ positions information corrupted by time-varying measurement noises whose intensities are proportional to the absolute relative distance that separates the agent from the neighbours. The consensus protocol is mainly based on the velocity damping gain to derive conditions under which the unbiased mean square χ-consensus is achieved in directed fixed topologies, and the unbiased mean square average consensus is achieved in directed switching topologies. The mean square state errors are quantified for both the positions and velocities. Finally, to illustrate the approach presented, some numerical simulations are performed.
Multifaceted framework for defining conservation units: An example from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Canada

Conservation units represent important components of intraspecific diversity that can aid in prioritizing and protecting at‐risk populations, while also safeguarding unique diversity that can contribute to species resilience. In Canada, identification and assessments of conservation units is done by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). COSEWIC can recognize conservation units below the species level (termed “designatable units”; DUs) if the unit has attributes that make it both discrete and evolutionarily significant. There are various ways in which a DU can meet criteria of discreteness and significance, and increasing access to “big data” is providing unprecedented information that can directly inform both criteria. Specifically, the incorporation of genomic data for an increasing number of non‐model species is informing more COSEWIC assessments; thus, a repeatable, robust framework is needed for integrating these data into DU characterization. Here, we develop a framework that uses a multifaceted, weight of evidence approach to incorporate multiple data types, including genetic and genomic data, to inform COSEWIC DUs. We apply this framework to delineate DUs of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, L.), an economically, culturally, and ecologically significant species, that is also characterized by complex hierarchical population structure. Specifically, we focus on an in‐depth example of how our approach was applied to a previously data limited region of northern Canada that was defined by a single large DU. Application of our framework with newly available genetic and genomic data led to subdividing this DU into three new DUs. Although our approach was developed to meet criteria of COSEWIC, it is widely applicable given similarities in the definitions of a conservation unit.
The Phenotype Features of Donkeys in Croatia

SUMMARY In Croatia, particularly in its coastal area, donkeys have lived for centuries, helping a man in his fight with rough environment. During a period of adaptation of several centuries and natural selection in certain regions, the populations of exceptional features were profiled. More intensive agrarian production and economic-social movements in rural areas resulted in a significant decrease of the total number of donkeys. The actual facts indicate that in Croatia are about several thousand donkeys, but some types are at the brink of disappearance. The insignificant research interest for donkeys during previous decades resulted in a small number of competent scientific knowledge on populations which lived in Croatia, as well as of the dynamics of changes. The research includes 270 donkeys in counties of the Croatian coastal area. Heads are described in separate lists, photographed and measured with 11 body measures. The results of the research show the need for division of the donkey population in Croatia into three types: Littoral-Dinaric type, North-Adriatic type and Istrian type. Types are statistically significantly differ in the wither height (96.93; 115.28; 124.07), chest circumference (112.75; 131.80; 144.01), tibia circumference (12.82; 14.85; 16.30), as well as in the majority of other examined body measures. Types are characterised by particular features of the body colour, the size of the body frame and proportions body measures. The same division is supported by the analysis of polymorphic blood proteins and DNA.
Hydrolgeologic Groundwater Sensitivity and Vulnerability Mapping in South Central Kentucky

Groundwater sensitivity (Ray and O'dell 1993 a) refers to the inherent ease with which groundwater can be contaminated based on hydrogeologic characteristics. We have developed digital methods for identifying areas of varying groundwater sensitivity for a ten county area of south-central Kentucky relevant to a scale of 1: 24,000. The study area includes extensive limestone karst sinkhole plains, with groundwater that is generally extremely sensitive to contamination. Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangles (DVGQs) were combined with elevation data to both identify hydrogeologic groundwater sensitivity regions and to identify zones of "high risk runoff where contaminants could be transported in runoff from less sensitive to higher sensitivity (particularly karst) areas. This analysis was limited to existing, available digital data sources. While future work will fine-tune these maps with additional layers of data (soils for example) as digital data become available, using DVGQs this method is allowing a relatively rapid assessment of groundwater sensitivity for Kentucky at a larger scale than previously available.
Developing a detection method for rabies virus neutralizing antibodies using pseudotype technique

Rabies is a neuro-fatal disease, causing by rabies virus (RABV) infection. Two serological tests, recommended by the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health, namely the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) and the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test (FAVN) are considered gold standard. However, as both the RFFIT and FAVN require the use of live viruses, they raise biosafety concerns. Moreover, the immunostaining step in both methods is costly and time-consuming. In this study, RABV-pseudotype was developed and used in a RVNA detection method. The RABV-pseudotype based on lentivirus gave higher titer than the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Fifty dog serum samples were tested for RVNA titer and compared with FAVN to validate the new pseudotypre-based method. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this method was 92% and 100%, respectively. The analytical specificity of the test was confirmed by lacking of cross-neutralization with an anti-CDV monoclonal antibody. The test repeatability was demonstrated by the coefficient of variation of 1.33 among 4 different timepoints. The RVNA titer measured by both methods was in a strong positive correlation (Pearson r = 0.9491, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the RABV pseudotype-based assay developed in this study offers a safer and faster means for assessing the immune status of the dog population.
The Apple Isle’s bid to feed Australia

The search for Australia’s new food bowl has taken a new twist of late, following the release of the Guide to the Proposed Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) Plan. The plan includes recommendations to slash irrigation by up to 45 per cent in some river systems, with total cuts up to 400 gigalitres (GL). While these measures will help restore a healthy river system to the Basin, they will inevitably affect agriculture in this region, which produces more than a third of Australia’s food supply.
Soft pneumatic muscles for post-stroke lower limb ankle rehabilitation: leveraging the potential of soft robotics to optimize functional outcomes

Introduction: A soft pneumatic muscle was developed to replicate intricate ankle motions essential for rehabilitation, with a specific focus on rotational movement along the x-axis, crucial for walking. The design incorporated precise geometrical parameters and air pressure regulation to enable controlled expansion and motion. Methods: The muscle’s response was evaluated under pressure conditions ranging from 100-145 kPa. To optimize the muscle design, finite element simulation was employed to analyze its performance in terms of motion range, force generation, and energy efficiency. An experimental platform was created to assess the muscle’s deformation, utilizing advanced techniques such as high-resolution imaging and deep-learning position estimation models for accurate measurements. The fabrication process involved silicone-based materials and 3D-printed molds, enabling precise control and customization of muscle expansion and contraction. Results: The experimental results demonstrated that, under a pressure of 145 kPa, the y-axis deformation (y-def) reached 165 mm, while the x-axis and z-axis deformations were significantly smaller at 0.056 mm and 0.0376 mm, respectively, highlighting the predominant elongation in the y-axis resulting from pressure actuation. The soft muscle model featured a single chamber constructed from silicone rubber, and the visually illustrated and detailed geometrical parameters played a critical role in its functionality, allowing systematic manipulation to meet specific application requirements. Discussion: The simulation and experimental results provided compelling evidence of the soft muscle design’s adaptability, controllability, and effectiveness, thus establishing a solid foundation for further advancements in ankle rehabilitation and soft robotics. Incorporating this soft muscle into rehabilitation protocols holds significant promise for enhancing ankle mobility and overall ambulatory function, offering new opportunities to tailor rehabilitation interventions and improve motor function restoration.
Time Estimation for a New Block Generation in Blockchain-Enabled Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged with Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to address existing scalability challenges and improve the trustworthiness of machine-to-machine communication. Among the numerous potential benefits of combining IoT and DLT, Blockchain, a subset of DLT, is a crucial enabler to accelerate secure IoT adoption. Appending a new block to a blockchain, especially in a blockchain-based IoT ecosystem, requires more delay than expected. This delay is one of several issues limiting the broader adoption of blockchain within the IoT domain. To assess this delay, we develop a new comprehensive model to estimate the time required to generate a new block in a blockchain-enabled IoT system. To this end, we develop sub-computation models and compare time consumption associated with the block generation process by conducting an extensive analysis of the following selected IoT layers: device layer, cluster head layer, fog/edge layer, and cloud layer. Our study identifies potential time-consuming steps in adding a new block to a network. Our results demonstrate that the type of blockchain framework and data encryption algorithms could affect the block generation time and that Avalanche, Conflux, Algorand, Polkadot Hyperledger Fabric outperforms Ethereum in terms of block generation time in IoT networks. On the other hand, the blockchain framework does not play a significant role in block generation time for smaller data packets. We also observed the benefit of using 256-bit ECC (elliptic curve cryptography) encryption and the fog layer in IoT networks to enhance the scalability of the block generation process. All in all, our results indicate that the total block generation time varies depending on the selected IoT framework, data encryption algorithm, blockchain type, and key functions of the layers. However, we found that time delays associated with queuing or block size are negligible relative to the other key components of block generation time.
Geometric Performance of the Global Positioning System

Abstract : The report is intended to identify and evaluate some of the factors affecting the Global Positioning System navigation performance for the satellite configurations, as well as system design issues related to the orbital geometry. The report addresses the user visibility, ground station visibility, satellite- induced. Doppler, geometric dilution of precision, selection of satellites for optimum navigation conditions, and satellite eclipses. The levels of nominal geometric performance which can be achieved are established.
Evaluation of Dimercaptosuccinic Acid-Coated Iron Nanoparticles Immunotargeted to Amyloid Beta as MRI Contrast Agents for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Nanoparticle-based magnetic contrast agents have opened the potential for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be used for early non-invasive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Accumulation of amyloid pathology in the brain has shown association with cognitive decline and tauopathy; hence, it is an effective biomarker for the early detection of AD. The aim of this study was to develop a biocompatible magnetic nanoparticle targeted to amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques to increase the sensitivity of T2-weighted MRI for imaging of amyloid pathology in AD. We presented novel iron core-iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized with a dimercaptosuccinic acid coating and functionalized with an anti-Aβ antibody. Nanoparticle biocompatibility and cellular internalization were evaluated in vitro in U-251 glioblastoma cells using cellular assays, proteomics, and transmission electron microscopy. Iron nanoparticles demonstrated no significant in vitro cytotoxicity, and electron microscopy results showed their movement through the endocytic cycle within the cell over a 24 h period. In addition, immunostaining and bio-layer interferometry confirmed the targeted nanoparticle’s binding affinity to amyloid species. The iron nanoparticles demonstrated favourable MRI contrast enhancement; however, the addition of the antibody resulted in a reduction in the relaxivity of the particles. The present work shows promising preliminary results in the development of a targeted non-invasive method of early AD diagnosis using contrast-enhanced MRI.
YOUTH’S MOTIVATION TOWARDS A CAREER IN MALAYSIAN OIL PALM PLANTATION

Job creation among youth is an often debated issue in many countries, including Malaysia. Nowadays, despite the rising unemployment rate, there is a shortage of manpower in certain sectors, especially the oil palm plantation sector. It raises the question of whether or not the youth are interested in working in this sector. A comprehensive study was conducted to answer this question. Along with it, this study also surveyed youth’s opinions on the factors that can motivate them to build a career in the oil palm plantation sector. A total of 724 youth in Malaysia were employed as respondents for this study and SmartPLS software was used to analyse the study data. The results found that youth still have the interest in getting involved in the oil palm plantation sector. The main motivators for their involvement are family, friends and society, followed by health and economic factors. The findings of this study are in line with the formation of the job selection theory developed in the early 1950s, in which family members play an important role in cultivating job interest. This indicates that the family plays a vital role in encouraging youth involvement in the oil palm plantations. Besides, to ensure their participation in the oil palm plantation sector, policymakers have to think of approaches to improve health and economic standards.
Economic evaluation of a business model of a Vanilla planifolia bio-factory using BIT® bioreactors

Objective: To evaluate the economic and financial viability for the implementation of a biofactory responsible for the in vitro propagation of Vanilla planifolia with TIB® bioreactors. Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized design was used. The data were processed with the IBM SPSS Statistics software (version 21). A Mann-Whitney U test was performed (p≤ 0.05). An Economic-Financial Evaluation was carried out, determining the main economic indicators: Profitability, Minimum Acceptable Rate of Return (MARR), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (B/C R). Results: TIB® temporary immersion bioreactors were used in this study. An average multiplication rate of 18.37 shoots per explant was obtained. When performing the economic-financial analysis of this agribusiness model over a five-year horizon, it yielded an Internal Rate of Return of 12.36%, a Benefit-Cost Ratio of 1.81, and a Net Present Value of MX$286,506.73 pesos (US$ 14,474.93), with a payback period of two years and seven months. Limitations on study/implications: Using semi-solid culture media in the multiplication stage in vanilla decreases the production capacity and significantly lowers the profitability of the biofactory. Findings/conclusions: The profitability of a biofactory for the production of vanilla depends on the multiplication rate, achieved in this case satisfactorily through the use of TIB®. This vanilla biofactory agribusiness model using bioreactors can be adopted by investors as an economic development strategy.
Molecular Resonance Imaging of the CAIX Expression in Mouse Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cells

The carbonic anhydrase isoform IX (hCAIX) is one of the main players in extracellular tumor pH regulation, and it is known to be overexpressed in breast cancer and other common tumors. hCA IX supports the growth and survival of tumor cells, and its expression is correlated with metastasis and resistance to therapies, making it an interesting biomarker for diagnosis and therapy. The aim of this work deals with the development of an MRI imaging probe able to target the extracellular non-catalytic proteoglycan-like (PG) domain of CAIX. For this purpose, a specific nanoprobe, LIP_PepC, was designed by conjugating a peptidic interactor of the PG domain on the surface of a liposome loaded with Gd-bearing contrast agents. A Mouse Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (TS/A) was chosen as an in vitro breast cancer model to test the developed probe. MRI results showed a high selectivity and sensitivity of the imaging probe toward hCAI-expressing TS/A cells. This approach appears highly promising for the in vivo translation of a diagnostic procedure based on the targeting of hCA IX enzyme expression.
Cassava Foliage Effects on Antioxidant Capacity, Growth, Immunity, and Ruminal Microbial Metabolism in Hainan Black Goats

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) foliage is a byproduct of cassava production characterized by high biomass and nutrient content. In this study, we investigated the effects of cassava foliage on antioxidant capacity, growth performance, and immunity status in goats, as well as rumen fermentation and microbial metabolism. Twenty-five Hainan black goats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5 per group) and accepted five treatments: 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4), and 100% (T5) of the cassava foliage silage replaced king grass, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted for 70 d (including 10 d adaptation period and 60 d treatment period). Feeding a diet containing 50% cassava foliage resulted in beneficial effects for goat growth and health, as reflected by the higher average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and better feed conversion rate (FCR), as well as by the reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CRE), and triglycerides (TG). Meanwhile, cassava foliage improved antioxidant activity by increasing the level of glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and lowering malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, feeding cassava foliage was also beneficial to immunity status by enhancing complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM). Furthermore, the addition of dietary cassava foliage also altered rumen fermentation, rumen bacterial community composition, and metabolism. The abundance of Butyrivibrio_2 and Prevotella_1 was elevated, as were the concentrations of beneficial metabolites such as butyric acid; there was a concomitant decline in metabolites that hindered nutrient metabolism and harmed host health. In summary, goats fed a diet containing 50% cassava foliage silage demonstrated a greater abundance of Butyrivibrio_2, which enhanced the production of butyric acid; these changes led to greater antioxidant capacity, growth performance, and immunity in the goats.
A comparative assessment of rain erosion hazard of five land use types and management practices in Mhong Chun Yen Village, Northern Thailand using soil surface micro-topographic features of erosion.

A study was carried out to compare rain erosion hazard on five sites representing different land use systems and management practices on the hill farms of Mhong Chun Yen Village in Northern Thailand, by a rapid, cheap, effective but unconventional method. This method employs seven soil surface micro-topographic features of erosion by rain. The aim was to identify which of these land use types and management practices present the most resistance to land degradation in the highly erosion-prone hill farms region. The results obtained showed that the differences observed in erosion-resistance on the five sites were traceable to variability in the type and density of surface cover, surface roughness, management practices, timing of agricultural activities and slope steepness. In a decreasing order of resistance to erosion, the five different land use types/management practice combinations ranked as follows: Orchard of 5 years old longan, litchi and mango/grass cover (70% of total surface area) and surface graved (5%)/ herbicide and pesticide use > agroforestry (of teak, banana and lemon grass)/ grass cover (65%)/grazing/old terrace > arable (maize and melon)/slash and burn/tillage with hand hoe/weeding with hand hoe and later with herbicide/fertilizers use/ stubble mulching/land cultivated for the 20 year continually/contour ploughing > arable (maize and melon)/slash and burn/land cultivated for the 20 year continually/contour ploughing with a 4-wheal tractor > young orchard (1 year old longan) interplanted with ginger/mulching/fertilizer use/land cultivated to cotton for 14 years continually/ploughing with a 4-wheal tractor up-and-down slope. Invariably, the land use types and management practices that provided more cover and surface roughness exhibited greater resistance to erosion. Moreover, surface cover, wherever dense and perpetual appeared to have the potential to mask the expected hazardous effect of slope steepness on erosion hazard on the hill farms. With this information, the right extension advice could then be preferred, which if adopted by the farmers could do much to preserve the region’s soil resources and improve their own livelihoods.