Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indoor Air Quality in Cob Buildings: In Situ Studies and Artificial Neural Network Modeling

Knowledge of indoor air quality (IAQ) in cob buildings during the first few months following their delivery is of vital importance in preventing occupants’ health problems. The present research focuses on evaluating IAQ in cob buildings through a prototype built in Normandy, France. To achieve this, the prototype was equipped with a set of sensors to monitor various parameters that determine indoor and outdoor air quality. These parameters include relative humidity (RH), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM1 and PM10), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The obtained experimental results indicate that, overall, there is good indoor air quality in the prototype building. However, there are some noteworthy findings, including high indoor RH and occasional spikes in CO2, PM1, PM10, and VOCs concentrations. The high RH is believed to be a result of the ongoing drying process of the cob walls, while the peaks in pollutants are likely to be attributed to human presence and the earthen floor deterioration. To ensure consistent good air quality, this study recommends the use of a properly sized Controlled Mechanical Ventilation system. Additionally, this study explored IAQ in the cob building from a numerical perspective. A Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model was developed and trained to predict pollutant concentrations inside the building. A validation test was conducted on the CO2 concentration data collected on-site, and the results indicated that the LSTM model has accurately predicted the evolution of CO2 concentration within the prototype building over an extended period.
Toxicity Profile Study of Antihypertensive Drug Prazosin in Pregnant Wistar Rats

The purpose of this research is to investigate and assess the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Prazosin HCL in pregnant rats. Prazosin (PZ) was administered to the animals intraperitoneally (IP) at dosages of 5, 15, and 25 mg/kg/body weight for single dose (14-day) toxicity tests. The following parameters have been examined for evaluating genotoxicity: bone marrow micronucleus assay, peripheral blood micronucleus assay, DNA damage is measured using the metaphase chromosomal analysis, DNA damage is measured using the DNA fragmentation test, and cytotoxicity is measured using a histological analysis. The results obtained clearly demonstrate that PZ induced hazardous responses at the higher dose in the hepatocytes, as evidenced by DNA damage, and increased DNA fragmentation in pregnant rats. Observing that PZ significantly increased DNA strand breakage and structural chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cell lines is also fascinating. As a result, it is thought to be genotoxic to bone marrow and mouse hepatocyte cells. The current study showed that Prazosin had significant genotoxic effects in pregnant rats at the matching hepatotoxic dose level.
Efficient RF-to-DC Converters for Biomedical Implantable Devices

The power management section associated with the biomedical circuit is very crucial and should be optimally designed for optimal utilization of power. This work discusses the different power shaping or conversion circuits that had been taken for their performance analysis. The two-performance metrics power conversion efficiency and susceptibility against the wireless power transfer have been taken to investigate the operational performance of the biomedical circuits against the input signal strength and operating frequencies. Simulated results confirm the CNFET-based circuit performance is very good at a small value of input voltage 0.6V and a broad range of operating frequency (953 MHz). Therefore, a CNFET-based circuit can be used suitably in implantable devices with optimum power utilization and a remote powering mechanism over the RF link.
ECLIPSE INDUCED IONOSPHERIC PERTURBATIONS DERIVED FROM VLF-LF PROPAGATION EXPERIMENTS

Solar eclipses are known to produce disturbances in the lower ionosphere, which result in marked effects on the propagation of VLF-LF radio waves. This paper is concerned with propagation measurements performed during the 11 August 1999 total solar eclipse with a receiver located in the vicinity of the totality region. The main features of the eclipse signatures on various radio paths are interpreted by means of a wave-guide propagation model. A good qualitative agreement with the measurements is obtained by using a simple model for the eclipse induced ionospheric perturbation. Discrepancies exist however which are attributed to the over simplifying assumptions made in the perturbation model.
Role of creatine phosphokinase as a diagnostic marker in tubal ectopic pregnancy

Background and Aim: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is still one of the leading preventable causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester. Amidst the use of sensitive assays for β-HCG and high-definition ultrasonography for the identification of EP, the search for a more reliable and sensitive marker remains a challenge till date. Our aim was to determine the validity of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and its isoenzyme (CPK-MB) in the prediction of tubal EP. Materials and Methods: A prospective and comparative diagnostic accuracy study was conducted among 105 pregnant women in the first trimester who met the eligibility criteria in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). The study included 35 patients each with tubal EP (EP), abortive intrauterine pregnancy (AP), and normal intrauterine pregnancy (NP). CPK, CPK-MB, and β-HCG were measured among all the participants, and the participants were followed up longitudinally. Results: A total of 105 pregnant women were included. The mean CPK and CPK-MB levels were significantly higher among the women with EP when compared to NP (P < 0.05) and AP (P < 0.05) women; however, there was no significant difference between the NP and AP groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that both CPK and CPK-MB were good predictors of EP, with CPK (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.764) being a better predictor than CPK-MB (AUC: 0.650) in the diagnosis of EP. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of EP allows appropriate and timely management, which would not only reduce mortality and morbidity associated with the condition but also enable preservation of fertility and improve future pregnancy outcome. Hence, the need of the hour is a reliable biochemical diagnostic marker for EP, such as CPK.
Influence of Surface Halogenation on Silane Adsorption onto Si(001) Surface for Poly-Si Epitaxy: A Density Functional Theory Study with Neural Network Potential

In this study, we conducted Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations to investigate the impact of surface halogenation on the dissociative adsorption of SiH4 on crystalline Si(001) surface. First, we examined the adsorption energetics of surface halogenation using chlorine (Cl2) molecules. The dissociative adsorption of Cl2 exhibited a high reactivity with the undercoordinated surfaces without barrier. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations using Neural Network Potentials (NNP) has been developed and adopted to study surface diffusion of adsorbed Cl atoms and the surface concentration of Cl on the Si(001) surface at higher temperature. Second, we conducted subsequent silane (SiH4) adsorption and the first hydrogen dissociation on the bare and Cl-passivated surfaces. Our potential energy surface search revealed that the surface halogenation on the silicon surface suppresses the primary adsorption reaction of SiH4. Overall, this study provides an atomistic description of the dissociative adsorption mechanisms and associated energies of Cl2 and subsequent SiH4 reactions for modeling the epitaxial deposition process and may serve as foundational knowledge for developing next-generation Si epitaxy techniques.
Machine Learning-Based Multi-Room Indoor Localization Using Fingerprint Technique

Nowadays, developing Wi-Fi-based indoor localization systems has become an attractive research topic due to the growing need for pervasive location determination. The fingerprint technique offers higher positioning accuracy in indoor localization than the distance-based technique. Fingerprint-based techniques via machine learning have been proposed for many years to provide high-accuracy indoor localization services. These works attempt to establish the optimal correlation between the user fingerprint and a pre-defined set of grid points on a radio map. In this paper, a comparative analysis of selected machine learning algorithms is conducted within the context of online phase fingerprint techniques for localization, focusing on implementation in a multi-room case. The experiment involves measurements using a Wi-Fi module in a laboratory, an aisle, a lobby, and a typical classroom, resulting in a small-sized fingerprint database covering a total area of 573.71 m2. The results reveal that Naïve Bayes (NB) obtains the highest localization accuracy in the laboratory and classroom. Meanwhile, Support Vector Machine (SVM) outperforms other algorithms in the aisle, while K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) delivers the best accuracy in the lobby. In summary, NB, KNN, and SVM are suitable pattern-matching algorithms for multi-room indoor localization and relatively small fingerprint databases.
GEOCHEMICAL EVIDENCE FOR MICROBIALLY MEDIATED SUBGLACIAL MINERAL WEATHERING

Interactions between dilute meltwater and fine-grained, freshly comminuted debris at the bed of temperate glaciers liberate significant solute. The proportions of solute produced in the subglacial environment via biotic and abiotic processes remains unknown, however, this work suggests the biotic contribution is substantial. Laboratory analyses of microbiological and geochemical properties of sediment and meltwater from the Haut Glacier d'Arolla (HGA) indicates that a metabolically active microbial community exists in water-saturated sediments at the ice-bedrock interface. Basal sediment slurries and meltwater were incubated in the laboratory for 100 days under near in situ subglacial conditions. Relative proportions of solute produced via abiotic v. biotic mineral weathering were analyzed by comparing the evolved aqueous chemistry of biologically active (live) sediment slurries with sterilized controls. Aqueous chemical analyses indicate an increase in solute produced from mineral weathering coupled with nitrate depletion in the biologically active slurries compared with the killed controls. These results infer that microbial activity at HGA is likely an important contributor to chemical weathering associated solute fluxes from the glaciated catchment. Due to the magnitude of past glaciations throughout geologic time (e.g., Neoproterozoic and LatePleistocene), and evidence that subglacial microbial activity impacts mineral weathering, greater consideration needs to be given to cold temperature biogeochemical weathering and its impact on global geochemical cycles.
Topographic and geometric controls on glacier changes in the central Tien Shan, China, since the Little Ice Age

Abstract This paper examines the topographic and geometric controls on glacier changes in area and equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) in the central Tien Shan, China, since the Little Ice Age (LIA). We delineate the extents of 487 modern glaciers and their corresponding maximum LIA glacial advances using satellite imagery in Google Earth, and analyze the relationships between the magnitude of glacier changes and a set of local topographic/geometric factors including glacier area, slope, aspect, shape, hypsometry and mean elevation. Our results show that: (1) glacier area decreased from 460.2 km2 during the LIA to 265.6 km2 in the 2000s (a loss of 42.3%), with an average ELA increase of ~100m; (2) relative area changes of glaciers are strongly affected by two of these local factors (glacier area and mean elevation); and (3) ELA change does not show a strong relationship with local factors, suggesting that it may be controlled mainly by climatic factors. This study provides important insights into the local controls on glacier changes at the centennial timescale, which are of critical importance to assess future glacier changes in this arid and semi-arid region.
A Modular Blockchain Framework for Enabling Supply Chain Provenance

The exponential growth of electronic devices manufactured and produced is made possible due to the globalization of the semiconductor supply chain. However, this globalization of design, manufacturing, and distribution of electronic components and systems could potentially introduce counterfeit integrated circuits (ICs), devices, or systems blended with genuine products. These counterfeit components pose a severe threat to our critical infrastructures relying on electronics. Due to the lack of sufficient observability and transparency, it is exceptionally challenging to monitor, manage, and control a healthy electronics supply chain. Besides, an adversary can easily compromise the electronic component's integrity and remain undetected due to the lack of traceability of parts and systems in the supply chain. In this paper, we propose a modular blockchain network for building a tamper-resistant record for the electronics supply chain. Each supply chain entity records specific information about the electronic products' life cycle stage, e.g., manufacturing, assembly, distribution, and usage. This allows each electronic system, as well as its embedded IC components, to be traced back to its origin, providing a thorough history of manufacturing, distribution, and integration records for supply chain provenance. Our proposed blockchain framework protects all the propriety information of all entities in the blockchain, where only the constant-size cryptographically secure hashes of the internal documentation/files are being recorded on the chain.
Resilient Energy-to-peak Event-triggered Control of NCSs

We address the resilient event-triggered energy-to-peak (RETEP) control problem of NCSs. The gain of the controller is impacted by uncertainty, and bound by a certain norm. By applying an appropriate Lyapunov function, we first propose a condition to ensure that the closed-loop NCS is asymptotically stable (AS) with a given energy-to-peak performance (EPP) index under zero initial conditions. Then, we present a design of the gain and trigger matrix of the needed RETEP controller. Finally, a simulation example is applied to validate the proposed controller RETEP control method.
Inventory Control for Electrical and Instrumentation Spare Parts in Cement Industries

Managing and controlling the spare parts inventory in industries including cement industries is critical activity. In this case study, the out of stock incidents especially spare parts in the electrical and instrumentation category were often occurring and significantly affecting the maintenance program based on observation and preliminary data collection. The purpose of this study is to minimize stock out for electrical and instrumentation spare part in cement industry. The lumpy phenomena were happened in some spare parts based on ADI-CV matrix methods and the probabilistic methods is needed to manage spare parts. The continuous review method (s, S) policy is selected to determine the number of orders (Q), reorder point (ROP) and total inventory costs. The Monte Carlo simulation method is used to analyse the inventory performance such as inventory costs and service level. The main result of this study is to determine the improvement action for managerial to reduce stock out and inventory costs. The main practical implication of this study is to increase the service level from 61% 84% up to 88% 95% in order to reduce the production losses due to stock out of spare parts.
The Growth-Inhibitory Effect of Increased Planting Density Can Be Reduced by Abscisic Acid-Degrading Bacteria

High-density planting can increase crop productivity per unit area of cultivated land. However, the application of this technology is limited by the inhibition of plant growth in the presence of neighbors, which is not only due to their competition for resources but is also caused by growth regulators. Specifically, the abscisic acid (ABA) accumulated in plants under increased density of planting has been shown to inhibit their growth. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that bacteria capable of degrading ABA can reduce the growth inhibitory effect of competition among plants by reducing concentration of this hormone in plants and their environment. Lettuce plants were grown both individually and three per pot; the rhizosphere was inoculated with a strain of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida 2.4-D capable of degrading ABA. Plant growth was recorded in parallel with immunoassaying ABA concentration in the pots and plants. The presence of neighbors indeed inhibited the growth of non-inoculated lettuce plants. Bacterial inoculation positively affected the growth of grouped plants, reducing the negative effects of competition. The bacteria-induced increase in the mass of competing plants was greater than that in the single ones. ABA concentration was increased by the presence of neighbors both in soil and plant shoots associated with the inhibition of plant growth, but accumulation of this hormone as well as inhibition of the growth of grouped plants was prevented by bacteria. The results confirm the role of ABA in the response of plants to the presence of competitors as well as the possibility of reducing the negative effect of competition on plant productivity with the help of bacteria capable of degrading this hormone.
Recognition of airborne pollen in microscopy images based on shape and texture

In order to realize the automatic statistic of allergic pollen grains in air,by identifying airborne pollen grains in optical micro-scope images typically for Shanghai area,a method based on shape and texture is proposed.After pollen region is segmented,global shape description and Fourier descriptor is used to extract shape feature,gray level co-occurrence matrix is used to extract texture feature,finally the pollen grains are classified by a k-nearest neighbor classifier.In experiment with 56 cases of Moraceae,25 cases of Poaceae and 60 cases of Pinaceae,an accuracy of 91%,88% and 98% for each can be reached.Finally it is indicated that initial recognize is realized,which lay a basis for the auto-recognize system of allergic pollen.
The Alternative Livestock Revolution: Prospects for Consumer Acceptance of Plant-based and Cultured Meat in South Africa

Abstract Although South Africa accounts for half of the alternative meat market for the African continent, there remains a lack of information about consumer demand for plant-based and lab-cultured meat and its market potential domestically. This study reports the results of a nationwide survey of 649 South African consumers who completed a choice experiment in which they selected among conventional beef and three alternative burger patties at varying prices. Results indicate that holding prices constant and conditional on choosing a food product, 21% of the market share was estimated for plant-based meat alternatives and 38% for lab-cultured meat.
Rural women’s participation in wild honey hunting and associated income, dietary diversity, and food insecurity implications: Evidence from South Africa

Abstract Wild raw honey hunting and consumption is very popular among rural communities in South Africa as a source of income and food for households. Although men traditionally dominate wild honey hunting, in recent years participation of women has increased. However, evidence of the participation of rural women in wild honey hunting is often lacking. This study focused on assessing the status of wild honey hunting by women, factors that influence their decision to participate and associated income, dietary diversity, and food insecurity implications. A cross-sectional survey of 200 rural women purposively selected from Ncera communal area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was conducted. The study revealed that an emerging number of rural women were actively involved in wild honey hunting and participation is triggered by age, access to extension services and livelihood diversification, while access to formal honey markets discouraged wild honey hunting. Results further revealed a positive income, dietary diversity, and a significant reduction in food insecurity among participants compared to non-participants.
Metagenomic ecosystem monitoring of soft scale insects and mealybug communities

Soft scale insects and mealybugs are phloem-feeding Hemipterans that are considered major pests in agriculture and horticulture throughout the world. However, correct taxonomic identification in the field can be difficult, making it hard for growers to implement control strategies. In viticulture, soft scale insects are a major issue due to their ability to secrete honeydew, which facilitates the development of sooty mould, and their propensity for being transmission vectors of several viral diseases of grapevine. To facilitate the rapid identification and quantification of vineyard-associated insects a metagenomic-based bioinformatic pipeline (MitoMonitor) was developed for generalised ecosystem monitoring, which automated the assembly and classification of insect mitochondrial genomes from shotgun sequencing data using the Barcode of Life Database API. The proof-of-concept application of MitoMonitor on metagenomic data obtained from eight samples from South Australian vineyards led to the identification of Parthenolecanium corni (European fruit scale)—which was thought to be absent in Australian vineyards—as the dominant coccoid species across the samples, with less frequent, and also lower abundance of Pseudococcus viburni (obscure mealybug) and Pseudo. longispinus (long-tailed mealybug). In addition, parisitoidism by Coccophagus scutellaris (Aphelinidae) wasps was also detected. The discovery of Parth. corni as a member of scale communities in these samples has significant implications for the development of effective control strategies for this important group of pests in affected areas.
Developing ITS to Serve Diverse Populations

A major domain of e-government research considers effective delivery of information to citizens (i.e. government-to-citizens services). These services involve all sets of communication and transaction between government, at various levels, and citizens. Research indicates that due to the expectations that people hold while utilizing public services available through digital means, there needs to be a citizen-centric or customer-centric delivery of information related to such services. The study extends this premise by evaluating citizens’ satisfaction with online governmental information services and formulating a model for satisfaction: EGOVSAT. This model includes various performance and emotional measures. To demonstrate the applicability and its generalization, the model is being applied to online Advanced Transportation Information Services (ATIS), a form of government-to-citizen online service delivery. This paper presents results of statistical analysis of online survey conducted in evaluating ATIS initiatives in Los Angeles (n = 155) and Minneapolis/St. Paul (n = 246). It presents an evaluated set of 15 questions based on the formulated model that can be extended for evaluating citizen interaction with e-government initiatives.