Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Resilience-Based Assessment Framework Using EAGLE-I Power Outage Data

Catastrophic impacts to power systems caused by extreme weather events have significantly increased during the last decade. These events highlight the need to develop approaches to assess the resilience of power systems against extreme events; however, the availability of data that capture power system performance during and after disruptive events is scarce. This paper proposes an assessment framework to evaluate the performance aspects of the power grid during extreme outage events using the Environment for Analysis of Geo-Located Energy Information (EAGLE-I) data. EAGLE-I data include information related to the number of impacted customers, the duration, and the location of power outages in the United States. Statistical analyses were conducted to extract resilience-based outage data and derive probability distribution functions of their impact and recovery characteristics. A list of extreme events is identified based on population-based threshold values. Metrics from other power outage assessments were used to measure the characteristics of each event, including the impact rate and duration, the recovery rate and duration, and the impact level. A probability distribution function is obtained for each metric. The proposed framework is conducted for each state across the United States. The obtained results provide a probabilistic representation of state-level outage behaviors, which can be applied as a framework to evaluate various resilience enhancement techniques.
Effective linewidth compression of a single-longitudinal-mode fiber laser with randomly distributed high scattering centers in the fiber induced by femtosecond laser pulses.

Femtosecond lasers can be used to create many functional devices in silica optical fibers with high designability. In this work, a femtosecond laser-induced high scattering fiber (HSF) with randomly distributed high scattering centers is used to effectively compress the linewidth of a fiber laser for the first time. A dual-wavelength, single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) is constructed for the demonstration, which is capable of switching among two single-wavelength operations and one dual-wavelength operation. We find that the delayed self-heterodyne beating linewidth of the laser can be reduced from >1 kHz to <150 Hz when the length of the HSF in the laser cavity increases from 0 m to 20 m. We also find that the intrinsic Lorentzian linewidth of the laser can be compressed to several Hz using the HSF. The efficiency and effectiveness of linewidth reduction are also validated for the case that the laser operates in simultaneous dual-wavelength lasing mode. In addition to the linewidth compression, the EDFL shows outstanding overall performance after the HSF is incorporated. In particular, the optical spectrum and SLM lasing state are stable over long periods of time. The relative intensity noise is as low as <-150 dB/Hz@>3 MHz, which is very close to the shot noise limit. The optical signal-to-noise ratios of >85 dB for single-wavelength operation and >83 dB for dual-wavelength operation are unprecedented over numerous SLM fiber lasers reported previously. This novel method for laser linewidth reduction is applicable across gain-medium-type fiber lasers, which enables low-cost, high-performance, ultra-narrow linewidth fiber laser sources for many applications.
Self-consistent investigation of density fueling needs on ITER and CFETR utilizing the new Pellet Ablation Module

Self-consistent modeling using the stability, transport, equilibrium, and pedestal (STEP) workflow in the OMFIT integrated modeling framework (predicting pedestal with EPED, core profiles with TGYRO, current profile with ONETWO, and EFIT for equilibrium) suggests ITER and future devices such as China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) Zhuang et al (2019 Nucl. Fusion 59 112010) will benefit from high-density operation (Greenwald limit fraction fgw≈ 0.7−1.3). Regimes with an operational density near the Greenwald limit will likely need peaked density profiles so that the pedestal density remains below the Greenwald limit. Peaked density profiles can be achieved with the help of pellet injection. A flexible Pellet Ablation Module (PAM), which predicts the density source based on a comprehensive analytical pellet ablation model, has been developed for predicting pellet fueling for transport studies, and has been incorporated into the STEP workflow for predictive modeling. This workflow is applied to DIII-D and finds good agreement with experiments. On ITER the effect of pellet fueling is examined in an advanced inductive scenario, where a fusion gain of up to Q = 9 is predicted with strong central pellet fueling. On CFETR, with a mid-radius density source, an average of 1.5×1022 electrons s−1 are required to achieve the density and temperature profiles necessary for the 1000 MW advanced scenario with a tritium burn-up fraction of ∼3% .
Exploring the Experiences of People with Disabilities during the First Year of COVID-19 Restrictions in the Province of Quebec, Canada

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the province of Quebec, Canada implemented stringent measures to mitigate virus transmission, which considerably affected the life of people with disabilities (PWD). The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of PWD during the first year of COVID-19 restrictions across the province. Participants who self-identified as having a disability in the Ma Vie et la pandémie study (MAVIPAN) were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview between December 2020 and May 2021. A mixed inductive and deductive approach was used to conduct a thematic analysis using NVivo 12. Forty PWD from Quebec, Canada participated in the interviews (mean [SD] age, 55.4 [15.5] years, 50% women). A deterioration in mental health and a reduction in social contact with loved ones were reported. PWD experienced delays and cessation of health services and reported feeling at risk of contracting severe strains of COVID-19 because of their health condition. Enhanced difficulties experienced by PWD and the lack of consideration specific to PWD by public authorities during COVID-19 was particularly concerning for participants in this study. Future studies should explore the value of implementing social programs specifically targeting PWD to enhance support as the pandemic continues.
Understanding and Predicting the Determinants of Consumers’ Acceptance and Usage of M-commerce Application: Hybrid SEM and Neural Network Approach

In m-commerce, privacy and security are major concerns. Existing research has examined the privacy and relationship, security, and intention to use. However, the determinants of privacy and security in mobile commerce remain largely unexplored. A study based on UTAUT2 and trust examines the factors that influence mobile commerce privacy and security. By using the approach of hybrid SEM/ANN analysis, it is possible to detect non-linear and non-compensatory relationships. According to linear and compensatory models, the absence of one determinant can be compensated for by another. The decision-making process of consumers is actually quite complex, and non-compensatory or linear models tend to simplify it. The sample is collected by using a mobile commerce application in order to gather 890 datasets on mobile commerce consumers. Findings: (1) Two determinants of M-commerce acceptance and use had an explicit and significant positive effect. Security and individual are two of these factors. (2) Privacy concerns have a severe negative impact on M-commerce acceptance and use. (3) Trust is found to partially mediate the effect on behavioral intentions of Security Factors (SCF), Privacy Factors (PRF), and Individual Factors (INF) on m-commerce in Jordan (INTENTION). According to the integrated model, m-commerce offers 71% privacy, security, and trust. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-06-018 Full Text: PDF
The propagation of error in linear problems

The application of mathematics to natural phenomena often brings up the question : when a linear vector equation is changed slightly, how much of a change results in the solution? Here "vector" is used to include, for example, vectors in Hubert space and elements of (linear) function spaces; also it is assumedC) that the equation is uniquely solvable. We formulate and answer the question in §2 for a linear equation in a Banach space, then specialize to deduce perturbation limits for linear algebraic systems, infinite systems, and integral equations. Finally we obtain error limitations for certain approximate methods of solving infinite linear systems (method of segments) and integral equations (method of Goursat-Schmidt). It is hoped that these limitations may be useful to applied mathematicians. The methods and results of this paper unify and extend investigations concerning algebraic systems by F. R. Moulton [15](2), Etherington [6] and the author [13, 14]; and on integral equations of Fredholm type and second kind by Tricomi [21]. However, they do not cover perturbation questions associated with characteristic values and characteristic functions, which have been studied by Lord Rayleigh [16, p. 115], Courant [4, p. 296] and Mrs. Adams [l]. §1 is expository, containing as much about abstract vector spaces as is needed for §2. 1. Vector spaces. It will be useful to collect here some facts about normed linear vector spaces ispaces L), Banach spaces ispaces B), and linear transformations. A space L is linear: if vector xEL and a is any complex number, the product ax is defined and axEL; if also y EL, the sum x+y is defined and x+yEL. With each element x of L is associated a non-negative real number ||*||, its norm; ||*|| >0 unless x = @, the zero-element of L; |J@|| =0. The norm has properties of an absolute value: ||a*|| = \a\ -11*11, ||*+y|| a||*||+||y||(We have described a complex space L; in a real space, number a must be real.) A normed linear vector space is a Banach space 5 [2, p. 53] if it is furthermore complete: if {*„} is an infinite sequence of elements of 5, and if II*»—*»||—*0 as m, m—»oo, there exists a vector xo of 5 such that ||*„—*o||—»0 as n—+ oo (strong completeness). Examples of such spaces are listed in Banach's book [2, pp. 10-12, examples 3-10], and several occur in the remainder of this paper.
“Right now we are scared of each other, we fear everyone, the whole world has COVID”: The impact of COVID-19 on young female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda, during national lockdowns in 2020–2021

In 2020–2021 the COVID-19 pandemic led to multiple and diverse global public health response strategies globally and in Uganda to slow the spread of the virus by promoting wearing face coverings in public, frequent hand washing, physical distancing, restricting travel, and imposing home lockdowns. We conducted 146 interviews over four rounds of phone-follow up calls over 15 months with 125 young female sex workers coinciding in time with four different government-imposed lockdown periods in Kampala, Uganda, to assess the impact of these measures on young sex workers, their families and their communities as well as to gauge their resilience. Our findings revealed how COVID-19 fears and public health restrictions over time pushed an already marginalized population to the brink and how that pressure drove some participants into a new way of life.
Responses of rubber tree seedlings (Hevea brasiliensis) to phosphorus deficient soils

ABSTRACT While the adaptation and responses of model plants to phosphorus (P) deficiency are well documented, those of the rubber tree remain unclear. Here, we investigated above‐ and below‐ground responses of rubber tree seedlings over the development of the first to third extension unit in a mesocosm system. Rubber tree seedlings were grown in high and low phosphorus soil for 7 months. Tissue nutrient contents, morphological, and physiological traits were quantified. We found that low P significantly reduced leaf P content, photosynthetic capabilities, and induced the accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, particularly in old leaves. Root traits were significantly affected by P stress early in their development. Root surface area and volume were increased through reduced lateral root branching and increased lateral root length. The alteration of root architectural traits took place prior to the reduction of P content in roots and leaves. Our findings provide new insights into rubber tree physiology and the effective fertilization management of rubber plantation in low P soils.
Optical Tomography for Variable Refractive Index with Angularly Averaged Measurements

In optical tomography one seeks to use near-infrared light to determine the optical absorption and scattering properties of a medium X ⊂ ℝ n . If the refractive index is constant throughout the medium, the steady-state case is modeled by the stationary linear transport equation in terms of the Euclidean metric. In this work we consider the case of variable refractive index where the dynamics are modeled by writing the transport equation in terms of a Riemannian metric; in the absence of interaction, photons follow the geodesics of this metric. In particular we study the problem where our measurements allow the application of an in-going flux depending on both position and direction, but we allow only a weighted average measurement of the out-going flux. We show that making measurements on all of ∂ X determines the extinction coefficient and that once this is known, under additional assumptions, measurements at a single point on ∂ X determine the scattering kernel.
Identification of Novel Cytochrome C1 (CYC1) Gene Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma- An Evaluative Study

Introduction: Cytochrome C1 (CYC1) is an important subunit of mitochondrial complex III and plays a vital role in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and reactive oxygen species generation. Overexpression of the CYC1 gene has been implicated in cancer development and its prognosis previously, but unexplored in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), especially oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods: CYC1 m-RNA expression and gene alterations were assessed using the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset in HNSCC and validated in OSCC tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and functional enrichment pathways were also analysed. Results: A thorough analysis of the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database revealed that CYC1 was overexpressed in the HNSCC cases and the increased expression correlated with several parameters which involve the prediction of advanced diseases such as histopathological grade, tumour-node-metastasis staging, and nodal metastases (P < 0.05). The expression of CYC1 was validated using RT-PCR showing significant upregulation (P < 0.05) in OSCC tissue samples compared to the normal tissue counterparts. PPI network and functional analysis show the prominent role of CYC1 in OXPHOS, especially in electron transport chain III complex regulation. Discussion: The study revealed that CYC1 is highly expressed in HNSCC, and is validated in the OSCC patient tissue samples compared to the normal counterparts and associated with advanced disease stages and grade of the tumour. CYC1 could be a novel promising therapeutic and prognostic marker in HNSCC, especially in OSCC.
Routing-Based Interference Mitigation in SDN Enabled Beyond 5G Communication Networks: A Comprehensive Survey

The outright aim of Beyond Fifth Generation (B5G) communication is to bring a revolution in Quality of Service (QoS) through enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC). Thereby, due to this massive expansion in the communication paradigm, interference is bound to surface unexpected challenges in the wireless domain. Thus, interference mitigation is a foundational aim in the research paraphernalia of B5G communication. Presently, Software Defined Networking (SDN) is emerging to empower wireless communication with centralized routing-based interference mitigation. With this premise, we aim to present a focused review on SDN-based interference mitigation in wireless communication. Initially, we discuss current research horizon in the subject domain and briefly explore literature for routing-based interference mitigation. Thereby, we analyze the potential of SDN through evaluation of existing solutions for interference mitigation in B5G communication. We conclude our survey by highlighting prominent future research directions in SDN-based interference mitigation.
XCapsNet: A deep neural network for automated detection of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a retinal condition in which the blood vessels of the retina are damaged. If DR is not detected in its early stage, it can lead to visual impairment and even blindness. For DR diagnosis, ophthalmologists manually examine the condition of the retina using fundus images. This manual way of DR detection is cumbersome, error‐prone, and time‐consuming, and it requires skilled ophthalmologists. To address these issues, we propose a deep learning‐based hybrid model named XCapsNet, which combines the discriminative ability of the Xception and Capsule networks for automated detection of DR from the fundus images. In the proposed approach, we applied the CLAHE image preprocessing technique to improve the discriminative information in fundus images by enhancing the contrast of the images. Furthermore, in the proposed XCapNet model, we utilized the pretrained Xception and CapsNet models to learn the discriminative and hierarchically deep features of the DR fundus images at multiple labels of abstraction for diagnosing the DR disease. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on the two publicly available APTOS2019 and Messidor datasets. The proposed method achieved a classification accuracy of 83.06% and 98.91% on the APTOS2019 dataset for multiclass and binary‐class classification of DR images, respectively. On the Messidor dataset, the proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 98.33% for the classification of fundus images into DR and Normal classes. Additionally, we have also investigated the performance of different pretrained CNN models for DR detection. The proposed method shows its superiority over the existing methods.
Chemical profiles of less-volatile organic compounds from the Adriatic Sea macroalgae obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction

Due to the lack of less-volatile compounds composition data of macroalgal supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extracts, the main goal of this study was to investigate their chemical profiles. SC-CO2 extraction (40 °C and 300 bar) was performed on seven macroalgal species including five brown (Halopteris filicina, Fucus virsoides, Dictyopteris polypodioides, Gongolaria barbata and Ericaria amentacea), one green (Codium bursa) and one red (Amphiroa rigida), that were collected from the Adriatic Sea. After the analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, the results revealed that fatty acids were the main components of the extracts. Hexadecanoic acid was found as dominant fatty acid in most of the species, while 3-hexyl-4,5-dithiacycloheptanone was dominant in D. polypodioides. Performed phytochemical study contributes to the knowledge of less-volatile composition of analyzed species indicating that the “species biodiversity“ factor was the most influent regardless of classification to brown, green or red macroalgae.
Communication Systems via Chaotic Signals from a Reconstruction Viewpoint

In this paper, we study communication systems, modulators, and demodulators using chaotic systems from the perspective of reconstruction of attractors. We consider a two-step approach to the recovery of information signals from chaotic modulation. To recover the information signal modulated by a chaotic dynamical system, the first step is to reconstruct the chaotic attractor given a subset of the state variables. The second step is to reconstruct the information signal from the chaotic attractors. Two main techniques to accomplish this are the Takens reconstruction theorem and the chaotic synchronization theorem. In general, a combination of these two techniques are needed to recover the information signal. We show a systematic way to reconstruct an attractor and the injected signal exactly from a scalar observable for a subclass of Lur'e systems. We illustrate this approach using several examples. Extensions to discrete-time systems are also presented.
Silent Speech Recognition Based on High-Density Surface Electromyogram Using Hybrid Neural Networks

This article presents a silent speech recognition approach based on high-density (HD) surface electromyogram (sEMG) using hybrid neural networks that support anomaly detection. In the hybrid networks, both a convolutional long short-term memory module and an autoencoder module were designed to extract discriminative spatio-temporal features and potentially identify any anomaly patterns, respectively. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, experimental data were recorded using HD-sEMG arrays with 64 channels from 11 subjects subvocalizing 33 Chinese words and articulating 9 anomaly patterns. The proposed method significantly outperformed other comparison methods (p < 0.05) and achieved the highest anomaly detection rate of 90.61% while maintaining a high level of target word-pattern classification accuracy of 82.30%. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for improving the robustness of the SSR approach based on HD-sEMG recordings against anomaly muscular activities. This article also provides a novel solution for building practical and robust sEMG-based SSR systems with broad applications, such as instant messaging and human-computer interaction.
Note on the swimming of slender fish

The paper seeks to determine what transverse oscillatory movements a slender fish can make which will give it a high Froude propulsive efficiency, $\frac{\hbox{(forward velocity)} \times \hbox{(thrust available to overcome frictional drag)}} {\hbox {(work done to produce both thrust and vortex wake)}}. $ The recommended procedure is for the fish to pass a wave down its body at a speed of around $\frac {5} {4}$ of the desired swimming speed, the amplitude increasing from zero over the front portion to a maximum at the tail, whose span should exceed a certain critical value, and the waveform including both a positive and a negative phase so that angular recoil is minimized. The Appendix gives a review of slender-body theory for deformable bodies.
Cosmological Magnetic Field Generation by the Weibel Instability

Hydrodynamical simulations of a cold dark matter universe imply relative motion of fully ionized gaseous baryonic matter. Using the dispersion relation for the Weibel instability in unmagnetized plasmas with colliding ion-electron streams, we investigate the instability threshold conditions for the Weibel instability. The intense relative streaming is subject first to the longitudinal two-stream instability resulting in an anisotropic bi-Maxwellian electron-ion distribution function. The Weibel instability operates as a secular instability of this bi-Maxwellian in high Mach number (M > 43) flows, and it generates magnetic fields as purely growing modes. The maximum cosmological field strength generated by this mechanism is 3.4 × 10-7 G.