Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on Pollutant Removal Efficiencies of Artificial Aquatic Plants in the Black-odor River

In order to provide theoretical and scientific basis for the application of artificial aquatic plants in the black-odor river, parameters optimization experiment was undertaken to remediate artificial wastewater using artificial aquatic plants. After 25 days’ experiment, the results showed that the optimum operating parameters of dissolved oxygen was in 3.0-5.0mg/L, and that of pH was in the range of 8.0 to 8.5 in the low concentration of wastewater. And the removal rates of COD and NH 4+ -N were 95.92% and 19.67% in low concentration of wastewater, 88.00% and 41.96% in the dissolved oxygen content of 3.0-5.0mg/l, 84.10% and 39.42% in pH 8.0-8.5, respectively.
Implementation of Underwater Electric Field Communication Based on Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) Modulation

Stable communication technologies in complex waters are a prerequisite for underwater operations. Underwater acoustic communication is susceptible to multipath interference, while underwater optical communication is susceptible to environmental impact. The underwater electric field communication established based on the weak electric fish perception mechanism is not susceptible to environmental interference, and the communication is stable. It is a new type of underwater communication technology. To address issues like short communication distances and high bit error rates in existing underwater electric field communication systems, this study focuses on underwater electric field communication systems based on direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) and binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation techniques. To verify the feasibility of the established spread spectrum electric field communication system, static communication experiments were carried out in a swimming pool using the DSSS-based system. The experimental results show that in fresh water with a conductivity of 739 μS/cm, the system can achieve underwater current electric field communication within a 11.2 m range with 10−6 bit errors. This paper validates the feasibility of DSSS BPSK in short-range underwater communication, and compact communication devices are expected to be deployed on underwater robots for underwater operations.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Surveillance of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil: An Ecological Study

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the notification of new VL cases in Brazil in 2020. It is an ecological and time-series study (2015–2020) with spatial analysis techniques, whose units of analysis were the 5570 Brazilian municipalities. The study population consisted of all new cases of VL recorded between 2015 and 2020. The P-score was calculated to estimate the percentage variation in new VL cases. Global and local univariate Moran’s Indices and retrospective space–time scan statistics were used in spatial and space–time analyses, respectively. It was expected that there would be 3627 new cases of VL in Brazil in 2020, but 1932 cases were reported (−46.73%). All Brazilian regions presented a negative percentage variation in the registration of new VL cases, with the Southeast (−54.70%), North (−49.97%), and Northeast (−44.22%) standing out. There was spatial dependence of the disease nationwide in both periods, before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of new VL cases in Brazil during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings reinforce the need for better preparedness of the health system, especially in situations of new epidemics.
An evaluation of indigenisation policy in Zimbabwe.

The need to redress the skewed ownership of productive assets has given rise to the process of indigenisation and economic empowerment processes in many previously colonized countries. Countries such as Zambia, Brazil, South Africa and lately Zimbabwe have embarked on indigenisation or economic empowerment initiatives, to varying degrees. The common aim of these initiatives is to increase the role played by the previously marginalized population groups in the mainstream economy and to correct imbalances in resource ownerships construed as a major cause of vulnerability and obstacle to economic growth and development. This paper seeks to analyze Zimbabwe’s indigenisation policy. The controversial Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment policy in Zimbabwe has been dismissed by many as a statutory instrument designed to suit the interests of politicians contrary to assurances that it seeks to empower ordinary citizens. There are arguments that the indigenisation policy was only used to position individuals in political spheres to allow them to penetrate the countries’ resources and it is not about the majority’s benefit. The indigenisation policy has been used and continues to be used by the elite in order to commit or justify acts of economic banditry, expropriation and unfair practices. The paper discusses whether the indigenisation policy has provided the stated benefits to the majority of Zimbabweans. Secondly the paper also seeks to evaluate whether the indigenisation policy has achieved or on the right track towards achieving its intended objectives and also looks at the constraining factors in the implementation of indigenisation policies in Zimbabwe.
Epileptic detection based on whale optimization enhanced support vector machine

Abstract A hybrid novel meta-heuristic optimization algorithm termed Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) to obtain an Electroencephalogram (EEG) classification approach was proposed here in this paper for automatic seizure detection termed WOA-SVM. In the proposed approach, the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) was applied to extract the main features and then decompose it into four level of decomposition tree. Furthermore, WOA was utilized to find the more significant feature subset of EEG from a larger feature pool as well as to enhance the parameters of SVM classifier. In order to detect epileptic, SVM with a Radial Basis kernel Function (RBF) was applied. Eventually, the proposed WOA-SVM approach is able to enhance the diagnosis of epilepsy as revealed from the statistical results with accuracy 100% for normal subject data versus epileptic data.
On the γ-Radiation Dosimetry Using a Layered Metamaterial Structure Comprising FTO and Blue Glass

A layered metamaterial comprising periodic blue glass and FTO mediums was investigated for gamma (γ) radiation dosimetry. The device acts on the principle of absorption of the incidence radiation with sharp resonance absorption peaks which undergo shifts in the presence of γ-radiation. The more the radiation dose is, the more shift happens in the resonance absorption spectrum – the feature that can be exploited in the design of polarization insensitive γ-radiation dosimetry device.
Analyzing (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-Functionalized Porous Silica for Aqueous Uranium Removal: A Study on the Adsorption Behavior

This study synthesized (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-functionalized porous silica (AP@MPS) to adsorb aqueous uranium (U(VI)). To comprehensively analyze the surface properties of the AP@MPS materials, a combination of SEM, BET, XPS, NMR, and zeta potential tests were conducted. The adsorption experiments for U(VI) revealed the rapid and efficient adsorption capacity of AP@MPS, with the solution condition of a constant solution pH = 6.5, an initial U(VI) concentration of 600 mg × L−1, a maximum U(VI) capacity of AP@MPS reaching 381.44 mg-U per gram of adsorbent, and a removal rate = 63.6%. Among the four types of AP@MPS with different average pore sizes tested, the one with an average pore size of 2.7 nm exhibited the highest U(VI) capacity, particularly at a pH of 6.5. The adsorption data exhibited a strong fit with the Langmuir model, and the calculated adsorption energy aligned closely with the findings from the Potential of Mean Force (PMF) analysis. The outcomes obtained using the Surface Complex Formation Model (SCFM) highlight the dominance of the coulombic force ΔG0coul as the principal component of the adsorption energy (ΔG0ads). This work garnered insights into the adsorption mechanism by meticulously examining the ΔG0ads across a pH ranging from 4 to 8. In essence, this study’s findings furnish crucial insights for the future design of analogous adsorbents, thereby advancing the realm of uranium(VI) removal methodologies.
Dysfunction in atox-1 and ceruloplasmin alters labile Cu levels and consequently Cu homeostasis in C. elegans

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element, however an excess is toxic due to its redox properties. Cu homeostasis therefore needs to be tightly regulated via cellular transporters, storage proteins and exporters. An imbalance in Cu homeostasis has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Wilson’s disease, but also Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. In our current study, we explored the utility of using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model of Cu dyshomeostasis. The application of excess Cu dosing and the use of mutants lacking the intracellular Cu chaperone atox-1 and major Cu storage protein ceruloplasmin facilitated the assessment of Cu status, functional markers including total Cu levels, labile Cu levels, Cu distribution and the gene expression of homeostasis-related genes. Our data revealed a decrease in total Cu uptake but an increase in labile Cu levels due to genetic dysfunction, as well as altered gene expression levels of Cu homeostasis-associated genes. In addition, the data uncovered the role ceruloplasmin and atox-1 play in the worm’s Cu homeostasis. This study provides insights into suitable functional Cu markers and Cu homeostasis in C. elegans, with a focus on labile Cu levels, a promising marker of Cu dysregulation during disease progression.
An exploratory analysis of Bus Rapid Transit on property values: A case study of Brisbane's South East Busway

Drawing on the South East Busway (SEB) in Brisbane, Queensland, a full-featured bus rapid transit (BRT) network in Australia as a case study, this paper explores the impact of BRT on residential property values and how this varies spatially. Using Hedonic Price Models (HPM), we detected a negative impact of proximity to SEB stations on housing price within a 2.4-kilometre buffer of SEB corridor. On average, housing price decreases by AUD$1,133 with every 100-metre increase closer to a station. Consequently, properties located within 1200-metre radius of SEB stations could get up to AUD$30,180 lower in price compared to other properties. Furthermore, a segmented regression method was used to assess the combined effects of improved accessibility to SEB stations and proximity-related effects to the SEB corridor on property values. The model results reveal a more complex picture describing the spatial change of the impact of SEB on housing prices: a positive effect of access to SEB stations but a more substantial negative effect of immediate proximity to SEB corridor. The strong association between the distance to the SEB corridor and housing prices may suggest the proximity-related negative externalities of BRT, perceived as a main disadvantage of tyrebased transit. We argue that location characteristics of SEB as well as adjacency to a highway might have contributed to the negative proximity-effects and limit its ability to uplift property values.
Safety and Efficacy of Low-Dose Eptifibatide for Tandem Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objectives: The optimal treatment strategy for ischemic stroke in patients presenting with tandem occlusions of the internal carotid artery remains controversial. Several studies have demonstrated better clinical outcomes after eptifibatide, which is a short half-life antiplatelet agent. This retrospective analysis focused on the safety and efficacy of low-dose eptifibatide administration in stroke patients with tandem lesions. Methods: We evaluated the results of endovascular treatment in 148 stroke patients with tandem lesions. Patients in whom balloon angioplasty alone resulted in satisfactory cerebral flow did not receive eptifibatide (33 patients); others received this drug together with stent implantation (115 patients). Eptifibatide was given as an intravenous bolus of 180 μg/kg and then in a modified low dose of 1 μg/kg/min for 24 hours. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between both groups regarding 30-day mortality, frequency of thrombotic events, or hemorrhagic complications. An analysis of clinical status at 30-day follow-up revealed that the administration of eptifibatide was associated with a statistically significant better outcome: a higher rate of either no neurological symptoms or only mild symptoms (4 NIHSS points maximally). Conclusions: The administration of eptifibatide in stroke patients presenting with tandem lesions is relatively safe. Moreover, treatment with this drug can improve clinical outcomes in these challenging patients.
Pollen record of the centennial climate changes during 9–7 cal ka BP in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River Delta plain, China

Abstract We reconstructed the centennial climate changes for the period of 9–7 cal ka BP in the upper region of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River Delta plain. A general warming and wetting trend from 8560 to 7220 cal yr BP was indicated by the decrease in Quercus (deciduous) and increases in Quercus (evergreen), Pinus, and Polypodiaceae spores. However, there were several brief climate fluctuations. A notable palynological change, from regional assemblages dominated by arboreal pollen to local assemblages mainly consisting of nonarboreal pollen, reflects climate fluctuations. The key indices of Quercus (deciduous), Pinus, herbs, fern spores, and palynological concentrations showed similar signs of centennial climate fluctuations. We suggest that the climate changes of the Dongge Cave and Yangtze River Delta regions were mainly affected by the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) during the period of 9–7 cal ka BP. The general warming trend may be associated with an intensified EASM, and solar activity may be one of the important factors driving the centennial climate changes. The ~8.2 ka event was also recorded in the Yangtze River Delta region, which suggests that there was a close relationship between the EASM and Greenland climate during the early Holocene.
Bifurcation Analysis and Sticking Phenomenon for Unmanned Rotor-Nacelle Systems with the Presence of Multi-Segmented Structural Nonlinearity

Whirl flutter is a phenomenon caused by an aeroelastic instability, causing oscillations to propagate in manned or unmanned rotor-nacelle type aircraft. Under the conditions where multi-segmented freeplay are present, complex behaviors can dominate these oscillations and can lead to disastrous consequences. This study investigates a rotor-nacelle system with multi-segmented stiffnesses with a freeplay gap to encompass the real-world influences of aircraft. The mathematical aerodynamics model considers a quasi-steady application of strip theory along each blade to outline the external forces being applied. A free-body diagram is then used to incorporate the structural stiffness and damping terms with multi-segmented freeplay considered in the structural stiffness matrix. Multiple structural responses of the defined system are investigated and characterized to determine the influence of varying symmetric and asymmetric multi-segmented stiffnesses with varying gap parameters, including a route to impact investigation. The findings are characterized using phase portraits, Poincaré maps, time histories, and basins of attraction. It is found that under these conditions, the structural influences can lead to aperiodic oscillations with the existence of grazing bifurcations. Furthermore, these results unveil that under certain conditions and high freestream velocities, the sticking phenomenon becomes apparent which is strongly dependent on the strength of the multi-segmented representation, its gap sizes, and its symmetry. Lastly, a route to impact study shows the strong coupled influence between pitch and yaw when asymmetric conditions are applied and the possible presence of grazing-sliding bifurcations. The numerical simulations performed in this study can form a basis for drone designers to create reliable rotor-nacelle systems resistant to whirl flutter caused by freeplay effects.
Semantic Clustering during Verbal Episodic Memory Encoding and Retrieval in Older Adults: One Cognitive Mechanism of Superaging

Normal aging is commonly accompanied by a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, yet some individuals maintain these abilities as they get older. We hypothesize that semantic clustering, as an effective strategy for improving performance on episodic recall tasks, may contribute to the maintenance of youthful memory in older adults. We investigated the dynamics of spontaneous production and utilization of the semantic clustering strategy in two independent samples of older adults who completed a list learning paradigm (N1 = 40 and N2 = 29, respectively). Specifically, we predicted and observed that older adults who spontaneously used a semantic clustering strategy throughout the encoding process learned more words by the culmination of the encoding trials (Sample 1, R2 = 0.53, p < 0.001; Sample 2, R2 = 0.51, p < 0.001), and that those who utilized this strategy during retrieval recalled more words, when compared to older adults who did not produce or utilize a semantic clustering strategy during both a short (Sample 1, R2 = 0.81, p < 0.001; Sample 2, R2 = 0.70, p < 0.001) and long delay retrieval (Sample 1, R2 = 0.83, p < 0.001; Sample 2, R2 = 0.77, p < 0.001). We further predicted and observed that older adults who maintained a youthful level of delayed free recall (i.e., “Superagers”) produced (Sample 1, F(1, 38) = 17.81, p < 0.0001; Sample 2, F(1, 27) = 14.45, p < 0.0001) and utilized (Sample 1, F(1, 39) = 25.84, p < 0.0001; Sample 2, F(1, 27) = 12.97, p < 0.01) more semantic clustering than did older individuals with normal memory for their age. These results suggest one cognitive mechanism through which Superagers maintain youthful memory function and raise the possibility that older adults may be able to train themselves to use strategies to promote better memory.
ABP: Attribute-Based Broadcast Proxy Re-Encryption With Coalitional Game Theory

This article proposes attribute-based broadcast proxy (ABP) re-encryption with coalitional game theory—a scheme to share encrypted cloud data with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The scheme reduces the decryption costs on the receiver's side. In the case of sharing data with a subgroup of IoT devices, i.e., identities, where attributes satisfy a particular access policy, and the cardinality of IoT devices satisfying the access policy is not known to the data owner, the existing encryption techniques, such as broadcast proxy re-encryption and attribute-based encryption, cannot solve the problem. Hence, we propose the concept of attribute-based encryption in broadcast proxy re-encryption, named ABP. In ABP, we use the coalitional game theory to find the optimal coalition for minimizing the decryption cost and the total cost of the system. We prove that ABP is a selective security chosen-plaintext attack secure under the random oracle model. The performance of ABP is evaluated and compared with the existing broadcast proxy re-encryption schemes. We observe that ABP reduces the decryption cost. Furthermore, the total cost of the system is reduced using the coalitional game.
Effectiveness and safety of a mumps containing vaccine in preventing laboratory-confirmed mumps cases from 2002 to 2017: A meta-analysis

Abstract Emerging evidence has figured that serum conversion rate of mumps is a crucial link of mumps disease. Nevertheless, a rising number of mumps outbreaks caused our attention and studies examining the serum conversion cases were conducted in small samples previously; this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the immunogenicity and safety of a mumps containing vaccine (MuCV) before 2019. We identified a total of 17 studies from the year of 2002–2017. In the case–control studies, the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of MuCV in preventing laboratory-confirmed mumps was 68% (odds risk: 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14−0.70) while in the cohort studies and randomised control trials, 58% (relative risk [RR]: 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26−0.69). Similar intervals of effectiveness rates were found during non-outbreak periods compared with outbreak periods (VE: 66%; RR: 0.34; 95% CI, 0.18−0.68 versus VE: 49%; RR: 0.51; 95% CI, 0.21−1.27). In addition, the MuCV group with two and three doses did not show enhanced laboratory-confirmed mumps than one dose (VE: 58%; RR: 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20−0.88 versus VE: 65%, RR: 0.35; 95% CI, 0.20−0.61) for the reason of the overlap of 95% CI. MuCV had comparable effectiveness comparing non-outbreak and outbreak period, one dose, and two or three doses. MuCV displayed acceptable adverse event profiles.
Short- to Mid-Term Clinical and Radiological Results of Selective Laser Melting Highly Porous Titanium Cup in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate short- to mid-term clinical and radiological results in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the use of a Selective Laser Melting 3D-printed highly porous titanium acetabular cup (Jump System Traser®, Permedica Orthopaedics). (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective study and collected prospective data on 125 consecutive patients who underwent primary THA with the use of highly porous titanium cup. Each patient was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with a clinical and radiological assessment. (3) Results: The final cohort consisted of 104 patients evaluated after a correct value of 52 (38–74) months. The median Harris Hip Score (HHS) significantly improved from 63.7 (16–95.8) preoperatively to 94.8 (38.2–95.8) postoperatively (p < 0.001), with higher improvement associated with higher age at surgery (β = 0.22, p = 0.025). On postoperative radiographs, the average acetabular cup inclination and anteversion were 46° (30°–57°) and 15° (1°–32°), respectively. All cups radiographically showed signs of osseointegration with no radiolucency observed, or component loosening. (4) Conclusions: The use of this highly porous acetabular cup in primary THA achieved excellent clinical, functional, and radiological results at mid-term follow-up. A better clinical recovery can be expected in older patients. The radiological evaluation showed excellent osseointegration of the cup with complete absence of periprosthetic radiolucent lines.
The role of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule in Down syndrome

Abstract Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the presence of an extra copy of the entire or a portion of human chromosome 21 (HSA21). This genomic alteration leads to elevated expression of numerous HSA21 genes, resulting in a variety of health issues in individuals with DS. Among the genes located in the DS “critical region” of HSA21, Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) plays an important role in neuronal development. There is a growing body of evidence underscoring DSCAM’s involvement in various DS-related disorders. This review aims to provide a concise overview of the established functions of DSCAM, with a particular focus on its implications in DS. We delve into the roles that DSCAM plays in DS-associated diseases. In the concluding section of this review, we explore prospective avenues for future research to further unravel DSCAM’s role in DS and opportunities for therapeutic treatments.