Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Injury Severity of Drivers Involved Different Types of Two-Vehicle Crashes Using Random-Parameters Logit Models with Heterogeneity in Means and Variances

This study proposes random-parameters multinomial logit models, with heterogeneity in means and variances, to explore the differences in the factors influencing injury severities of drivers involved in different types of two-vehicle crashes. The models are verified using crash data from the United Kingdom (UK) over three years (2016–2018). Three types of crashes are separately identified (car-car, car-truck, and truck-truck crashes). In this study, a wide variety of potential variables, including the driver, vehicle, road, and environmental characteristics, are considered, with two possible injury-severity outcomes: severe and slight injury. The results show that unobserved heterogeneity existed for young drivers in both car-car and truck-truck crash models and the 30 mph speed limit in the three separate models. Remarkably variations are observed in crashes involving different types of vehicles. The driver’s age and gender, speeding, sideswipes, presence of junctions, weekdays, unlit, and weather conditions significantly impact driver-injury severities in various types of vehicle crashes. These findings are expected to help policymakers seek to improve highway safety and implement proper safety countermeasures.
On the Potential of Tertiary Espresso Machines to Provide Frequency Containment Reserves Services

—The increase of renewables in the electricity mix is changing how power systems operate and adding new players to the energy markets. In a very short time, it is expected that aggregators can provide balancing services that leverage the ﬂexibility of small and medium-sized consumers. This paper presents a study that assesses the potential of using professional espresso machines to provide Demand-Side Flexibility (DSF) services and, more concretely, Frequency Containment Reserves (FCR). The proposed methodology takes advantage of the coffee and steam boiler components of the coffee machine to identify opportunities to reduce the electricity demand, hence providing demand-side ﬂexibility. The proposed methodology is evaluated using synthetic data generated from a dataset initially collected from an original professional espresso coffee machine during its daily operation. The results show that for a group of 100 coffee machines, the disposable power through the day would vary from 33 kW in the nighttime to 42 kW between 10 AM and 6 PM. The results also show that a minimum of 10 coffee machines are necessary to establish a non-zero disposable power and that after about 30 coffee machines are aggregated, the achievable disposable power becomes nearly linear.
ACC-PH: a Comprehensive Framework for Adopting Cloud Computing in Private Hospitals

— The healthcare sector is of paramount importance as it provides necessary medical services to sustain human lives. In the private healthcare sector, organisations place equal emphasis on profits as on providing essential medical services. Thus, to offer optimal health aids at low cost, private healthcare organisations try to acquire the best technologies available. Cloud computing offers a solution to cutting business expenses while boosting productivity because it supplies computing services through third parties more cost-effectively. Nonetheless, recent studies have shown that adopting cloud computing services in private healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia is behind when compared to other sectors. This study presents an optimal data collection and framework validation methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine proposed factors influencing Adopting Cloud Computing in Private Hospitals (ACC-PH) in Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, this research is expected to enhance the implementation of cloud computing in Saudi private hospitals.
Identification of BRCC3 and BRCA1 as Regulators of TAZ Stability and Activity

TAZ (WWTR1) is a transcriptional co-activator regulated by Hippo signaling, mechano-transduction, and G-protein couple receptors. Once activated, TAZ and its paralogue, YAP1, regulate gene expression programs promoting cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, thus controlling embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and aging. YAP and TAZ are also frequently activated in tumors, particularly in poorly differentiated and highly aggressive malignancies. Yet, mutations of YAP/TAZ or of their upstream regulators do not fully account for their activation in cancer, raising the possibility that other upstream regulatory pathways, still to be defined, are altered in tumors. In this work, we set out to identify novel regulators of TAZ by means of a siRNA-based screen. We identified 200 genes able to modulate the transcriptional activity of TAZ, with prominence for genes implicated in cell–cell contact, cytoskeletal tension, cell migration, WNT signaling, chromatin remodeling, and interleukins and NF–kappaB signaling. Among these genes we identified was BRCC3, a component of the BRCA1 complex that guards genome integrity and exerts tumor suppressive activity during cancer development. The loss of BRCC3 or BRCA1 leads to an increased level and activity of TAZ. Follow-up studies indicated that the cytoplasmic BRCA1 complex controls the ubiquitination and stability of TAZ. This may suggest that, in tumors, inactivating mutations of BRCA1 may unleash cell transformation by activating the TAZ oncogene.
Object Detection Techniques: A Review

Humans can understand their surroundings clearly because they regularly notice objects in their environment. It is essential for the machine to perceive the surroundings similarly to how humans do in order to make it autonomous and capable of navigating in the human world. The machine can assess its surroundings and identify objects using object detection. This can simplify a number of tasks and enable the machine to recognize its surroundings. Making bounding boxes that surround the objects is essentially how object detection systems work to locate objects in an image. Object detection has applications such as autonomous robot navigation, surveillance, face detection, and vehicle
Modeling the rainfall‐runoff response of a headwater wetland

In the eastern temperate region of North America, treed headwater swamps are a familiar watershed feature. These low‐gradient wetlands commonly exist at groundwater discharge sites and represent a link between the underlying groundwater system and the surface drainage system. In contrast to the extensive literature pertaining to the hydrologic modeling of agricultural and forest land classes, little attention has been focused on the development and testing of numerical simulation models for predicting the hourly stormflow response from headwater wetland sites. If required to predict the rate of outflow from a wetland‐dominated catchment, the hydrologist or engineer has few numerical tools and little data available to assist in the prediction. The objective of this research was to investigate the feasibility of applying a numerical model to simulate the rainfall‐runoff response from a treed headwater wetland site. The wetland model utilizes a hydrology model coupled to a hydraulic stream‐routing model. A depth‐averaged laminar flow model is used to simulate the horizontal movement of stormwater both through and over the wetland sediments. The development and testing of the wetland model were completed in conjunction with a data collection program in which hydrometric and meteorologic data were obtained at a 400‐ha first‐order headwater swamp located within the Teeswater River watershed in southern Ontario, Canada. An analysis revealed that the simulated wetland streamflows were sensitive to the antecedent saturation of the wetland sediments, the storage and flow transport characteristics of the wetland sediments, and the conveyance capabilities of the wetland channel system.
On the derivation of kernels for kernel‐driven models of bidirectional reflectance

A new approximation to Ross' (1981) radiative transfer theory for small values of leaf area index (LAI) and two new approximations to Li and Strahler's (1992) geometric-optical mutual shadowing model are derived. These, together with Roujean et al.'s (1992) approximation to Ross' theory for large LAI and their geometric-optical model of rectangular protrusions, may be used for formulating semiempirical models of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of the land surface through linear combinations. Because the functions superimposed depend only on viewing and illumination geometry, the BRDF models derived may be called kernel-driven; but Nilson and Kuusk's (1989) modified version of Walthall et al.'s (1985) model is an example of an empirical model that belongs to this same class. The linearity of kernel-driven models is advantageous to global BRDF and albedo processing needs in several respects, most notably analytical invertibility, making possible look-up table approaches to albedo calculation, accommodation of mixed pixel situations, and spatial scaling. The models discussed here are being proposed for BRDF/albedo processing for the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS).
IoT-enabled solutions for Alzheimer's disease management: innovations and opportunities

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurological disorder characterised by the progressive shrinkage of brain tissue and the death of cells. Understanding how genetic and environmental factors interact to cause AD is challenging but crucial for effectively managing and treating this disease. Many personal, social, and economic impacts can be attributed to AD, making it a crucial area for research. This paper proposes using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to assist people with Alzheimer's disease. IoT can potentially enhance people's quality of life and simplify daily activities. IoT applications in healthcare, smart homes, and patient tracking have been explored. Various sensors, devices, and software can be utilised to monitor patients' health status. By leveraging IoT, we can develop innovative solutions to address AD management challenges and improve the overall quality of patient care.
Characteristics of interleaving in the western equatorial Pacific

[1] The characteristics of intrusive thermohaline features in the thermocline of the western equatorial Pacific are examined during two different climatic states. The vertical and meridional structure of the features is determined from a total of 12 high-resolution meridional sections. Although there is considerable variability of the broader structure of the flow and temperature/salinity fields, the spatial scale of the interleaving is found to be persistent over all sections. The Turner angle and correlations between the spice anomaly and density anomaly suggest that double-diffusive processes may be important in the vertical flux of properties. The characteristics of the interleaving are compared with the results from the theories of double-diffusive interleaving and inertial instability. It is found that the observations are consistent with both. It is difficult to differentiate between the two theories in explaining the presence of the layers. Indeed, both mechanisms may be playing a role. The magnitude of the cross-equatorial fluxes of heat and salt due to the features is estimated and shown to be comparable with estimates due to other processes. There is a strong potential for the interleaving to impinge on the large-scale dynamics of the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
The continental crust: Its composition and evolution

This book describes the composition of the present upper crust, and deals with possible compositions for the total crust and the inferred composition of the lower crust. The question of the uniformity of crustal composition throughout geological time is discussed. It describes the Archean crust and models for crustal evolution in Archean and Post-Archean time. The rate of growth of the crust through time is assessed, and the effects of the extraction of the crust on mantle compositions. The question of early pre-geological crusts on the Earth is discussed and comparisons are given with crusts on the Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus and the Galilean Satellites.
Combined probiotics with vitamin D3 supplementation improved aerobic performance and gut microbiome composition in mixed martial arts athletes

Introduction Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is characterized as an interval sport in which the training program focuses on enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic capacities. Therefore, strategies targeting the intestinal microbiome may be beneficial for MMA athletes. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation may amplify the positive effects of certain bacterial strains. We previously demonstrated that the combined of probiotics and vitamin D3 supplementation improved the lactate utilization ratio, total work, and average power achieved during anaerobic tests in MMA. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether combined probiotic and vitamin D3 ingestion can modify the composition of the gut microbiome and epithelial cell permeability, influence the inflammatory response, and ultimately enhance aerobic capacity. Methods A 4-week clinical trial was conducted with 23 male MMA athletes randomly assigned to either the probiotic + vitamin D3 (PRO + VIT D) group or the vitamin D3 group (VIT D). The trial employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled design and involved measurements of serum inflammatory markers, gut microbiome composition, epithelial cell permeability, and aerobic performance. Results After 4-week of supplementation, we found a significantly lower concentration of calprotectin in the PRO + VIT D group (34.79 ± 24.38 mmol/L) compared to the value before (69.50 ± 46.91) supplementation (p = 0.030), augmentation of beta diversity after the intervention in the PRO + VIT D group (p = 0.0005) and an extended time to exhaustion to 559.00 ± 68.99; compared to the value before (496.30 ± 89.98; p = 0.023) after combined probiotic and vitamin D3 supplementation in MMA athletes. No effect was observed in the VIT D group. Conclusion Our results indicate that combined treatment of probiotics and vitamin D3 may cause alterations in alpha and beta diversity and the composition of the gut microbiota in MMA athletes. We observed an improvement in epithelial cell permeability and an extended time to exhaustion during exercise in MMA athletes following a 4-week combined probiotic and vitamin D3 treatment.
Satellite monitoring of vegetation fires for EXPRESSO: Outline of activity and relative importance of the study area in the global picture of biomass burning

The satellite monitoring of vegetation fires for the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Experiment for Regional Sources and Sinks of Oxidants (EXPRESSO) was designed to assist the assessment of the fluxes of trace gases and aerosols emitted by savanna fires that occur during the dry season in Central Africa. It is of particular interest that the study area covers the transition zone between the savanna and the forest domains. Satellite remote sensing is the only technology that allows consistent data collection of the spatial and temporal distribution of fires at the scale required by the EXPRESSO experiment. A portable monitoring system was developed and operated in Central Africa for the in situ, real-time acquisition and processing of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) imagery during the EXPRESSO dry season field campaign, which lasted from October 1, 1996, to December 2, 1996. One AVHRR scene per day was processed to locate active fires and burnt areas. These results are compared with our daily global maps of vegetation fires derived from the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme-Data and Information System Global AVHRR data set for the period April 1992 to December 1993. This comparison shows the EXPRESSO fires in the context of the African continent and of the total global fire activity. The EXPRESSO study area is part of one of the largest fire belts observed in Africa, and even over the globe, spreading from Senegal to Ethiopia. This study also shows a big increase in the number of fires in 1996 compared to 1993, from a total of 39,500 fire pixels detected in November 1993 to 124,500 in November 1996. We also show that the November period corresponds to a minimum of the global fire activity: only 3% of the fires detected during a complete year were detected during this month. Moreover, the number of fires detected in this particular month was 28% of those detected during the annual peak period observed in July-August. Current activity is focusing on the implementation of the World-Fire-Web network: A system for globally mapping vegetation fires.
Fire Affects Tree Growth, Water Use Efficiency and Carbon Sequestration Ecosystem Service of Pinus nigra Arnold: A Combined Satellite and Ground-Based Study in Central Italy

The Mediterranean basin is an area particularly exposed to fire risk due to its climate and fire-prone vegetation. In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of wildfires increased, leading to negative effects on forests, such as a decrease in tree growth or an increase in tree mortality, producing a relevant loss of carbon sequestration ecosystem service. This study of the impacts of fires on forests is fundamental for planning adequate forest management strategies aimed at recovering and restoring the affected areas. In this framework, our research delves into the effects of a forest fire that, in 2017, affected a forest of black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) in Central Italy. Combining satellite and terrestrial analyses, this study evaluated the impact of the fire on tree growth, water use efficiency and carbon sequestration capacity. Our findings highlight the importance of using remote sensing for the accurate identification of fire-affected areas and precise planning of ground-based activities. However, the integration of satellite data with forest surveys and sampling has proven crucial for a detailed understanding of fire’s effects on trees. Dendrochronology and stable isotopes have revealed the post-fire growth decline and altered water usage of defoliated trees. Furthermore, the quantification of CO2 sequestration highlighted a significant reduction in carbon uptake by damaged trees, with severe implications for this ecosystem service.
Simulating incompressible thin-film fluid with a Moving Eulerian-Lagrangian Particle method

In this thesis, we introduce a Moving Eulerian-Lagrangian Particle (MELP) method, a mesh-free method to simulate incompressible thin-film fluid systems: soap bubbles, bubble clusters, and foams. The realistic simulation of such systems depends upon the successful treatment of three aspects: (1) the soap film’s deformation due to the tendency to minimize the surface energy, giving rise to the bouncy characteristics of soap bubbles, (2) the tangential fluid flow on the thin film, causing the thickness to vary spatially, which in conjunction with thin-film interference creates evolving and highly sophisticated iridescent color patterns, (3) the topological changes due to collision, separation, and fragmentation, which may create partition surfaces and non-manifold junctions that spontaneously settle into honeycomb structures due to force balance. The interleaving complexities from all three fronts render the task of accurately and affordably simulating thin-film fluid an open problem for the Computational Physics and Computer Graphics community. The proposed MELP method tackles these multifaceted challenges by employing a novel, bi-layer particle structure: a sparse set of Eulerian particles for dynamic interface tracking and PDE solving, and a fine set of Lagrangian particles for material and momentum transport. Such a design provides crucially advantageous numerical traits compared to existing frameworks. Compared to mesh-based methods, MELP’s particle-based nature makes it topologically agnostic, which allows it to conveniently simulate topological changes such as bubble-cluster formation and thin-film rupture. ii Furthermore, these Lagrangian structures carry out fluid advection naturally, conserve mass by design, and track “sub-grid” flow details. Compared to existing particle methods, our bi-layer design improves drastically on the computational performance in terms of both stability and efficiency. The advantage of this design will manifest in a wide range of experiments, including dynamic foam formation, Rayleigh-Taylor instability, Newton Black Films, and bubble bursting, showing an increased level of flow detail, increased number of regions in bubble clusters, and increased flexibility to recreate multi-junction formation on-the-fly. Furthermore, we validate its physical correctness against a variety of analytical baselines, by successfully recovering the equilibrium dihedral and tetrahedral angles, the exponential thickness profile of drainage under gravity, the curvature of partition surfaces, and the minimum surface area of double-bubbles.
Examination of Information and Communication Technologies Competencies of Teacher Candidates Studying at the Faculty of Sport Sciences

The aim of this study is to examine, in terms of some variables, the "Information and Communication Technology Competencies" regarding physical education teacher candidates studying in the Faculties of Sport Sciences, and to identify the problems for adapting themselves to the developing technologies and to present solutions in this age where information and communication technologies are changing rapidly, epigenetics, robots, cyborgs, nano technologies, metaverse, and virtual reality platforms are mentioned. A total of 432 male (n=206) and female (n=226) teacher candidates aged 12-18 participated in the research voluntarily. To collect data in the research, the “Information and Communication Technology Competencies Scale” which is adapted into Turkish by Gökçearslan et al. (2019) was used. Descriptive statistics were made for demographic variables in the analysis of the research data. The data acquired from the scale were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 program. When the scale scores were examined, there was no significant difference between male and female students in the dimension of using information and communication technologies for instructional design (p>0.05) in accordance with the gender variable of physical education teachers, whereas a difference was found in favor of girls (X=3.34) in the dimension of information and communication technology competency (p<0.05). Significant differences were detected between the sub-dimensions of the scale according to the teacher candidates' grades and the departments they studied (p<0.05). A difference in the information and communication technologies competency dimension was found in favor of the senior year Physical Education Teaching candidates. A significant difference was found in favor of those who have a personal computer (x=3.41) in accordance with the variable of owning a personal computer in the dimension of self-efficacy to use communication technologies for instructional design (x=3.46) and Information and Communication competencies. In line with that, it can be said that the variables of having a personal computer and gender of sports teacher candidates‘ are factors that affect ICT competencies, and the variable of having a personal computer is a factor that affects the self-efficacy of using Information technologies for instructional design.