Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Future of Drones and their Public Acceptance

Any emergent technology in history has raised an initial rejection by part of the society. Added to the several problems that the non-mature technology may have, the lack of any previous experience about side effects and the humans psychological fear to the unknown play an important influence in its acceptance. As drones bring up high social and economical expectations due to their capabilities and bussiness applications, the social acceptance is key to the complete development of drone technology's potential. Experts believe that social acceptance is ruled by a balance between beneficial usages and inconvenient issues regarding the technology. This balance in the aeronautical sector is also conditioned by the strict safety policies and regulations of the airspace and the current airspace users. To analyse this balance situation in actual and future environments, regarding drone technology, different use cases will be presented. These use cases have been proposed and analysed by different stakeholders from the U-space community network, a network of airspace and drone stakeholders who participated in the context of the SESAR CORUS11All the work within this paper is UPC work and it may not be the view of all CORUS consortium members project. The purpose of this paper is to analyse some of these use cases by obtaining responses from different stakeholders point of view using a survey in order to see how economical, safety and political aspects are balanced in each one of the cases. From the survey responses we will perform an analysis by means of three different acceptance indicators, one for each aspect commented. Main results and conclusions point out that the economical indicator is, in general, positive, especially for the low cost payload use cases. In contrast the economical indicator is close to neutral for city transport and airports use cases, which leads to propose some economical promotion action may be needed to make them a reality. For the safety indicator we observe that they are close to negative values as use case complexity increases. Thus we can conclude that some of the proposed missions start affecting the current levels of safety. Finally, the political indicator is mostly neutral, with some positive trends for scenarios related with inspection tasks or done in non-populated areas.
Two Annulated Azaheterocyclic Cores Readily Available from a Single Tetrahydroisoquinolonic Castagnoli–Cushman Precursor

A novel approach to indolo[3,2-c]isoquinoline and dibenzo[c,h][1,6]naphthyridine tetracyclic systems was discovered based on switchable reduction of 2-methoxy-3-(2-nitrophenyl)-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-4-carboxylic acid prepared via Castagnoli–Cushman reaction. Reduction with ammonium formate resulted in the expected selective transformation of the nitro group (thus providing access to substituted dibenzo[c,h][1,6]naphthyridine via cyclization and dehydrogenation). However, attempted reduction with sodium sulfide initiated a previously unknown reaction cascade including double reduction, cyclization, and decarboxylation, leading to formation of indolo[3,2-c]isoquinoline polyheterocycle in one synthetic step.
Adoption Model of Information and Communication Technologies in Education

TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) is used in Computer Science research to collect feedback from users of Information Systems (SI). In various research on the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), TAM has been widely used and adapted depending on the needs of researchers through the incorporation of new factors. The paper aims to present the systematic review focused on the models used in education to accept the inclusion of new information and communication technologies. A total number of identified primary studies were 61. The results show that TAM has been used to explain user adoption of e-learning, web 2.0, and m-learning. The factors most commonly used were PU (perceived utility) and PEOU (perceived ease of use).
The effects of the river diversion, Mesopotamian Marsh drainage and restoration, and river damming on the marine environment of the northwestern Arabian Gulf

This paper summarizes the results of a study, which was conducted during the period of 1996-2005. It assesses the impact of river diversion (Third River), marsh drainage, and marsh restoration on Kuwait's marine environment. The results indicated lower salinity, higher nitrate concentration, higher chlorophyll-a, and higher sedimentation in the northern waters of Kuwait influenced by the discharge of the man-made Third River and marsh drainage. Five estuarine copepod species, which occur only in the northern waters of Kuwait due to their proximity to the mouth of the river, are reported here for the first time. Lower turbidity levels were observed in the northern waters of Kuwait during 2004 and 2005 possibly influenced by the marsh restoration process. The above results indicate the close interrelationship between the upstream river environment and the northern Arabian Gulf. River-related activities in the Tigris-Euphrates Basin have transboundary impacts downstream. Assumptions on the potential effects of the upstream damming of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers on Kuwait's marine environment are included. It is expected that recent and planned river basin modifications in Turkey, Iran and Iraq will significantly reduce river discharge, permanently remove seasonal flooding, and impact the northern Gulf's marine environment, with serious implications for fisheries.
CRUSTACEAN SYSTEMATICS IN SOUTH AFRICA—STATUS AND HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

SUMMARY A brief history of crustacean systematics in South Africa is provided. The first paper devoted entirely to South African Crustacea was published by Ferdinand Krauss in 1843. This set a pattern for the rest of the 19th century in which material was sent to Europe and analysed by the great taxonomists of the time, notably G.O. Sars and T.R. R. Stebbing. From 1910 onwards the focus shifted to local specialists, notably the extraordinarily prolific Keppel Barnard, who provided the inspiration and groundwork for many later workers. The current crustacean fauna of the region comprises 2979 species, of which 2360 are marine, 436 freshwater and 183 terrestrial. The most diverse groups are the Decapoda (718 species) in the marine environment, the Ostracoda (ca. 150 species) in freshwater systems and the Isopoda (176 species) on land. Endemicity rates increase with the transition from marine (30%) through freshwater (51%) to terrestrial (84%) habitats. At present there are no full-time professional crustacea.
An Adaptive PA Modulation Index Controller with Temperature Compensation for DSRC Applications

In this paper, an adaptive power amplifier (PA) modulation index controller with temperature compensation is presented for 5.8 GHz dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) transceiver applications. The number of Class-E type PA cores are configurable for amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation and correction factor due to temperature variation is compensated adaptively in automatic mode to keep constant PA output power. In external mode, the modulation index and correction factor are configurable for the suitable number of core selection for higher PA output power. The design consumes 17.29 nW power and draws 14.41 nA current from 1.2 V supply. The proposed design is fully synthesizable and it needs only 854 gates for its implementation in 130 nm CMOS process with 64 × 153 μm² of area.
Evidence that photoperiodic, dark time measurement in Pharbitis nil involves a circadian rather than a semidian rhythm

Experiments were carried out to determine whether a semidian (12 h) rhythm in flowering response operates in Pharbitis nil as the basis for photoperiodic time measurement. The effect of 5 min far-red light followed by 85 min dark (FRD) given 4, 8, 14 and 22 h before the end of a 48 h photoperiod on night-break timing and critical night length was determined. When given 4 h before the end of a 48 h photoperiod, an interruption with FRD advanced the phase of the circadian rhythm in the night-break inhibition of flowering. In contrast, earlier interruptions of the photoperiod had no effect on the phase of the rhythm. The critical night length was modified by FRD given 4 h (shortened) or 8 h (lengthened) before the end of the photoperiod; when given at other times FRD did not alter the critical night length. The results are discussed in relation to the basis for photoperiodic timekeeping, with particular reference to suggestions for the involvement of a semidian rhythm. A circadian model based on the concept of limit cycles is described.
The Mimulus moschatus Alliance (Phrymaceae): Molecular and Morphological Phylogenetics and their Conservation Implications

Abstract The Mimulus moschatus alliance consists of 13 morphologically similar species, the majority of which have been considered for conservation protection. Phylogenetic analyses of four rapidly evolving molecular DNA regions (ITS, ETS, trnL-F, and rpl16) and a morphological data set under several optimality criteria reveal that the M. moschatus alliance is composed of three geographically defined clades: the Sierra Nevada Clade (M. floribundus, M. norrisii, and M. dudleyi), the Snake River Clade (M. hymenophyllus, M. ampliatus, and M. patulus), and the Columbia River Clade (M. washingtonensis and M. jungermannioides). The relationships within and among the clades are well resolved. Numerous instances of morphological homoplasy among the clades are inferred, including three independent origins of the autogamous mating system. Although nearly half of the morphological characters are highly homoplasious, the inclusion of morphological data in the combined maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses improves topological resolution and branch support. The phylogenetic results support the specific recognition of three rare taxa (M. ampliatus, M. patulus, and M. dudleyi), previously synonymized with more widespread species. A key to the species within the M. moschatus alliance is provided.
Does the skull Hounsfield unit predict shunt dependent hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy for traumatic acute subdural hematoma?

Background and purpose Posttraumatic hydrocephalus affects 11.9%–36% of patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) after traumatic brain injury and necessitates a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement. As bone and arachnoid trabeculae share the same collagen type, we investigated possible connections between the skull Hounsfield unit (HU) values and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDHC) in patients that received cranioplasty after DC for traumatic acute subdural hematoma (SDH). Methods We measured HU values in the frontal bone and internal occipital protuberance from admission brain CT. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify the optimal cut-off skull HU values for predicting SDHC in patients receiving cranioplasty after DC due to traumatic acute SDH. We investigated independent predictive factors for SDHC occurrence using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 162 patients (>15 years of age) were enrolled in the study over an 11-year period from two university hospitals. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that the group with simultaneous frontal skull HU ≤797.4 and internal occipital protuberance HU ≤586.5 (odds ratio, 8.57; 95% CI, 3.05 to 24.10; P<0.001) was the only independent predictive factor for SDHC in patients who received cranioplasty after DC for traumatic acute SDH. Conclusions Our study reveals a potential relationship between possible low bone mineral density and development of SDHC in traumatic acute SDH patients who had undergone DC. Our findings provide deeper insight into the association between low bone mineral density and hydrocephalus after DC for traumatic acute SDH.
Genome Sequence of the Banana Aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Its Symbionts

The banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major pest of cultivated bananas (Musa spp., order Zingiberales), primarily due to its role as a vector of Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), the most severe viral disease of banana worldwide. Here, we generated a highly complete genome assembly of P. nigronervosa using a single PCR-free Illumina sequencing library. Using the same sequence data, we also generated complete genome assemblies of the P. nigronervosa symbiotic bacteria Buchnera aphidicola and Wolbachia. To improve our initial assembly of P. nigronervos a we developed a k-mer based deduplication pipeline to remove genomic scaffolds derived from the assembly of haplotigs (allelic variants assembled as separate scaffolds). To demonstrate the usefulness of this pipeline, we applied it to the recently generated assembly of the aphid Myzus cerasi, reducing the duplication of conserved BUSCO genes by 25%. Phylogenomic analysis of P. nigronervos a, our improved M. cerasi assembly, and seven previously published aphid genomes, spanning three aphid tribes and two subfamilies, reveals that P. nigronervos a falls within the tribe Macrosiphini, but is an outgroup to other Macrosiphini sequenced so far. As such, the genomic resources reported here will be useful for understanding both the evolution of Macrosphini and for the study of P. nigronervosa. Furthermore, our approach using low cost, high-quality, Illumina short-reads to generate complete genome assemblies of understudied aphid species will help to fill in genomic black spots in the diverse aphid tree of life.
A Novel Virtual Inertia Implementation Scheme using Model Predictive Control for Enhancing the Voltage Stiffness of a Grid Tied DC Microgrid

In this paper, a novel virtual inertia scheme using model predictive control (MPC) is proposed which is capable of reducing the rate of change of voltage (ROCOV) during power disturbances in a DC microgrid (DC-MG). The control scheme is implemented in the bi-directional interlinking converter (BIC) which interfaces the DC-MG with the utility grid. The proposed MPC based virtual inertia scheme completely eliminates the traditional proportional integral based cascaded inner current and outer voltage loop structure of the BIC. The proposed technique ensures a fast dynamic response and is capable to quickly reduce the ROCOV of the DC bus during power disturbances. The control technique also ensures unity power factor (upf) operation of the grid connected BIC. The efficacy of the proposed control scheme has been validated with MATLAB/SIMULINK simulations and the results are presented.
A Multiclass Approach for Network Intrusion Detection using Convolutional Neural Networks

: The immense popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud based applications have resulted in huge volumes of network traffic. Different versions of operating systems, multiple protocols and concurrent users contribute significantly towards the ever increasing computer security threats. Traditional methods involving shallow learning techniques like Random Forest, Naive Bayes, etc. have been instrumental in advancing the study of network intrusion detection. However, as and when the network data expands in size and complexity, deep learning algorithms are required to tackle the ongoing network security challenges. Deep learning methods are intrinsically capable of handling enormous data and their performance increases with increasing supply of the same. The proposed work details the configuration of a multi-class classifier using Convolutional Neural Networks. UNSW NB-15, a modern dataset comprising of nine contemporary attack types is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Results indicate that the proposed approach has exhibited a reasonably valid precision and recall percentage as compared to the preexisting methods.
Medial Nucleus Accumbens Projections to the Ventral Tegmental Area Control Food Consumption

Decades of research have shown that the NAc is a critical region influencing addiction, mood, and food consumption through its effects on reinforcement learning, motivation, and hedonic experience. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the NAc shell induces voracious feeding, leading to the hypothesis that the inhibitory projections that emerge from the NAc normally act to restrict feeding. While much of this work has focused on projections to the lateral hypothalamus, the role of NAc projections to the VTA in the control food intake has been largely unexplored. Using a retrograde viral labeling technique and real-time monitoring of neural activity with fiber photometry, we find that medial NAc shell projections to the VTA (mNAc→VTA) are inhibited during food-seeking and food consumption in male mice. We also demonstrate that this circuit bidirectionally controls feeding: optogenetic activation of NAc projections to the VTA inhibits food-seeking and food intake (in both sexes), while optogenetic inhibition of this circuit potentiates food-seeking behavior. Additionally, we show that activity of the NAc to VTA pathway is necessary for adaptive inhibition of food intake in response to external cues. These data provide new insight into NAc control over feeding in mice, and contribute to an emerging literature elucidating the role of inhibitory midbrain feedback within the mesolimbic circuit. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The medial NAc has long been known to control consummatory behavior, with particular focus on accumbens projections to the lateral hypothalamus. Conversely, NAc projections to the VTA have mainly been studied in the context of drug reward. We show that NAc projections to the VTA bidirectionally control food intake, consistent with a permissive role in feeding. Additionally, we show that this circuit is normally inactivated during consumption and food-seeking. Together, these findings elucidate how mesolimbic circuits control food consumption.
Modulation of mTORC1 Signaling Pathway by HIV-1

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a master regulator of cellular proliferation and survival which controls cellular response to different stresses, including viral infection. HIV-1 interferes with the mTORC1 pathway at every stage of infection. At the same time, the host cells rely on the mTORC1 pathway and autophagy to fight against virus replication and transmission. In this review, we will provide the most up-to-date picture of the role of the mTORC1 pathway in the HIV-1 life cycle, latency and HIV-related diseases. We will also provide an overview of recent trends in the targeting of the mTORC1 pathway as a promising strategy for HIV-1 eradication.
Early Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercise Intervention Prevents Doxorubicin-caused Cardiac Dysfunction through Inhibition of Cardiac Fibrosis and Inflammation

Doxorubicin (DOX) is known as an effective drug in the fight against various cancers. However, one of the greatest impediments is DOX-induced cardiomyopathy, which may potentially lead to heart failure. Accumulating evidence has shed light on the pathological mechanism of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, but treatments to mitigate the cardiac damage are still required. In an attempt to address this issue, we evaluated whether exercise provides cardioprotective effects on the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. We showed that treadmill exercise (3 times/week; 1-week of exercise acclimatization and 4-weeks of endurance exercise) during the DOX treatment successfully prevented the cardiac dysfunction. The DOX-stimulated expression of IκBα, NF-κB, COX-2, and IL-8 were all downregulated by exercise as well as the fibrosis factors (TGF-β1, phosphorylated ERK, Sp1, and CTGF). Moreover, we showed that treadmill exercise diminished the expression of several cardiac remodeling-associated factors, such as FGF2, uPA, MMP2, and MMP9. These results were in line with the finding that exercise intervention reduced cardiac fibrosis and restored cardiac function, with higher values of ejection fraction and fractional shortening compared to the DOX-treated group. Two commonly used indicators of cardiac injury, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase-MB, were also decreased in the exercise group. Collectively, our results suggested that it may be beneficial to prescribe treadmill exercise as an adjunct therapy to limit cardiac damage caused by DOX.
Two types of xylan fermenting bacteria from the sheep rumen.

SUMMARY Different types of media containing xylan were used to culture bacteria from the sheep rumen. The results suggest that facultatively anaerobic bacteria are not active in the ruminal fermentation of xylans. Gram-negative curved rods were the predominant bacteria growing in all anaerobic cultures under CO2 and those isolated were similar to Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens. The properties of two types of xylan fermenting bacteria are given.
A midbrain dynorphin circuit promotes threat generalization

Discrimination between predictive and non-predictive threat stimuli decrease as threat intensity increases. The central mechanisms that mediate the transition from discriminatory to generalized threat responding remain poorly resolved. Here, we identify the stress- and dysphoria-associated kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and its ligand dynorphin (Dyn), acting in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), as a key substrate for regulating threat generalization. We identified several dynorphinergic inputs to the VTA and demonstrate that projections from the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) both contribute to anxiety-like behavior but differentially affect threat generalization. These data demonstrate that conditioned threat discrimination has an inverted ‘U’ relationship with threat intensity and establish a role for KOR/Dyn signaling in the midbrain for promoting threat generalization.
Agent-Based Energy Consumption Scheduling for Smart Grids: An Auction-Theoretic Approach

The future smart grid would help to benefit both the users and the electricity providing companies from smart pricing techniques. In addition, smart pricing can be used to achieve social objectives and would in turn fluctuate wholesale market into demand side. Collecting abundant information regarding the users electricity consumption pattern is a challenging task for utility providing companies. That is, users may not be willing to expose their indigenous information without any incentive. In this paper an Optimal Energy Consumption Scheduling (OECS) mechanism is proposed to tackle this problem. An agent-based forecasting method is designed, which is capable of predicting energy consumption of each consumer with a lead-time of one hour. This forecasting is exploited to estimate the cost of buying required amount of energy from multiple suppliers. Consequently, based on the estimated required energy and cost, an auction mechanism is proposed to optimize the energy traded between consumers and multiple suppliers within a smart grid. The objectives include increased efficiency and cost reduction of electricity usage by the end users. The results and properties of the proposed OECS mechanism are studied, and it is shown that the auction technique is budget balanced for distribution of electrical energy among consumers from diverse renewable generation resources. Extensive numerical simulations are also conducted to show and prove the beneficial properties of OECS mechanism.