Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ionic flux and geological release of fluoride in groundwater sources of a semi-arid tropical region in south India

ABSTRACT Groundwater with excess fluoride content is a major issue in most of the states in India. Mineral ions and its seasonal fluctuations are influencing fluoride contamination in groundwater sources to a greater extent. Reports on health issues from several regions of south India have instigated detailed studies on groundwater fluoride contamination and the geo-environmental reasons underlying it. Fluoride contamination in the groundwater sources of Palakkad district, a semi-arid tropical region in South India, was assessed along with major anions and cations. The study revealed that 89% of Po, 88% of Pr, and 52% of Mo samples exceeded the BIS limit of fluoride concentration of 1.0 mg/L. The piper plot and correlation studies affirm that fluoride contamination is accelerated by a higher concentration of magnesium, sodium ions and a lower concentration of calcium and dissolved iron. The negative correlation of fluoride with nitrates supports its geological origin. Fluoride contamination is highly linked with the hornblende biotite gneiss (~ 42%) distributed in the central-eastern part of the district. IDW interpolation defines a maximum of 3.4 mg/L of fluoride in the groundwater sources. The overdose of fluoride in drinking water, which exceeded the OFC level, is noted to be the reason for the prevalence of fluorosis in the study area. The study recommends 0.61 mg/L of fluoride as an OFC limit for drinking purposes.
First results of ECE measurements at the GDT mirror trap

The paper summarizes the results of experiments on electron cyclotron emission (ECE) measurements recently performed at the GDT magnetic mirror device. The new ECE diagnostics is installed to facilitate the successful ECRH experiment and operates in the vicinity of the ECRH frequency 54.5 GHz. The particulars of plasma emission at the fundamental electron cyclotron harmonic are studied experimentally in a broad range of discharge scenarios.
Memristive Stateful Logic for Edge Boolean Computers

Memristive stateful logic enables complete in‐memory computing, allowing low‐power and low‐cost Boolean computing. Its characteristics are consistent with the requirements of edge computing devices, which will occupy a considerable segment in the coming Internet of things (IoT) era. In this review, recent developments in stateful logic technology are intensively explored. The topics include a summary of the evolution of stateful logic gates and their cascading strategies for Boolean computing. Also, array‐level data manipulation is discussed, and its role in realizing massive computation inside the memory. Finally, the logic operation error issue is discussed, with feasible solutions.
Comparing machine learning-derived global estimates of soil respiration and its components with those from terrestrial ecosystem models

The CO2 efflux from soil (soil respiration (SR)) is one of the largest fluxes in the global carbon (C) cycle and its response to climate change could strongly influence future atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Still, a large divergence of global SR estimates and its autotrophic (AR) and heterotrophic (HR) components exists among process based terrestrial ecosystem models. Therefore, alternatively derived global benchmark values are warranted for constraining the various ecosystem model output. In this study, we developed models based on the global soil respiration database (version 5.0), using the random forest (RF) method to generate the global benchmark distribution of total SR and its components. Benchmark values were then compared with the output of ten different global terrestrial ecosystem models. Our observationally derived global mean annual benchmark rates were 85.5 ± 40.4 (SD) Pg C yr−1 for SR, 50.3 ± 25.0 (SD) Pg C yr−1 for HR and 35.2 Pg C yr−1 for AR during 1982–2012, respectively. Evaluating against the observations, the RF models showed better performance in both of SR and HR simulations than all investigated terrestrial ecosystem models. Large divergences in simulating SR and its components were observed among the terrestrial ecosystem models. The estimated global SR and HR by the ecosystem models ranged from 61.4 to 91.7 Pg C yr−1 and 39.8 to 61.7 Pg C yr−1, respectively. The most discrepancy lays in the estimation of AR, the difference (12.0–42.3 Pg C yr−1) of estimates among the ecosystem models was up to 3.5 times. The contribution of AR to SR highly varied among the ecosystem models ranging from 18% to 48%, which differed with the estimate by RF (41%). This study generated global SR and its components (HR and AR) fluxes, which are useful benchmarks to constrain the performance of terrestrial ecosystem models.
Wideband transverse electromagnetic cell design and its application in frequency selective surface measurement

An open transverse electromagnetic cell (TEM cell) that covers L‐band, S‐band, and C‐band is proposed in this paper. According to impedance matching theory analysis, the characteristic impedance of coaxial connector and microstrip with air as substrate are considered, which are combined with a taper gradient section to realize the function of TEM cell. The proposed TEM cell was modeled and simulated in CST Microwave Studio. Through full‐wave simulation, the proposed TEM cell demonstrates a wideband transmission characteristic, S11 less than −10 dB from 1 to 8 GHz, which is relatively rare among the designs that have been reported. The test flow and data post‐processing method are given. To verify the effectiveness of the test method, an example of measuring a classical square slot frequency selective surface that their resonance frequency is 3.7 GHz is designed and simulated in the TEM cell. To verify the simulated results, a prototype is fabricated and measured with the proposed TEM cell. The experimental result demonstrates a good agreement with the simulated result, which indicates that the designed TEM cell has good test performance.
Automatic detection and segmentation of lung nodules in different locations from CT images based on adaptive α‐hull algorithm and DenseNet convolutional network

Automatic lung nodules detection and segmentation can assist doctors in better diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. However, precise detection and segmentation are still challenging, because lung nodules can have different contours or locations and may be attached to other tissues, such as neighboring blood vessel and pleural surface. In this study, an automatic detection and segmentation method for lung nodules in different locations has been developed. First, we apply Otsu thresholding to segment lung parenchyma. Next, a morphological opening operation is carried out to remove blood vessels. Then α‐hull operation is proposed to correct lung contours and optimal α values can be acquired adaptively. Finally, DenseNet convolutional network is applied to classify true lung nodules from all nodule candidates. We select the intersection area of at least three radiologists' annotations as ground truth and validate our method on 466 nodules including well‐circumscribed, juxta‐vascular, juxta‐pleural, and pleural tail. Our study not only concentrates on false positive reduction but also evaluates segmentation performance. To give a more comprehensive quantitative evaluation of nodule segmentation, we use evaluation metrics including Jaccard index (JI), dice similar coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance, under‐segmentation rate, over‐segmentation rate, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and false positive rate. Overall results are 0.6385 ± 0.1309, 0.7710 ± 0.1057, 3.5123 ± 3.1251, 0.1769 ± 0.1308, 0.1848 ± 0.1463, 0.7936 ± 0.1417, 0.9998 ± 0.0003, 0.9997 ± 0.0003, and 0.0002 ± 0.0003, respectively. These metrics can demonstrate segmentation performance in multiple dimensions. As a general and automatic detection and segmentation framework for lung nodules in different locations, this study achieves better performance than previous approaches in JI and DSC.
A porous nanobranched structure: an effective way to improve piezoelectricity in sputtered ZnO thin films

ZnO nanomaterials are gaining lots of attention due to their biocompatible nature coupled with promising piezoelectric properties, envisioning a new generation of lead-free smart materials. Herein, an effective strategy to improve the piezoelectric behaviour of sputtered ZnO thin films is proposed by introducing a nanobranched porous thin film structure composed by a network of randomly-oriented wurtzite crystallites, rather than using compact ZnO thin films, considered in this work as a conventional reference for sputtered ZnO thin film structures. The nanobranched ZnO structure shows a hydrophilic behavior together with a piezoelectric output voltage of around 3 V. In comparison, compact ZnO thin films exhibit a maximum piezoelectric voltage generation below 0.8 V and a hydrophobic state. The more defective structure of the nanobranched ZnO thin films, with respect of the long-range ordered crystal structure of compact ZnO thin films, reduces free carrier concentration and mobility, thus limiting the screening potential and at the same time improving piezoelectric voltage generation. All the characterization results highlight the promising perspectives in using nanobranched ZnO thin films as novel piezoelectric materials for biosensing and tissue engineering applications, as well as for lead-free piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesting systems.
An exploration of the determinants of middle school students’ argument quality by classroom discourse analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose An analysis of the relationship between discourse and cognition in the context of middle school science teaching is provided in this study. Teacher-led questions, cognitive demands and patterns of interaction were analysed for the discourse side of the study. The students’ argumentation quality was explored for the cognition side of the study. Methods Participants were an elementary science teacher and 19 seventh grade students. Socio-cultural discourse analysis was conducted in two phases: systematic observation (coding and counting) and episode analysis (contextual in-depth exploration). Findings The student-led argument quality was found to be reduced due to close-ended triadic dialogues when the teacher overtly displayed follow-up evaluations and follow-up explanations. The argument quality was fostered considerably when the teacher staged timely and relevant follow-up questions, since more dialogic space on the side of the students had been created. The students’ argumentations were observed at the highest levels when the teacher used low (e.g. understand) and high (e.g. analyse and evaluate) cognitively demanding questions together. These findings were also supported by the episode analysis, which aimed at representing the discursive-contextual compositions of the in-class implementations. The results showed that discourse (questions’ cognitive demands and patterns of interaction) and cognition (students’ argumentation quality) were found to be associated. Suggestions were made for science teachers and science teacher educators.
The Global Epidemiology of RSV in Community and Hospitalized Care: Findings From 15 Countries

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of acute respiratory tract infections. To optimize control strategies, a better understanding of the global epidemiology of RSV is critical. To this end, we initiated the Global Epidemiology of RSV in Hospitalized and Community care study (GERi). Methods Focal points from 44 countries were approached to join GERi and share detailed RSV surveillance data. Countries completed a questionnaire on the characteristics of their surveillance system. Results Fifteen countries provided granular surveillance data and information on their surveillance system. A median (interquartile range) of 1641 (552–2415) RSV cases per season were reported from 2000 and 2020. The majority (55%) of RSV cases occurred in the <1-year-olds, with 8% of cases reported in those aged ≥65 years. Hospitalized cases were younger than those in community care. We found no age difference between RSV subtypes and no clear pattern of dominant subtypes. Conclusions The high number of cases in the <1-year-olds indicates a need to focus prevention efforts in this group. The minimal differences between RSV subtypes and their co-circulation implies that prevention needs to target both subtypes. Importantly, there appears to be a lack of RSV surveillance data in the elderly.
Accessible charts are part of the equation of accessible papers: a heuristic evaluation of the highest impact LIS journals

PurposeStatistical charts are an essential source of information in academic papers. Charts have an important role in conveying, clarifying and simplifying the research results provided by the authors, but they present some accessibility barriers for people with low vision. This article aims to evaluate the accessibility of the statistical charts published in the library and information science (LIS) journals with the greatest impact factor.Design/methodology/approachA list of heuristic indicators developed by the authors has been used to assess the accessibility of statistical charts for people with low vision. The heuristics have been applied to a sample of charts from 2019 issues of ten LIS journals with the highest impact factor according to the ranking of the JCR.FindingsThe current practices of image submission do not follow the basic recommended guidelines on accessibility like color contrast or the use of textual alternatives. On the other hand, some incongruities between the technical suggestions of image submission and their application in analyzed charts also emerged. The main problems identified are: poor text alternatives, insufficient contrast ratio between adjacent colors and the inexistence of customization options. Authoring tools do not help authors to fulfill these requirements.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is not very extensive; nonetheless, it is representative of common practices and the most frequent accessibility problems in this context.Social implicationsThe heuristics proposed are a good starting point to generate guidelines for authors when preparing their papers for publication and to guide journal publishers in creating accessible documents. Low-vision users, a highly prevalent condition, will benefit from the improvements.Originality/valueThe results of this research provide key insights into low-vision accessibility barriers, not considered in previous literature and can be a starting point for their solution.
High Photo Switching Response of n-ZnO/i-MoS2/p-Si Heterojunction Solar Cell

In this research work, We investigate the enhancement of photo conversion efficiency from ZnO nanostructure and MoS2 switching mechanism of heterostructure solar cell.The carrier transport of MoS2 generating more electron-hole pairs in the MoS2/Si interface.The photo switching resistance of MoS2 active layer that increasing in short circuit density to 40.9964[mA/cm2], and the effective light trapping of ZnO nanostructure with optimized thickness of ZnO,MoS2 better thermal stability.The SRH heating and Joule heating are minimized by photoswitching characterstics.The Joule and SRH heating rate evaluated from stationary mode of study and the values in the magnitude order of 1013 W/m3 and 1012 W/m3 The use of both ZnO and MoS2 nanostructure leads to total generation rate,charge carrier transport are improved.The photo conversion efficiency is achieved by 27.7364%
Dispersion Index Based Endmember Extraction for Hyperspectral Unmixing

In the remotely sensed hyperspectral image, separating pure materials from the mixed pixels and estimating the abundances of each material in the mixing is called hyperspectral unmixing. Hyperspectral unmixing is executed broadly in three steps. The first step is subspace identification which finds the number of endmembers present in the hyperspectral data. The second step is endmember extraction which extracts materials from the data. The last step is abundance estimation which estimates the proportions of each material in the mixing. In these three steps, endmember extraction is very challenging. As per the literature available for endmember extraction, many researchers have used convex geometry to address the endmember extraction. A novel algorithm, Dispersion Index based Endmember Extraction (DIEE) is proposed which applies convex geometry based on the Dispersion Index in this paper. The DIEE algorithm is compared with prevailing algorithms on a real and simulated dataset. It is observed from the simulation that the proposed algorithm is giving a worthy performance on both real datasets and a noisy simulated dataset.
One-dimensional modelling of flame propagation in solid composite fuel with different geometrical configurations

In this paper the propagation of combustion waves in solid composite energetic material consisting of fuel and highly thermal conductive inert elements is investigated using a one-dimensional model with a single step reaction mechanism. The analysis is focused on the study of the effect of the geometrical configuration of the composite material on flame speed and dynamics. Spatial averaging over directions transverse to the propagation direction is performed in such a way as to retain the multidimensional nature of the problem. It is shown that the regimes of combustion depend on the geometry of the composite. The largest possible flame speed enhancement is attained in cases when the heat fluxes along the structural elements are not disrupted. For each configuration selected, there exists an optimal choice of the geometric parameters that maximizes the flame velocity.
DDT-Contaminated Soil Treatment with Persulfate and Hydrogen Peroxide Utilizing Different Activation Aids and the Chemicals Combination with Biosurfactant

Abstract The efficacy of DDT-contaminated soil treatment with hydrogen peroxide and persulfate utilizing different activation aids and the chemicals combination with biosurfactant was evaluated. The addition of a supplementary activator was able to improve the degradation of total DDT with both the hydrogen peroxide and persulfate oxidation processes indicating a lack of available activator. Ferrous iron added gradually was effectively utilized in the oxidation system with gradual addition of hydrogen peroxide, while chelated metal iron addition promoted the oxidation with more stable persulfate. The treatment with solid carriers of hydrogen peroxide, either calcium peroxide or magnesium peroxide, can be an effective alternative to the liquid one resulting in a higher degradation level of the contaminant. Strong alkalization with elevated dosages of NaOH sustained the persulfate oxidation of DDT. The addition of biosurfactant, rhamnolipid-alginate complex obtained by biosynthesis of strain Pseudomonas sp. PS-17, and EDTA improved the degradation of DDT by both persulfate and hydrogen peroxide oxidation processes indicating that the combined application of chemical oxidants and biosurfactant at natural soil pH has prospects as an effective option for contaminated soil remediation.
Immunofluorescent labeling of tissues and free cells viaQD-protein conjugates.

Quantum dots (QDs), semiconductor inorganic nanocrystals, have a big importance in immunofluorescent labeling. We have prepared water soluble QDs in the size range from 2.8 to 4.4 nm with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as a hydrophilic surface ligand. To reduce their cytotoxicity, QDs are coated by two epitaxial layers of CdS and ZnS. For the immunofluorescent labeling we used cadmium telluride QDs of size 3.7 nm with maximum emission wavelength at 610 nm conjugated with various proteins, antibody to membrane CD3 protein, antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen and annexin V. From a variety of techniques described in literature, we have chosen the conjugation using the zero-length cross-linkers such as 1-ethyl-3-(3dimethyl-3-aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide, which bind molecules via carboxyl and primary amino groups. This method is compared with the so called oriented conjugation method where an amine group of modified QDs reacts with oxidized antibody glycans on the heavy chain of an antibody. The formation of conjugates is checked by capillary zone electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection. Under the optimum conditions, the zones of conjugates and unreacted QDs are well separated and reliably quantified.
Phosphorus-Doped 3D RuCo Nanowire Arrays on Nickel Foam with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for Overall Water Splitting

It is especially significant to design and construct high-performance and stable three-dimensional (3D) bifunctional nanoarchitecture electrocatalysts toward overall water splitting. Herein, we have constructed 3D self-supported phosphorus-doped ruthenium-cobalt nanowires on nickel foams (RuCoP/NF) via a simple hydrothermal reaction followed by a low-temperature phosphating reaction. Doping P can not merely enhance the intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts for overall water splitting but at the same time increase electrochemical surface areas (ECSAs) to expose more accessible active sites. As a 3D bifunctional catalyst, RuCoP/NF demonstrates superior performance for HER (44 mV@10 mA cm–2) and OER (379 mV@50 mA cm–2) in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte solution. The overall water-splitting system was assembled using RuCoP/NF as both anode and cathode. Besides, it exhibits a voltage of 1.533 V at a current density of 10 mA cm–2 and long-term durability within 24 h. P-dopant changes the electron structure of Ru and Co, which is conducive to the formation of Ruδ− and Coδ+, resulting in the adjustment of binding H*/OH* and the improvement of the overall water-splitting reaction kinetics. This work provides a facile method to produce heteroatom-doped and high-performance catalysts for efficient overall water splitting.