Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A methodology to assist in locating drone congregation area using remote sensing technique

The mating of honey bees, Apis mellifera L. occurs in the air at specific locations called drone congregation areas (DCAs). The identification of these areas is important for beekeepers especially breeders of queens to ensure the mating of their virgin queens, and for studies on the mating behaviour of honey bee queens. In this study, remote sensing and geographical information systems were used for the first time to develop a methodology that can assist in locating these DCAs. The methodology included analysing landscape characteristics around the apiary to exclude unsuitable areas as DCAs, and finally to limit the search to a smaller area. An isolated apiary was used to develop the methodology and the actual location of the DCA was confirmed using field observations. The results of this study indicated that remote sensing can assist in locating DCAs.
Popularity and Size-Aware Caching With Cooperative Transmission in Hybrid Microwave/ Millimeter Wave Heterogeneous Networks

In this paper, a file popularity and size-aware (PSA) caching scheme is proposed for a hybrid heterogeneous network (HetNet) comprising a file server, macro base stations (BSs) operating in the microwave frequency bands, and pico BSs operating in the millimeter wave frequency wave bands. Different than the state-of-the-art size-weighted popularity (SWP) and popularity-based caching schemes that assume equal file size, the file PSA caching scheme utilizes knowledge of the file popularity and size distributions to maximize the network average cache hit probability and the network average success probability subject to the available cache capacity. Moreover, the maximization of the network average success probability is shown to be non-convex and dynamic programming and branch and bound algorithms are employed to circumvent its convexity. New expressions for the optimal file caching probabilities that maximize the network average success probability in noise-limited and interference-limited HetNet scenarios are provided which are evaluated using numerical techniques. The results demonstrate that the proposed file PSA caching scheme provides up to 7% gain in the network average success probability compared to the SWP-based scheme. Lastly, the combination of coded caching with cooperative transmission achieves up to 40% gain compared to a non-cooperative transmission scheme without coded caching.
Effects of hyperglycemia on the TGF-β pathway in trabecular meshwork cells.

BACKGROUND Hyperglycemia, which can lead to apoptosis, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and induces hyperinflammation in diabetic vascular complications due to oxidative stress. In order to elucidate the potential dual roles and regulatory signal transduction of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs), we established an oxidative cell model in HTMCs using 5.5, 25, 50, and 100 mM d-glucose-supplemented media and characterized the TGF-β-related oxidative stress pathway. METHODS Further analysis was conducted to investigate oxidative damage and protein alterations in the HTMC caused by the signal transduction. This was done through a series of qualitative cell function studies, such as cell viability/apoptosis analysis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, analysis of calcium release concentration, immunoblot analysis to detect the related protein expression alteration, and analysis of cell fibrosis to study the effect of different severities of hyperglycemia. Also, we illustrated the role of TGF-β1/2 in oxidative stress-induced injury by shRNA-mediated knockdown or stimulation with recombinant human TGF-β1 protein (rhTGF-β1). RESULTS Results from the protein expression analysis showed that p-JNK, p-p38, p-AKT, and related SMAD family members were upregulated in HTMCs under hyperglycemia. In the cell functional assays, HTMCs treated with rhTGFβ-1 (1 ng/mL) under hyperglycemic conditions showed higher proliferation rates and lower ROS and calcium levels. CONCLUSIONS To summarize, mechanistic analyses in HTMCs showed that hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress activated TGF-β1 along with its associated pathway. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE While at low concentrations, TGF-β1 protects cells from antioxidation, whereas at high concentrations, it accumulates in the extracellular matrix, causing further HTMC dysfunction.
Electrical Model of Frequency Loss Induced Quench Protection System for High Temperature Superconducting Magnets

Frequency Loss Induced Quench (FLIQ) is an active protection system designed to generate heat from AC losses to uniformly and safely quench a superconducting coil. It drives an imbalance in the transport current between two or more sections of the magnet using the H-bridge design with Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)s, whose gates are controlled based on the current feedback within its loop. This allows FLIQ to operate at resonance with the frequency of the load. The performance of FLIQ circuit was characterized using simulations to assess the relative effectiveness of the key parameters of voltage, frequency, and time. The results show that the voltage is the most effective parameter. It was shown that with the selection of appropriate values of the parameters, the FLIQ system released sufficient energy into the coil to quench it.
An Assessment of the Impact of the Tourism Sector on Regional Economic Development in Gauteng Province, South Africa

South Africa is facing three main developmental problems, including high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The tourism sector allows for a relatively easy entry into the local market for small businesses and entrepreneurs and has the potential to create jobs and subsequently, income. Tourism development could be utilised as a driver for economic growth and development. The main objective of this research was to assess the impact of the tourism sector on economic growth and development in South Africa, focusing on the Gauteng Province which, is the economic hub of the country and even Africa. The methodology utilised was based on a quantitative design, using secondary time series pooled panel data approach including, all the municipal entities in the region. Annual data from 2000 to 2019 were used to analyse the impact of tourism on economic growth and development. Tourism variables include measurements such as tourism spending and international tourism trips. Results confirm the tourism-growth nexus and the sector allows ease of market entry for small businesses, resulting in employment creation and income for the poor in developing regions if promoted via effective policy implementation, even in regions where tourism is not the leading sector.
Nationalist ideology, rightwing populism, and public views about climate change in Europe

ABSTRACT Rising rightwing populism (RWP) potentially constitutes an obstacle to climate change mitigation, as European RWP parties and politicians often espouse climate change skepticism and oppose climate policies. Meanwhile, their party positions and issue stances have also become increasingly characterized by nationalism. Using European Social Survey data from 2016, we show that public attitudes consistent with nationalist ideology are clearly linked to voting for RWP parties and that people who hold these attitudes are more likely to be skeptical about climate change and to oppose policies that increase taxes on fossil fuels. With regard to policy attitudes, we find that nationalist ideology is more influential than traditional left-right political ideology, environmental values and political trust. The results also reveal substantial cross-national differences, as nationalist ideology is linked more closely to public views about climate change in Western European countries, where RWP parties with a nationalist rhetoric have had recent electoral successes.
Unknown source identification problem for space-time fractional diffusion equation: optimal error bound analysis and regularization method

In this paper, the problem of unknown source identification for the space-time fractional diffusion equation is studied. In this equation, the time fractional derivative used is a new fractional derivative, namely, Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative. We have illustrated that this problem is an ill-posed problem. Under the assumption of a priori bound, we obtain the optimal error bound analysis of the problem under the source condition. Moreover, we use a modified quasi-boundary regularization method and Landweber iterative regularization method to solve this ill-posed problem. Based on a priori and a posteriori regularization parameter selection rules, the corresponding convergence error estimates of the two regularization methods are obtained, respectively. Compared with the modified quasi-boundary regularization method, the convergence error estimate of Landweber iterative regularization method is order-optimal. Finally, the advantages, stability and effectiveness of the two regularization methods are illustrated by examples with different properties.
Defect Evolution of Nonstoichiometric ZnO Quantum Dots

ZnO quantum dots with relatively narrow size distribution were produced by the presented precipitation method. Theoretical results from the literature were correlated to Zn-rich and O-rich preparations of ZnO. The investigation of the defect evolution was performed by photoluminescence (PL) measurements and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). By a deconvolution of PL spectra, the often mentioned defect-related green luminescence with line centers between 2.72 and 2.26 eV was observed. Since all defect centers have different defect formation enthalpies, additional information on the formation of these centers via annealing was collected. This data led us to the conclusion that VZn shows more prominent properties than usually reported. The VO defect is assigned to be responsible for the blue-light emission. The investigation of nonstoichiometric ZnO including its annealing revealed that the EPR signal at g = 1.959 can be assigned to core defects with a weak coupling to remote hydrogens from water molecul.
Using fluorescence quenching combined with two-dimensional correlation fluorescence spectroscopy to characterise the binding-site heterogeneity of dissolved organic matter with copper and mercury in lake sediments

Environmental context Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays an important role in influencing the migration and ultimate fate of metals. Different sources of pollution resulted in changes in the structure of sediment DOM in Lake Wuliangsuhai. We investigate the binding properties of DOM with CuII and HgII using fluorescence quenching combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) in order to demonstrate the influence of different sources of DOM on metals. Abstract Dissolved organic matter (DOM) was collected from three sampling sites (L1, L2 and L3) in Lake Wuliangsuhai. L1 received upstream industrial wastewater and domestic sewage. L2 had suffered from agricultural non-point source pollution. L3 was situated in the lake outlet area. The complexation of DOM with CuII and HgII was investigated based on fluorescence quenching of the synchronous fluorescence spectra on the addition of CuII and on two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS). The synchronous and asynchronous maps derived from 2D-COS provided a clear picture of the heterogeneous distribution of CuII and HgII binding sites, which was not readily detected using only the synchronous fluorescence spectra. CuII and HgII complexation was stronger at shorter wavelengths than at longer wavelengths. Moreover, fluorescence quenching also occurred intensely in the fulvic-like regions (363nm for DOM-Cu in L2 and 365nm for DOM-Hg in L1). The logarithms of the stability constants (log KM) ranged from 4.42 to 6.23, from 4.75 to 4.86, and from 4.80 to 5.73 for DOM-Cu in L1, L2 and L3, respectively, depending on the wavelength. DOM at the longer wavelengths exhibited a higher log KM than that at the shorter wavelengths, and the f values in the protein-like region were clearly high. These results suggest that the influence of the structural and chemical properties of DOM on CuII binding may differ for DOM from different sources. The combined approach of fluorescence quenching and 2D-COS could be applied as a tool for evaluating the metal binding site heterogeneity of DOM.
Interictal Epileptiform Discharges are Task Dependent and are Associated with Lasting Electrocorticographic Changes

Abstract The factors that control the occurrence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) are not well understood. We suspected that this phenomenon reflects an attention-dependent suppression of interictal epileptiform activity. We hypothesized that IEDs would occur less frequently when a subject viewed a task-relevant stimulus compared with viewing a blank screen. Furthermore, IEDs have been shown to impair memory when they occur in certain regions during the encoding or recall phases of a memory task. Although these discharges have a short duration, their impact on memory suggests that they have longer lasting electrophysiological effects. We found that IEDs were associated with an increase in low-frequency power and a change in the balance between low- and high-frequency oscillations for several seconds. We found that the occurrence of IEDs is modified by whether a subject is attending to a word displayed on screen or is observing a blank screen. In addition, we found that discharges in brain regions in every lobe impair memory. These findings elucidate the relationship between IEDs and memory impairment and reveal the task dependence of the occurrence of IEDs.
Electric-dipole forbidden transitions for probing atomic state preparation: the case of the Autler–Townes effect

This work demonstrates an scheme in which a weak electric quadrupole (E2) transition with a controlled frequency detuning in a ladder configuration is used as an extremely non-perturbing probe for precisely identifying subtle details of the effects driven by AC fields coupling atomic states and the preparation of quantum states. For this purpose, we provide a precise experimental and theoretical study of the Autler Townes (AT) effect derived from a strong electric dipole transition stimulated by a resonant laser beam and probed by the E2 interaction. The experiment was carried out for a 87Rb atomic gas at room temperature in a velocity-selective scheme. The AT effect was monitored via the splitting of the fluorescence spectra associated with the spontaneous decay to the ground state. The theoretical description incorporates the modification of standard few-level schemes introduced by forbidden electric-dipole transitions selection rules. We develop an analytic ladder three-level scheme to approximate the cyclic 5S1/2 F = 2 → 5P3/2 F = 3 → 6P3/2 F = 1, 2, 3 → 5S1/2 F = 2 path. Other levels that could have effects on the fluorescence are included via a fourth level with effective parameters. Doppler effects and finite bandwidths of the laser beams are included in the theoretical model to closely reproduce the experimental results.
Males’ perception and motivation for Vasectomy

Background: The population of Pakistan has increased from 34.0 million in 1951 to 220 million in 2020 making it the 6th most populous country. Vasectomy is the least accepted contraceptive method in Pakistan. The objective of the study was to explore the perception and motivation of males towards vasectomy. Methods: This qualitative study with phenomenology design was conducted at the Family Planning Center of JPMC, Karachi. The ultimate sample size was five. Males of age > 30 years, having at least one alive child were included. Informed consent was taken. Open-ended questions regarding concepts of family planning (vasectomy) religious and its social implications were asked. The interviews were transcribed and double-checked. Coding of the data was done and themes and subthemes were generated. Results: The age ranged from 32 to 45 years. Only one participant was a graduate. The participants were well motivated for vasectomy having a clear concept of its impact on family life and quality of the sexual relationship. With an idea of two children (a boy and a girl); they were of the view that more children will compromise their capability of giving children a better life. They believed vasectomy is forbidden in religion, yet they opt for it keeping the comfort of children upfront. They believed that male vasectomy is a better option than female tubal ligation. Conclusions: Vasectomy was regarded as a benign procedure and well accepted by the study participants. They were clear about its impact on life.
Guanxi and supply chain collaboration: an analysis of the Sino-Franco buyer–supplier relationship

ABSTRACT Along with the rapid growth of Chinese investments in France in recent years, there’s an increasing interest in studying the impact of Sino-Franco buyer–supplier relationship on their supply chain collaboration (SCC). We refer to both operational research and social management research to consider how does guanxi influence SCC and buying companies’ supply chain performance. By analysing the survey data collected from Chinese buyers in France, our findings have not only empirically proved guanxi’s importance in Sino-Franco relationship, but also revealed guanxi’s indirect influence on supply chain performance through the mediating effect of three different SCC dimensions (i.e. version sharing, resource-based collaboration and process-based collaboration).
Differentiated Uses of Social Networking Platforms among Young People in the Autonomous Region of Madrid

Young people make intensive and varied use of social networks, which depends on individual differences and use motives. This study analyses the different ways in which young people use the main social media platforms and the role that gender, age and social class play in users’ behaviour with a representative sample of young people aged 17–24 in the Community of Madrid (Spain) (N = 533). Women and the youngest people (17–19 years of age) used social networks more consistently. Instagram and Facebook were the most widely used social networks with greater diversity of use in the areas of sociability and entertainment. While women and the younger age group spent more time using Instagram, young people from the upper class and upper-middle class used Facebook more often in a variety of ways. YouTube was used less frequently, and it was used mainly for entertainment purposes. Snapchat played a small role in this segment of the population. We conclude that age and social class play an important role in defining the different ways in which young people in the Region of Madrid use social media, and such influences vary depending on the platform under study and the types of activities being carried out.
The social learning potential of participatory water valuation workshops: A case study in Tasmania, Australia

Participatory water valuation workshops are useful for their valuation outcomes, but can they also foster social learning? Social learning involves changes in understanding through social interactions between actors, which go beyond the individual to become situated within wider social units. Participatory water valuation workshops involve dialoguing about knowledge, perspectives, and preferences, which may be conducive to social learning. In this paper, we assess the social learning potential of a participatory valuation workshop, based on a case study in Tasmania, where farmers, water managers, and a policy maker shared their personal perspectives on the past, current and future values of irrigation water. To assess the social learning potential of a single participatory valuation workshop, we analyzed drivers — that is, factors positively influencing social learning — and outcomes — that is, indications that social learning occurred. Data were collected through an exit survey, in-workshop reflections and semistructured interviews following 3 weeks and 6 months after the actual workshop. The results indicate that the workshop provided the drivers for social learning to occur. In addition, participants indicated to have learned from and with others, and that the workshop provided improved and extended networks. According to the participants, the workshop led to a shared concern about increasing prices for water licences and induced substantive outcomes related to the use, management, and governance of irrigation water. We conclude that participatory valuation workshops, such as the one analyzed here, can foster social learning.
Using Holocene fossils to model the future: Distribution of climate suitability for tuatara, the last rhynchocephalian

Correlative species distribution models (SDMs) are typically trained using only the contemporary distribution of species; however, recent records might reflect an incomplete description of a species' niche, limiting the reliability of predictions. SDMs linking fossil records have the potential to improve conservation decisions under human‐induced climate change. Here, we built SDMs using presence records from contemporary and Holocene records to enable estimations of climatically suitable area under current and future climate scenarios.
Analysis of histopathological spectrum of intracranial central nervous system tumours in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Descriptive epidemiology of intracranial central nervous system (CNS) tumours is a significant part of tumour studies which provides information on magnitude and distribution of the lesions. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of frequency of intracranial CNS tumours with comparison with national and international data.Methods: In this retrospective study 101 intracranial CNS tumours diagnosed over a period of 4 years were included. Histological diagnosis of tumours was confirmed and they were classified according to revised WHO classification of CNS tumours 2016. Frequencies of tumours in accordance to age, gender, location, laterality and grades were evaluated.Results: Total 101 cases including 59 (58.42%) males and 42 (41.58%) females were studied. Paediatric and adult cases accounted for 17 (16.83%) and 84 (83.17%), respectively. Most tumours were noted in the 6th decade. Out of total cases, 91 (90.1%) were primary intracranial CNS tumours and 10 (9.9%) were metastatic tumours. Most common tumours were astrocytoma followed by meningioma. Among children, astrocytoma (41.18%), medulloblastomas (41.18%), ependymomas (11.76%) and meningiomas (5.88%) were the reported lesions. In adults, astrocytoma (39.29%), meningiomas (23.81%), metastatic tumours (11.90%), ependymomas (8.33%), hemangioblastomas (5.95%) and schwannomas (4.76%) were common. Glioblastomas were the commonest astrocytoma. WHO grade I tumours were commonest followed by grade IV. Conclusions: The study gives a glimpse of prevalence of intracranial central nervous system tumours forming a baseline profile based primarily on the histopathological diagnosis at rural tertiary care hospital.