Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changing Trends inModelingMobility

A phenomenal increase in the number of wireless devices has led to the evolution of several interesting and challenging research problems in opportunistic networks. For example, the random waypoint mobility model, an early, popular effort to model mobility, involves generating random movement patterns. Previous research efforts, however, validate that movement patterns are not random; instead, human mobility is predictable to some extent. Since the performance of a routing protocol in an opportunistic network is greatly improved if the movement patterns of mobile users can be somewhat predicted in advance, several research attempts have been made to understand human mobility. The solutions developed use our understanding of movement patterns to predict the future contact probability for mobile nodes. In this work, we summarize the changing trends in modeling human mobility as random movements to the current research efforts that model human walks in a more predictable manner. Mobility patterns significantly affect the performance of a routing protocol. Thus, the changing trend in modeling mobility has led to several changes in developing routing protocols for opportunistic networks. For example, the simplest opportunistic routing protocol forwards a received packet to a randomly selected neighbor. With predictable mobility, however, routing protocols can use the expected contact information between a pair of mobile nodes in making forwarding decisions. In this work, we also describe the previous and current research efforts in developing routing protocols for opportunistic networks.
Feature space-based human face image representation and recognition

Abstract. We propose a novel face recognition method that represents and classifies face images in the feature space. It first assumes that in the feature space the test sample can be well expressed by a linear combination of the training samples, and then it exploits the obtained linear combination to perform face recognition. We also present the foundation, rationale, and characteristics of, as well as the differences between, our method and conventional kernel methods. The analysis shows that our method is a representation-based kernel method and works in the feature space. This method might be able to outperform the representation-based methods that work in the original space. The experimental results show that our method partially possesses the properties of “sparseness” and is able to reduce greatly the effects of noise and occlusion in the test sample.
Using passive and active microwave observations to constrain ice particle models

Abstract. Satellite microwave remote sensing is an important tool for determining the distribution of atmospheric ice globally. The upcoming Ice Cloud Imager (ICI) sensor will provide unprecedented measurements at sub-millimetre frequencies, employing channels up to 664 GHz. However, the utilization of such measurements requires detailed data on how individual ice particles scatter and absorb radiation, i.e., single scattering data. Several single scattering databases are currently available, with the one by Eriksson et al. (2018) specifically tailored to ICI. This study attempts to validate and constrain the large set of particle models available in this database, to a smaller and more manageable set. A combined active and passive model framework is developed and employed, which converts CloudSat observations to simulated brightness temperatures (TBs) measured by the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) and ICI. Simulations covering about one month in the tropic pacific ocean are performed, assuming different microphysical settings realized as combinations of particle model and particle size distribution (PSD). Firstly, it is found that when the CloudSat inversions and passive forward model are considered separately, assumed particle model and PSD have a considerable impact on both radar retrieved ice water content (IWC) and simulated TBs. Conversely, when the combined active and passive framework is employed instead, the uncertainty due to assumed particle model is significantly reduced, essentially due to a compensation effect between bulk extinction at passive frequencies and radar reflectivity. Furthermore, simulated TBs for almost all the tested microphysical combinations, from a statistical point of view, agree well with GMI measurements (186.31 and 190.31 GHz), indicating the robustness of the simulations. However, it is difficult to identify a particle model that outperforms any other. One aggregate particle model, composed of columns, yields marginally better agreement to GMI compared to the other particles, mainly for the most severe cases of deep convection. Of tested PSDs, the one by McFarquhar and Heymsfield (1997) is found to give the best overall agreement to GMI and also yields radar dBZ-IWC relationships closely matching measurements by Protat et al. (2016). Only one particle, modelled as an air-ice mixture spheroid, performs poorly overall. On the other hand, simulations at the higher ICI frequencies (328.65, 334.65, and 668.2 GHz) show significantly higher sensitivity to the assumed particle model. This study thus points to the potential use of combined ICI and 94 GHz radar measurements to constrain ice hydrometeor properties in radiative transfer (RT), using the method demonstrated in this paper.
Monetary Policy and Housing Sector Dynamics in a Large-Scale Bayesian Vector Autoregressive Model

Our paper considers this channel whereby monetary policy, a Federal funds rate shock, affects the dynamics of the US housing sector. The analysis uses impulse response functions obtained from a large-scale Bayesian Vector Autoregression (LBVAR) model that incorporates 143 monthly macroeconomic variables over the period of 1986:01 to 2003:12, including 21 variables relating to the housing sector at the national and four census regions. We find at the national level that housing starts, housing permits, and housing sales fall in response to the tightening of monetary policy. Housing sales reacts more quickly and sharply than starts and permits and exhibits more duration. Housing prices show the weakest response to the monetary policy shock. At the regional level, we conclude that the housing sector in the South drives the national data. The responses in the West differ the most from the other regions, especially for the impulse responses of housing starts and permits.
Grasses as invasive plants in South Africa revisited: Patterns, pathways and management

Background : In many countries around the world, the most damaging invasive plant species are grasses. However, the status of grass invasions in South Africa has not been documented recently. Objectives : To update Sue Milton’s 2004 review of grasses as invasive alien plants in South Africa, provide the first detailed species level inventory of alien grasses in South Africa and assess the invasion dynamics and management of the group. Method : We compiled the most comprehensive inventory of alien grasses in South Africa to date using recorded occurrences of alien grasses in the country from various literature and database sources. Using historical literature, we reviewed past efforts to introduce alien grasses into South Africa. We sourced information on the origins, uses, distributions and minimum residence times to investigate pathways and patterns of spatial extent. We identified alien grasses in South Africa that are having environmental and economic impacts and determined whether management options have been identified, and legislation created, for these species. Results : There are at least 256 alien grass species in the country, 37 of which have become invasive. Alien grass species richness increased most dramatically from the late 1800s to about 1940. Alien grass species that are not naturalised or invasive have much shorter residence times than those that have naturalised or become invasive. Most grasses were probably introduced for forage purposes, and a large number of alien grass species were trialled at pasture research stations. A large number of alien grass species in South Africa are of Eurasian origin, although more recent introductions include species from elsewhere in Africa and from Australasia. Alien grasses are most prevalent in the south-west of the country, and the Fynbos Biome has the most alien grasses and the most widespread species. We identified 11 species that have recorded environmental and economic impacts in the country. Few alien grasses have prescribed or researched management techniques. Moreover, current legislation neither adequately covers invasive species nor reflects the impacts and geographical extent of these species. Conclusion : South Africa has few invasive grass species, but there is much uncertainty regarding the identity, numbers of species, distributions, abundances and impacts of alien grasses. Although introductions of alien grasses have declined in recent decades, South Africa has a potentially large invasion debt. This highlights the need for continued monitoring and much greater investment in alien grass management, research and legislation.
An Evaluation of Over-Land Rain Rate Estimates by the GSMaP and GPROF Algorithms: The Role of Lower-Frequency Channels

This paper presents an evaluation of over-land rain-rate estimates by both the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) algorithm and the standard (GPROF) algorithm for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI), by comparing them with estimates by the standard algorithm for TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR). This study has the following advantages over previous studies: (1) the errors in rain-rate estimates are decomposed into those caused by rain/no-rain classification and those caused by rain-rate retrieval, (2) the quantitative effects of bright band height (BBH) and land surface physical temperature on retrieval are evaluated; and (3) the role of lower frequency channels (37.0 GHz and lower) for retrieval is investigated. GSMaP yields monthly average and zonal mean rain-rate estimates close to those estimated by the standard algorithm for PR, as it refers to a database produced with PR data. However, GSMaP and GPROF overestimate (underestimate) rain rates for tall (shallow), stratiform (convective), and evening (morning) rainfall. Dependence on storm height (SH) is unavoidable as long as the algorithm relies on the scattering signal caused by solid precipitation for higher frequency channels (85.5 GHz). Lower frequency channels are secondarily used in some algorithms to mitigate the above bias characteristics to some degree. In GSMaP Version 4.7, the severe overestimation seen in GSMaP Version 4.5 when SH is higher than 10 km is mitigated by using 37.0 GHz observations as a scattering signal. The following are indicated for stratiform rainfall with a bright band (SRBB). While the rain-rate estimates are negatively dependent on BBH in GSMaP, the use of 21.3 GHz and 10.7 GHz observations resulted in the cancellation of the dependence on the BBH in GPROF. Although lower-frequency observations are subject to variation in land surface physical temperature, no significant effects of land surface physical temperature on the rain-rate estimates were observed in this study. To improve over-land rain-rate estimates, it is important to make the most effective use of lower-frequency observations.
Magistrale in Ingegneria Dell ’ Automazione Battery Management System for Li-ion Batteries in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

One of the most attractive technologies for improving fuel economy in a vehicle is the use of hybrid powertrain technology. This has led to the development of chargesustaining hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which currently combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electrical motor (EM). Central to the hybrid concept implementation is the performance of the energy storage device feeding the electrical motor. Due to cost, weight and packaging constraints, current production mostly uses rechargeable batteries with nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) cells. However, the automotive industry is fast evolving to lithium ion or lithium ion polymer chemistries, which have more favorable power, energy density, efficiency and environmental impact. In this context, the so-called dualintercalation Li-ion battery is the most practical, reliable and popular choice among present lithium-based batteries. It uses a lithiated carbon intercalation material for the negative electrode, a lithiated transition metal intercalation oxide for the positive electrode and a liquid organic solution or a solid polymer for the electrolyte. Compared to the first lithium metal batteries, the intercalation structure has proved to significantly enhance reversibility and safety, at the cost of sacrificing energy density. Although the diffusion of these lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is already widespread in the portable electronics field, energy and power requirements for vehicle propulsion are much more rigorous, and operating these batteries safely, efficiently and reliably, as it is strictly required in the automotive field, is a challenging task. The HEV component responsible for the efficient and safe usage of the vehicle battery pack is referred to as the battery management system (BMS). Its main activity is to track the state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) of the battery pack, as well as perform maintenance actions such as cell balancing and cooling to provide maximum lifetime for the pack. Unfortunately, SOC and SOH are not directly measurable quantities, and an estimation process is required. The most accurate estimates are obtained by matching the available measurements with an electrochemical model of the LIB under monitoring, exploiting stochastic methods like Kalman filtering. This work reviews the development of a rigorous electrochemical model for a LIB, and explores one of the most recent techniques proposed by the literature that enables an accurate SOC estimation by means of an Unscented Kalman Filter. The theoretical framework is accompanied by simulations supporting the validity of the chosen approach.
HEiKAl COUPLED EFFECT OF ELEVATED TEMPERATURE AND COOLING CONDITIONS ON THE PROPERTIES OF GROUND CLAY

When a concrete structure is exposed to fire and cooling, some deterioration in its chemical resistivity and mechanical properties takes place. This deterioration can reach a level at which the structure may have to be thoroughly renovated or completely replaced. In this investigation, four types of cement mortars, ground clay bricks (GCB)/sand namely 0/3, 1/2, 2/1 and 3/0, were used. Three different cement contents were used: 350, 400 and 450 kg/m3. All the mortars were prepared and cured in tap water for 3 months and then kept in laboratory atmospheric conditions up to 6 months. The specimens were subjected to elevated temperatures up to 700°C for 3h and then cooled by three different conditions: water, furnace, and air cooling. The results show that all the mortars subjected to fire, irrespective of cooling mode, suffered a significant reduction in compressive strength. However, the mortars cooled in air exhibited a relativity higher reduction in compressive strength rather than those water or furnace cooled. The mortars containing GCB/sand (3/0) and GCB/sand (1/2) exhibited a relatively higher thermal stability than the others. KEY wORDS
Prevalence of Diabetic foot ulcer infections associated with Gram negative bacteria with special reference to drug resistant isolates

Introduction: Diabetic Mellitus type 2 is most common causes are foot ulcer; Infections include abscess, necrotizing, fasciitis, gangrene, arthritis, tendonitis, cellulitis, osteomyelitis and eventually lead to the development of limb amputation.Aims and Objectives: This study carried out to determine the patterns of infection in diabetic foot ulcers with special reference to the susceptibility and drug resistant isolates.Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 199 diabetic foot ulcers patients by using pus swab, tissue, and exudates in sterile containers and processed to using standard microbiological techniques.Results: A total of 441 bacterial isolates were obtained from 199 patients with diabetic foot ulcers. A maximum number of patients were in the age group of 45 to 64 years and male predominant compared to female. Most of the isolates recovered according to Wagner classification system in DFU (Diabetic foot ulcer) >4cm2, >7.0 HbA1C and blood urea >30 mg/dl and serum creatinine >1.3mg/dl. 55% isolates of non-lactose fermenting Gram negative bacteria were more prevalent than 45% isolates of lactose fermenting Gram negative bacteria. The most commonly found isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (39.6%), Escherichia coli (17.46%), Acinetobacter species (15.41%), Proteus species (12.47%), and Klebsiella species (9.75%) respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the Gram negative bacteria was also studied. ESBL producing most common bacteria was Klebsiella species and Citrobacter species in this study than Escherichia coli and Enterobacter species.Conclusion: This study shows NLF predominant than LF GNB among the isolates from the diabetic foot ulcers. Antimicrobial susceptibility result of this study suggests that pathogens having susceptible to Imipenem and Piperacillin/ tazobactam were sensitive against LF, NLF-GNB and also ESBL producing bacteria. Colistin is the drug of choice multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Surveillance and monitoring on the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates will be helpful in determining the drugs for the empirical treatment of diabetic ulcers.
C REACTIVE PROTEIN IN DIFFENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF PLEURAL EFFUSION

Present study has included 95 Pleural Effusion patients. Pleural fluid were collected from them and classified as Transudate and Exudate according to the standard criteria. Pleural Fluid C-Reactive Protein (CRP) concentrations indicated towards diagnosis and severity of exudates. CRP in pleural fluid is a helpful tool in diagnosis and monitoring of pleural effusion patients. Keywords: Pleural effusion, Exudate, CRP
Leaf morphological plasticity of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa in response to natural drought gradient ecotopes

The leaf is the largest organ that plants expose to the environment; it is sensitive to environmental changes and its plastic morphology can adapt to different environments. This study explored the leaf morphological plasticity of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa in response to natural drought gradient ecotopes to elucidate the mechanism of leaf plasticity response to different environments caused by climate change. Leaves were sampled from Yantai and Shijiazhuang cities and Ningxia and Xinjiang provinces of China that formed a drought gradient environment according to their soil moisture, annual precipitation, and humidity coefficients. Epidermal hair was distributed on the leaf surface, and cuticle and waxiness covered the surface of the epidermis. Mesophyll was all palisade tissue because the spongy tissue was degraded, but beyond that, there were a large number of stomata and secretory cells distributed into mesophyll. From Yantai to Xinjiang, with drought stress increasing sharply, the leaf area gradually became significantly smaller while leaf thickness became significantly greater. The thickness of cuticle on the leaf epidermis was increased and the cuticle on the upper epidermis was thicker than that on the lower epidermis. The long and short diameters of both upper and lower epidermis cells were first increased and then decreased. Total thickness and density of palisade tissue and the long diameter of palisade cells in each
Commentary on Grigori Mints’ “Classical and Intuitionistic Geometric Logic”

This paper studies a Glivenko sequent class, i.e. a class of sequents where classical derivability entails intuitionistic derivability; more specifically, the paper is about “geometric sequents”. The main old result in this topic is a direct consequence [10] of Barr’s theorem1. As background, Mints sketches an old deductive proof (from [6]) and an old model-theoretic proof, as in Exercise 2.6. 14 of [8]; but, his interest being in complexity of proof transformations, he gives a third proof, of a result both more and less general. A modern reconstruction [5] of Orevkov’s proof [6, Theorem 4.1, part (1)] relies on what we would now call the “cut-free G3c calculus” [9], in which Cut and other structural rules are admissible and all the logical rules are invertible (indeed, heightpreserving invertible). His result is that the list (or “σ-class”) [→+,¬+,∀+] is a “completely Glivenko class”; in other words, he shows that if a sequent with a single succedent has no positive occurrences of →, ¬ or ∀ then its classical derivability implies its intuitionistic derivability. In modern terminology, this means just that if a sequent Γ ⇒ A (where Γ consists of geometric implications and A is a positive formula) is derivable in cut-free G3c, then it is already derivable in the intuitionistic calculus m-G3i (also from [9]). The proof method actually shows the stronger result, that the cut-free G3c derivation is already a m-G3i derivation. The weaker result extends to the case where A is a geometric implication by using the invertibility in cut-free G3c of the succedent rules for the three mentioned connectives. Other work,
Kératites bactériennes sévères reçues aux urgences ophtalmologiques : analyse rétrospective de 268 cas Severe bacterial keratitis referred to ophthalmology emergency departments : A retrospective study of 268 cases

a Unité d’ophtalmologie, pôle d’ophtalmologie et de chirurgie à dominante ambulatoire, Assistance publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, 1, place du Parvis-Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris, France b Pôle d’ophtalmologie et de chirurgie à dominante ambulatoire, faculté de médecine, université Sorbonne Paris-Cité-Paris-Descartes, hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
Effect of Biostimulation with Organic Amendment on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea Mays) In Diesel Oil (Ago) Polluted Soil

The effect of poultry manure and cow dung amendment of diesel oil polluted soil on the growth of Zea mays (Maize) was carried out in a green house at Lamingo area of Jos. The experiment was set up in a randomize block design (RBD) of five (5) replicates for each treatment. Loamy soil (500g) was polluted with 250ml of diesel oil in perforated polyethene bags size (64x21cm) and amended with poultry manure and cow dung at 0%. 10%, 20% and 30% soil weight. Three (3) seeds of maize were planted in each pot. Two types of control were set up to validate this experiment: a positive control (500g of soil + 0ml of diesel + 0% manure) and a negative control (500g of soil + 250ml diesel + 0% manure). These were observed for germination and growth parameters for 13 weeks. The results showed that maize seeds in the positive control had the shortest day to germination (6day), an average of 12 and 13 days to germination was observed in plots treated at 30% poultry manure and cow dung respectively. No germination was observed in both the negative control and at 10% organic manure treatment. Maize plants in the positive control plots had highest mean leaf count (13) followed by those at 30% manure treatment (11) and (12) respectively, while those at 20% manure treatment had the least number of leaves. Results on stem girth followed a similar trend with the aforementioned parameters. Plant height at weeks 10 and 12 were significantly higher than those of all other weeks, but do not differ from each other at 0.05 level of probability. Plant in the control had the highest number of kernels per cob (187) followed by plot at 30% manure treatment 150 and 180 respectively for poultry manure and cow dung. The study has shown that diesel contamination affected growth and yield of maize plant adversely. However among the manure treated plots those exposed to higher fraction of poultry manure strived better than those treated with equal fraction of cow dung. Poultry manure can therefore be recommended as a biostimulant in diesel oil polluted soil.