Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new lattice fluid equation of state for associated CO₂ + polymer and CO₂ + ionic liquid systems

I dedicate my dissertation to my family and friends. I would especially like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents Abdul Ghani and Monwara Begum for making me who I am and for their unconditional love that motivates me to set ambitious goals. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Amyn S. Teja for his continuous help and guidance in my research. His insightful discussions on different aspects of the thermodynamics and engineering fundamentals helped me to achieve my professional goals. The enthusiasm and professionalism he has demonstrated for his research was motivational for me, even when times were difficult in my Ph.D. pursuit. It has been an honor to be his Ph.D. student. I would also like to acknowledge my assistance and recommendations in different stages of my research. I would like to express my heartiest gratitude to past and present members of the Mohamad Kassaee for their generous help and friendship. They have added much to my personal and professional development. I am especially indebted to Mohamad Kassee, Pei Yoong, and Pramod Warrier for their willingness to provide inspiration and feedback, and Mohamad Kassaee for his help in FTIR peak analysis. I wish to acknowledge my friends and family for their inspiration and support they have provided during my PhD work. Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, Kamrun Nahar and my son, Naqeeb Mohammad Hossain for their love and support which was the driving force to accomplish my goals.
An Experimental Approach to Assessing the Roles of Magnesium, Calcium, and Carbonate Ratios in Marine Carbonates

Marine biomineralization is a globally important biological and geochemical process. Understanding the mechanisms controlling the precipitation of calcium carbonate [CaCO3] within the calcifying fluid of marine organisms, such as corals, crustose coralline algae, and foraminifera, presents one of the most elusive, yet relevant areas of biomineralization research, due to the often-impenetrable ability to measure the process in situ. The precipitation of CaCO3 is assumed to be largely controlled by the saturation state [Ω] of the extracellular calcifying fluid. In this study, we mimicked the typical pH and Ω known for the calcifying fluid in corals, while varying the magnesium, calcium, and carbonate concentrations in six chemo-static growth experiments, thereby mimicking various dissolved inorganic carbon concentration mechanisms and ionic movement into the extracellular calcifying fluid. Reduced mineralization and varied CaCO3 morphologies highlight the inhibiting effect of magnesium regardless of pH and Ω and suggests the importance of strong magnesium removal or calcium concentration mechanisms. In respect to ocean acidification studies, this could allow an explanation for why specific marine calcifiers respond differently to lower saturation states.
Te genus Siphula Fr. (Icmadophilaceae, Lichenized Fungi) in Venezuela

Seven species of Siphula Nylander have been found in Venezuela (including Páramos and Guayana Highlands). Three species from the Guayana Highlands viz. S. chimantensis V. Marcano, S. subsimplex V. Marcano and S. subpteruloides V. Marcano are described as new to science. A key to the species is presented together with data on morphology, chemistry, variation, taxonomy, habitat and distribution. The data indicate that of the taxa reported from Venezuela, four are known only from the Guayana Highlands, one is known only from the neotropics, and two are pantropical. The high concentration of Siphula species seen in the Guayana Highlands suggests that this region constitutes an important centre for speciation and endemism for the genus.
Visceral fat is associated with high-grade complications in patients undergoing minimally invasive partial nephrectomy for small renal masses

Abstract Introduction: Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy is standard of care treatment for small renal masses. Objective: We evaluated the relationship between subcutaneous and visceral obesity with high-grade postoperative 30-day complications in patients undergoing minimally invasive partial nephrectomy. Methods: We retrospectively identified 98 patients at our institution from 2014 to 2017 who underwent laparoscopic or robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy due to suspected renal cell carcinoma. Patients were stratified based on presence or absence of high-grade (Clavien ≥ IIIa) 30-day postoperative complications. Means were compared with the independent t test and proportions with chi-square analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of high-grade 30-day complications. Results: Mean nephrometry score was 6.7 with 21 (21.4%) patients having hilar tumors. Mean estimation of blood loss was 207 mL, mean operating time was 223 min, and mean warm ischemia time was 23 min. The majority of patients had clear renal cell carcinoma (n = 83, 84.7%) and pT1a disease (n = 76, 77.6%) with negative margins (n = 89, 90.8%) on pathology. There were 5 (5.1%) patients who experienced a high-grade postoperative 30-day complication. Mean visceral fat index was an independent predictor of high-grade 30-day complications (odds ratio: 1.02; 95% confidence interval: 1.002–1.03; p = 0.027). Conclusions: Visceral obesity should be considered as a prognostic indicator of outcomes in patients undergoing surgical treatment for a small renal mass.
University of Birmingham Machine learning aided identification of train weights from railway sleeper vibration

: The weight of a train is a critical factor in determining how much a train operator has to pay to use the railway network within the UK and many other countries. In this study, the different machine learning algorithms are explored to be used to predict a trains weight based on the vibration signals recorded in the sleeper of a rail track. The vibration signals are split into two groups, time domain and frequency domain signals. Then, different algorithms are developed for each group to see which domain the best representation of a vibration signal is to use within models to find out target values. From the study, machine learning has the potential to predict trains’ weight effectively. This insight can lead to the use of mobile sensors in practice, such as the application of wireless accelerometers connected with a smartphone that will help engineers audit and assure the train access integrity.
Comparative Study on Pharmacokinetics of Cryptotanshinone and Tanshinones Extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. in Rats

OBJECTIVE To develop a LC-MS-MS method for determination of the concentration of cryptotanshinone in rat plasma and comparative study of the pharmacokinetics of cryptotanshinone and tanshinones extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.in rat,and to assess the effect of other tanshinone components on the pharmacokinetics of cryptotanshinone.METHODS Rats received 5.7 mg·kg-1 cryptotanshinone or extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (equal to cryptotanshinone 5.7 mg·kg-1) by oral gavarge.Blood samples were collected from the eye ophthalmic vein jungle venous plexus.After liquid liquid extraction with methyl t-butyl ether,plasma concentrations of cryptotanshinone was measured.The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with 3P97 program.RESULTS A good linear relationship of cryptotanshinone was obtained from 0.1 to 50 μg·L-1,the lowest limits of determination were 0.1 μg·L-1.The method recoveries were all from 94.0%～103.8%. The plasma concentration-time curves of cryptotanshinone were best fitted with one-compartment and two-compartment models for cryptotanshinone and tanshinones extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. ,respectively.The AUC0-t and ρmax of cryptotanshinone were much greater when the extract was administrated.CONCLUSION The LC-MS-MS method was selective,accurate and sensitive.The results indicated that the tanshinones extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.had significant effect on the absorption and/or transformation of cryptotanshinone therefore affecting the bioavailability of cryptotanshinone significantly.These results are important for the clinical indication and understanding of the pharmacokinetics and synergism of cryptotanshinone and tanshinones extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.
Enhanced Performance of PMSG in WECS Using MPPT - Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control

The wind turbine is a tool used to convert wind energy into electrical energy. This research applies the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm combined with the fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) to produce maximum power in the wind turbine. Addition of fuzzy logic algorithm to sliding mode control to reduce the chattering phenomenon caused by the high switching frequency of the MOSFET in the boost converter. The permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) type of generator with a capacity of 600 watts is used to convert the mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy. Tracing the maximum power value of the generator with the MPPT-FSMC algorithm in this study based on the value of the generator output voltage, generator output current, and converter output voltage obtained through simulations on MATLAB / SIMULINK. Comparison of wind turbine performance using MPPT-FSMC and without MPPT is shown as validation of improved wind turbine performance when using intelligent control algorithm.
Electrochemical Dynamics and Electrokinetic Particle Motion in Concentrated Electrolytes

Using the Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) equations and modifications thereof, we consider two distinct systems under different conditions: an electrochemical and thermo-electric cell, and a colloidal particle in a concentrated electrolyte solution. For an electrochemical cell, we examine the response to a moderately nonlinear AC voltage and quantify the nonlinear impedance of the system, thus generalizing the concept of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy beyond the low-voltage regime. With the same system, we study the response to a weak temperature gradient and quantify the charging dynamics of a model thermo-electric generator, yielding insights to the timescales over which such devices develop a thermo-voltage. We also study the electrophoresis (motion under an applied electric field) and diffusiophoresis (motion under a solute concentration gradient) of a model colloidal particle in concentrated electrolytes. In the former case, we consider the effect that direct ion-ion electrostatic interactions has on particle mobility and achieve good agreement with experiments, including prediction of a reversal in the direction of particle migration. In the latter case, we examine the effect of steric repulsion between ions and predict a significant effect on the particle mobility. Our results suggest diffusiophoresis could be a useful method for mobilizing particles in concentrated electrolytes.
Mathematical Model of Tubular Linear Induction Motor

Received: 15 November 2020 Accepted: 23 January 2021 Problem of calculation of distribution of magnetic field induction in clearance of tubular linear induction motor (TLIM) is considered. Mathematical model is represented by Fredholm integral equations of second kind for complexes of electric field strength and density of coupled magnetization currents at interface of environments. Algorithm of calculation of distribution of magnetic field induction in TLIM clearance has been developed. Dependence of magnetic field induction in motor clearance on value of pole division is investigated. There is area of optimum pole pitch. Reliability of results of calculations on mathematical model is confirmed by their comparison with results obtained on physical model. Calculated dependence of induction on thickness of runner's iron circuit also has extreme character. Given model can be used at design stage of TLIM. Model allows calculating its optimal geometric dimensions based on criterion of maximum induction in motor clearance, taking into account physical properties of applied materials.
Economic and Social Factors Affecting Student Decision to Choose Studying Major-Case of Northern Universities in Vietnam

Purpose: The study assesses the influence of factors affecting the choice of majors/schools of non-public students. Thereby, providing science-based conclusions about students' perceptions of study majors, giving recommendations to contribute to improving enrolment of non-public schools, esp. Northern Universities and in the specific case of Dai Nam Universities, Vietnam. Methods: The paper used both qualitative analysis, analytical and synthesis methods, combined with descriptive statistical methods and statistical processed methods. Results: This study figures out that family and parent's practical experiences will help students to choose the right majors to study, 2nd factor will belong to advise from teachers and advisors in Universities or Colleges who can recommend suitable industry majors. We also find out that student choice is also affected by their team or friend’s groups.
Populist Supporters on Reddit: A Comparison of Content and Behavioral Patterns Within Publics of Supporters of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton

The international rise of populism has been attributed, in part, to digital media. These media allow the backers of populists to share and distribute information independent of traditional media organizations or elites and offer communication spaces in which they can support each other and strengthen communal ties irrespective of their societal standing. Can we identify these functions in distinct usage patterns of digital media by supporters of populists? This could find expression through posting content that comports with the central tenets of populist ideology, higher activity levels, use of distinct vocabularies, and heightened levels of community building. We investigate differences along these dimensions on the online forum Reddit by comparing linguistic patterns and content of comments in two subreddits focusing on a populist, Donald Trump (/r/The_Donald), and a center-left politician, Hillary Clinton (/r/hillaryclinton), during the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign. Contributors to /r/The_Donald expressed more strongly parts of the populist ideological package, specifically anti-elitism and exclusionism, but failed to express people-centrism; used the platform more intensively; used vocabularies different than those used in other partisan publics; and engaged more strongly in community building.
Bioinspired synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by using leaf extract of Solanum lycopersicum L. for larvicidal activity of Aedes aegypti L.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the key transmitters of varied life-threatening arbovirus diseases; overuse of synthetic chemicals to target vector-borne diseases has an adverse impact on the environment. Biological agents have proven to be an alternative source to synthetic agents for controlling mosquitoes. In this context, the present study investigated the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs using Solanum lycopersicum leaf extract under the influence of solution combustion synthesis method and assessment of its larvicidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti. Synthesised ZnO NPs were characterised by using UV–vis, FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD. The physicochemical parameter confirmed the synthesised nanoparticles were highly pure. The UV spectrum showed a strong peak at 352 nm corresponding to bandgap energy 3.01 eV. The SEM indicates the particles were rod-like structures. Further, the EDX analysis primarily confirms the zinc and oxygen without any impurities. The XRD data shows the crystallite size of ZnO Nps was of 40.93 nm. Finally, the aqueous leaf extract and ZnO NPs showed significant (p < 0.05) larvicidal activity at 48 h. However, ZnO NPs revealed high larvicidal effect compared to aqueous extract. From the results, it can be concluded that the bioactive constituents present within the plant extract act as capping and reducing agents for the successful ZnO NPs synthesis and could be used for controlling mosquito vector Ae. aegypti.
Phytotoxicity of Perlatolic Acid and Derivatives

Perlatolic acid (1), methyl perlatolate (2), and the products of perlatolic acid alcoholysis-namely, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-n-pentylbenzoate (3-11)-were evaluated for their herbicidal potential on Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and Allium cepa L. (onion) seeds. The compounds exhibited low phytotoxicity on L. sativa germination. Perlatolic acid (1) proved the most active compound (20%). Activity was lowest for n-hexyl 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-n-pentylbenzoate (11) (3.5%). The esters iso-propyl and sec-butyl 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-n-pentylbenzoate (6 and 8, respectively) inhibited root (35% e 43%, respectively) and hypocotyl growth (59% e 56%, respectively). The esters n-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-n-pentylbenzoate (7, 10, and 11, respectively) proved phytotoxic to A. cepa, delaying and reducing seed germination (27%), while n-pentyl 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-n-pentylbenzoate (10) was the most inhibitory for root (42%) and coleoptile growth (24%). The behaviors of iso-propyl, sec-butyl, and n-pentyl 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-n-pentylbenzoate (6, 8, and 10, respectively) suggest the potential utility of these esters as natural herbicides. The esters iso-propyl and sec-butyl 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-n-pentylbenzoate (6 and 8, respectively) may serve as model molecules in the investigation of potential herbicides for dicotyledon control, while n-pentyl 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-n-pentylbenzoate (10) may serve the same function for monocotyledon species.
Numerical simulation of artificial spin ice for reservoir computing

We propose the use of artificial spin ice (ASI) for reservoir computing and evaluate its performance from simulation results. Our ASI reservoir is formed by 72 magnets arranged in a honeycomb lattice and the temperature is 0 K. A pseudo-random binary sequence is sent to the reservoir and its status is updated by external magnetic fields. Short-term memory capacity of 3.5 and nonlinear computational capacity of 2.9 are achieved when the strength of the magnetic fields is near the switching field of the magnets. The performance can be optimized by tuning the aspect ratios of the magnets.
Treatment of Heavy, Long-Chain Petroleum-Hydrocarbon Impacted Soils Using Chemical Oxidation

AbstractChemical oxidation is a promising approach for in situ or ex situ treatment of heavy, long-chain (C12−C40) petroleum-hydrocarbon impacted soils. Aqueous chemical oxidation treatments (sodium percarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, sodium persulfate, chlorine dioxide, sodium permanganate, and ozone) using two oxidant concentrations were tested in batch tests on soils containing C12–C40 total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations of 1.6 and 2.0% weight/weight (w/w) resulting in TPH reductions from 20 to 90%. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) chromatograms for hydrocarbons were obtained and presented as chain-length fractions. Sodium percarbonate and hydrogen peroxide achieved the highest TPH reduction. There was little difference between 1 and 10% weight/volume (w/v) for all oxidant doses on TPH removal. Soluble organics in the liquid supernatants after oxidation of the TPH-containing soils were characterized by TPH analysis and excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectros.
Multimodal Risk-Based Path Planning for Neurosurgical Interventions

Image-guided neurosurgical interventions are challenging due to the complex anatomy of the brain and the inherent risk of damaging vital structures. This paper presents a neurosurgical planning tool for safe and effective neurosurgical interventions, minimizing the risk through optimized access planning. The strengths of the proposed system are the integration of multiple risk structures combined into a holistic model for fast and intuitive user interaction, and a modular architecture. The tool is intended to support neurosurgeons to quickly determine the most appropriate surgical entry point and trajectory through the brain with minimized risk. The user interface guides a user through the decision-making process and may save planning time of neurosurgical interventions. The navigation tool has been interfaced to the Robot Operating System, which allows the integration into automated workflows and the planning of linear and nonlinear trajectories. Determined risk structures and trajectories can be visualized intuitively as a projection map on the skin or cortical surface. Two risk calculation modes (strict and joint) are offered to the neurosurgeons, depending on the intracranial procedure's type and complexity. A qualitative evaluation with clinical experts shows the practical relevance, while a quantitative performance and functionality analysis proves the robustness and effectiveness of the system.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan blend cross-linked with bis phenol-F-diglycidyl ether: mechanical, thermal and water absorption investigation

In this investigation, blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan cross-linked with bis phenol-F-diglycidyl ether were prepared by solution casting method. Epoxy acted as a cross-linker and content was varied from 3.80 × 10−3 to 3.80 × 10−2 mol. Morphology of the blend was examined using scanning electron microscopy which showed homogenous morphology suggesting good miscibility between blend components. FTIR showed significant shifting of peak at 1063 cm−1 to higher frequency implying that intermolecular interaction disturbed crystallization of chitosan in blend. Thermal and mechanical properties were also analyzed by thermo-gravimetric analysis and universal mechanical tester, respectively. Thermal stability of PVA/Ch blends was increased in the presence of epoxy cross-linker. Investigation on mechanical properties of blended films showed that the blending improved the tensile strength (68 MPa), percentage elongation at break (31 MPa), and toughness (13 MPa) while a decrease in Young's modulus (299 MPa) .
2D DOA Estimation of Coherently Distributed Sources for Planar Arrays Based on Blind Signal Separation

A novel method is presented to estimate the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of coherently distributed (CD) sources for planar arrays. In the proposed method, the two-dimensional (2D) angular parameters are obtained by making use of the estimated generalized array manifold matrix, which is separated from the received observation data based on blind signal separation algorithm. The proposed method offers a number of advantages. First, the 2D central DOAs and angular spread variances can be estimated simultaneously. Second, the deterministic angular distributed functions (DADFs) of the CD sources do not need to know. Third, the special array geometries are not required, as the method is applicable to planar arrays. Computer simulations are shown to verify the efficacy of the proposed method.
Low Noise Amplifier Design and Performance Analysis of RF Front-End for Narrow Band Receivers

This manuscript presents the low noise amplifier design and performance analysis of receiver RF front-end for narrowband wireless communications. The LNA is a central building block of the wireless receiver. A single-ended cascode CMOS LNA is purposeful for reconfigurable applications such as Wireless LAN. The scope of this manuscript is to design an LNA appropriate for wireless applications with improved performance metrics. The contributions of this paper are noise reduction and high gain using an inductive degeneration common source stage. The proposed LNA espouses the entire simulation results in the frequency band of 2.44GHz. The excellent Noise Figure obtained as 0.95dB; the preferable power gain (S21) is 17dB, also the results of P-1dB of -17.3dBm, IIP3 of -10.7dBm at 2.44GHz, respectively. However, the perfect input and output matching network is achieved with proper reverse shielding and excellent stability.