Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benefits of Using Plants in Indoor Environments: Exploring Common Research Gaps

The introduction of green plants in indoor spaces has raised a great amount of interest motivated by plants’ supposed capacity to improve the quality of indoor built environments. Subsequent studies have covered a broad range of topics, testing plants in indoor environments for their climate-mitigating effects, acoustic benefits, potential energy savings and the enhancement of the indoor microbial communities. Despite the diversity of focus in these studies, no major breakthroughs have been made involving the use of plants in indoor environments after nearly thirty years of research. To identify major inconsistencies and gaps in the research, this review, of an explorative nature, presents an analysis of plant-related parameters reported in 31 cases of experimental research involving the use of plants in indoor environments. The papers were identified by searching the online databases Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus and MDPI and were selected based on their relevance to the topic and diversity of focus. Two classifications in table form provide an overview of the 38 plant-related parameters used in the reviewed research. The conclusions drawn from the analysis of the tables highlight a strongly anthropocentric frame of reference across the majority of the studies, which prioritize human and experimental convenience above plant physiology, and display an overall scarcity and inconsistency in the plant-related parameters reported.
Transportation Mode Detection Using an Optimized Long Short-Term Memory Model on Multimodal Sensor Data

The advancement of sensing technologies coupled with the rapid progress in big data analysis has ushered in a new era in intelligent transport and smart city applications. In this context, transportation mode detection (TMD) of mobile users is a field that has gained significant traction in recent years. In this paper, we present a deep learning approach for transportation mode detection using multimodal sensor data elicited from user smartphones. The approach is based on long short-term Memory networks and Bayesian optimization of their parameters. We conducted an extensive experimental evaluation of the proposed approach, which attains very high recognition rates, against a multitude of machine learning approaches, including state-of-the-art methods. We also discuss issues regarding feature correlation and the impact of dimensionality reduction.
High-power monolithic passively modelocked quantum-dot laser

High-power operation of monolithic modelocked lasers based on 1.26 μm self-organised quantum dots has been achieved in the 30-60°C range for the first time. A 60°C peak power reaches 1.7 W with a pulse width of 3.2 ps at a repetition frequency of 5 GHz.
A joint optimization model for production scheduling and preventive maintenance interval

Machine maintenance is performed in production to prevent machine failure in order to maintain production efficiency and reduce failure costs. Due to the importance of maintenance in production, it is necessary to consider an integrated schedule for production and maintenance. Most of the literature on machine scheduling assumes that machines are always available. However, this assumption is unrealistic in many industrial applications. Preventive maintenance (PM) is often performed in a production system to prevent premature machine failure in order to maintain production efficiency. Machine maintenance plan is often performed in a production system to prevent premature machine failure in order to maintain production efficiency In this paper, a parallel machine scheduling problem with individual maintenance operations is considered. Then, a mathematical model is formulated including scheduling and maintenance operation optimization. The objective is to assign all jobs to machines so that the completion time and the average cost are minimized, jointly. Maintenance is considered in time intervals. To solve the proposed problem, a branch and bound (B&B) algorithm is adapted and proposed. The results showed the applicability of the mathematical model in production systems and efficiency of the adapted B&B in compare with Gams optimization software.
Optimal Estimation for Multiple Packet Dropouts Systems with Colored Measurement Noise

This paper is concerned with the optimal estimation problem for multiple packet dropouts systems with colored measurement noise. Using the latest received measurement value to replace the current missing data. Then, based on the augmented state space model, the optimal estimators including filter, predictor and smoother are developed via an innovation analysis approach for multiple packet dropouts systems with white and colored measurement noises. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed estimators.
A novel design of dual-band Wilkinson power divider with simple structure and wide band-ratios characteristics

The design and analysis of a dual-band equal-split Wilkinson power divider are presented in this paper. It is proved that a coupled line with a pair of stubs structure is capable of the dual-band operation in the Wilkinson power divider. Moreover, the overall structure of power divider can be simplified with small number of transmission line sections using the proposed method, and the proposed divider can achieve dual-band operation over a wide range of band-ratios. For verification, a microwave power divider operating at 1 and 2.5 GHz is fabricated, and the experimental results show that the designed power divider fulfills all the features of a conventional Wilkinson power divider, such as an equal power split and impedance matching at ports.
A Comprehensive Survey of Deep Learning Models Based on Keras Framework

Python is one of the most widely adopted programming languages, having replaced a number of those in the field. Python is popular with developers for a variety of reasons, one of which is because it has an incredibly diverse collection of libraries that users can run. The most compelling reasons for adopting Keras come from its guiding principles, particularly those related to usability. Aside from the simplicity of learning and model construction, Keras has a wide variety of production deployment options and robust support for multiple GPUs and distributed training. A strong and easy-to-use free, open-source Python library is the most important tool for developing and evaluating deep learning models. The aim of this paper is to provide the most current survey of Keras in different aspects, which is a Python-based deep learning Application Programming Interface (API) that runs on top of the machine learning framework, TensorFlow. The mentioned library is used in conjunction with TensorFlow, PyTorch, CODEEPNEATM, and Pygame to allow integration of deep learning models such as cardiovascular disease diagnostics, graph neural networks, identifying health issues, COVID-19 recognition, skin tumors, image detection, and so on, in the applied area. Furthermore, the author used Keras's details, goals, challenges, significant outcomes, and the findings obtained using this method.
Study on the adequacy of landfill cover at muassim landfill, makkah, Saudi Arabia

This study examined the adequacy of an existing sandy landfill cover—1.0 m to 2.3 m in thickness and 0.9 km2 in area—in protecting the waste against rainfall infiltration by testing equivalent cover material at a location away from the site. The landfill is located in Muassim, Makkah—Mecca, in English—Saudi Arabia, while laboratory tests were carried out in Malaysia using simulated sand of equal gradation properties as material of the site. Samples of thicknesses between 0.1 m and 0.9 m were tested in a transparent column, 0.194 m in internal diameter, and applied to the top of the column was 3.31 L of water, the equivalence of 1 year rainfall in Muassim. A container was placed at the bottom of the column to collect water in case of a “breakthrough”. Each experiment was allowed to run for 24 h and measurements were made for “breakthrough” time, volume of water collected over time, and depth of wetted front over time. The veracity of the measurements was verified by carrying out similar tests at site, in the Saudi Arabian landfill, using real cover material. The study suggests that under ideal circumstances, the existing sandy landfill cover probably is capable of protecting the waste body against infiltration. The study also demonstrates the appropriateness of carrying out tests on simulated geotechnical material in a situation when the actual material is not readily available. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 569–575, 2013
A Comparison of Different Schemes of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Study

Purpose To examine the clinical significance of unoperated cervical cancer patients treated with different neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) schemes followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy (CCRT). Methods This retrospective analysis included women with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with NACT-CCRT between September 2011 and September 2014. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy included paclitaxel plus cisplatin (TP group; 62 patients) or paclitaxel plus loplatin (TL group; 58 patients), which were administered three weekly, and cisplatin or loplatin, which were administered weekly for synchronous chemotherapy. External beam radiation therapy (50.4–56.35 Gy/28 f, 180–215 cGy/f, 5 f/w) was followed by intracavitary brachytherapy (5 Gy per fraction, mostly 5 fractions, Ir192 based). Results One hundred twenty women were included in the analysis. The complete/partial response rate was 99.2% after treatment. The one-year, three-year, and five-year survival rates were 99.2%, 82.5%, and 70.8%, respectively. In the TP and TL groups, the three-year and five-year survival rates were 85.5% vs 77.6% and 75.8% vs 65.5%, respectively, with no significant difference. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates between patients with stage IIB and stage IIIB disease were not significantly different (69.2% vs 64.7%). In the TP group, grade 3 or 4 digestive reactions were more frequent than those in the TL group. Leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were more common in the TL group. No significant difference was found in anemia, radiation enteritis, radiation proctitis, or radiation cystitis between the groups. Conclusion Lobaplatin may be used as an alternative drug for patients with severe digestive system reactions or contraindications to cisplatin, but hematological toxicity must be considered, particularly in dose-intensive schemes. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy (NACT-CCRT) warrants further prospective study in cervical cancer patients with a wide range of tumor invasion (eg, mass size ≥5 cm or stage IIIB).
Experimental Study of Vortex Shedding Control Using Plasma Actuator

This paper aims at experimental investigation of the active flow control with plasma actuator over an airfoil. The method involved application of single dielectric barrier discharge in order to change the frequency of vortex shedding and the turbulence characteristics from a NACA4412 airfoil. The objective was to reduce control flaps noise in transporting aircraft via an effective body force generated by the actuators. Results indicated that the use of plasma actuator led to a significant decrease in the frequency of vortex shedding around the flap whereas a significant increase in turbulence levels was achieved at a distance away from the actuator.
Analysis and design of a fully integrated CMOS low‐noise amplifier for concurrent dual‐band receivers

This article thoroughly analyzes a concurrent dual‐band low‐noise amplifier (LNA) and carefully examines the effects of both active and passive elements on the performance of the dual‐band LNA. As an example of the analysis, a fully integrated dual‐band LNA is designed in a standard 0.18‐μm 6M1P CMOS technology from the system viewpoint for the first time to provide a higher gain at the high band in order to compensate the high‐band signal's extra loss over the air transmission. The LNA drains 6.21 mA of current from a 1.5‐V supply voltage and achieves voltage gains of 14 and 22 dB, input S11 of 15 and 18 dB, and noise figures of 2.45 and 2.51 dB at 2.4 and 5.2 GHz, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2006.
Adding missing vines to the tree: multilocus phylogeny of New World vine snakes (Serpentes: Colubridae: Oxybelis), with description of a new species

ABSTRACT Neotropical vine snakes (Oxybelis) have a wide distribution range from southern United States to southeastern Brazil. Notably, the widespread brown vine snake O. aeneus was recently split into eight species, but major geographical areas such as the South American Pacific lowlands remained unsampled. In this paper, we present the largest molecular phylogeny of Oxybelis to date using six mitochondrial and nuclear genes and 10 of the 11 currently recognised species of Oxybelis. Our analyses include the first South American samples from west of the Andes, which we describe as a new species based on molecular and morphological evidence. The new species is morphologically most similar to O. acuminatus, O. aeneus, and O. inkaterra. Although the new species is genetically distinctive and divergent from its congeners, its phylogenetic placement received low support. Our results also suggest that a sample from Escudo de Veraguas Island in Panama represents an undescribed species of Oxybelis. Finally, we clarify the phylogenetic position of O. aeneus sensu stricto. https:urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CC4E3741-D9DF-4F6C-8D0F-9BD20CB124E5
Elementary Schoolteachers’ Bilingual Development Beliefs and English Learners’ English Reading Comprehension Achievement

Research on elementary schoolteachers’ beliefs about dual language development and its relation to English learners’ (ELs) achievement is scant, despite the increasing representation of ELs in US classrooms. To address this gap, this study investigates: (1) teacher beliefs about ELs’ dual language development and (2) associations between teacher beliefs about ELs’ dual language development and ELs’ English reading comprehension achievement. Principal component analyses revealed six teacher belief factors about dual language learning, and multilevel analyses suggested that teachers’ asset view and bilingual development understanding of dual language learning and development positively predicted English reading comprehension, whereas lenient expectations and English-only achievement showed an opposite relation.
Evaluation of Hydrologic Modelling Using Satellite Product, and MMR Rainfall in East Java, Indonesia

In Indonesia, ground-based rainfall monitoring is uneven and sometimes lacks continuity especially in small watersheds, which makes hydrological modeling difficult. This paper aims to the performance evaluation of the HBV Light model from the manual measurement of rainfall (MMR), Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM3IMERGDF), and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM-3B42) as input for the hydrological model. The Hydrologiska Byrans Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) Light hydrological model is applied to three small watersheds, namely Sampean Baru, Bedadung, and Mayang. The model’s performance evaluation is assessed based on the correlation between the average rainfall data for the satellite product area and the MMR product, the stationarity of the rainfall and discharge data, and the model accuracy. The model simulation results show that the MMR rainfall in all watersheds provides a better discharge response than the other two products. Meanwhile, the simulation model of the GPM-3IMERGDF satellite product is slightly better than TRMM-3B42. The stationarity test of rainfall and discharge data needs to be enforced before modeling.
The Organizer and Its Signaling in Embryonic Development

Germ layer specification and axis formation are crucial events in embryonic development. The Spemann organizer regulates the early developmental processes by multiple regulatory mechanisms. This review focuses on the responsive signaling in organizer formation and how the organizer orchestrates the germ layer specification in vertebrates. Accumulated evidence indicates that the organizer influences embryonic development by dual signaling. Two parallel processes, the migration of the organizer’s cells, followed by the transcriptional activation/deactivation of target genes, and the diffusion of secreting molecules, collectively direct the early development. Finally, we take an in-depth look at active signaling that originates from the organizer and involves germ layer specification and patterning.
Optimal tool replacement with product quality deterioration and random tool failure

Operating the machine with a deteriorated cutting tool often leads to poor product quality performance and high risk of tool failure. Replacing the degraded tool is an effective measure to reduce product quality loss and chance of tool failure. Excessive tool replacements, however, may increase the production capacity loss and tool replacement cost. Taking these factors into consideration, this paper presents an approach for determining the optimal tool replacement time for cutting process. It assumes that the product quality deteriorates as cutting tool wears and tool failure occurs randomly during the cutting process. A product quality failure rate model is developed to characterise the deterioration of product quality during the cutting process, and the product quality loss is estimated based on this model. Weibull distribution is employed to describe the stochastic tool life. A tool replacement model is proposed based on balancing the product quality loss, penalty cost for possible tool failure, production capacity loss and tool replacement cost. Sensitivity analysis of the optimal tool replacement decision is presented.
Hand Hygiene Evaluation Using Two Different Evaluation Tools and Hand Contamination of Veterinary Healthcare Workers in a Swiss Companion Animal Clinic

Hand hygiene (HH) is the most important measure to prevent nosocomial infections. HH compliance in companion animal clinics has been reported to be poor. The present study compared an online application with the WHO evaluation form to assess the WHO five moments of HH in a Swiss companion animal clinic. In 202 hand swabs from 87 staff members, total viable count (TVC) before and after patient contact was evaluated and the swabs were tested for selected antimicrobial resistant microorganisms of public health importance. HH compliance (95% confidence interval) was 36.6% (33.8–39.5%) and was similar when assessed with the two evaluation tools. HH differed between hospital areas (p = 0.0035) and HH indications (p < 0.0001). Gloves were worn in 22.0% (18.0–26.6%) of HH observations and were indicated in 37.2% (27.3–48.3%) of these observations. Mean TVC before patient contact was lower (0.52 log CFU/cm2) than after patient contact (1.02 log CFU/cm2) but was similar before patient contact on gloved and ungloved hands. Three hand swabs (1.5% (0.4–4.3%)) were positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Gloving should not be regarded as a substitute for HH. Overall, HH in companion animal medicine should urgently be fostered.
Automation in the Washroom: Hand Dryers

FEATURE AT A GLANCE: Automation is ubiquitous - found even in washroom faucets and toilets. In this article, I describe various types of activation strategies used in hand dryers. The interactive characteristics of seven types of hand dryers are described. Dryers ranged from push-button-activated hot-air dryers to integrated soap-wash-dry systems. Their ease or lack of ease of activation is discussed and compared. Some activation strategies are not intuitive and induce errors. Designers should (a) maximize the use of stereotypes, affordances, and constraints and (b) develop and test instructions or pictorial information.
Changing Perspectives — Changing Paradigms: Taking the "Soft Path" to Water Sustainability in the Okanagan Basin

Access to fresh water is vital to Canada's long-term prosperity. Water is the foundation of our economy and communities, and is essential for all forms of life. Yet despite its critical importance, water is undervalued and often wasted. Perceived as an abundant and virtually limitless resource, the myth of abundance is entrenched even in water-stressed areas such as the Okanagan, where drinking water supplies are at risk, conflicts among water users are common, economic opportunities are threatened, and aquatic ecosystem health and fisheries are declining. Population growth, coupled with the uncertain (yet increasingly evident) impacts of climate change, will only increase these challenges in the future. Water conservation and demand management are critical components in a lasting long-term and sustainable approach to water management. Demand management offers a genuine win-win solution as communities reap both environmental and economic dividends from reducing water use. To demonstrate that conservation is the next best source of "new" water in regions where supply is limited, this paper outlines opportunities to move toward more sustainable water management. A comprehensive and long-term approach to water demand management, referred to as the "soft path," requires active participation by water users and effective strategic planning to create the appropriate mix and timing of conservation measures for the region. Lasting solutions require changes in attitudes and opinions about water and must draw on innovative tools and best practices from other jurisdictions to create a basin-wide and comprehensive "made in the Okanagan" approach to sustainable water management.
A Review on Role of Circadian Rhythms in Management of Prostate Cancer

The circadian clock is a molecular evolutionary mechanism that controls the time of physiology to maintain homeostasis. Circadian disorder in particular has been identified as an independent risk factor for cancer and has been classified as a carcinogen. The circadian rhythm regulates several biological pathways, including oncogenic tumors, metabolism, and cell reproduction. The new data examined in this article suggest that circadian regulatory functions play a key role in various aspects of cancer, including cell proliferation control, cell death, DNA repair, and metabolism. Circadian irregularities are incorrect input signals, such as exposure to night light, variability in circadian rhythm genes, and output changes that regulate circadian behavior, including melatonin. Night work, shift work, workday changes, urinary melatonin levels, and insomnia put older men at risk for prostate cancer. Melatonin has anti-cancer properties. Men with lower melatonin levels in the morning had a higher risk of advanced or fatal prostate cancer. Melatonin, a hormone found in the pineal gland, plays an important role in the functioning of the circadian function. The integration of circadian biology into cancer research opens up new avenues for more effective cancer treatment, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this destructive disease. This review examines the role of the circadian clock in tumor formation and cancer symptoms, and examines whether pharmacological changes in circadian clock genes may lead to new treatment options.