Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined sun-photometer–lidar inversion: lessons learned during the EARLINET/ACTRIS COVID-19 campaign

Abstract. The European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET), part of the Aerosols, Clouds and Trace gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS), organized an intensive observational campaign in May 2020, with the objective of monitoring the atmospheric state over Europe during the COVID-19 lockdown and relaxation period. Besides the standard operational processing of the lidar data in EARLINET, for seven EARLINET sites having collocated sun-photometric observations in the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), a network exercise was held in order to derive profiles of the concentration and effective column size distributions of the aerosols in the atmosphere, by applying the GRASP/GARRLiC (from Generalized Aerosol Retrieval from Radiometer and Lidar Combined data – GARRLiC – part of the Generalized Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties – GRASP) inversion algorithm. The objective of this network exercise was to explore the possibility of identifying the anthropogenic component and of monitoring its spatial and temporal characteristics in the COVID-19 lockdown and relaxation period. While the number of cases is far from being statistically significant so as to provide a conclusive description of the atmospheric aerosols over Europe during this period, this network exercise was fundamental to deriving a common methodology for applying GRASP/GARRLiC to a network of instruments with different characteristics. The limits of the approach are discussed, in particular the missing information close to the ground in the lidar measurements due to the instrument geometry and the sensitivity of the GRASP/GARRLiC retrieval to the settings used, especially for cases with low aerosol optical depth (AOD) like the ones we show here. We found that this sensitivity is well-characterized in the GRASP/GARRLiC products, since it is included in their retrieval uncertainties.
On using Deep Reinforcement Learning to balance Power Consumption and Latency in 5G NR

Future generation cellular networks consider Power Consumption (PC) as a key concern in designing and operating wireless communication systems. In this context, 3GPP has proposed several techniques to reduce User Equipment (UE) PC, such as Connected-mode Discontinuous Reception (C-DRX), with a new set of parameters introduced by 5G New Radio (NR) and BandWidth Part (BWP) adaptation. However, they did not specify how to derive the C-DRX parameters and BWP configuration that reduce the PC while avoiding latency overflow. To address this shortcoming, we propose a novel solution to jointly derive the C-DRX parameters and the BWP configuration to find a trade-off between low PC and low latency. Given the inherent dynamics and uncertainty in wireless network environments, our solution relies on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to learn from the dynamic traffic pattern and derive the best C-DRX and BWP configuration that minimizes PC while achieving low latency. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in reducing the PC (i.e., 50-95% power gain) while avoiding latency overflow for a different number of connected UEs (i.e., 1 to 20 UEs).
Journal of Information Technology Education a Conceptual Framework for Using and Evaluating Web-based Learning Resources in School Education Conceptual Framework for Using and Evaluating Web-based Learning Resources Research Goal Literature Review Conceptual Framework for Using and Evaluating Web-ba

Executive Summary Web-based learning resources (WBLRs) have provided teachers with a wide range of new teaching experiences that are not possible in traditional classroom. However, little research has been done as to which approach to WBLRs is suitable to address issues that are pertinent to learning. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to explore the design and evaluation of WBLRs in school education. The paper also examines the way in which the framework is used to evaluate students' and teachers' perceptions of WBLRs by means of survey questionnaires. Before developing the framework, a literature review is undertaken to report on the state of research in the field of WBLRs. The literature review reveals a lack of design and evaluation of WBLRs in educational settings. Then, the framework is developed in three steps. First, the concept of WBLR is defined as a learning object that exists at the intersection of content, pedagogy, and technology. Second, concepts of usability are analyzed, and a definition of technical and pedagogical usability is proposed. Technical usability is a self-evident requirement, but it is not sufficient for designing pedagogically usable WBLRs. The usability concept must be extended to capture issues that are fundamental to learning. Nevertheless, technical and pedagogical usability cannot be considered as separate, disjointed activities. Finally, the context of use and evaluation is specified. The context is the totality of relationships between students and surrounding elements within a teaching and learning situation. The WBLR can be considered as an element of the context, and as such, it becomes a source of learning, by means of interaction with the students. To investigate the value of the framework, a case study is undertaken in three classes. To this end, the framework was used to inform the study, and the findings of the study were mapped back onto the framework in order to identify additional features found in classroom settings and points in the conceptual framework that did not significantly impact the case study. The main factor that impacted the design and evaluation of WBLRs was the pedagogical usability. While students and teachers globally agreed about technical usability, the findings indicate that they differed in their perceptions of pedagogical usability. In addition, the conceptual framework and the findings of the case study differed to a certain degree regarding the connectedness of some pedagogical usability criteria. The findings also revealed the existence of cultural values connected to students' …
Understanding the Social and Economic Values of Key Marine Species in the Great Barrier Reef: MTSRF Project 4.8.6(a) Final Report, June 2010 with a section focusing on marine turtles

The research reported in this document was conducted by a group of researchers within the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF) Program 8 (led by Dr Colin Simpfendorfer), under Project 4.8. 6 (led by Professor Bruce Prideaux). The specific task addressed by this group's activities relate to Research Task 4.8. 6 (a): To identify relative social and economic values of key marine species, including large fish around tourist facilities. This report constitutes the Final Report of that research task, and also includes a section dedicated to the socio-economic values of marine turtles in relation to scuba diving tourism in the Far Northern Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Section 6). The following sub-sections of this introduction provide a brief overview of the methodological approaches used to meet the goals of the project, with more specific details provided in the main body.
A NOVEL APPROACH FOR CONTROLLING WITH A MATRIX CONVERTER

This paper presents the contribution of a matrix converter for frequency stabilization for an energy source. Venturini optimal amplitude method is used. The energy source frequency is assumed to be purely random. A new approach based on the concept of Lyapunov's functions is revealed. The study is done for an electrical network with a random variable frequency, following the normal distribution and a typical RL load. The approach is tested using simulations under MATLAB® /Simulink® environment. The criteria used in the analysis are signal form, frequency analysis, and THD. The performances obtained are discussed.
EFFECTS OF MICROBIAL STRAINS IN A SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION ON QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF SOYBEAN-HULL

The by-product of soybean processing, soybean-hull, can have its fibre broken down by solid-state fermentation to improve digestibility and nutrient absorption. This research investigated the impacts of microbial strains in a solid-state fermentation on quality characteristics of soybean-hull. Soybean-hull was inoculated with a mono-culture of fungal (Aspergillus oryzae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum) while unfermented soybean-hull served as control at (27±2oC) for 0hour, 24hours, 48hours and 72hours. At 24hours of fermentation, pH ranged from 6.17-6.42. TSS decreased significantly (p < 0.05) while TTA gradually increased in all samples. Soybean-hull with L plantarum at 24hours of fermentation had the highest value of iron (3.18 mg/l). Ca:P interactions were influenced, as there was an increase from 0.15 in the control to 3.45 in L. plantarum at 72hours. The protein (4.98-22.42%), lipid (3.58-21.04%), moisture (7.07-8.23%) increased significantly (P < 0.05) while carbohydrate (36.29-26.04%) and fibre (60.32-15.97%) decreased as fermentation progresses. Phytate and trypsin inhibitors reduced significantly. Fibre fractions of the fermented substrate decreased except NDS which increased. This study revealed that fermented soybean-hulls innoculated with Bacillus substilis and Aspergillus oryzae at 72hours offers better nutritional values and could be adopted as a new nutrient source.
Globalizing Modeling Languages

In the software and systems modeling community, domain-specific modeling language (DSML) research is focused on providing technologies for developing languages and tools that allow domain experts to develop system solutions efficiently. Unfortunately, it's very difficult for software and systems engineers to reason about information spread across models describing different system aspects because of the current lack of support for explicitly relating concepts expressed in different DSMLs. Here, we describe a research initiative that broadens the DSML research focus beyond independent DSML development to one that supports globalized DSMLs-that is, DSMLs that facilitate coordination of work across different domains of expertise. Coordinating domain-specific modeling languages provides support for language heterogeneity in software-intensive systems' development and runtime management.
Unpacking the Racial Gap: Helicobacter pylori Infection Clearance Among Different Racial Groups

Introduction Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria causing chronic stomach infections, influenced by various factors, including host traits and bacterial virulence. It uses both urease-dependent and independent mechanisms to survive acidic gastric environments. Management entails diagnosis, treatment, and eradication verification. Combining drugs is key to overcoming resistance and ensuring bacteria elimination, thus preventing recurrence and complications. H. Pylori eradication mitigates gastric cancer risk and alleviates symptoms. Racial disparities persist despite declining H. pylori and gastric cancer incidence in the United States (US). African Americans (AA) have higher gastric cancer risks than non-Hispanic Whites. Addressing these disparities is crucial to protect high-risk populations. Methods This study retrospectively compiled H. pylori infection data from 2009 to 2022, categorized by race. Propensity score matching balanced initial group characteristics before analysis. Chi-squared and odds ratio tests were used on the cohort, with Kaplan Meier and Log Rank methods evaluating disease clearance in ethnic groups. Data were extracted from the Sunrise Electronic Medical Record software, including patient demographics, health details, and treatment specifics. Patients aged 18-65 with H. pylori infection at Nassau University Medical Center, who followed their treatment, were selected. Data were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and RStudio software. Results The study initially included 10,040 H. pylori-diagnosed patients, with 9,288 meeting the study's criteria after attrition. Predominantly female (64.7%), the cohort was racially diverse. A longer disease clearance time was noted among Hispanics (p=0.044). Binomial logistic regression analysis identified influential factors like high school graduation rates, poverty level income, and language proficiency on disease clearance. An odds ratio analysis further emphasized language barriers (HR 0.346, p=0.043) and education status (HR 0.756, p=0.025) as primary covariates impacting disease clearance, underlining the role of socio-economic factors and language proficiency in health outcomes. Conclusion The study highlights racial disparities in H. pylori clearance rates, particularly among Hispanics, necessitating culturally sensitive interventions. It advocates for improved diagnostics, increased healthcare access, and social determinants of health-focused initiatives. It identifies socio-economic status and language proficiency as key factors impacting health outcomes, calling for actions to bridge these disparities. Addressing these differences can decrease healthcare inequalities and economic burden, improving overall health outcomes and reducing costs associated with H. pylori clearance.
Nail Disease Prediction using a Deep Learning Integrated Framework

Deformities that may develop in the nail unit are referred to as "nail diseases". Even though the nail unit is regarded as a skin accessory, these diseases have their own distinct set of signs, causes, and outcomes that may or may not be connected to other illnesses. It can be challenging to identify and recognize certain nail disorders, hence this research suggests a novel deep learning framework that can identify and categorize these diseases from images. The framework is specifically made to identify nine different types of nail diseases based on nail colour, including black, blue, grey, purple, red, white, and yellow coloured nails with beau's lines, hyperpigmentation, onychomycosis, subungual hematoma, yellow nail syndrome, psoriasis, koilonychias, paronychia, pincer nails, leukonychia, and onychorrhexis. In order to do this, feature extraction is carried out using a mix of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The researchers created their own dataset to assess the effectiveness of their suggested framework because there isn't a comprehensive dataset readily accessible for this assignment. The outcomes were contrasted with those of other cutting-edge algorithms, including RF, SVM, ANN, and KNN, which are renowned for excelling in feature extraction. With an accuracy of 87.33%, the suggested framework distinguished between varieties of nail conditions with comparable performance.
Advanced Fault Ride-Through Operation Strategy Based on Model Predictive Control for High Power Wind Turbine

This article presents an advanced fault ride-through control strategy based on model predictive control (MPC) of high-power wind turbine (WT), which is able to provide voltage support for power grid under symmetrical and asymmetrical grid faults. An optimal cost function is first established to realize multi-objective control of wind power converter, considering current regulation, neutral-point voltage balance, and switching frequency control. The flexible positive and negative sequence control (FPNSC) method is applied to generate the current references complying with converter current and voltage limitations. Simulation and hardware-in-the-loop experimental verification are implemented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed fault-ride through operation strategy. The verification results show that the proposed strategy is able to effectively support voltage and implement fault ride-through (FRT) during grid faults with optimized neutral-point voltage and average switching frequency. The proposed MPC strategy can address different fault conditions with good adaptivity. It thus enhances the operation performance of high-power WT during faults events.
Yangtze River : the wildest, wickedest river on earth

Awash with superstition and folklore, the Yangtze river has been an inspiration for more than a thousand years to those who have lived beside it or sailed along it. This new collection contains fifty-four passages about the Yangtze River dating from the Tang dynasty to the present day and spanning thirteen centuries. The pieces are taken from novels, biographies, letters, diaries, poems, and short stories, and range from the words of early Chinese poet-officials to the observations of contemporary travel writers such as Colin Thubron and Paul Theroux.
Trajectory Tracking and Lane-Keeping Assistance for Autonomous Systems Using Pid and MPC Controllers

This research paper focuses on the rapidly growing field of self-driving technology, specifically addressing the lateral and longitudinal control for autonomous navigation. The study uses proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control for longitudinal control and model predictive control (MPC) for lateral control as the two key components of self-propelled technology. The MPC model predicts the vehicle's future trajectory and provides appropriate steering input to keep the vehicle on course, whereas the PID controller modifies throttle and brake inputs based on vehicle speed and acceleration sensors to maintain the desired speed and acceleration profile. Additionally, the presented work employs Stanley control, a specific type of path-tracking algorithm that uses a combination of controllers to track a pre-defined path while accounting for road curvature and vehicle dynamics. The study presents a viable approach to autonomous driving algorithm development and testing using the Carla simulator. By combining MPC and PID control technologies, the presented work demonstrates the ability to achieve precise motion control and safe navigation, providing insight into the development of safe and reliable autonomous driving functions
Asthma in the intensive care unit: A review of patient characteristics and outcomes

Background Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and South Africa (SA) is ranked fifth in global asthma mortality. Little is known about the characteristics and outcome of asthma patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission in SA. Objectives To identify and characterise patients with acute severe asthma admitted to the respiratory ICU at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, SA, in order to evaluate outcomes and identify predictors of poor outcomes in those admitted. Methods We performed a retrospective descriptive study of patients with severe asthma admitted to the respiratory ICU at Groote Schuur Hospital between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2019. Results One hundred and three patients (110 admission episodes) were identified with an acute asthma exacerbation requiring ICU admission; all were mechanically ventilated. There was a female preponderance (53.6%; n=59/110), with a median (range) age overall of 33 (13 - 84) years. Of all admissions, 40 (36.4%) were current tobacco smokers and 16 (14.5%) patients with a history of substance abuse. Two thirds (60.0%; n=66/110) of the patients were using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). No predictors of mortality were evident in multivariate modelling, although those who died were older, and had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores and longer duration of admission. Only 59 of the surviving 96 individual patients (61.5%) attended a specialist pulmonology clinic after discharge. Conclusion Among patients admitted to the respiratory ICU at Groote Schuur Hospital for asthma exacerbations, there was a high prevalence of smokers and poor coverage with inhaled ICSs. Although mortality was low compared with general ICU mortality, more needs to be done to prevent acute severe asthma exacerbations. Study synopsis What the study adds. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission represents the most severe form of exacerbation of asthma. South Africa (SA) has a very high rate of asthma deaths, and this study demonstrates that admission to an ICU with a very severe asthma exacerbation frequently results in a good outcome. However, many of the patients admitted to the ICU were not adequately treated with background asthma medications prior to their admission. Implications of the findings. Death from asthma should be avoidable, and admission to an ICU is not associated with high mortality. Patients are therefore likely to be dying at home or out of hospital. Better education and access to medication and early access to health services rather than improved in-hospital care would potentially alter SA’s high asthma mortality
Principles and applications of geochemistry : a comprehensive textbook for geology students

I. PLANET EARTH IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM. 1. What Is Geochemistry? 2. In the Beginning. 3. The Solar System. 4. Chemical Differentiation of the Earth. II. PRINCIPLES OF INORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY. 5. The Electronic Structure of Atoms. 6. The Periodic Table and Atomic Weights. 7. Chemical Bonds, Ionic Radii, and Crystals. 8. Ionic Substitution in Crystals. III. AQUEOUS GEOCHEMISTRY AND THE STABILITY OF MINERALS. 9. Acids and Bases. 10. Salts and Their Ions. 11. Thermodynamics. 12. Mineral Stability Diagrams. 13. Clay Minerals. 14. Oxidation-Reduction Reactions. 15. Rates of Geothermal Processes. IV. ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY AND MIXING. 16. Isotopic Geochronometers. 17. Isotope Fractionation. 18. Mixing and Dilution. V. APPLICATIONS OF GEOCHEMISTRY TO THE SOLUTION OF GLOBAL PROBLEMS. 19. Consequences of Chemical Weathering. 20. The Chemical Composition of Surface Water. 21. Chemical Weathering of Mineral Deposits. 22. Geochemical Cycles. 23. Chemistry of the Atmosphere. 24. Environmental Geochemistry: Disposal of Radioactive Waste. 25. Effect of Environmental Lead on Human Health. Appendix 1. Useful Data Tables. Appendix 2. Standard Gibbs Free Energies (G f0) and Standard Enthalpies of Formation (H f0). Author Index. Subject Index.
Motion Measurement Methods for Nonlinear Analysis of Electrostatic MEMS Resonators

In this paper, we compare two measurement techniques to analyze the dynamic response of a MEMS resonator, made of a microcantilever beam, that is electrostatically actuated via a side electrode. The first method is based on a combination of Michelson interferometry, knife-edge analysis, and stroboscopic imaging, and is used to dissect the in-plane and out-of-plane motions of the resonator. The second approach follows the motion-induced current method and is based on a transduction mechanism that converts the movement of the resonator to a current signal. The third harmonic of said current is directly related to the in-plane motion of the resonator. Motion-induced current measurements enable the detection of the nonlinear dynamics associated with the motion of the resonator when actuated with high excitation voltages. The optical and electrical measurements show similar nonlinear features in terms of the location of the cyclic-fold bifurcation in the parameter space and the hysteretic region associated with it. These dynamic features can be exploited for sensing purposes.