Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hazard assessment of engineered nanomaterials : impacts on hepatic and renal models

This study was conducted as part of a large consortium (FP7 project – ENPRA) to investigate the potential hazard of a wide range of nanomaterials (one Ag, two ZnO, two MWCNTs and five TiO2) on the liver and the kidneys for the purpose of risk assessment. The in vitro C3A hepatocyte model demonstrated that Ag and ZnO NMs were consistently more potent with respect to cytotoxicity and cytokine production. In comparison the MWCNT and TiO2 nanomaterials investigated revealed relatively lower toxicity. The cytotoxicity of ZnO may be related to its solubility, but this is less likely for the Ag NMs. Urea and albumin production were measured as indicators of hepatic function. These markers were only altered by the coated and uncoated ZnO, which significantly decreased albumin production. The C3A model also showed that the NM which induced a low cytotoxicity (TiO2 and MWCNTs) generated intracellular ROS, induced oxidative stress (GSH depletion) and that an oxidative mechanism was involved in both the induction of IL8 protein production and genotoxicity. The C3A cells were demonstrated to be a very good model to investigate nanomaterial induced effects on hepatocytes when compared to primary human hepatocytes. The results also suggested that biotransformation enzymes in hepatocytes are not important in terms of determining nanotoxicology. In vivo mice models demonstrated that the instilled Ag, ZnO and positively charged TiO2 result in distal effects on the liver in the form of oxidative stress. While all NMs with the exception of the two MWCNTs instilled via the lungs caused changes in gene expression in the liver in varying degrees. The intravenous exposure of mice to the NMs resulted in a neutrophil influx into the liver. These leukocytes play an important in the initiation of the immune response to the NMs. However the NMs were not sufficient to cause any long term neutrophil mediated inflammation or damage to the liver tissue. Any changes that were observed after 24 hr post exposure in terms of leukocyte infiltration into the tissue, antioxidants status and changes in gene expression related to inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis had resolved 72 hr post exposure. Next, we show that Kupffer cells are very important in the liver immune response to the NMs with a significant change in the cytokine profile following the enrichment of the macrophage population. Finally, investigations using the HK-2 renal model demonstrated that ZnO and Ag NMs were consistently more potent with respect to cytotoxicity, cytokine production (IL6 and IL8) and intracellular reactive oxygen species production. These results were consistent with those observed in the hepatocyte models. We noted that short term sub-lethal exposure to the Ag and two of the TiO2 NMs (positively charged and the 94 nm TiO2) resulted in most evident DNA damage.
A ConvLSTM Conjunction Model for Groundwater Level Forecasting in a Karst Aquifer Considering Connectivity Characteristics

Groundwater is an important water resource, and groundwater level (GWL) forecasting is a useful tool for supporting the sustainable management of water resources. Existing studies have shown that GWLs can be accurately predicted by combining an artificial neural network model with meteorological and hydrological factors. However, GWL data are typically geographic spatiotemporal series data, and current studies have considered only the spatial distance factor when predicting GWLs. In karst aquifers, the GWL is affected by the developmental degree of the karst, topographic factors, structural features, and other factors; considering only the spatial distance is not enough, and the real spatial connectivity characteristics need to be considered. Thus, in this paper, we proposed a new method for forecasting GWLs in karst aquifers while considering connectivity characteristics using a neural network prediction model. The connectivity of a karst aquifer was analyzed by a multidimensional feature clustering method based on the distance index and hydrogeological characteristics recorded at observation wells, and a convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) conjunction model was constructed. The proposed approach was validated through GWL simulations and predictions in karst aquifers in Jinan, China, and four experiments were conducted for comparison. The experimental results show that the proposed method provided the most consistent results with the measured observation well data among the analyzed methods. These findings demonstrate that the proposed method, which considers connectivity characteristics in karst aquifers, has a higher simulation accuracy than other methods. This method is therefore effective and provides a new idea for the real-time prediction of the GWLs of karst aquifers.
A case study in the evaluation of English training courses using a version of the CIPP model as an evaluative tool

This thesis presents an evaluative case study of the 20 English training courses offered in the Applied English Department (AED) of an Institute, given the pseudonym W.G, in southern Taiwan. No evaluation had been done since the AED had been set up and using Stufflebeam’s CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) evaluation model this research was carried out. The purpose of the research was to attempt, through the gathering of qualitative data from a variety of sources and using a variety of research instruments, an evaluation of the 20 English training courses which were designed for and taken by students who hoped, mainly, to become children's English language teachers. The courses were examined through four key components, namely, "course aims and objectives", "course contents and materials", "course conduct and teaching-learning process" and "assessment and student performance". Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews and the review of existing documents and was obtained from current students, directors of the AED, instructors, alumni and employers of alumni. The resultant data served to present a comprehensive overview of the AED and the 20 English training courses and furnished evidence sufficient to allow for a number of recommendations for improvement and change to emerge. Fundamentally it is not clear that there is sufficient congruence of students needs and the courses offered. It emerged that the AED would probably benefit from a refocusing of student needs, a review of AED structures and governance, uniform syllabus design and presentation, a review of student feedback on instructor performance and a number of fundamental adjustments to the courses, in particular, their content, teaching methodology and assessment. Overall the AED had many positive aspects all of which could be built on and added to as the results of the data suggested. It emerged that the CIPP evaluation model has, in the educational context, a lot to commend it and this has been illustrated in this research. If followed carefully it covers all aspects and features of a program and provides a methodical, all-embracing design which can produce useful material for exploration and adoption if appropriate. It is in most cases a positive program enhancing exercise designed to develop rather than close existing programs.
Non-lethal Radio Activated Guard for Deterring Wolf Depredation in Idaho: Summary and Call for Research

Author(s): Breck, Stewart; Williamson, Rick; Niemeyer, Carter; Shivik, John A. | Abstract: With the reestablishment of wolves in the western United States, managing adverse interactions between wolves and livestock is re-emerging as an issue for resource managers. Lethal control of wolves is often difficult to implement due to the constraints of the Endangered Species Act, predator population goals, and public disfavor for lethal control. In response to the need to manage wolf predation in a non-lethal manner, we developed and tested a behavior contingent system for disrupting predation events. The Avian Systems Model 9000 Frightening System, also called a Radio Activated Guard (RAG), is activated by signals from nearby wolf radio collars. The strobe light, tape player with 30 different recorded sound effects, and behaviorally contingent activation are designed to minimize habituation to the system. Based on studies in Idaho, we believe RAG boxes are effective for protecting livestock in small pasture situations. Limitations of the scare device include electronic complexity, area coverage, and price. We continue to develop and test the limitations of their effective use in ongoing experimental research.
VEHICLE LICENSE PLATE CHARACTER SEGMENTATION – A VEHICLE LICENSE PLATE CHARACTER SEGMENTATION – A STUDY

License plate recognition (LPR) plays a major role in this busy world, as the number of vehicles increases day by day, theft of vehicles, breaking traffic rules, entering restricted area are also increases linearly, so to block this act license plate recognition system is designed. License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems basically consist of 3 main processing steps such as: Detection of number plate, Segmentation of plate characters and Recognition of each character. Among this, character segmentation is a most challenging task, as the accuracy of the character recognition relies on the accuracy of the character segmentation. Problems of different lighting condition, adhesion, fracture, rivet, rotation degrades the accuracy of the character segmentation. So in order to overcome these problems and uplift the accuracy of character segmentation various algorithms are developed for this work. Purpose of this paper is to categorize the vehicle plate character and recognize the segmented characters.
A FIELD-PROGRAMMABLE PROTOTYPING BOARD: XC4000 BORG USER''S GUIDE

The XC4000 BORG board is a PC-based prototyping board with two "user" FPGAs, two "routing" FPGAs, and a fifth FPGA which implements the glue logic for the PC bus. The BORG board is a reusable educational tool intended for a variety of classes; the BORG board, its toolset, and the reprogrammability of the FPGAs further reduce the time/cost of constructing prototypes using FPGAs. This report documents the design, implementation, and the use of BORG: A Field-Programmable Protyping Board.
Analysis of Radial Force on a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Caused by Dimensional Variation

Main reasons for causing vibration in a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) are torque ripple and radial force harmonics, and hence, both of them are undesirable in high-precision machine tools and accurate motion-control actuators. Recent research on radial force is the prediction of major vibration frequencies and modes in terms of motor design such as different winding types and a fractional slot number per pole in the stator. Also, proper phase current has been investigated for minimizing radial force harmonics. During the previous studies, all the motors are assumed to be ideally built up in terms of mechanical dimensions, but it is impossible due to dimensional variation within or outside tolerance in production. Therefore, in this paper, the effect of several key factors on radial force is examined and compared regarding manufacturing imperfection.
Green IT segment analysis : an academic literature review

Research on Green Information Technology (IT) is becoming a prevalent research theme in Green Information Systems (IS) research. This article provides a review of 98 papers published on Green IT between 2007−2013 to facilitate future research and to provide a retrospective analysis of existing knowledge and gaps thereof. While some researchers have discussed phenomena such as Green IT, motivation of Green IT and the Green IT adoption lifecycle, others have researched the importance of Green IT implementation within the organisational and individual level. Throughout the literature, scholars are trying to portray a constructive relationship between IT and the environment. Through our analysis, we can provide an assessment of the status of information systems literature on Green IT and, we provide taxonomy of segments of Green IT publications. Future research opportunities are identified based on the review.
Relative Contributions of Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors on Mosquito Microbiota

Background The commensal microbiota of mosquitoes impacts their development, immunity, and competency, and could provide a target for alternative entomological control approaches. However, despite the importance of the mosquito/microbiota interactions, little is known about the relative contribution of genetic and non-genetic factors in shaping the bacterial communities of mosquitoes. Methods We used a high-throughput sequencing based assay to characterize the bacterial composition and diversity of 665 individual field-caught mosquitoes, as well as their species, genotype at an insecticide resistance locus, blood meal composition, and the eukaryotic parasites and viruses they carry. We then used these data to rigorously estimate the individual effect of each parameter on the bacterial diversity as well as their relative contribution to the microbial composition. Results Overall, multivariate analyses did not reveal any significant contribution of the mosquito species, insecticide resistance or blood meal to the bacterial composition of the mosquitoes surveyed. Infection with parasites and viruses only contributed very marginally and the main driver of the bacterial diversity was the location where each mosquito was collected which explained roughly 20% of the variance observed. Conclusions This analysis shows that, when confounding factors are taken into account, the sites where the mosquitoes are collected is the main driver of the bacterial diversity of wild-caught mosquitoes, although further studies will be needed to determine how the specific components of the local environment affecting the bacterial composition.
Geometry and Material Nonlinearity Effects on Static and Dynamics Performance of MEMS

Nonlinear behavior of micro-mechanical systems is an interesting and little explored area of research. Although, micro-system technologies is new and fast developing area, there is little work carried out on modeling and simulation of MEMS devices which concerns their non-linear behavior. Nonlinear modeling of MEMS devices is based on observations related to the micro-systems performance which is often far away from linearity in MEMS devices. There are two types of components that are extensively used in MEMS design: micro-beams (cantilever type) and micro-plates. Manufacturing as well as usage of these components are advantageous to MEMS applications. The main applications of such structures include micro-sensors and micro-actuators. Large deflection of micro-cantilever beams under electrostatic force is studied. Pull in voltage as a phenomenon was widely studied in conjunction with MEMS. Large deflection of micro-cantilever beams under electrostatic field with the application of a voltage very close to pull in voltage is studied in this thesis and it is shown that pull in voltage provided by the nonlinear analysis is different from the one yielded by the linear analysis and more accurate when compared to the experimental values. Large deflection of curved micro-cantilever beams sometimes encountered as AFM probes was studied to investigate the variation of sensitivity under large deflection of originally curved micro-cantilever beams. Results show that curved or straight beams experience same sensitivity which decreases with the increase of deflection. Micro-plate pressure sensors are widely used in industrial applications. Deposition of several different layers creates residual stress in those layers. The residual stress is measured indirectly by Stoney equation. It is shown that Stoney equation yields under normal circumstances up to 40% error in the value of the predicted stress and the experimental results do not match any numerical analysis. An extraction method was developed to calculate the stress distribution in each layer based on the experimentally measured deflection. In summary, the work proves on few general configurations that the non-linear analysis of microstructures yields results that are closer to the results of the experimental investigations when compared to the ones yielded by the linear analyses. Analytical solutions of the differential equations were sought using Lie symmetry method.
Isoliquiritin Pre-Treatment Promotes Multi-Territory Perforator Flap Survival in Rats: An Experimental Study

Background The present study was design to investigate the effect of isoliquiritin (ISL) pretreatment on multi-territory perforator flap survival and blood vessels of Choke II zone in rats.Methods A total of 80 adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into ISL group and normal saline group, and subsequently and subjected to multi-territory perforator flap operations on the left flank. Afterwards, rats in ISL group were intraperitoneally injected with ISL, and rats from normal saline group were intraperitoneally injected with equal amount of normal saline. After seven days, the surviving flap area was calculated, the density of microvessels and (vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)were measured in Choke II zone. In addition, blood vessels of the flap were subjected to lead oxide-gelatin radiography.Results The flap survival area was significantly enhanced in rats from the ISL group compared with that from the saline group (P < 0.01). HE staining indicated significantly higher microvascular density in Choke II zone in the ISL group (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays showed that the expression of VEGF in the ISL group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the vascular structure in Choke II zone of the flap was clearer, with more new blood vessels and more complete vascular structure in the potential zone from the ISL group, in comparison with those from the normal saline group.Conclusion ISL is beneficial to the multi-territory perforator flap survival in rats.
Low Phase Noise, Very Wide BandSiGe Fully Integrated VCO

This paper presents a fully integrated, low phase noise SiGe voltage-controlled oscillator with very wide band for digital radio link applications. The VCO has been fabricated using IBM 0. 5µm SiGe5AM process. A measured 38.5% tuning range around 5.2 GHz and a singlesideband phase noise varying between –100 and –96 dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset from carrier have been achieved. The oscillator’s core draws 9 to 17mA from a 3V supply voltage.
From Invention to Innovation: Toward Developing an Integrated Innovation Model for Biotech Firms

A review of extant literature reveals various theories on innovation, including technology push, market pull, and an organizational approach. All of these theories have been criticized for their lack of integration and inapplicability to today’s competitive environment. An integrated view of innovation has emerged that synthesizes the variables in previous approaches. However, the application of this view has been restricted to investigating the innovation processes within the computer and manufacturing industries, whereas the biotechnology industry has been ignored. This is despite biotech managers’ well-acknowledged thirst for innovation and the ability of biotech to shape the way we live. The present article contributes to the literature by applying an integrated approach to the biotech industry, thereby extending understanding of innovation management beyond the traditional field of inquiry. An integrated approach is of particular relevance to biotech companies, given the complexities of managing the industry’s long development cycle and intense collaborative activities. In-depth interviews with eight organizations in Maryland formed the basis for an investigation into the challenges of managing the innovation process in biotechnology firms. The findings revealed that biotech entrepreneurs are ill prepared to lead their organizations through several transformations necessary along the product life cycle because of their fixation on a technology-push approach and lack of an understanding of integrated innovation. These leaders also lack the commercialization knowledge necessary to push products to markets, resulting in avoidable delays and loss of productivity. The existing research has dispelled myths associated with biotech. Specifically, it suggests biotech entrepreneurs cannot rely solely on inventions but must invest in a timely application of knowledge to organizational and market forces to take full advantage of the innovation potential associated with the industry. This article presents a conceptual framework for applying the integrated innovation model to biotech firms and makes the case for incorporating market-oriented mechanisms, building and using appropriate organizational capabilities, developing effective collaborations, and creating parallel interactions as major elements in a general strategy toward the success and improved efficiency of biotech companies. The limitations of current research are discussed, and avenues are highlighted for much-needed future research into the biotech industry.
Electric and fuel car identification based on UAV thermal infrared images using deep convolutional neural networks

ABSTRACT Electric cars, as an alternative to fuel cars, are growing rapidly in number and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and build green cities. However, due to the appearance similarities between electric and fuel cars, it is still a challenge to count the proportion of electric cars on the road. Considering that thermal infrared (TIR) imaging technology can obtain the temperature characteristics of cars as well as work at night, this paper proposes a new solution to identify electric and fuel cars in Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based TIR images. First, a semiautomated labelling method is implemented for training data set generation, which is based on a traditional object tracking algorithm to improve labelling efficiency. Then, two classic deep convolutional neural networks, YOLOv5 and SSD, are used to verify the reliability of the dataset. Experiments prove that the proposed solution can effectively identify electric and fuel cars on the road, with mean of average precision (mAP) up to 0.99. This study is the first attempt to apply UAV-based TIR imaging to electric and fuel car identification and propose the first open data set for relevant research.
VALIDITY OF THE POWERLINE BOAT INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM

The PowerLine Boat Instrumentation System3 is comprised of instrumented oarlocks capable of measuring pin forces in the direction of boat travel and oarlock angles. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the force and angle data from the PowerLine Boat Instrumentation System in a laboratory setting. Data were collected with the sculling oarlocks affixed to a horizontally aligned, stabilised wing rigger. For force analysis, signals were collected at 50 Hz from both the PowerLine system and a 1 kN load cell4 during 10 repetitions at a rate of approximately 30 repetitions per minute. For angular analysis, whilst recording with PowerLine, oarlocks were repositioned for a minimum of two seconds at known angles in a random order using an inclinometer accurate to one tenth of a degree over a range of -80° to +60°, in 20° increments. Linear regression analysis through the origin was used to compare the PowerLine values with known values from the load cell and the inclinometer. Laboratory testing proved the force and angle sensors to be valid throughout the testing range (0 N to 554.8 + 20.4 N, and -80° to +60° respectively) when fully functioning. The PowerLine Boat Instrumentation System appears to be appropriate for measuring biomechanical variables in an elite sculling programme. On-water reliability testing is still required to fully evaluate their application in quantifying the effect of interventions made to technique or boat set-up.