Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cottonwoods of the Midwest: A Community Profile

Abstract : This profile was prepared to assist researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in preparing a community-based index model for the cottonwood (Populus spp.) community. The profile will also supply requirements and suggestions for restoration initiatives on the Missouri River. The cottonwood community is defined as a plant community dominated by cottonwood trees, with associated plant and animal species, commonly found in floodplains and the next higher elevations. This profile addresses two species of cottonwoods over their range but highlights Midwestern literature, specifically Nebraska and South Dakota. Preparation of the profile was funded as part of a reimbursable project for the Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Community Templates research work unit in the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP). Dr. Wilma A. Mitchell, Dr. L. Jean O Neil, and Antisa C. Webb, ERDC Environmental Laboratory (EL), Vicksburg, Mississippi, prepared this technical note. In their assessment of ecological communities that have been subjected to severe loss and degradation, Noss et al. (1995) provided literature that describes large percentage losses to the plant communities of many riparian and floodplain systems across the county. Lytle and Merritt (2004) cited numerous studies documenting the decline of the cottonwood community, with reasons largely related to changes in hydrologic flows in the last decades and related changes in groundwater and sediment movement.
Integrating environmental impacts in an intercity corridor level pricing scheme

A significant part of the transport sector externalities occurs in intercity corridors, which account for 65% of the total of the kilometers travelled in for example, Portugal (for 2017). A thorough analysis of intercity corridors characteristics has been receiving less attention compared to urban roads. The objective of this work is to propose a methodology to tackle intercity corridors issues with respect to environmental impacts. It will focus on suggesting smart and dynamic toll systems, integration of impacts in pricing schemes, and optimization of public transport fares, coupled with a scheme based on the “polluter pays” principle. This vision paper presents the main objectives and methodology of an ongoing research in which the final objective is to lead to a more efficient usage of the infrastructures. The optimization is mainly focused on an environmental perspective, which can be important for decision-makers to improve specific intercity corridor measures/policies.
Design, Fabrication and Analysis of InP-InGaAsP Traveling-Wave Electro-Absorption Modulators

External modulators will become key components in fiberoptical communica- tion systems operating at 40Gbit/s andhigher bitrates. Semiconductor electro- absorption (EA)modulators are promising candidates because of their high-speed potential, and their process compatibility with thecorresponding semi- conductor laser light sources. Thetraveling-wave (TW) electrode concept for electro-opticmodulators has been used for a long time in order to resolvethe con°ict between high modulation depth and highmodulation bandwidth. Re- cently, it has been adopted for EAmodulators as well.This thesis presents the work carried out on design,fabrication and analysis of traveling-wave EA modulators(TWEAM) based on InP-InGaAsP. The lengths of TWEAM arecomparable to the lengths of their lumped counterparts. Theexperimental data of this work were analyzed in order show thatthe traveling- wave concept results in better performance evenfor short EA modulators. One key issue is the impedancematching. The low intrinsic characteristic modulator impedancehas to be matched with a corresponding load. In this case, theTW con figuration leads to a much higher bandwidth than for alumped EA modulator with the same length and the same connectedload.An InP process was developed allowing the fabrication ofTWEAM with integrated termination resistors. Experimentalmicrowave properties were ob- tained for different TWEAMgeometries. It is reported on long TWEAM that showstate-of-the-art bandwidth. A 450μm long TWEAM reached43GHz, and 67GHz (beyond characterization limit) were indicatedfor a 250μm device. The experimental results onmicrowave properties were compared to full-wave, and circuitmodel simulations. The analysis reveals an impedance bandwidthtrade- off for the cross sectional electrode configuration.Results of a new high-impedance design in form of asegmented TWEAM are presented. The devices were processedwithin the frame of this work and record bandwidth performanceis reported. At 50Ω­ impedance a bandwidth in the90GHz region was indicated.
Methods for Generating Aircraft Trajectories

Abstract : Methods for generating three dimensional aircraft trajectories necessary for quantitatively assessing aircraft tactics are documented in this report. Elements conventionally used in modeling aircraft motion are assembled to form a model governing aircraft translation, fuel use, and attitude. Assumptions on the functional dependence of the aircraft external forces and specific fuel consumption result in a system of seven equations and eleven variables governing aircraft trajectories. To provide flexibility in prescribing aircraft trajectories, the problem of solving the equations is formulated for five separate sets of known variables. These sets include variables defining aircraft controls, velocity attitude, and velocity magnitude. Extensions to the problem formulations allow flight path normal acceleration to be prescribed, also. A method to prescribe known variables is presented that ensures continuous aircraft acceleration and angular velocity. Numerical integration, finding roots of equations, and interpolation of function values are required to solve the trajectory generation problems. Application of selected algorithms for numerical solution of the equations is discussed. (Author)
China’s Carbon Neutrality: Leading Global Climate Governance and Green Transformation

China aims to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. It is a strategic decision made after deliberate consideration by the Central Government. Such goals reflect China’s responsibility as a major country in responding to global climate change, its vision of the future world development, and its commitment to green transformation. After the 18th CPC National Congress, China has undergone a fundamental change in its development philosophy. Protecting the environment is no longer regarded as a burden upon economic growth, but as a driving force for high-quality development. Emissions reduction has also changed from a task inflicted upon local governments to a goal people identify with. More than 120 countries have proposed carbon neutrality targets in different ways by now. The global consensus on carbon neutrality marks the end of the traditional industrial era and the start of a new development era. The concept of carbon neutrality redefines and reshapes the entire development paradigm. It is a self-revolution of the mode of production and life. It not only poses an unprecedented challenge but also provides a strategic opportunity for China. China is likely to lead the world in future green transformation and global climate governance.
Top-Down Method Used for Pancreas Segmentation

Image segmentation is actively an imperative title role in image analysis. Image segmentation is advantageous in many applications like traffic detection, surface crack identification, medical image analysis, face recognition, crop disease detection. Two Approaches are used for automatic pancreas segmentation. Top-Down and Bottom-Up approach used for CT image segmentation. In Top Down approach, Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix, Simple Linear Iterative Clustering, Scale-Invariant Feature transform, Novel Modified Kernel fuzzy c-means clustering (NMKFCM) and Kernel Density Estimator methods used and automatic bottomup technique is used for pancreas subgrouping in C.T. scans. Top-Dow approach accuracy rate is less than bottom-up approach. Top-down approach required less time period as compare to bottom-up approach. In top-down approach, input image manually selected and processed it. KDE, NMKFCM and SIFT are used to detect feature of image. NMKFCM works on neighborhood point value. In KDE, Edge detection based on the kernel estimation of the probability density function . In SIFT, comprehensive information of local feature of image is focused.
Intrusion detection system using deep learning methodologies

: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are the backbone that helps secure organizations and individuals from malicious internet traffic. Deep-Learning is another field of computer science that enables us to build productive Artificial Intelligence (AI) models that can be applied in a variety of fields. In this paper, we discuss the CSE-CIC-IDS2018 dataset for internet intrusion detection and provide a detailed study and analysis of various deep learning approaches that could be used to make a secure intrusion detection system. We test the accuracy of these algorithms and their effectiveness in detecting the malicious traffic for multiclass classification of the traffic in 14 different classes including benign traffic and malicious traffic. The outcome of which is to obtain a model framework based upon deep learning to build a usable model for an intelligent IDS that could potentially be used for real time data traffic security
Relationship between serum adiponectin and apelin hormones with lipid profile in Basra pregnant women

D. Abstract Pregnancy is associated with normal physiological changes that assist the nurturing and survival of the fetus. Changes in hormonal levels and biochemical levels, these adaptive changes which become very important in the event of complications. So the study was carried out with the objective to determine the levels of adiponectin and apelin and their relations with lipid profile (TC, TG and HDL) were investigated in present study in groups of Basra pregnant women during different months of pregnancy and the results were compared with non pregnant females as control group.In this study one hundred sixty healthy women ranging from 20 - 40 years old, out of them seventy pregnant and ninety females non-pregnant were considered as control group. The pregnant women attended the Gynecology units in the public state hospitals in Basra Governorate. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay system (ELISA) was used to determine the serum apelin and adiponectin levels. Blood samples were taken from pregnant women at the end of each month of pregnancy and from control group. The results indicated that adiponectin and apelin levels decreased significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01) respectively in pregnant women than non- pregnant women.On the other hand, accompanied by an increase significantly (p < 0.0001) in the level of Lipid profile (TC, TG and HDL) concentration in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women. Pearson correlation analysis showed a high significant correlation between serum apelin and serum adiponectin level, in addition to both of them with Lipid profile. The finding suggests that serum apelin and adiponectin besides lipid profile. cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, the aim of this study was to assessment the serum adiponectin and apelin concentration in pregnant women and showing the relationship between serum apelin level and serum adiponectin level besides lipid profile.
An evaluation of microwave vehicle detection at traffic signal controlled intersections

Reliable vehicle detectors are an essential element in traffic surveillance and control. The development of strategies for the improvement of safety and reduction of congestion at intersections often hinges on good quality vehicle detection. The paper concerns microwave vehicle detectors (MVDs). MVDs have been installed at many pelican crossings and temporary traffic signal controlled junctions due to their low cost and ease of installation and maintenance. The paper reports on an investigation, conducted in Edinburgh, into their operational performance.
Distribution and Importance of Maize Grey Leaf Spot in West Oromia, Ethiopia

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world. In Ethiopia, it’s a major staple food with an average productivity of 3.94 t ha -1 , which is below the world average of 5.78 tones ha -1 . A significant portion of this yield gap is attributed to biotic and abiotic stresses. Of diseases, grey leaf spot is one of the major foliar diseases threatening maize production in Ethiopia. Loss caused due to grey leaf spot reached 49.5% in Ethiopia. The objective was to assess the distribution and importance of Grey Leaf Spot. The assessments were done by sampling 81 maize fields in 9 districts from 3 zones during 2017. Purposive multistage sampling method was used. Data were analyzed using three-stage nested design. The survey result showed the highest disease prevalence 62.96 % was recorded in East Wollega and the lowest (22.22%) in West-Wollega zone. The highest mean incidence 35.06 % was recorded in East Wollega whilst the lowest 9.51% in West-Shewa. The maximum Severity index of 31.43% was in East Wollega whereas the minimum in West-Wollega (10.05%) zones. At a district level, the highest prevalence was recorded in Leka-Dulecha followed by Gobu-Seyo with disease prevalence of 88.9% and 66.7%, respectively. The highest mean incidence 48.15% was at Gobu-Seyo whereas the lowest was recorded in Gimbi 1.1%. The highest mean severity index was in Leka-Dulecha 46.11% whilst the lowest in Gimbi 1.78%. crop rotation with non-host, use of tolerant varieties to reduce the impact of the disease on maize production.
Robot sensor experience-two case studies

Describes two projects, the first of these is aimed at developing general purpose tactile systems, the other is concerned with the development of an anthropomorphic robot head. The tactile project performed extensive experiments with Lord LTS-200 and LTS-300 arrays but eventually concluded that, for the majority of tactile applications, vibration sensors turned out to be more useful. This conclusion was based in part on an appreciation that it was possible to recover spatial information from a vibration sensor that was itself moving in a predictable way. The second project has been in the development of a robot head prototype featuring six degrees of freedom, two cameras, two microphones and a speech generator. The system is being developed for applications in security and surveillance. >
EFFECT OF GRAZING ACTIVITY AND SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING ON ENERGY UTILIZATION BY GOATS

hirty non-productive female Shami goats were employed in a 60-day experiment to study the effect of grazing activity and supplementary feeding on energy expenditure (EE) and balance (EB). Goats were divided into three treatments, 10 per each. Animals were grazing a limited area of alfalfa with (GS) or without (G) a limited concentrate supplement, while animals in control treatment were in confinement (in-door, I) in which the same amount of supplement was given with alfalfa hay depending on their recommended requirements. The concentrate feed mixture, as supplementary feeding, was given to cover approximately 50% of the metabolisable energy used for maintenance requirements (MEm). Total EE was estimated by a heart rate (HR) monitor for 48h after individual calibration by oxygen consumption with a face mask open-circuit respiratory system. The internal marker technique was used to estimate the individual intake and digestibility for 6 animals per each treatment in which bags was used for total fecal collection. Animals in control group were consumed significantly less roughage (g/kg BW) in comparison with those in grazing treatments. Digestible energy was affected by grazing activity and supplementary feeding. Total EE was greater for grazing vs. in-door and reduced with supplementary feeding. As a result, the EB was positive and similar between animals in control (I) and GS groups, while a negative EB associated with body weight loss were observed when animals grazing without supplementation (G). In conclusion, grazing activity has a significant effect on the EE and consequently the MEm and supplementary feeding is essential to maintain grazing animals without deterioration.
Awareness meets requirements management: Awareness needs in Global Software Development

There has been growing attention to awareness issues in group collaborative processes. In this paper we address workspace awareness in requirements management processes in global software development endeavors. When working on a software project, developers, system analysts, testers, and managers make use of information about current sets of requirements, design artifacts and relationships to customer requirements or test cases, as well as roles and responsibilities assigned to particular work artifacts. Co-located teams benefit from social mechanisms and processes that naturally facilitate the work practice and diminish the perceived need for explicit workspace awareness support. However, limited access to informal communication in geographically distributed teams make problems caused by reduced workspace awareness more acute. We propose a set of features for awareness support in geographically distributed requirements management activities and outline our first step in researching such awareness issues. In finding usable and sensible solutions to this problem, we may be creating solutions long overdue in requirements engineering in general.
Optimisation of pressurised liquid extraction of bioactive compounds from Ananas comosus (Pineapple) fruit

In this study, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) was used with methanol as extraction solvent to extract bioactive compounds from Ananas comosus (pineapple) flesh. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the correlative effects of temperature (60 – 150°C) and extraction time (10 – 30 min) on the yield of selected bioactive compounds. In this model, the R2 obtained was 0.8788 for selected bioactive compounds for Ananas comosus suggesting a satisfactory agreement between the predicted and experimental values. Two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography (2D-HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) was used for the separation and detection of the bioactive compounds. Extraction temperature was found to significantly increase the yield of three selected bioactive compounds following which the optimum operating extraction conditions for PLE for Ananas comosus was determined to be 105°C and a static time of 20 min.
Biofunctionalization of Cork with Moringa oleifera Seeds and Use of PMA Staining and qPCR to Detect Viability of Escherichia coli

Cork matrices biofunctionalized with Moringa oleifera seed extracts (MoSe) have potential for use as a biofilter with antibacterial properties to reduce waterborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cork biofunctionalized with active antimicrobial compounds of MoSe (f-cork) on the inhibition of Escherichia coli (InhEc). The LacZ gene from a strain of E. coli was used as the target sequence using viability quantification Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and differentiation of viable and dead bacteria through selective cell viability PMA staining. To perform this, a 27−4 fractional factorial design and a biofiltration system were used to evaluate the effect of the active protein in MoSe immobilized in granulated cork on InhEc. We found that the potential for antimicrobial activity increased with f-cork for an effective maximal bacterial reduction (99.99%; p < 0.05). The effect of f-cork functionalized with MoSe on E. coli viability was of 0.024% and 0.005% for the cells exposed to PMA, respectively, being the relevant conditions in treatment 2: (0 L/min) without aeration, (5%) MoSe and (5 mm) cork particle. In conclusion, the f-cork functionalized with MoSe presented biosorbent and antibacterial properties that effectively reduced the E. coli growth.
Geolocation of an Audio Source in a Multipath Environment Using Time-of-Arrival

Abstract : The Air Force and the Department of Defense (DoD) are continually searching for ways to protect U.S. forces, both stateside and abroad. One continuing threat, especially in the current world environment, is gunfire from an unseen sniper. Designated areas, such as a forward deployed base or motorcade route, need to be continuously monitored for sniper fire. Once detected, these gunmen need to be located in real time. One possible method for accomplishing this task is to geolocate the audio signals generated using time-of-arrival (TOA) algorithms. These algorithms rely on direct-path measurements for accuracy. Multipath environments therefore pose a problem when measuring signals from the audio spectrum. The errors induced by a multipath environment can be reduced by introducing additional audio receivers to the detection system. By sampling all possible combinations of a minimum set of receivers (four), a more accurate location can be calculated. An accuracy of six meters can be achieved roughly 69 percent of the time, though most of the error occurs in the vertical component. An accuracy of six meters in the X/Y plane can be achieved approximately 97 percent of the time.
Fitting learning into life: Language students’ perspectives on benefits of using mobile apps

For university students, the availability, convenience and low cost of mobile applications (apps) present new opportunities to fit learning into their busy lives outside class. Studies of teacher-led mobile learning in universities abound while few studies explore students’ own use of mobile apps and their perspectives on how these apps can benefit their learning. As we consider learning for the future, it is crucial to partner with students to build a picture of emergent technology practices beyond our classrooms and institutions. However, discipline-specific studies are required to gain an understanding of the ways apps are used to acquire specific disciplinary knowledge and skills. This paper reports on how 134 language learners used mobile apps to profit from their available learning time outside of class. It provides insights into student perspectives on the benefits of using mobile apps for foreign language learning
Measured Results on Symmetric Dual-Level Spiral Inductors for RF ICs

A completely symmetric dual-level spiral inductor structure is proposed. The symmetry, area efficiency, the size dependence of the coupling factor, and the quality factors of the dual-level inductors are evaluated and compared with that of the single-level. This work demonstrates that, with most RF applications, the dual-level inductors are the better choice than the single-level. key words: spiral inductors, symmetric, RF ICs, quality factor
Criteria for preparation and evaluation of radiological emergency response plans and preparedness in support of nuclear power plants: Criteria for utility offsite planning and preparedness: Final report

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have added a supplement to NUREG-0654/FEMA-REP-1, Rev. 1 that provides guidance for the development, review, and evaluation of utility offsite radiological emergency response planning and preparedness for those situations in which state and/or local governments decline to participate in emergency planning. While this guidance primarily applies to plants that do not have full-power operating licenses, it does have relevance to operating nuclear power plants.