Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Deep Reinforcement Learning Assisted Resource Allocation Algorithm for Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks

To realize the Interconnection of Everything (IoE) in the 6G vision, the space-based, air-based, and ground-based networks have shown a trend of integration. Compared with the traditional communications system, Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks (SAGINs) can provide a seamless global network connection, while making full use of different network characteristics for synergy and complementarity. However, the increasing global coverage of the Internet, the growing number and variety of smart terminals, and the emergence of various high-bandwidth services have led to an explosion in communication data transmission. Despite the continuous development of communication technologies such as airborne processing and forwarding and high-throughput satellites, the quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) for different users still cannot be guaranteed due to the power limitations of satellites and the scarcity of spectrum resources. In this work, drawing on wireless edge caching, considering that the relay of SAGIN has edge caching capability, the hot task is cached in the network nodes in advance. More, this process is optimized using distributed Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), thereby reducing transmission delay and relieving the pressure of task offloading on space-based networks. Compared with advanced related works, the long-term node utilization, link utilization, long-term average revenue-to-cost ratio and acceptance ratio of the proposed algorithm are increased by about 4.22%, 31.36%, 11.75% and 7.14%, respectively.
Frequency domain acoustic radiance transfer for real-time auralization

A method for modeling room acoustics and auralizing the results in real time with a moving listener is presented. The acoustics modeling is based on the acoustic radiance transfer technique which is capable of modeling arbitrary reflection properties of different materials. The novel idea of implementing this technique in frequency domain allows modeling of all frequencies at once as the time domain technique requires separate runs for each frequency band. Since the auralization of the results requires scaling, adding, and delaying responses as well as convolving them with head-related impulse responses, the massive parallel computation capacity of modern graphics hardware is utilized. Thus, realistic interactive walkthroughs are possible in typical room models with a stationary source.
Relationship between Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Underweight and Overweight Status in Taiwanese Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to determine the association between regular leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and various body mass index (BMI) categories in Taiwanese young adults. A total of 10,802 young adults (18–44 years) were enrolled in a national telephone survey. The questionnaire data from this survey included socio-demographic characteristics, zip code of residence, LTPA behaviors, self-reported health status, and self-evaluated anthropometric measurements, which included height, body weight, and BMI. Regular and non-regular LTPA behaviors were defined as follows: (1) Regular LTPA: participants who reported breathing quickly and sweating when participating in 150–300 min per week of moderate-intensity LTPA or 75–150 min per week of vigorous-intensity LTPA. (2) Non-regular LTPA: the rest of the participants. The various BMI categories were defined as (1) underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), (2) normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m2), (3) overweight (24 ≤ BMI < 27 kg/m2), and (4) obese (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2). When compared with participants with non-regular LTPA, participants with regular LTPA exhibited lower risks of being overweight (odds ratio [OR], 0.837; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.738–0.948) and underweight (OR, 0.732; 95% CI 0.611–0.876). However, there was no significant relationship between regular LTPA and obesity risk when using non-regular LTPA as the baseline after adjusting for potential confounders. The study results revealed that regular LTPA effectively reduced the risks of being underweight and overweight. However, for people with obesity, regular LTPA was unable to significantly decrease their obesity risk.
An Enhanced Tree Routing Based on Reinforcement Learning in Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, tree-based routing can achieve a low control overhead and high responsiveness by eliminating the path search and avoiding the use of extensive broadcast messages. However, existing approaches face difficulty in finding an optimal parent node, owing to conflicting performance metrics such as reliability, latency, and energy efficiency. To strike a balance between these multiple objectives, in this paper, we revisit a classic problem of finding an optimal parent node in a tree topology. Our key idea is to find the best parent node by utilizing empirical data about the network obtained through Q-learning. Specifically, we define a state space, action set, and reward function using multiple cognitive metrics, and then find the best parent node through trial and error. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed solution can achieve better performance regarding end-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio, and energy consumption compared with existing approaches.
Virtual network embedding with discrete particle swarm optimisation

Network virtualisation is organised as a fundamental technology for eradicating the ossified architecture of the Internet. Virtual network embedding (VNE) instantiates virtual networks on a substrate network to carry as many services as possible, which is an optimisation problem. VNE with discrete particle swarm optimisation (DPSO) is proposed, which models VNE and abstracts its constraints, modifies PSO into DPSO, adapts the characters of VNE and obtains the optimal solution to map virtual networks onto a substrate network.
Hall magnetohydrodynamic effects for current sheet flapping oscillations related to the magnetic double gradient mechanism

Hall magnetohydrodynamic model is investigated for current sheet flapping oscillations, which implies a gradient of the normal magnetic field component. For the initial undisturbed current sheet structure, the normal magnetic field component is assumed to have a weak linear variation. The profile of the electric current velocity is described by hyperbolic functions with a maximum at the center of the current sheet. In the framework of this model, eigenfrequencies are calculated as functions of the wave number for the “kink” and “sausage” flapping wave modes. Because of the Hall effects, the flapping eigenfrequency is larger for the waves propagating along the electric current, and it is smaller for the opposite wave propagation with respect to the current. The asymmetry of the flapping wave propagation, caused by Hall effects, is pronounced stronger for thinner current sheets. This is due to the Doppler effect related to the electric current velocity.
National Trends in Statin Use in Lithuania from 2010 to 2021

Objective: In Lithuania, no comprehensive national research on statin utilization and trends has yet been undertaken. Nonetheless, this knowledge is critical for the healthcare system to identify key areas for development. We aimed to analyze trends in statin utilization in Lithuania from the past 12 years considering changes in reimbursement policies and the publication of updated international CVD prevention guidelines. Methods: We performed a retrospective, descriptive study of statin utilization in Lithuania from 2010 to 2021. The data were obtained from PharmaZOOM LT, an independent software supplier with nationwide coverage on pharmaceutical market data. The data coverage was 95%. We used anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification for data extraction and calculated defined daily doses (DDDs) according to the ATC/DDD Toolkit of World Health Organization according to statin dose in a pill. Results: Statin use increased overall from 8.28 DDD/TID in 2010 to 96.06 DDD/TID in 2021. The annual growth rate in sales of statin DDD/TID was 22.28%. The increase was mostly due to the increase in moderate- and high-intensity statins. The increases coincided with changes in reimbursement policy or the publication of international guidelines. Polypill use in Lithuania began steadily increasing after 2016 and reached 19.37% of the total DDD/TID of statins in 2021. Conclusions: The use of statins has increased dramatically in Lithuania over the last decade. Changes in statin reimbursement regulations in the country, as well as worldwide cardiovascular preventive recommendations aiming at lower LDL-C objectives, fueled the progress.
Signaling and Detoxification Strategies in Plant-Microbes Symbiosis under Heavy Metal Stress: A Mechanistic Understanding

Plants typically interact with a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and other organisms, in their above- and below-ground parts. In the biosphere, the interactions of plants with diverse microbes enable them to acquire a wide range of symbiotic advantages, resulting in enhanced plant growth and development and stress tolerance to toxic metals (TMs). Recent studies have shown that certain microorganisms can reduce the accumulation of TMs in plants through various mechanisms and can reduce the bioavailability of TMs in soil. However, relevant progress is lacking in summarization. This review mechanistically summarizes the common mediating pathways, detoxification strategies, and homeostatic mechanisms based on the research progress of the joint prevention and control of TMs by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-plant and Rhizobium-plant interactions. Given the importance of tripartite mutualism in the plant-microbe system, it is necessary to further explore key signaling molecules to understand the role of plant-microbe mutualism in improving plant tolerance under heavy metal stress in the contaminated soil environments. It is hoped that our findings will be useful in studying plant stress tolerance under a broad range of environmental conditions and will help in developing new technologies for ensuring crop health and performance in future.
Students’ Perception on Quizizz As Digital Game-Based Learning Tool For Formative Assessments

This study is entitled “Students’ Perception on Quizizz as Digital Game-Based Learning Tool for Formative Assessments (A Study at the Tenth Grade of SMK Negeri 1 Wanareja in the Academic Year of 2021/2022)”. The study aimed at knowing how students’ perception on Quizizz as Digital Game-Based Learning tool and how Quizizz used for formative assessment. This research used a qualitative descriptive design. The subject of this research was the tenth-grade students of SMK Negeri 1 Wanareja in the academic year of 2021/2022. The population was 609 students divided into 17 classes consisted of 7 majors. The samples of this research were 150 students that were taken randomly from all classes. The data were collected using questionnaire, interview and document. Method triangulation was used as data validation technique. The result of this research showed that students gave positive responses on Quizizz as Digital Game-Based Learning tool dealing with students’ learning and engagement, rules and goals, clear outcomes and immediate feedback, and also students’ interaction. They also gave positive responses on Quizizz used for formative assessment in English class. Furthermore, the activities on Quizizz elicited evidence of learning, provided feedback as well as allowed students to own their learning.Keywords: students’ perception, Quizizz, Digital Game-Based Learning, formative assessment
The Role of Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomographic (PET/CT) Imaging for Radiation Therapy Planning: A Literature Review

PET/CT is revolutionising radiotherapy treatment planning in many cancer sites. While its utility has been confirmed in some cancer sites, and is used in routine clinical practice, it is still at an experimental stage in many other cancer sites. This review discusses the utility of PET/CT in cancer sites where the role of PET/CT has been established in cases such as head and neck, cervix, brain, and lung cancers, as well as cancer sites where the role of PET/CT is still under investigation such as uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Finally, the review touches on PET/CT utilisation in Africa.
Ultrafast Cylindrical Vector Beams for Improved Energy Feedthrough and Low Roughness Surface Ablation of Metals

The use of ultrafast cylindrical vector vortex beams in laser–matter interactions permits new ablation features to be harnessed from inhomogeneous distributions of polarization and beam geometry. As a consequence, the ablation process can yield higher ablation efficiency compared with conventional Gaussian beams. These beams prevent surface quality degradation during the ablative processes. When processing stainless steel and titanium, the average surface roughness obtained by deploying the cylindrical vector is up to 94% lower than the Gaussian case, and the processing efficiency is 80% higher.
Chemical Assisted Opto-Electrical Nitrate Sensor for Detection of Inflammatory Disorder of Lungs

Human breath is a noninvasive, information-rich bio-specimen containing disease specific biomarkers. Current exhaled breath (EB) analyzers have several limitations, including high cost, complexity and unavailability in clinical settings. This work develops and characterizes an inexpensive, rapid and reproducible Nitrate sensing system to monitor and diagnose the Asthmatic conditions using EB condensate (EBC) as a biosample. Elevated nitrate concentration in EBC reflects an increased nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. In this work, the EB is collected in a medicated polypropylene bag and placed in a laboratory standard refrigerator to produce a condensate containing Nitrate as one component. Nitrate reacts with the Brucine sulfate solution showing a distinct color change (yellowish). The intensity of the color formed was linearly dependent on the nitrate concentration. The proposed system, using an optical transceiver, responded instantly to the nitrate concentration. The performance indices of the portable device like sensitivity (3.56 mV/ppm of nitrate concentration in EBC), repeatability, response time ( $\sim 10$ s), etc. were assessed. The detection limit was found 0.1 ppm. The clinical performance of the device was compared with the standard nitrate tests using blood samples from 130 male volunteers. The statistical analysis of the data pairs using Bland Altman plot showed a significant agreement within ±5% confidence interval and correlation ( ${r}^{{2}}=0.989$ ).
Smart Mattress Based on Multipoint Fiber Bragg Gratings for Respiratory Rate Monitoring

Long-term monitoring of respiratory rate (RR) is of great importance in people suffering from sleep-related breathing disorders (SBDs). Instrumented mattresses are gaining the attention of several research groups to monitor this vital sign. Among the existing sensing techniques, fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGs) show promise in this arena. In this article, we presented a novel FBG-based smart mattress to monitor RR over time. The proposed measuring system consisted of 13 sensing elements (SEs) based on FBGs encapsulated in soft biocompatible rubber, totally embedded in multiple silicone layers. Compactness, robustness, and user comfort are the main advantages of our solution. The mattress size and the arrangement of the 13 SEs were chosen to allow monitoring subjects with different anthropometric parameters and taking up different sleeping postures. Before the overall system integration, each SE was subjected to static and dynamic metrological characterization, a process often overlooked in fiber-optic-based mattresses. Results showed a mean sensitivity to force equal to 14 pm $\cdot \,\,\text{N}^{-1}$ and a mean percentage hysteresis error always lower than 18%. The feasibility assessment of the system in RR monitoring was carried out on five healthy volunteers taking up common sleeping postures (i.e., supine -S-, right side -RS-, left side -LS-, and prone -P-) under two breathing conditions (i.e., quiet breathing -QB-, and tachypnea -T-). RR estimation showed a mean absolute error (MAE) always lower than 0.65 breaths/min. The promising findings proved the capability of our smart mattress in monitoring RR over time, encouraging the investigation of its performance in real-world scenarios.
Unglycosylated Soluble SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) Produced in E. coli Combined with the Army Liposomal Formulation Containing QS21 (ALFQ) Elicits Neutralizing Antibodies against Mismatched Variants

The emergence of novel potentially pandemic pathogens necessitates the rapid manufacture and deployment of effective, stable, and locally manufacturable vaccines on a global scale. In this study, the ability of the Escherichia coli expression system to produce the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was evaluated. The RBD of the original Wuhan-Hu1 variant and of the Alpha and Beta variants of concern (VoC) were expressed in E. coli, and their biochemical and immunological profiles were compared to RBD produced in mammalian cells. The E. coli-produced RBD variants recapitulated the structural character of mammalian-expressed RBD and bound to human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor and a panel of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies. A pilot vaccination in mice with bacterial RBDs formulated with a novel liposomal adjuvant, Army Liposomal Formulation containing QS21 (ALFQ), induced polyclonal antibodies that inhibited RBD association to ACE2 in vitro and potently neutralized homologous and heterologous SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. Although all vaccines induced neutralization of the non-vaccine Delta variant, only the Beta RBD vaccine produced in E. coli and mammalian cells effectively neutralized the Omicron BA.1 pseudovirus. These outcomes warrant further exploration of E. coli as an expression platform for non-glycosylated, soluble immunogens for future rapid response to emerging pandemic pathogens.
A 53 GHz monolithically integrated InP/InGaAs PIN/HBT receiver OEIC with an electrical bandwidth of 63 GHz

We report on the characterization of a monolithically integrated InP/InGaAs PIN/HBT-Photoreceiver for a wavelength of /spl lambda/=1.55 /spl mu/m. The preamplifier achieves a transimpedance gain of 44.3 dB/spl Omega/ (164 /spl Omega/) and a bandwidth of 63 GHz, whereas the optical/electrical -3 dB-bandwidth of the entire receiver is 53 GHz. A pulse width of 10.5 ps was measured for the system consisting of receiver, on-wafer probe, bias-tee and sampling-scope. Finally we present eye pattern measurements at 40 Gb/s with a RZ coded optical input signal.
Long Period Variables in Local Group Dwarf Galaxies

In this work the results are presented of an extensive search for Long Period Variables stars (LPVs) in a sample of Local Group irregular dwarf galaxies. The methods applied for the detection and the extraction of the variable sources are explained. Extensive completeness simulations were carried out to asses the impact on the resulting catalog caused by the observing pattern and algorithms used. The resulting catalog of LPVs was together with color-magnitude diagrams used to draw conclusions on the star-formation history in these galaxies.
Can a corporate social responsibility committee be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of independent directors?

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of board independence on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and the moderating role of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee on the relationship between these variables. The sample includes 2,925 companies from 18 industries and 38 countries for the period of 2002–2020. To test our hypotheses, we developed a regression model based on the panel data dependence technique. The results confirm that the establishment of a CSR committee within the board moderates the relationship between board independence and ESG performance. A CSR committee acts as a booster into enhancing the effectiveness of the board as a corporate governance mechanism. This article contributes to the academic literature evidencing the importance of establishing a sub-committee within the board of directors delegated to CSR issues. It provides also interesting insights for companies and policy makers for formulating future guidelines on corporate governance.
Knowledge of subsistence maize farmers on aflatoxin contamination and determinants for adoption of artisanal control technologies in Kitui, Kenya

Widespread aflatoxin contamination of maize is a public health hazard in Sub-Saharan Africa and its management requires strategies which are implemented both at pre- and post-harvest stages of cereal production. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and practices for aflatoxin contamination of maize and factors associated with adoption of artisanal aflatoxin control technologies. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 315 household heads that were practicing subsistence maize farming in Kitui, Kenya. Data were analyzed to determine farm level factors which were associated with aflatoxin contamination. Farmers in uplands areas had partial knowledge on occurrence of aflatoxin at pre-harvest stages of maize growth and effects of aflatoxins on animal health and productivity. Adoption of aflatoxin control technologies was higher in farms located in lowland areas as compared to uplands. There was evidence of association between adoption of control technologies and farm level factors including farmer’s k nowledge on aflatoxin contamination, farmer’s level of education and location of farm. The results demonstrate a knowledge gap on aflatoxin contamination and farm level barriers for adoption of aflatoxin control technologies. The findings call for enhanced capacity building activities through extension to influence change on farming practices for farms with high risk of aflatoxin contamination.
Studying the Physical and Chemical Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Matrix Reinforced by Nanostructured TiO2 Supported on Mesoporous Silica

In this study, a reactive adsorbent filler was integrated into a polymeric matrix as a novel reactive protective barrier without undermining its mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. For this purpose, newly synthesized TiO2/MCM/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites were prepared, and their various properties were thoroughly studied. The filler, TiO2/MCM, is based on a (45 wt%) TiO2 nanoparticle catalyst inside the pores of ordered mesoporous silica, MCM-41, which combines a high adsorption capacity and catalytic capability. This study shows that the incorporation of TiO2/MCM significantly enhances the composite’s Young’s modulus in terms of tensile strength, as an optimal measurement of 1.6 MPa was obtained, compared with that of 0.8 MPa of pristine PDMS. The composites also showed a higher thermal stability, a reduction in the coefficient of thermal expansion (from 290 to 110 ppm/°C), a 25% reduction in the change in the normalized specific heat capacity, and an increase in the thermal degradation temperatures. The chemical stability in organic environments was improved, as toluene swelling decreased by 40% and the contact angle increased by ~15°. The enhanced properties of the novel synthesized TiO2/MCM/PDMS composite can be used in various applications where a high adsorption capacity and catalytic/photocatalytic activity are required, such as in protective equipment, microfluidic applications, and chemical sensor devices.