Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systems Analysis in Ground-Water Planning and Management

The objective of this paper is to review the state of the art of systems analysis and optimization techniques developed in the field of water resources for the planning and management of a ground-water system. The areas reviewed include the following: ground-water management models, inverse solution techniques for parameter identification, and optimal experimental design methods. Emphasis is placed upon ground-water supply management models, as opposed to models used for ground-water quality management. The techniques that have been used in the optimization of ground-water management include: linear programming, mixed-integer and quadratic programming, differential dynamic programming, nonlinear programming, and simulation. The inverse problem of parameter identification pertains the optimal determination of model parameters using historical input and output observations. Because of data limitation in both quantity and quality, the inverse problem is inherently ill posed. This paper summarizes recent advances made in the inverse procedures and methods developed to alleviate the problems of instability and nonuniqueness of the identified parameters. The optimal experimental design problem addresses the issue of data requirements and optimal sampling strategies for the purpose of parameter identification. A criterion must be established for the optimal design of a pumping test. The fundamental concept of optimal experimental design and various criteria used for optimization are reviewed.
Elderly Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment Exhibit Altered Gut Microbiota Profiles

Background As a transitional state between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a worse cognitive decline than that of natural aging. The association between AD and gut microbiota has been reported in a number of studies; however, microbial research regarding MCI remains limited. Methods This study examined 48 participants, of whom 22 were MCI cases and 26 were normal control cases. Fecal samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) quantitative arrays and bioinformatics analysis. Results A principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) both demonstrated that the microbial composition of participants with MCI deviated from that of healthy control participants. Multiple bacterial species were significantly increased (e.g., Staphylococcus intermedius) or decreased (e.g., Bacteroides salyersiae) in samples from the MCI group. Conclusion The composition of gut microbiota differed between normal control and MCI cases. This is the first study to identify a signature series of species in the gut microbiota of individuals with MCI. The results provide a new direction for the future development of an early diagnosis and probiotic regimen.
Design and development of a novel bi-directional piezoelectric energy harvester

In this paper, a novel bi-directional piezoelectric energy harvester which can harvest vibration energy bi-directionally is introduced and investigated theoretically and experimentally. The proposed harvester is composed of two sub-systems: a main beam to generate electricity and a spring–mass oscillator to trigger the vibration of the main beam from an additional direction by using magnets to couple the two sub-systems. The theoretical model is built on the basis of the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the magnetic charge model. A prototype is fabricated to test the performance of the harvester experimentally. Linear upward and downward frequency sweeps are used to obtain the frequency responses. The experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical model under frequency sweeps. A comparison with a beam–beam bi-directional piezoelectric energy harvester is also performed experimentally. Although both bi-directional piezoelectric energy harvesters exhibit the capability of harvesting vibration energy in two orthogonal directions, the beam–spring energy harvester shows a more consistent performance in both directions as regards the bandwidth and amplitude of the frequency responses.
New constraints on the tectonometamorphic evolution of the Erzgebirge orogenic wedge (Saxothuringian Domain, Bohemian Massif)

In contrast to well‐documented (U)HP rocks of the Erzgebirge crystalline complex (Saxothuringian Domain, Bohemian Massif), the surrounding medium‐ to low‐grade metasediments are scarcely studied, although they provide an important link between deep subduction and mid‐crustal processes. To constrain the Variscan evolution from continental subduction to orogenic wedge, the transition from the low‐grade phyllites to the footwall medium‐grade micaschists was investigated. We used thermodynamic modelling to constrain the P‐T conditions of four deformation fabrics (D1–D4) identified by the structural analysis. The studied area was first affected by the M1‐D1 event characterized by HP‐LT minerals (garnet, chloritoid, phengite, paragonite, and rutile) defining the S1 foliation. The calculated peak P‐T conditions for M1 increase from 13 kbar and 520°C in phyllites to 25 kbar and 560°C in micaschists. The corresponding apparent geothermal gradient 6–11°C/km is typical for a subduction environment. The M2‐D2 event corresponds to deformation and metamorphic overprint of the previous fabric during partial decompression. The M3‐D3 event is mainly developed in micaschists, and the M3 overprint intensifies towards the footwall. It is accompanied by a subhorizontal S3 cleavage characterized by MP‐MT assemblage containing biotite, staurolite and ilmenite. The inferred peak P‐T conditions for M3 are 5–9 kbar and 595°C representing a barrovian‐type geothermal gradient from 17–30°C/km. Finally, all metamorphic fabrics were heterogeneously affected by the low‐grade M4‐D4 upright folding. The D1‐D2 events are interpreted to record the growth and evolution of the Saxothuringian orogenic wedge while its present‐day architecture resulted from significant vertical shortening D3 associated with barrovian type M3‐metamorphism. This stage corresponds to the ductile thinning of the wedge. A new model is proposed, in which the Erzgebirge part of the Saxothuringian Domain reveals a spectacular example of active margin evolution characterized by (i) formation of accretionary prism, (ii) building of the orogenic wedge by accretion of subducted continental crust, and (iii) its extensional collapse.
ANALISIS DATA SPASIAL MALARIA DI KABUPATEN KULON PROGO TAHUN 2017

Malaria merupakan salah satu penyakit menular yang tidak terlepas dari keberadaan lingkungan fisik dan biologis yang mendukung terjadinya penyakit. Faktor lingkungan seperti iklim, temperatur dan curah hujan merupakan faktor pemicu pemunculan kembali penyakit malaria di suatu wilayah. Kejadian malaria di Provinsi DIY hanya terjadi di Kabupaten Kulon Progo dengan penyebaran di enam kecamatan. Tujuan analisis ini untuk mengetahui hubungan perubahan iklim (curah hujan dan hari hujan) dan ketinggian tempat terhadap kejadian malaria di Kabupaten Kulon Progo. Kajian ini bersifat deskriptif dengan menggunakan data sekunder malaria di Kabupaten Kulon Progo pada tahun 2017. Data kejadian malaria diperoleh dari Profil Kesehatan Kab. Kulon Progo, sedangkan data curah hujan, hari hujan dan ketinggian tempat berasal dari Badan Pusat Statistik. Data diolah dan dianalisis dengan melakukan overlay antara variabel stratifikasi malaria dengan variabel ketinggian, curah hujan dan hari hujan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pola spasial kejadian malaria tersebar di seluruh ketinggian dengan kejadian tertinggi berada di ketinggian 500-1000 mdpl, dengan curah hujan >200 mm (bulan basah) dan hari hujan yang tinggi. Perlu dilakukan peningkatan kewaspadaan dengan melakukan pengamatan terhadap curah hujan, kelembapan dan suhu dalam skala mingguan bekerjasama dengan BMKG. Disarankan pula untuk memberikan penyuluhan kepada masyarakat di daerah perbatasan mengenai upaya pencegahan penularan malaria.
Development and evaluation of potential functional food biscuits made from White Lupin

Potential functional food bakery products were developed and characterized based on White Lupin (Lupinus albus cv. Nelly) flour. Analytical properties of the seeds resemble to previously described Lupinus species, with significantly high protein content (45%). The high protein and dietetic fiber content of the seeds makes Lupin flour suitable to develop potential functional food products with high nutritional values. Results of the development of sweet biscuits and salty crackers enriched with Lupin flour are presented. Sensory evaluation of the bakery products was carried out by 15 panelists using the nine points hedonic scale. Heat stability of White Lupin proteins were investigated by gel-electrophoretic analysis, White Lupin proteins are quite stable at 140°C, after 35 min heating the biscuits still contain 69% of the original amount of proteins. Baking conditions were optimized also based on gel-electrophoretic experiments, the optimal baking time was 30 min at 140°C. Gluten-free Lupin-based biscuits and crackers were produced by completely omitting wheat flour from the recipes.
A planar ultrawideband elliptical monopole antenna with reflector for breast microwave imaging

A printed elliptical monopole antenna operating at 1–4 GHz frequency for biomedical imaging applications is presented in this article. To reduce the reflection of the microwave signal from breast, glycerin is used as the coupling medium (εr = 9, σ = 0.4 S/m, tan δ = 0.28) whose electrical properties are close to those of breast tissue. Directional patterns and reduced back radiations are achieved using a reflector. The antenna has wide impedance bandwidth from 1 GHz to over 6 GHz (over 140%), suitable for radar‐based imaging. The antenna demonstrates S21 > −60 dB from 1 to 4 GHz in the coupling medium. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:808–813, 2014
Dual-polarised dielectric resonator antenna with high isolation and low cross-polarisation

A novel, dual-polarised dielectric resonator antenna with high-isolation and low cross-polarisation is presented using a hybrid feeding technique. Port isolation of 35.9 dB and a cross-polarisation level of −34 dB are measured. The impedance bandwidth of return loss less than −10 dB is 440 MHz (7.9%) with a centre frequency of 5.7 GHz. Since its feeding mechanism is symmetric, a symmetric radiation pattern is also achieved. It is suitable for the application of synthesis aperture radar and some wireless systems.
Permanent magnet flux switching integrated-starter-generator with different rotor configurations for cogging torque and torque ripple mitigations

This paper investigates the cogging torque and torque ripple features of a permanent magnet flux switching (PMFS) integrated-starter-generator (ISG). The effects of the rotor pole arc width on cogging torque, torque ripple and output torque are first established using finite element analysis (FEA). Three torque ripple reduction techniques based on the optimization of three different rotor pole configurations - uniform, step skewed and axial pairing, are then proposed. The torque characteristics of each rotor configuration at varying load currents and phase angles are studied in detail. A prototype machine with a common stator and the three optimized rotor configurations are built for experimental validation. Both the FEA results and the experimental tests show that the step skewed and axial pairing techniques can alleviate the cogging torque significantly but the latter is less effective than the former in reducing the overall torque ripple.
Finite planar- and curved-ring-element frequency-selective surfaces

An element-by-element approach to the modelling of arrays of finite size enables the elements to be located on arbitrary lattices, including those curved in more than one plane. An analysis for dual-polarised ring-patch elements is given. Planar and parabolic surfaces are used as examples, with the rings on circular and triangular lattices. They are illuminated by plane waves. The currents induced across the arrays are very dependent on element location as well as on frequency. The transmission performance of these curved frequency-selective surfaces is also discussed, including the effect on the current induced in an element located inside a paraboloidal dichroic enclosure.
On the Art of Binocular Rivalry

Binocular rivalry has a longer descriptive history than stereoscopic depth perception both of which were transformed by Wheatstone's invention of the stereoscope. Thereafter, artistic interest in binocular vision has been largely confined to stereopsis. A brief survey of research on binocular contour rivalry is followed by anaglyphic examples of its expression as art. Rivalling patterns can be photographs, graphics, and combinations of them. In addition, illustrations of binocular lustre and interactions between rivalry and stereopsis are presented, as are rivalling portraits of some pioneers of the science and art of binocular vision. The question of why a dynamic process like binocular rivalry has been neglected in visual art is addressed.
Epidemiological snapshot of carcinoma lung at a tertiary cancer centre of Bihar, India

Background: According to the GLOBOCAN 2020 report, the estimated incidence of lung cancer in India was 72,510 in all ages and both sexes. In incidence, lung cancer ranked fourth overall among the various types of cancer. To study epidemiological profile in terms of clinical presentation, stage, risk factors and factors associated with late stage presentations at a newly established tertiary cancer care hospital BiharMethods: This was a retrospective-prospective analysis of collected data of histopathologically proven lung cancer cases in the Outpatients department (OPD) of Department of Radiotherapy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna over a period of 2.5 years from March 2018 to October 2020.Results: There were 140 patients, with a median age of 56 years, 59.28% (n=83) were smokers, 37.14% (n=52) used chewing tobacco, 24.28% (n=34) worked on earthen stoves and 15% (n=21) had passive smoking exposure. The male-to-female ratio was 1.64:1. Non-small cell lung carcinoma comprised 87.85% (n=123), stage IV presentation in 76.42% (n=107) cases with the most common site of metastases being bone (35.51%, 38 patients). IHC was performed on 64 patients (45.71%) of total 140 patients of which 51 patients were of adenocarcinoma histology. 35.29% (n=18) were EGFR positive and 28.57% (n=4) tested ALK positive. 4 patients tested for ROS-1 were negative. 32.14% (n=45) cases were treated empirically for Tuberculosis on the finding of chest X-ray only.Conclusions: Majority of the patients were males in advanced stage. Bone is the most common site of metastases. Long empirical treatments lead to late presentations.
Developing a Technology Adoption Model for a Sustainable Agriculture Sector

The adoption and use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) by traditional businesses, which can help deliver benefits is well researched. However, there are parts of society, such as, the agricultural community that have yet to fully explore and investigate the potential benefits of ICT. In Ireland, the agricultural sector account for 8% of Gross Domestic Product and it is an integral part of |Irish society. The effective use of ICTs by Irish farmers can improve their operation and support them to achieve their objectives, for example, access to information and services, social inclusion, cultural provision, education and training. However, the use of ICTs and its associated services by Irish farmers has been limited and often underutilised. The adoption and diffusion of ICT among Irish farmers needs to be approached in a holistic and sustainable fashion that will support their operation and enhance their productivity. This research will develop a conceptual model that will assist Irish farmers adopt and use ICT effectively. The model should enable Irish farmers to use applications that will enhance their operation.
Activation of LH GABAergic inputs counteracts fasting-induced changes in tVTA/RMTG neurons

Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are strongly innervated by GABAergic neurons in the ‘tail of the VTA’ (tVTA), also known as the rostralmedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Disinhibition of dopamine neurons through firing of the GABAergic neurons projecting from the lateral hypothalamus (LH) leads to reward seeking and consumption through dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. VTA dopamine neurons respond to changes in motivational state, yet less is known of whether tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons or the LH GABAergic neurons that project to them are also affected by changes in motivational state, such as fasting. An acute 16 h overnight fast decreased the excitability of tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons of male and female mice. In addition, fasting decreased synaptic strength at LH GABA to tVTA/RMTg GABAergic synapses, indicated by reduced amplitude of optically evoked currents, decreased readily releasable pool (RRP) size and replenishment. Optical stimulation of LH GABA terminals suppressed evoked action potentials of tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons in unfasted mice, but this effect decreased following fasting. Furthermore, during fasting, LH GABA inputs to tVTA/RMTg neurons maintained functional connectivity during depolarization, as depolarization block was reduced following fasting. Taken together, inhibitory synaptic transmission from LH GABA inputs onto tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons decreases following fasting, however ability to functionally inhibit tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons is preserved, allowing for possible disinhibition of dopamine neurons and subsequent foraging. Key Points While dopamine neuronal activity changes with motivational state, it is unknown if fasting influences tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons, a major inhibitory input to VTA dopamine neurons. In unfasted mice, there were sex differences in inhibitory synaptic transmission onto tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons. Activation of LH GABAergic neurons decreases firing of tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons through a monosynaptic input. An acute fast decreased the excitability of tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons. An acute fast decreases inhibitory synaptic transmission of the LH GABA input to tVTA/RMTg GABAergic neurons in both male and female mice.
Predictors of support for biodiversity loss countermeasure and bushmeat consumption among Vietnamese urban residents

Biodiversity loss is happening at an unprecedented rate, especially in countries like Vietnam, with rich biodiversity and a high population growth rate. One of the main causes of biodiversity loss in Vietnam is the unsustainable bushmeat consumption rate in urban areas. To help mitigate the demand for bushmeat, this study aims to examine the associations between biodiversity loss perceptions, perception toward the prohibition of illegal wildlife consumption, and bushmeat consumption behaviors among urban residents in Vietnam. The investigation employed the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF)—an analytical framework that combines the strengths of the mindsponge mechanism and Bayesian inference to facilitate investigation into psychological and behavioral issues—on 535 respondents from urban areas across Vietnam (mostly in the two urban centers of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi). We found that people perceiving environmental degradation, and losses of economic growth, nature‐based recreation opportunities, health, and knowledge as consequences of biodiversity loss were more likely to support the prohibition of illegal wildlife consumption. Although urban residents tended to consume bushmeat less frequently if they perceived losses of economic growth and knowledge as consequences of biodiversity loss, the perception of environmental degradation had an opposite effect on the behavior. Additionally, people consuming bushmeat frequently and supporting the biodiversity loss preventive measure seemed to share similar features: high income and educational levels. These paradoxical results hint at the cultural additivity phenomenon—the willingness to incorporate into one's mind the new values that might or might not logically contradict their existing core cultural values—and its influence on psychology and behavior among Vietnamese urban residents. Given the influence of cultural additivity, it is recommended to put tougher measures (e.g., financial punishment) into perspective so that urban people can recognize the high “cost” of bushmeat consumption and change their perceptions and behaviors accordingly. Apart from that, social marketing, demarketing, or educational campaigns should convey knowledge and information that can help receivers relate biodiversity loss and bushmeat consumption to their subjective cost‐benefit judgments rather than the rarity of the species to avoid triggering an anthropogenic Allee effect—for example, emphasizing the penalty for consuming bushmeat and negative impacts of biodiversity loss on humans in targeted campaigns (e.g., losses of economic growth and knowledge).
Micromachined WR-3 waveguide filter with embedded bends

Presented is a micromachined WR-3 waveguide filter with two embedded H-plane back-to-back bends fabricated using thick SU-8 photoresist micromachining technology. The filter was constructed with four silver-coated SU-8 layers with a thickness of 0.432 mm for each layer. These layers were then bonded on top of each other to form the filter. This layered WR-3 waveguide filter with bends exhibited a minimum insertion loss of 3.3 dB and an 8.8 3 dB fractional bandwidth at a central frequency of 293.2 GHz. The measured return loss is better than 16 dB across the whole passband.
A silicon-based flexible tactile sensor for ubiquitous robot companion applications

We present the fabrication process and characteristics of a 3-axes flexible tactile sensor available for normal and shear mode fabricated using Si micromachining and packaging technologies. The fabrication processes for the 3 axes flexible tactile sensor were classified in the fabrication of sensor chips and their packaging on the flexible PCB. The variation rate of resistance was about 2.1%/N and 0.5%/N in applying normal and shear force, respectively. Because this tactile sensor can measure the variations of resistance of the semiconductor strain gauge for normal and shear force, it can be used to sense touch, pressure, hardness, and slip.
Sustaining Consumer Trust and Continuance Intention by Institutional Mechanisms: An Empirical Survey of DiDi in China

Sharing economy (SE) platforms have become increasingly popular. However, some platform enterprises have engaged in problematic behavior, such as collecting and using personal information in serious violation of the relevant laws and regulations, making improving existing institutional mechanisms an urgent matter. This study develops a conceptual model based on institution-based trust to examine the effect of SE institutional mechanisms on consumer trust in sharing platforms and continuance intention toward the SE in China. In addition, this study investigates the moderating role of gender in the path relationship between the second-order construct “perceived effectiveness of sharing economy institutional mechanisms” (PESEIM) and consumer trust. SPSS23.0 and SmartPLS3.0 were used to empirically test the data collected from DiDi users in China. The results of the analysis indicate that PESEIM has significant positive impacts on consumer trust, which in turn enhances consumers’ continuance intention to use the DiDi platform, and that consumer trust can also mitigate perceived risk while promoting continuance intention. Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) results show that government regulation and privacy assurance are critical factors for sustaining continuance intention toward ride-sharing platforms. Furthermore, the results of multigroup analysis show that PESEIM has a stronger impact on male users than female consumers in building consumer trust.