Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Response of Baby Leaf Lettuce to Selenium Biofortification under Different Lighting Conditions

Selenium (Se) is an essential microelement for human health and has antioxidant and anticancerous properties. One of the ways to increase its concentration in plants is biofortification through various agronomic practices including artificial lighting. The aim of this study was to determine the responses of baby leaf lettuce to various Se content in hydroponic solution at different ratios of blue (B) and red (R) light of light-emitting diodes (LED) lighting. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa, ‘Little Gem’) was grown hydroponically under B:R light ratios–10%B:90%R, 75%B:25%R. The photon flux density (PFD), photoperiod, temperature, and relative humidity in the growth chamber were maintained at 220 μmol m−2 s−1, 18 h, 21/17 ± 2 °C, and 60 ± 5%, respectively. Two experiments with Se were performed using natrium selenate (Na2SeO4). Results of the first experiment (Se–0, 1, 3 ppm) showed that the content of Se in lettuce was about 15 times higher at 3 ppm compared to 1 ppm. Similar trends were observed for both B and R ratios. However, even the lowest dose of Se in hydroponic solution inhibited lettuce growth and reduced photosynthesis and chlorophyll content. Therefore, a second experiment was performed with lower Se doses (0, 0.5, 1 ppm) at different growth stages (11th and 17th days after sowing (DAS)). It was found that, when Se exposure was initiated at the 17th DAS, the lettuce accumulated a lower content of Se compared to the 11th DAS, but this did not have a negative effect on their growth. The B:R ratio of 10B:90R% resulted in a higher content of Se in the leaves. Overall, these results suggest that properly composed doses of Se, LED lighting and application time could be a suitable way for cultivation of selenium-biofortified baby leaf lettuces without any adverse effects on growth.
A practical approach for sizing a water-cooled bus

The sizing of electrical bus is an iterative exercise. The process logically starts with the identification of materials based on performance requirement, budget, design standards and fabrication/installation codes to be met. The decision on sizing multiple forced-cooled buses within a space-restricted envelope at a public regulated facility has it's own challenges. The first iteration in sizing is critical for the subsequent calculations like stress/seismic analysis, EMF effect, cooling package, life cycle cost etc. This paper provides a baseline bus sizing calculation that can also be used as a verification tool for procedural validation of software calculation, if any. Design of bus system for a single-phase electric furnace with multiple pairs of electrodes will be demonstrated with considerations for material selection, current carrying capability, inductance calculations, voltage drop, cooling requirements and the size of flexible jumpers (shunt) between the bus and the electrode or its extension.
Revenue Sharing Contract of Green Supply Chain under Manufacturer Risk-Aversion

Background on two stages green supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer, considering the degree of risk aversion and product greenness, consumer preferences and other factors, the centralized decision-making game model and manufacturer-leading Stackelberg game model are established.Then two game models are compared. The interaction of product greenness, wholesale price, product price,and risk aversion utility for manufacturers and retailers are also disscussed. Finally, the revenue sharing contract is applied to coordinate the green supply chain . The results show that:(1) In the centralized decision-making model, there is a critical value of the product green degree; (2)In manufacturer-leading Stackelberg game model, the higher the green degree of the product, the higher the manufacturer's wholesale price,and the wholesale price increases as risk aversion degree of manufacturers improves;(3)The revenue sharing contract can coordinate this type of green supply chain under manufacturers risk-averse.
A Systematic Literature Review of Intent Sensing for Control of Medical Devices

The usefulness of medical devices, which require user input, is often limited by the control schemes that operate them. The recognition of user intent could enable far more intuitive control schemes that respond automatically to what the user wants the device to do. This paper provides a definition for intent, and then aims to systematically review current methods for sensing intent. It compares the accuracy of different methods and discusses how they might be combined. A systematic literature search was performed using IEEE Xplore, PubMed and Web of Science databases. 2311 papers were considered, reduced to 155 after review. All selected papers were assessed for quality using a checklist. The results identified and compared 15 sensing modalities used for intent sensing in a range of situations and applications that broadly fell into 12 distinct categories, with highly varying levels of accuracy. Several papers reached accuracy levels that could be suitable for everyday clinical application, but most work done on intent sensing to date has focused on activity transition classification, with fewer papers addressing task goal interference or predicting future actions. Further work can focus on the implementation of these kind of methods into a combined, context-aware intent-sensing control system.
Enhanced performance of a patch antenna using spiral-shaped electromagnetic bandgap structures for high-speed wireless networks

This study describes the improvement of gain and bandwidth of a microstrip patch antenna achieved using a spiral-like electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure for high-speed wireless local area networks. The size of the antenna is only 45 × 45 × 2.47 mm and resonates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The gain and bandwidth of this antenna is 3 dBi and 67.4% greater than a conventional patch antenna. The working frequency of the patch antenna falls inside the EBG bandgap, which leads to the suppression of surface waves. Simulations of the antenna are conducted using the finite-difference time-domain analysis technique. The electromagnetic (EM) simulated and measured return loss, gain, directivity, radiation pattern, antenna efficiency and voltage standing wave ratio are presented for the proposed antenna array. These results allow one to determine the structures giving the best focusing performance and to obtain the frequency band for directive radiation.
Issues of Translating BIM for Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) Environments

Together with the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) industry widely adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, there has also been an increase in research activities to develop efficient solutions for bringing BIM into a Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) environment. MAR provides an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use method of accessing information by allowing users to retrieve information in an intuitive way by visually parsing the environment and relating information in the form of augmentations to specific objects in specific places. Bringing a BIM model to an MAR environment poses several challenges, technically and logistically. In this paper, an overview of a method that practitioners can use to consolidate, optimize, and visualize their data and models in an MAR environment will be explained and then the technical and logistical issues within that process are discussed in detail. Geometry translation, indoor localization, attribute assignment, and registration are some examples of brining BIM to an MAR environment. Understanding the challenges and issues through the BIM to MAR method will provide practitioners in the AECO industry as well as researchers in academia a framework for creating more efficient workflows for this translation.
Modelling of nonisolated high-voltage gain boost converters using the PWM switch model

This paper presents the small-signal models for nonisolated dc–dc boost converters based on the three-state switching cell (3SSC) and voltage multiplier cells (VMCs) by using the concept of pulse-width modulation switch introduced by Vorpérian. Two possible topologies are analysed in the study using one multiplier cell (VMC = 1) and two multiplier cells (VMC = 2). The models are validated by properly comparing the theoretical curves with those obtained in simulation tests. Besides, conventional average current-mode control is implemented in practice for the topology with VMC = 2. An experimental prototype rated at 1 kW is evaluated so that it can be seen that the control system is stable and the dynamic response of the converter is satisfactory.
VA/Stanford rehabilitation robotics research and development program: lessons learned in the application of robotics technology to the field of rehabilitation

The Rehabilitation Research and Development Center of the Pale Alto VA teamed up with the Stanford University Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1978 under the leadership of Prof. L. Leifer to start a rehabilitation robotics program that has benefited from five major funding cycles to date. Many lessons were learned along the way, mostly through the interactions between engineering staff, clinical staff, persons with high level quadriplegia who served as test subjects and their families and attendants. The prototypes that were developed acted as sounding boards, revealing what worked, what did not, what had promise, what was realistic given state-of-the-art elements, and when the level of technology allowed a certain feature to be usable in a daily use environment. The author examines the chronology of the program with a special emphasis on broad-scope effects. References to discussions of individual aspects and studies are provided. >
Effect of Ni(P) Layer Thickness on Interface Reaction and Reliability of Ultrathin ENEPIG Surface Finish

Electroless Ni(P)/electroless Pd/immersion Au (ENEPIG) is a common surface finish in electronic packaging, while the Ni(P) layer increases the impedance of solder joints and leads to signal quality degradation in high-frequency circuits. Reducing the thickness of the Ni(P) layer can balance the high impedance and weldability. In this paper, the interfacial reaction process between ultrathin ENEPIG substrates with different Ni layer thicknesses (0.112 and 0.185 μm) and Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC305) solder during reflow and aging was studied. The bonding ability and reliability of solder joints with different surface finishes were evaluated based on solder ball shear test, drop test and temperature cycle test (TCT), and the failure mechanism was analyzed from the perspective of intermetallic compound (IMC) interface growth. The results showed that the Ni–Sn–P layer generated by ultrathin ENEPIG can inhibit the growth of brittle IMC so that the solder joints maintain high shear strength. Ultrathin ENEPIG with a Ni layer thickness of 0.185 μm had no failure cracks under thermal cycling and drop impact, which can meet actual reliability standards. Therefore, ultrathin ENEPIG has broad prospects and important significance in the field of high-frequency chip substrate design and manufacturing.
Mechanism of Blood–Heart-Barrier Leakage: Implications for COVID-19 Induced Cardiovascular Injury

Although blood–heart-barrier (BHB) leakage is the hallmark of congestive (cardio-pulmonary) heart failure (CHF), the primary cause of death in elderly, and during viral myocarditis resulting from the novel coronavirus variants such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome novel corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) known as COVID-19, the mechanism is unclear. The goal of this project is to determine the mechanism of the BHB in CHF. Endocardial endothelium (EE) is the BHB against leakage of blood from endocardium to the interstitium; however, this BHB is broken during CHF. Previous studies from our laboratory, and others have shown a robust activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) during CHF. MMP-9 degrades the connexins leading to EE dysfunction. We demonstrated juxtacrine coupling of EE with myocyte and mitochondria (Mito) but how it works still remains at large. To test whether activation of MMP-9 causes EE barrier dysfunction, we hypothesized that if that were the case then treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) could, in fact, inhibit MMP-9, and thus preserve the EE barrier/juxtacrine signaling, and synchronous endothelial-myocyte coupling. To determine this, CHF was created by aorta-vena cava fistula (AVF) employing the mouse as a model system. The sham, and AVF mice were treated with HCQ. Cardiac hypertrophy, tissue remodeling-induced mitochondrial-myocyte, and endothelial-myocyte contractions were measured. Microvascular leakage was measured using FITC-albumin conjugate. The cardiac function was measured by echocardiography (Echo). Results suggest that MMP-9 activation, endocardial endothelial leakage, endothelial-myocyte (E-M) uncoupling, dyssynchronous mitochondrial fusion-fission (Mfn2/Drp1 ratio), and mito-myocyte uncoupling in the AVF heart failure were found to be rampant; however, treatment with HCQ successfully mitigated some of the deleterious cardiac alterations during CHF. The findings have direct relevance to the gamut of cardiac manifestations, and the resultant phenotypes arising from the ongoing complications of COVID-19 in human subjects.
A scatter search method to minimise makespan of cell scheduling problem

Scheduling problem in a Cellular Manufacturing System (CMS) environment is treated as group scheduling problem, which assumes that all parts in a part family are processed in the same cell and no inter-cellular transfer is needed. In a typical CMS environment, however, there could be some exceptional parts, which need to visit machines in the other cells. This fact limits the applicability of group scheduling approaches. This paper addresses the scheduling of manufacturing cells in which parts may need to visit different cells. These problems are solved in two stages namely intra-cell scheduling and inter-cell scheduling. Through inter-cell scheduling, the sequence of parts within manufacturing cells is determined. In inter-cell scheduling, the sequence of cells is obtained. Scatter Search (SS) is proposed to solve the intra-cell and SVS algorithm is to solve inter-cell scheduling problem. The performance of proposed SS algorithm is evaluated on benchmark problems selected from literature. The results reveal that the SS algorithm performs better than NEH heuristic method in the selected benchmark problems with respect to average makespan.
Port reduction methods for scattering matrix measurement of an n-port network

The port reduction method (PRM) is a method to acquire the scattering matrix of an n-port network from the scattering matrix measured at a reduced port order by terminating certain ports. This then relaxes the instrumentation requirement and calibration procedure. As the port order is reduced to two, the scattering matrix of an n-port network can be obtained from the measurement using a conventional two-port vector network analyzer. In this paper, we describe two novel PRMs, which can reduce the order of measured ports to two. The experimental results show good accuracy. These two PRMs can provide a simpler calibration procedure and instrumentation than those directly using an n-port network analyzer. In addition, they give more accurate results than those measured by a two-port network analyzer with the assumption of using ideal terminators.
The Link between Periodontal Disease and Oral Cancer—A Certainty or a Never-Ending Dilemma?

Periodontal disease can have a substantial systemic influence on the body that extends beyond the oral cavity and can lead to local inflammation, bone damage, and tooth loss. A great number of studies suggest that periodontitis and oral cancer are linked, however it is unclear if specific periodontal bacteria promote the development of systemic illness. The mediators of the relationship between those two pathologies are still being discovered, but the research findings indicate the existence of a correlation. Additional research, including confounding factors, is needed to strengthen this link.
Polarization, Horizontal Inequalities and Violent Civil Conflict

Recent large-N studies of civil war conclude that inequality does not increase the risk of violent conflict. This article argues that such conclusions may be premature because these studies, which usually test the conflict potential of `vertical inequality' (i.e. income inequality between individuals), tend to neglect the group aspect of inequality. Case studies suggest that what matters for conflict is a concept closely linked to both economic and ethnic polarization: `horizontal inequalities', or inequalities that coincide with identity-based cleavages. Horizontal inequalities may enhance both grievances and group cohesion among the relatively deprived and thus facilitate mobilization for conflict. This article provides a quantitative test of this argument, exploring whether various forms of polarization and horizontal inequalities affect the probability of civil conflict onset across 36 developing countries in the period 1986—2004. National household data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) are used to construct measures of ethnic, social and economic polarization, as well as vertical and horizontal inequalities along two dimensions: social and economic. The article also introduces a combined measure of ethnic/socio-economic polarization as an alternative to the horizontal inequality measure. Robust results from panel and cross-section analyses show that social polarization and horizontal social inequality are positively related to conflict outbreak. Variables for purely ethnic polarization, inter-individual inequalities and combined ethnic/socio-economic polarization are not significant.
Ein Beitrag zur Vorhersage nichtlinearer stochastischer Signale (A Contribution to Forecast of Nonlinear Stochastic Signals)

Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt die Vorhersage musterbasierter nichtlinearer stochastischer Signale. Die Grundlage bildet ein erweitertes Komponentenmodell mit Polynomkomponente, periodischer Komponente, stochastischer Komponente und einer zusätzlichen Musterkomponente. Die Realisierung des erweiterten Komponentenmodells erfolgt im Rahmen einer Gesamtkonzeption, die alle wesentlichen Methoden und Algorithmen für die Analyse, den Entwurf und die Vorhersage von deterministischen, stochastischen und musterbasierten Signalanteilen enthält.
Robust piecewise-linear control for polytopic systems with input constraints

This paper considers the problem of controlling uncertain systems with constraints. The aim is to tackle this problem in a simple and computationally efficient way. We propose a novel control algorithm that selects each sample time a pre-designed linear robust stabilizing controller that optimizes predicted performance. The algorithm is shown to be asymptotically stable. An example illustrates the method.
Effect of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance of young women agribusiness owners in Benin: Do social and business environments matter?

This research examined how key entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions influence business performance of young women agribusiness owners, as well as the moderating effects of social and business environments on these relationships. Data were collected from a sample of 365 young women agri-food processing business owners in Benin. Moderated multiple regression methods were used to test multiple hypotheses including the interaction effects of social and business environments. The three EO dimensions identified in the context of young women agribusiness owners, namely Innovative EO, Pro-active EO and Risk-taking EO, positively influence business performance. The joint effect of EO and social environment on business performance was not significant. In contrast, the business environment negatively moderates the relationship between EO and business performance. Furthermore, there is a three-way interaction between EO, social and business environments, such that these young women entrepreneurs achieve low level of performance when adopting EO in social and business environments with high levels of barriers. The training of potential young women agribusiness owners on the appropriate EO, and the establishment of an innovation platform to jointly draft and implement action plans could enhance the performance of young women agribusiness owners. This study provides a critical understanding of what EO dimensions to stimulate for increased economic success of young women agribusiness owners. It also highlights the specific conditions for the effectiveness of EO on business performance of these entrepreneurs in developing contexts such as Benin.
Understanding weld modelling processes using a combination of trained neural networks

In this paper, a set of neural networks has been trained for weld modelling processes with different architecture and training parameters. The set of neural networks is trained using actual weld data available in the literature. The performance of each neural network in this set is defined by two performance measures of interest, namely training error and generalization error. Instead of using one of the best networks from this set of trained networks, a method of combining the outputs of all the network from the set is proposed and is called the combined output (or output of the combined network). It is shown that the performance measures of interest obtained using this combined output is better than the performance measures of interest obtained by all the individual neural networks in the set.
Using underwater coded acoustic telemetry for fine scale positioning of aquatic animals

Abstract Measurements of aquatic animal movements, activity, and energetics in nature have always been technologically challenging. In many species around the world, detailed movement and activity information is urgently required for a variety of reasons. Issues related to fishing pressure, habitat degradation, pollutants, and responses to environmental change are just a few of the many applications that require knowledge of the temporal and spatial movement patterns of aquatic animals. Here we describe the development and implementation of a new multi-receiver positioning system (VPS–VEMCO Positioning System) that can be used in a variety of biological applications to study the behavior of aquatic animals in nature. VPS is more suited to a larger variety of applications compared to existing positioning systems that are constrained by cost and equipment deployment limitations (e.g. wire connecting hydrophones). To date, VPS has been successfully used in small (3 receivers covering 2500 m