Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sulfonated Inorganic Additives Incorporated Hybrid Composite Polymer Membranes on Enhancing the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide considerable benefits in the energy and environmental sectors for producing bioenergy during bioremediation. Recently, new hybrid composite membranes with inorganic additives have been considered for MFC application to replace the high cost of commercial membranes and improve the performances of cost-effective polymers, such as MFC membranes. The homogeneous impregnation of inorganic additives in the polymer matrix effectively enhances the physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical stabilities and prevents the crossover of substrate and oxygen through polymer membranes. However, the typical incorporation of inorganic additives in the membrane decreases the proton conductivity and ion exchange capacity. In this critical review, we systematically explained the impact of sulfonated inorganic additives (such as (sulfonated) sSiO2, sTiO2, sFe3O4, and s-graphene oxide) on different kinds of hybrid polymers (such as PFSA, PVDF, SPEEK, SPAEK, SSEBS, and PBI) membrane for MFC applications. The membrane mechanism and interaction between the polymers and sulfonated inorganic additives are explained. The impact of sulfonated inorganic additives on polymer membranes is highlighted based on the physicochemical, mechanical, and MFC performances. The core understandings in this review can provide vital direction for future development.
Plasmodium vivax MSP1-42 kD Variant Proteins Detected Naturally Induced IgG Antibodies in Patients Regardless of the Infecting Parasite Phenotype in Mesoamerica

Background: The serological tests using blood stage antigens might be helpful for detecting recent exposure to Plasmodium parasites, and seroepidemiological studies would aid in the elimination of malaria. This work produced recombinant proteins of PvMSP142 variants and evaluated their capacity to detect IgG antibodies in symptomatic patients from Mesoamerica. Methods: Three variant Pvmsp142 genes were cloned in the pHL-sec plasmid, expressed in the Expi293F™ eukaryotic system, and the recombinant proteins were purified by affinity chromatography. Using an ELISA, 174 plasma or eluted samples from patients infected with different P. vivax haplotypes were evaluated against PvMSP142 proteins and to a native blood stage antigen (NBSA). Results: The antibody IgG OD values toward PvMSP142 variants (v88, v21, and v274) were heterogeneous (n = 178; median = 0.84 IQR 0.28–1.64). The correlation of IgG levels among all proteins was very high (spearman’s rho = 0.96–0.98; p < 0.0001), but was lower between them and the NBSA (rho = 0.771; p < 0.0001). In only a few samples, higher reactivity to the homologous protein was evident. Patients with a past infection who were seropositive had higher IgG levels and lower parasitemia levels than those who did not (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The PvMSP142 variants were similarly efficient in detecting specific IgG antibodies in P. vivax patients from Mesoamerica, regardless of the infecting parasite’s haplotype, and might be good candidates for malaria surveillance and epidemiological studies in the region.
The wide-field imaging interferometry testbed: I. progress, results, and future plans

We present recent results from the Wide-Field Imaging Interferometry Testbed (WIIT). Using a multi-pixel detector for spatial multiplexing, WIIT has demonstrated the ability to acquire wide-field imaging interferometry data. Specifically, these are "double Fourier" data that cover a field of view much larger than the subaperture diffraction spot size. This ability is of great import for a number of proposed missions, including the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT), the Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS), and the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF-I)/DARWIN. The recent results are discussed and analyzed, and future study directions are described.
Association between Age at Helicobacter pylori Eradication and the Risk of Gastric Cancer Stratified by Family History of Gastric Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Simple Summary In this study, in both patients, with and without a family history of GC, young age at H. pylori eradication was significantly associated with a reduced risk of GC. The gap in the risk of GC between patients with and without a family history of GC widened as the age at the time of H. pylori eradication increased. Our findings suggest that the early treatment of H. pylori infection can further maximize the preventive effects of GC. Abstract Introduction: This study compares the risk of GC according to age at H. pylori eradication, stratified based on the presence of family history of GC using a population-based large cohort. Method: We analyzed individuals who underwent GC screening between 2013 and 2014 and received H. pylori eradication therapy before screening. Results: Among 1,888,815 H. pylori-treated patients, 2610/294,706 and 9332/1,594,109 patients with and without a family history of GC, respectively, developed GC. After adjusting for confounders, including age at screening, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for GC comparison, 70–74, 65–69, 60–64, 55–59, 50–54, 45–49, and <45 years with ≥75 years at H. pylori eradication were 0.98 (0.79–1.21), 0.88 (0.74–1.05), 0.76 (0.59–0.99), 0.62 (0.44–0.88), 0.57 (0.36–0.90), 0.38 (0.22–0.66), and 0.34 (0.17–0.67), respectively, among patients with a family history of GC (p < 0.001) and 1.01 (0.91–1.13), 0.95 (0.86–1.04), 0.86 (0.75–0.98), 0.67 (0.56–0.81), 0.56 (0.44–0.71), 0.51 (0.38–0.68), and 0.33 (0.23–0.47), respectively, among patients without a family history of GC (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In patients with and without a family history of GC, young age at H. pylori eradication was significantly associated with a reduced risk of GC, suggesting that the early treatment of H. pylori infection can maximize GC prevention.
Helicopter-Mounted HF Direction-Finding Antenna With Rotor-Blade Modulation Using the Characteristic Mode Theory

A single helicopter-based high frequency (HF) antenna is proposed for direction finding (DF) using rotor-blade modulation. Without integrating additional antenna structures, a landing gear is utilized as a coupling element to excite a combination of significant characteristic modes of the helicopter through characteristic mode (CM) analysis. Different from traditional DF systems where multiple antennas required, incoming signal receptions are achieved by a single radiator in this work. The diversity in antenna radiation patterns is realized by incorporating main rotor-blade rotations. The incident signals can be measured as the blade rotates from 0<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\circ $</tex-math></inline-formula> to 75<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\circ $</tex-math></inline-formula>, where the helicopter-mounted antenna with each rotation angle is equivalent to one antenna element in a conventional DF antenna array. Correlation coefficients of complex CM and excited radiation patterns between the antennas with different blade rotation angles are calculated to demonstrate pattern diversity. Both Cramer–Rao bound and multiple signal classification algorithm are investigated using the complex CM and excited radiation patterns to validate the azimuthal DF capability of the helicopter-integrated single antenna.
Testing and Evaluation of Wi-Fi RTT Ranging Technology for Personal Mobility Applications

The rapid growth in the technological advancements of the smartphone industry has classified contemporary smartphones as a low-cost and high quality indoor positioning tools requiring no additional infrastructure or equipment. In recent years, the fine time measurement (FTM) protocol, achieved through the Wi-Fi round trip time (RTT) observable, available in the most recent models, has gained the interest of many research teams worldwide, especially those concerned with indoor localization problems. However, as the Wi-Fi RTT technology is still new, there is a limited number of studies addressing its potential and limitations relative to the positioning problem. This paper presents an investigation and performance evaluation of Wi-Fi RTT capability with a focus on range quality assessment. A set of experimental tests was carried out, considering 1D and 2D space, operating different smartphone devices at various operational settings and observation conditions. Furthermore, in order to address device-dependent and other type of biases in the raw ranges, alternative correction models were developed and tested. The obtained results indicate that Wi-Fi RTT is a promising technology capable of achieving a meter-level accuracy for ranges both in line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions, subject to suitable corrections identification and adaptation. From 1D ranging tests, an average mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.85 m and 1.24 m is achieved, for LOS and NLOS conditions, respectively, for 80% of the validation sample data. In 2D-space ranging tests, an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.1m is accomplished across the different devices. Furthermore, the analysis has shown that the selection of the bandwidth and the initiator–responder pair are crucial for the correction model selection, whilst knowledge of the type of operating environment (LOS and/or NLOS) can further contribute to Wi-Fi RTT range performance enhancement.
Principal’s Teacher Social Support Strategies on Teacher Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Mumias East Sub-County, Kenya

Purpose: The research focused on establishing the influence of principals' social support strategies on various aspects of teacher performance in public secondary schools in Mumias East Sub-County, Kenya. Methodology: It utilized both qualitative and quantitative data in a mixed research methodology. Also, the data was obtained from various population parameters comprising 1 sub-county director of education (SCDE), 1 quality assurance sub-county officer (QASO), 27 principals, 237 teachers, and 3730 students. The data regarding each variable was obtained from each population parameter, hence a cross-sectional descriptive study design. The independent variables comprised the frequency of in-service training and guiding and counseling programs. On the other hand, the dependent variables comprised lesson attendance and recovery, mean grades achieved, and score on teacher appraisal. To gather data about the variables, there were interviews with principals, QASO, and SCDE, questionnaires for students and teachers, and secondary data about performance in Kenya certificate of Secondary education (KCSE). The data was analyzed thematically based on the study objectives. Only means, percentages, and standard deviations were utilized to organize data. Also, the linear regression model was used on the data to find out the relation between independent and dependent variables. Findings: It was discovered from the data analysis that in-service training impacted teacher performance, while guidance and counseling did not impact the teacher's performance. However, from the general perspective of the principal's teacher social support strategies, the data revealed little correlation with teacher performance. Recommendations: The study recommend that there should be consistent in-service training in schools and selective guidance and counseling especially to teachers who show extreme social maladjustments. However, it is necessary that similar research be conducted especially on the influence of principal’s strategies to guiding and counseling teachers and the impacts on teacher performance.
Cardiovascular and metabolic characters of KCNJ5 somatic mutations in primary aldosteronism

Background Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the leading cause of curable endocrine hypertension, which is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic insults compared to essential hypertension. Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is a major cause of PA, which can be treated with adrenalectomy. Somatic mutations are the main pathogenesis of aldosterone overproduction in APA, of which KCNJ5 somatic mutations are most common, especially in Asian countries. This article aimed to review the literature on the impacts of KCNJ5 somatic mutations on systemic organ damage. Evidence acquisition PubMed literature research using keywords combination, including “aldosterone-producing adenoma,” “somatic mutations,” “KCNJ5,” “organ damage,” “cardiovascular,” “diastolic function,” “metabolic syndrome,” “autonomous cortisol secretion,” etc. Results APA patients with KCNJ5 somatic mutations are generally younger, female, have higher aldosterone levels, lower potassium levels, larger tumor size, and higher hypertension cure rate after adrenalectomy. This review focuses on the cardiovascular and metabolic aspects of KCNJ5 somatic mutations in APA patients, including left ventricular remodeling and diastolic function, abdominal aortic thickness and calcification, arterial stiffness, metabolic syndrome, abdominal adipose tissue, and correlation with autonomous cortisol secretion. Furthermore, we discuss modalities to differentiate the types of mutations before surgery. Conclusion KCNJ5 somatic mutations in patients with APA had higher left ventricular mass (LVM), more impaired diastolic function, thicker aortic wall, lower incidence of metabolic syndrome, and possibly a lower incidence of concurrent autonomous cortisol secretion, but better improvement in LVM, diastolic function, arterial stiffness, and aortic wall thickness after adrenalectomy compared to patients without KCNJ5 mutations.
Pedestrian tracking and navigation using an adaptive knowledge system based on neural networks

Abstract The primary objective of the research presented here is to develop theoretical foundations and implementation algorithms, which integrate the Global Positioning System (GPS), micro-electromechanical inertial measurement unit (MEMS IMU), digital barometer, electronic compass, and human pedometry to provide navigation and tracking of military and rescue ground personnel. This paper discusses the design, implementation and the performance analyses of the personal navigator prototype, with a special emphasis on dead-reckoning (DR) navigation supported by the human locomotion model. The adaptive knowledge system, based on the Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), is implemented to support this functionality. The knowledge system is trained during the GPS signal reception and is used to support navigation under GPS-denied conditions. The human locomotion parameters, step frequency (SF) and step length (SL), are extracted from GPS-timed impact switches (step frequency) and GPS/IMU data (step length), respectively, during the system calibration period. SL is correlated with several data types, such as acceleration, acceleration variation, SF, terrain slope, etc. that constitute the input parameters to the ANN-based knowledge system. The ANN-predicted SL, together with the heading information from the compass and gyro, support DR navigation. The current target accuracy of the system is 3–5 m CEP (circular error probable) 50%.
Time Deformation, Continuous Euler Processes and Forecasting

Abstract. A continuous Euler model has time‐varying coefficients. Through a logarithmic time transformation, a continuous Euler model can be transformed to a continuous autoregressive (AR) model. By using the continuous Kalman filtering through the Laplace method, this article explores the data application of a continuous Euler process. This time deformation of an Euler process deforms specific time‐variant (non‐stationary) behaviour to time‐invariant (stationary) data on the deformed time scale. With these time‐invariant data on the transformed time scale, one may use traditional tools to conduct parameter estimation and forecasts. The obtained results can then be transformed back to the original time scale. Simulated data and actual data such as bat echolocation and the US residential investment growth are used to demonstrate the usefulness of time deformation in forecasting. The results indicate that fitting a traditional autoregressive moving‐average (ARMA) model on an Euler data set without imposing time transformation leads to forecasts that are out of phase while the forecasts of an Euler model stay mostly in phase.
Mechanics and Prediction of Turbulent Drag Reduction with Polymer Additives

This article provides a review of recent progress in understanding and predicting polymer drag reduction (DR) in turbulent wall-bounded shear flows. The reduction in turbulent friction losses by the dilute addition of high–molecular weight polymers to flowing liquids has been extensively studied since the phenomenon was first observed over 60 years ago. Although it has long been reasoned that the dynamical interactions between polymers and turbulence are responsible for DR, it was not until recently that progress had been made to begin to elucidate these interactions in detail. These advancements come largely from numerical simulations of viscoelastic turbulent flows and detailed turbulence measurements in flows of dilute polymer solutions using laser-based optical techniques. This review presents a selective overview of the current state of the numerics and experimental techniques and their impact on understanding the mechanics and prediction of polymer DR. It includes a discussion of areas in which our .
Fast Prediction and Staged Optimization of Electromagnetic Vibration in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

The most common method to suppress electromagnetic vibration is to weaken the electromagnetic force harmonics, which are the vibration sources. Clearly, vibration is related to some other factors, too. Therefore, in this article, a modal analytical model and the transmission function of a permanent magnet synchronous motor are studied, based on which a fast analytical method of predicting the electromagnetic vibration is proposed, so that the vibration can be preliminarily evaluated during the machine electromagnetic design. The time-consuming 3-D finite-element method is not needed when predicting the vibration. Moreover, using the fast prediction method, a 15-D multiobjective optimization problem for vibration, torque, and efficiency performances is solved in stages. After optimization, the vibration is greatly reduced, and the torque performance is improved. The proposed methods are also proved to be applicable for different operating conditions and types of motors with various slot–pole combinations.
Fluid-Structure Interaction Modeling by ALE and SPH

The outcomes of a research focusing on water modeling and Fluid-Structure Interaction by ALE and SPH in LSTC/LS-Dyna971 are presented in this paper. Firstly the water impact behaviors of a rigid wedge are modeled with water region by ALE and SPH. The size of fluid elements plays critical role to the numerical results, so three different cases varied in mesh or particle spacing both in ALE and SPH methods are detailed discussed. The numerical results are compared both one to the others and to the experimental and theoretical results in terms of vertical velocity and slamming force, which can be concluded that the more elements modeled in the simulation, the better approximation with the experiment results. An additional discussion of propagation of pressure wave by SPH and CPU time are also presented.
“Totemic species” can be an effective lens for engaging students with Indigenous knowledge and biodiversity conservation

We present the outcomes of a program designed to engage primary school students with both Indigenous knowledge and biodiversity conservation, through the lens of “Totemic” species. The program provided resources for genuine engagement with Traditional Owners, and for the coordinating teachers to dedicate time to curriculum development and delivery. The material was embedded within a cross‐school core curriculum topic (biology), presenting both Indigenous and Western knowledge in parallel. Students' understanding of ecology and conservation increased significantly post‐program, as did their cultural awareness and appreciation of traditional knowledge. Care for the totemic species was also shown to increase and enthusiasm for this approach to teaching science was expressed by students. The co‐benefits of this program include creating habitat for threatened species, improvements in the health and wellbeing of students through engagement with biodiversity and the potential for ecosystem services such as cooling of the school grounds. Effective ways of embedding cultural awareness and Indigenous knowledge into the Australian curriculum are urgently needed and it is our hope that this program provides evidence of effective ways of embedding these knowledges moving forward.
Role of Omega-Hydroxy Ceramides in Epidermis: Biosynthesis, Barrier Integrity and Analyzing Method

Attached to the outer surface of the corneocyte lipid envelope (CLE), omega-hydroxy ceramides (ω-OH-Cer) link to involucrin and function as lipid components of the stratum corneum (SC). The integrity of the skin barrier is highly dependent on the lipid components of SC, especially on ω-OH-Cer. Synthetic ω-OH-Cer supplementation has been utilized in clinical practice for epidermal barrier injury and related surgeries. However, the mechanism discussion and analyzing methods are not keeping pace with its clinical application. Though mass spectrometry (MS) is the primary choice for biomolecular analysis, method modifications for ω-OH-Cer identification are lacking in progress. Therefore, finding conclusions on ω-OH-Cer biological function, as well as on its identification, means it is vital to remind further researchers of how the following work should be done. This review summarizes the important role of ω-OH-Cer in epidermal barrier functions and the forming mechanism of ω-OH-Cer. Recent identification methods for ω-OH-Cer are also discussed, which could provide new inspirations for study on both ω-OH-Cer and skin care development.
Ageing of permanent magnet devices at the ESRF

This paper reviews two typical cases of permanent magnet demagnetization which have occurred during the seven years of X-ray beam delivery at the ESRF. The first case occurred during the ESRF commissioning and was due to a miss-steered electron beam. The second case was seen over a long period and was due to the routinely produced radiation (i.e. X-rays, associated with the parasitic radiation). The first process is illustrated with an experiment where various grades of permanent magnets have been voluntarily irradiated with an electron beam in order to study their susceptibility.
Aggregate particle image segmentation

The most important and hard part of computer vision for aggregates, is segmentation. Segmentation can be divided into two steps, one is segmentation based on gray levels (called image binarization sometimes) in which a gray level image is processed and converted into a binary image, the other is segmentation based on particle shapes in a binary image, in which overlapping and touching particles will be split, and over-segmented particles will be merged based on some prior knowledge such as shape and size etc. In this paper, according to authors' work experiences, several kinds of aggregate image segmentation algorithms are analyzed and discussed; therefore, the suggestions for aggregate image segmentation are proposed.