Along with the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), waste management has appeared as a serious issue. Waste management is a daily task in urban areas, which requires a large amount of labour ...resources and affects natural, budgetary, efficiency, and social aspects. Many approaches have been proposed to optimize waste management, such as using the nearest neighbour search, colony optimization, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization methods. However, the results are still too vague and cannot be applied in real systems, such as in universities or cities. Recently, there has been a trend of combining optimal waste management strategies with low-cost IoT architectures. In this paper, we propose a novel method that vigorously and efficiently achieves waste management by predicting the probability of the waste level in trash bins. By using machine learning and graph theory, the system can optimize the collection of waste with the shortest path. This article presents an investigation case implemented at the real campus of Ton Duc Thang University (Vietnam) to evaluate the performance and practicability of the system’s implementation. We examine data transfer on the LoRa module and demonstrate the advantages of the proposed system, which is implemented through a simple circuit designed with low cost, ease of use, and replace ability. Our system saves time by finding the best route in the management of waste collection.
Smart homes are an element of developing smart cities. In recent years, countries around the world have spared no effort in promoting smart cities. Smart homes are an interesting technological ...advancement that can make people’s lives much more convenient. The development of smart homes involves multiple technological aspects, which include big data, mobile networks, cloud computing, Internet of Things, and even artificial intelligence. Digital information is the main component of signal control and flow in a smart home, while information security is another important aspect. In the event of equipment failure, the task of safeguarding the system’s information is of the utmost importance. Since smart homes are automatically controlled, the problem of mobile network security must be taken seriously. To address these issues, this paper focuses on information security, big data, mobile networks, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. Security efficiency can be enhanced by using a Secure Hash Algorithm 256 (SHA-256), which is an authentication mechanism that, with the help of the user, can authenticate each interaction of a given device with a WebServer by using an encrypted username, password, and token. This framework could be used for an automated burglar alarm system, guest attendance monitoring, and light switches, all of which are easily integrated with any smart city base. In this way, IoT solutions can allow real-time monitoring and connection with central systems for automated burglar alarms. The monitoring framework is developed on the strength of the web application to obtain real-time display, storage, and warning functions for local or remote monitoring control. The monitoring system is stable and reliable when applying SHA-256.
Circulating cell-free RNA (cfRNA) is a potential hallmark for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) as it construes the genetic expression level, giving insights into the pathological progress ...from the outset. Profiles of cfRNA in Caucasian AD patients have been investigated thoroughly, yet there was no report exploring cfRNAs in the ASEAN groups. This study examined the gap, expecting to support the development of point-of-care AD diagnosis.
cfRNA profiles were characterized from 20 Vietnamese plasma samples (10 probable AD and 10 age-matched controls). RNA reads were subjected to differential expression (DE) analysis. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify gene modules that were significantly co-expressed. These modules' expression profiles were then correlated with AD status to identify relevant modules. Genes with the highest intramodular connectivity (module membership) were selected as hub genes. Transcript counts of differentially expressed genes were correlated with key AD measures-MMSE and MTA scores-to identify potential biomarkers.
136 genes were identified as significant AD hallmarks (
< 0.05), with 52 downregulated and 84 upregulated in the AD cohort. 45.6% of these genes are highly expressed in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Notably, all markers related to chronic inflammation were upregulated, and there was a significant shift in all apoptotic markers. Three co-expressed modules were found to be significantly correlated with Alzheimer's status (
< 0.05;
> 0.5). Functional enrichment analysis on these modules reveals an association with focal adhesion, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and metal ion response leading to apoptosis, suggesting the potential participation of these pathways in AD pathology. 47 significant hub genes were found to be differentially expressed genes with the highest connectivity. Six significant hub genes (
) were found to be significantly correlated with MTA and MMSE scores. Other significant transcripts (
) were found to be involved in inflammation and neuronal death. Overall, we have identified candidate transcripts in plasma cf-RNA that are differentially expressed and are implicated in inflammation and apoptosis, which can jumpstart further investigations into applying cf-RNA as an AD biomarker in Vietnam and ASEAN countries.
Abstract
In this study, nanocatalyst NiPd was synthesized via a successful two-stage reduction process with NaBH
4
and PVP. More specifically, the first stage involves NaBH
4
reduction of Ni
2+
ion ...to metallic Ni. Afterwards, Pd would be coated on the surface of the aformentioned Ni particles by reducing Pd
2+
using the remaining NaBH
4
. The effect of experimental parameters on the synthesis and catalytic activity of the nanocatalysts, such as reaction temperature (30, 40, 50, 60, 70 °C), reaction time (60, 90, 120, 150, 180 minutes), Pd:Ni mole ratio (1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:10, 9:10). were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyse the surface structure, composition and morphology of the catalyst samples. The catalytic activity and stability of the resulting NiPd/C catalysts were investigated towards the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline environment by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) techniques. The results showed that the highest catalytic activity was found for the sample synthesized at 50 °C with 120-minute reaction time and the Pd:Ni molar ratio of 5:10. The influence of KOH and methanol concentrations on the catalytic activity of NiPd/C for methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline medium was also investigated. The results demonstrated the promising potential of NiPd/C nanomaterials as catalyst materials for the anodic layer in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Display omitted
Lateral Flow Assays (LFA) have been one of the most widely adopted technologies in clinical diagnosis over recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to their ...feasibility, compactness, and rapid readout. However, the precise dispensing of antibodies–a key part of the fabrication process–requires costly line dispenser equipment, which poses a challenge to researchers with limited budgets. This study aims to resolve this key issue by introducing a Syringe-based Arduino-operated Low-cost Antibody Dispenser (SALAD). By utilizing a microneedle, stepper motor-driven syringe pump, and conveyor belt, SALAD can form micro-droplets to create an even band of antibodies. Our evaluation results showed comparable performance between SALAD and a commercialized model – Claremont ALFRD, with SALAD exceeding in affordability and feasibility. SALAD yielded an even signal, uniform bandwidth, and low background noise, yet optimization in the conveyor belt should be considered to enhance stability. With a low manufacturing cost ($200.61) compared to the commercialized models, our model is expected to provide an affordable approach for LFA researchers.
This paper develops an optimal agricultural irrigation system based on a wireless sensor network (WSN) for use in smart agriculture. The aim is to design and develop a control system that makes use ...of button sensors in a crop field with data management carried out via a web application. The three components of the system are the hardware, a capacitive soil moisture sensor, and a web application. The first component is designed and implemented as a connected control hardware box to collect crop data. The second component is a soil moisture sensor used for field monitoring, connected to the control box. Its novel feature is the moisture sensor probe designed to connect directly to the ESP8266-12F microcontroller instead of using the TLC555 IC as a traditional sensor. The final ingredient is used primarily to control crop watering via a web application, which offers the user automatic or manual control. The automatic control function uses data from the soil moisture sensor to generate a watering schedule. Comparing the two sensors' soil moisture levels reveals approximately equal accuracy even during structural analysis and real experiments. The system proposed in this work is developed in the context of promoting digital innovation in agriculture.
Zeolitic aluminophosphate, a three‐dimensional microporous material, with an average pore size of 0.38 nm is good candidate for molecular sieve application in CO2 gas separation. The separation of ...CO2/CH4 gas mixtures for precombustion processes is desirable from the standpoint of both environmental concerns and energy efficiency. This study concerns an environmentally friendly method to synthesize zeolitic aluminophosphate thin films on various configurations and low‐cost kaolin porous substrates with high performance in the separation of CO2/CH4 mixtures. The membranes are prepared by a gelless seed growth method that uses lower amounts of chemicals, forms no liquid gel, chemical waste, or byproducts and generates no washing water. The obtained membranes show very high selectivity for CO2 with a CO2/CH4 separation factor above 1000 in the separation of CO2/CH4 gas mixtures.
Gelless, don't you know: Zeolitic aluminophosphate thin films are synthesized on various substrates, and show high performance in the separation of CO2/CH4 mixtures. The membranes are prepared by a gelless seed growth method that uses lower amounts of chemicals and generates no waste. The obtained membranes show very high selectivity for CO2 in the separation of CO2/CH4 gas mixtures.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as the apical matrix for the placement of MTA in nonsurgical endodontic therapy for teeth with periapical ...lesions and open apices.
Twelve teeth from eleven patients with periapical periodontitis and open apices were enrolled in the study. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy was performed with the PRF used as an apical barrier and the MTA manipulated as an apical plug for further thermoplasticized gutta percha in the remaining part of the root canal. Clinical signs and periapical digital radiographs were recorded and analyzed to evaluate the curing progress after periodical follow-ups of 1, 3, and 6 months. The horizontal dimension of the periapical lesion was determined, and the changes in the dimensions were recorded each time. The Friedman test was used for statistical analysis, with P < .05 serving as the threshold for determining statistical significance.
All patients had no clinical symptoms after the first month of treatment, with a significant reduction in the periapical lesion after periodical appointments.
PRF is an effective barrier when combined with MTA for the treatment of teeth with periapical periodontitis and open apices.
Microporous membrane has shown great potential for the separation of carbon dioxide from the gas mixture. Beside the membrane performance, the membrane preparation method is a factor to be concerned ...in this technique. In this work, pure silica DDR zeolite membranes on silica porous substrate were synthesized from an economical and environmentally efficient process. Porous silica substrate was fabricated using a low cost material. The membrane growth reaction used a minimum amount of chemical, produced no waste generation. Part of the reactant is supplied from porous substrate. The membrane quality is strongly dependent on the exposed faces of seed crystals and the pH value of the template solution. The obtained membranes show very high permeance and selectivity for CO2 from a CO2/CH4 gas mixture in both dry and humid conditions and hot gas flow. The membrane maintains stability in high performance with the separation factor of 440–500 for a test period of one week.
Display omitted
•Pure silica DDR zeolite membrane on low cost porous silica support.•Gelless secondary growth of pure silica DDR zeolite membrane.•Membrane quality dependent on the pH of template solution and exposed faces of seed crystals.•High performance on CO2/CH4 gas mixture separation in both dry and humid conditions.•Environmental friendly in both membrane preparation and membrane performance.
Shigella sonnei is a human-adapted pathogen that is emerging globally as the dominant agent of bacterial dysentery. To investigate local establishment, we sequenced the genomes of 263 Vietnamese S. ...sonnei isolated over 15 y. Our data show that S. sonnei was introduced into Vietnam in the 1980s and has undergone localized clonal expansion, punctuated by genomic fixation events through periodic selective sweeps. We uncover geographical spread, spatially restricted frontier populations, and convergent evolution through local gene pool sampling. This work provides a unique, high-resolution insight into the microevolution of a pioneering human pathogen during its establishment in a new host population.
PDF
