Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Surround-aware Contrast Sensitivity

Despite advances in display technology, many existing applications rely on psychophysical datasets of human perception gathered using older, sometimes outdated displays. As a result, there exists the underlying assumption that such measurements can be carried over to the new viewing conditions of more modern technology. We have conducted a series of psychophysical experiments to explore contrast sensitivity using a state-of-the-art HDR display, taking into account not only the spatial frequency and luminance of the stimuli but also their surrounding luminance levels. From our data, we have derived a novel surround-aware contrast sensitivity function (CSF), which predicts human contrast sensitivity more accurately. We additionally provide a practical version that retains the beneﬁts of our full model, while enabling easy backward compatibility and consistently producing good results across many existing applications that make use of CSF models. We show examples of effective HDR video compression using a transfer function derived from our CSF, tone-mapping, and improved accuracy in visual difference prediction.
Studies on the impact of smoking on the biological functions of residents of District, Multan, Pakistan

The impacts of smoking on the biological functions of human body was studied in district Multan’s habitants. In this study, the impacts of cigarette smoking on total blood count, lipid profile, and liver functioning were investigated, and in this regard, blood samples of selected people having age limits above and below 30 years, including both male & female, were taken. Blood samples of selected population were analyzed with the help of Nishter Hospital’s Physiological Laboratory, Multan. The results were expressed as percentages and Mean ± S.E. M (standard error mean). Results showed that cigarette smoking has significant harmful impacts on the smoker’s hematological parameters, lipid profile and liver functioning. It was also seen that smoking increased the level of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in both male and female smokers. At the same time, results about liver functions showed that smoking decreased the level of bilirubin in both male and female smokers as compared to that of nonsmokers and also results showed that concentrations of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in both male and female smokers were increased as compared to that of nonsmokers. The concentration of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), lymphocytes and platelets in male and female smokers decreased. Overall, this study showed that smoking can have negative impacts on the biological functions of the human body with any age limit.
On the Applicability of Electrophoresis for Protein Quantification

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is widely used for studying proteins and protein-containing objects. However, it is employed most frequently as a qualitative method rather than a quantitative one. This paper shows the feasibility of routine digital image acquisition and mathematical processing of electropherograms for protein quantification when using vertical gel electrophoresis and Chrom & Spec software. Both the well-studied model protein molecules (bovine serum albumin) and more complex real-world protein-based products (casein-containing isolate for sports nutrition), which were subjected to mechanical activation in a planetary ball mill to obtain samples characterized by different protein denaturation degrees, were used as study objects. Protein quantification in the mechanically activated samples was carried out. The degree of destruction of individual protein was shown to be higher compared to that of the protein-containing mixture after mechanical treatment for an identical amount of time. The methodological approach used in this study can serve as guidance for other researchers who would like to use electrophoresis for protein quantification both in individual form and in protein mixtures. The findings prove that photographic imaging of gels followed by mathematical data processing can be applied for analyzing the electrophoretic data as an affordable, convenient and quick tool.
FER-M: Facial Expression Recognition on Mobile Devices

1-3Department of Computer Engineering, Vasantdada Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 4Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Vasantdada Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract – The task of facial expression recognition has been studied extensively. However, not a lot of research focuses on the deployment of the various deep-learning based approaches used for this task. We aim to compare different Neural Networks and the factors that should be considered when deploying these models on mobile devices.
Two-stage path analysis with definition variables: An alternative framework to account for measurement error.

When estimating path coefficients among psychological constructs measured with error, structural equation modeling (SEM), which simultaneously estimates the measurement and structural parameters, is generally regarded as the gold standard. In practice, however, researchers usually first compute composite scores or factor scores, and use those as observed variables in a path analysis, for purposes of simplifying the model or avoiding model convergence issues. Whereas recent approaches, such as reliability adjustment methods and factor score regression, has been proposed to mitigate the bias induced by ignoring measurement error in composite/factor scores with continuous indicators, those approaches are not yet applicable to models with categorical indicators. In this article, we introduce the two-stage path analysis (2S-PA) with definition variables as a general framework for path modeling to handle categorical indicators, in which estimation of factor scores and path coefficients are separated. It thus allows for different estimation methods in the measurement and the structural path models and easier diagnoses of violations of model assumptions. We conducted three simulation studies, ranging from latent regression to mediation analysis with categorical indicators, and showed that 2S-PA generally produced similar estimates to those using SEM in large samples, but gave better convergence rates, less standard error bias, and better control of Type I error rates in small samples. We illustrate 2S-PA using data from a national data set, and show how researchers can implement it in Mplus and OpenMx. Possible extensions and future directions of 2S-PA are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
The unexpected effects of daylight-saving time: Traffic accidents in Mexican municipalities

Approximately 70 countries worldwide implement a daylight-saving time (DST) policy: setting their clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall. The main purpose of this practice is to save on electricity. However, by artificially changing the distribution of daylight, this practice can have unforeseen effects. This document provides an analysis of the impact of DST on traffic accidents in Mexico, using two empirical strategies: regression discontinuity design (RDD) and difference-in-differences (DD). The main finding is that setting the clocks forward an hour significantly lowers the total number of traffic accidents in the country’s metropolitan areas. However, there is no clear effect on the number of fatal
PSD-GREEDY BASIS GENERATION FOR STRUCTURE-PRESERVING MODEL ORDER REDUCTION OF HAMILTONIAN SYSTEMS∗

Hamiltonian systems are central in the formulation of non-dissipative physical systems. They are characterized by a phase-space, a symplectic form and a Hamiltonian function. In numerical simulations of Hamiltonian systems, algorithms show improved accuracy when the symplectic structure is preserved [10]. For structure-preserving model order reduction (MOR) of Hamiltonian systems, symplectic MOR [17, 14, 11, 3, 16] can be used. It is based on a reduced-order basis that is symplectic, which requires symplectic basis generation techniques. In our work, we discuss greedy algorithms for symplectic basis generation. We complement the procedure presented in [14] with ideas of the POD-greedy [9], which results in a new greedy symplectic basis generation technique, the PSD-greedy. Inspired by POD-greedy, we use compression techniques in the greedy iterations to enrich the basis iteratively. We prove that this algorithm computes a symplectic basis when symplectic techniques are used for compression. In the numerical experiments, we compare the discussed methods for a linear elasticity problem. The results show that improvements of up to one order of magnitude in the relative reduction error are achievable with the new basis generation technique compared to the existing greedy approach from [14].
Impact of blanching pretreatment on physicochemical properties, and drying characteristics of cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is popular winter vegetables cultivated all over Bangladesh and contains essential nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pre-blanching on the preservation of cabbage by drying. In this research work, cabbage was blanched at 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C temperature for 12, 8, and 2 mins, respectively. Then the samples were dried at 60°C maintaining 60% relative humidity. The moisture and ash content of untreated and treated dried samples was in the range of 16.07±0.04 to 10.80±0.01% and 5.71±0.06 to 3.81±0.02%, respectively. The total phenolic content in cabbage was 74.47±0.63 mg GAE/100g at 100°C blanching temperature for a short time of 2 mins, which was higher compared to 61.91±0.48 mg GAE/100g at 80°C for 12 mins. It was observed that the antioxidant activity and two water-soluble vitamins-ascorbic acid and beta carotene decreased in pre-blanched dried samples in contrast with fresh ones. Blanching at higher water temperature and a short period was found useful for the retention of total phenolic content and greenness of cabbage. Blanching pre-treatments were also found to have better color retention capacity than untreated dried cabbage. A proper combination of drying time and temperature, along with the incorporation of blanching pretreatment, might be useful to preserve cabbage for a long time.
Investigation of Protecting Effect of Boric Acid against Mercury II Chloride Toxicity in Rat Brain Tissue

H.Turan Akkoyun, A. Şükrü Bengu, Mahire Bayramoglu Akkoyun, Aykut Ulucan, M.Sait Izgi, Ömer Sahin, Suat Ekin, Şule Melek Siirt University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Physiology, Siirt, Turkey Bingöl University, Department of Medical Services and Technics, Bingöl, Turkey Siirt University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Biochemistry, Siirt, Turkey Siirt University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Siirt, Turkey Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Van, Turkey Bingol Universıty, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Surgery, Bingöl, Turkey H.Turan AKKOYUN ORCID No: 0000-0002-4547-8003 A. Şükrü BENGÜ ORCID No: 0000-0002-7635-4855 Aykut ULUCAN ORCID No: 0000-0001-8844-8237 Mahire BAYRAMOĞLU AKKOYUN ORCID No: 0000-0001-5150-5402 M.Sait İZGİ ORCID No: 0000-0003-3685-3219 Ömer ŞAHİN ORCID No: 0000-0003-4575-3762 Suat EKİN ORCID No: 0000-0002-6502-5028 Şule MELEK ORCID No: 0000-0002-0677-722X
Evaluating Fidelity of a Scale Model Hexapod Motion Simulator

Engineers have always endeavored to produce mathematical models of the systems which they work on. The advantages to having accurate mathematical models that represent real-life systems are numerous, and include reduced development time/cost, furthering system optimization, a deeper understanding of the system, predicting behavior in untestable circumstances, and understanding key performance indicators. In a similar vein, simulators attempt to replicate real life events or experiences based on underlying mathematical models that drive physical and/or visual stimuli. A key point is that simulators rely partly on human perception to determine the accuracy of the simulation experience. The use of a more complex simulator, as opposed to purely mathematical models, has some advantages specifically for use in the areas where a human is integral to the overall functionality of the product. Prevalent examples of this are in the development of high performance human operated machines, such as airplanes and automobiles. In these cases, the performance of the machine is intertwined with the human, and the quality of the humanmachine interface can be important. In particular, when the engineer is seeking maximum performance, such as in the case of jet fighter aircraft or racing cars, the use of a simulator can allow for performance gains and a deeper understanding of how the human and machine are interacting. In addition, simulators can provide benefits to the human in the form of low risk training and observation. A challenge with vehicle simulators that include the driver is understanding how the platform stimuli correlate with the real stimuli experienced by the driver in racing conditions. If the platform motion stimuli are incorrect or unrealistic, the driver will either adapt to drive the vehicle based on false inputs, or be unable to interpret what the vehicle is doing, and can even lead to the driver becomeing physically ill. Thus, it is important to understand how a human perceives motion of the simulator. This study was supported by the driving simulator developed at Dallara Automobili. Dallara is an Italian company that designs and produces racing chassis for a variety of race series, notably IndyCar, Indy Lights, and Formula 3. They also have a pair of identical driving simulators, one located in Varano de Melegari, Italy and one located in Speedway, Indiana. This paper will discuss the design, analysis, testing, and evaluation of a scale model of a hexapod motion platform. The platform was instrumented such that the platform motions could be measured and compared to the lap data provided from the Dallara simulator. These motions were evaluated with and without the use of human perception models that describe how humans perceive motion in quantitative terms.
Identification of multi-bolt head corrosion using linear and nonlinear shapelet-based acousto-ultrasonic methods

Among different types of fasteners used in multiple industries, the bolted connection attracts the most attention due to its low costs and ease of operation. However, bolt failures may induce severe catastrophes if not timely detected. One of the most common bolt failures is bolt corrosion (especially at the bolt head), and bolt head corrosion can significantly affect the mechanical performance of the bolted connection and even the entire structure. So far, no relevant investigations have been conducted to detect multi-bolt head corrosion, and thus the author applies the linear and nonlinear acousto-ultrasonic methods to attempt to solve this problem for the first time. Notably, this paper’s main contribution is that two new shapelet-based acousto-ultrasonic methods, i.e. shapelet-based active sensing and shapelet-based vibro-acoustic modulation (VAM), are developed by utilizing the concept of time-series shapelets. Compared to existing approaches such as entropy-enhanced acousto-ultrasonic methods, the proposed shapelet-based active sensing and shapelet-based VAM can achieve better detection performance. Finally, by conducting a multi-bolt head corrosion test, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified. Overall, the proposed methods can provide a new direction for researching bolt corrosion identification, and they can also contribute to the development of structural health monitoring, e.g. the detection of other structural damages in future work.
Improved pulsed field magnetisation in MgB2 trapped-field magnets

Bulk superconductors can act as trapped-field magnets with the potential to be used for many applications such as portable medical magnet systems and rotating machines. Maximising the trapped field, particularly for practical magnetisation techniques such as pulsed field magnetisation (PFM), still remains a challenge. PFM is a dynamic process in which the magnetic field is driven into a superconducting bulk over milliseconds. This flux motion causes heating and a complex interplay between the magnetic and thermal properties. In this work, the local flux density during PFM in a MgB2 bulk superconductor has been studied. We find that improving the cooling architecture increases the flux trapping capabilities and alters the flux motion during PFM. These improvements lead to the largest trapped field (0.95 T) for a single MgB2 bulk sample magnetised by a solenoidal pulsed field magnet. The findings illustrate the fundamental role bulk cooling plays during PFM.
Polycarbonate based multifunctional self-sensing 2D and 3D printed structures for aeronautic applications

Different polycarbonate materials have been reinforced with carbon nanotubes to tune electrical conductivity and to induce piezoresistive self-sensing capabilities. Further, the composites were processed by solvent casting and fused deposition modelling (filament for 3D printing) methods. An electrical conductivity percolation threshold of ≈0.3 wt. % has been found for solvent casted films, whereas samples processed by 3D printing show higher thresholds, ≈2 wt. %, presenting all samples a similar maximum electrical conductivity (σ ≈ 1 × 10−3 S m−1), thermal and chemical properties. Overall mechanical properties are larger for the solvent cast films concerning the 3D printed ones, particularly the elongation at break. The piezoresistive sensitivity, obtained after four-point-bending and uniaxial strain experiments, shows gauge factors up to 1.7, independently of the processing method. The functionality of the materials has been demonstrated by the implementation of an airplane wing section model with self-sensing capabilities. Two implemented strategies showed the suitability of the developed materials for real-time monitoring of the wing mechanical deformation.
Effect of different steel fiber types on mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete

The influence of steel fiber on the mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) were studied through slump, compressive strength, flexural strength test. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of steel fiber had an influence on the working performance of UHPC, and the slump and expansion degree of UHPC were inversely proportional to the volume content and length-diameter ratio of steel fiber. The steel fiber significantly improved the compressive and flexural strength of UHPC. The mechanical property of UHPC was the best when the steel fiber content was 4%, with 28 day compressive strength up to 163.2MPa and flexural strength up to 45.9MPa. UHPC showed a trend of gradual decrease of compressive strength and gradual increase of flexural strength with the increase of aspect ratio of steel fiber on the condition of constant volume content of steel fiber. The addition of special-shaped steel fiber can improve the compressive and flexural strength of UHPC effectively.
Antioxidant of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Padina sp with DPPH method

Padina sp. is seaweed which has high abundance in Indonesian waters, but the utilization of bioactive compounds is not yet optimal. This research intends to test the antioxidant activity of the secondary metabolites of Padina sp. in South Sulawesi waters. The extraction process uses a multilevel maceration method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol solvents, then followed by concentrating/drying the sample using the evaporation method. The extract obtained was then tested for phytochemistry, determined the levels of flavonoids and phenolics, and tested for antioxidant activity using DPPH method. The results of this research indicate that the extracts of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol from Padina sp. contains flavonoids and phenolics with levels 103.0435; 124.5109; 111.7391 mg QE/g sample and 1.1504; 7.1289; 3.6325 mg GAE/g sample, respectively. n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Padina sp. has antioxidant activity with IC50 values 117.3622; 115.7171; 116.8350 ppm, respectively. The IC50 value of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Padina sp.is in the medium category for antioxidant activity.
An analogy of Molecule Rate Distribution in Statistical Thermodynamics Concept as a Deployment Approach Function of Covid-19

Coronavirus infection which was first discovered in Wuhan City, China was transmitted very quickly to almost all countries in just a few months. This makes some countries implement policies to impose lockdowns to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. A mathematic model for Covid-19 though stochastic transmission model has been proposed to estimate how transmission had varied over time during 2020. The previous mathematic modeling about Covid-19 almost exhibits exponential-shaped trends. Therefore, this study aims to formulate a deployment approach function of Covid-19 using the statistical thermodynamics concept. The spread function is developed from the distribution of velocity and rate of molecules by applying several molecular hypotheses. The formulation is done by making several analogies related to the social intervention, medical aspect, and weather conditions. Relating to relative humidity, it is not the main parameter, but it is used as a correction factor to temperature. The results in the exponential curves show that social intervention and medical aspects are more significant in preventing the Covid-19 transmission rather than the weather condition. The approximation which has been developed is expected to support the study about the cause, spread, and impact of the Covid-19 for both current status and future perspectives.
Diversity of parrotfish in Ambon Island waters, Eastern Indonesia

Ambon is small island belongs to Maluku Province, Eastern Indonesia. The waters of this island has great potential of marine resources such as Echinoderms, Molluscs, Crustaceans, and Fishes. Coral reef ecosystem in this area make its marine waters has variety of reef fishes. One of the reef fish is parrotfish, which is important economically and ecologically. This research was conducted to study diversity of parrotfishes in Ambon Island waters. Samples were collected through UVC method and purposive sampling method at fish markets and fish landing sites in 2015-2017. It was found that parrotfish in Ambon Island waters consist of 29 species and 6 genera i.e. 15 species and four genera from UVC sampling and 25 species and six genera from sampling at fish markets and fish landing sites. 15 of those parrotfish has been successfully validated by DNA barcoding. Total density of parrotfish in the southern waters of Ambon Island was 318 ind. /ha.