Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electronically steerable antenna array for indoor positioning system

Abstract This paper presents a 2.4 GHz electronically steerable antenna array (ESAA) using a phase shifter based on the 4×4 Butler matrix which is suitable for the wireless indoor positioning system (WIPS). The low cost and simplicity are advantages of the proposed ESAA. The main beam of the antenna can be steered at four positions in the elevation plane, from −37°, −12°, 12° to + 36° with the narrow beamwidth in order to increase localization accuracy and wide-angle coverage of 240° in the azimuth plane. The ESAA is demonstrated as a base station antenna in a single-anchor indoor localization system experimentation. Two indoor localization algorithms, including fingerprinting and direction-of-arrive (DoA), are implemented and discussed in this paper. The indoor measurement setups and localization results using the proposed ESAA are proven in this paper to have better results than other similar approaches.
Mediators’ Skills for Trust Building Inventory. A Psychometric Networks Approach

Trust building depends both on therapeutic alliance construction and the quality of the intervention. Although trust-building has received much attention in the literature, there are hardly any validated tools to assess it. In order to cover this gap, the main goal of this work is to present a psychometric inventory for measuring both the skills for building a therapeutic alliance and the skills for intervention through a mediation process. 170 subjects, mediators and clients, voluntarily participated in the validation study. An advanced approach by means of psychometric networks was used to estimate and test the two-factor hypothesized model: 1) Skills for building a therapeutic alliance, and 2) Skills for the intervention in the mediation process. An Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) with the Triangulated Maximally Filtered Graph (TMFG) was implemented for estimating the inventory latent network with all items. Further bootstrapping techniques were used for assessing the latent structure stability. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) over the best fitted EGA model was applied with a robust estimator (WLSMV). Reliability analyses for the best-fitted model were also implemented. Results indicated a stable and well-fitted two-factor latent network model, which was also confirmed by CFA: (2scaled = 216.84, df = 169, p = .008, RMSEA = .039, CFI = .986, TLI = .984). All reliability indices for the two-factor model obtained adequate values (above .80) and all items provided adequate psychometric behavior. This new inventory can be useful for developing improvement professional practice training programs, and also for enriching mediation-related higher education curricula.
Simultaneous Power Flow Decouple and Converter Gain Design for Electric Vehicle to Grid System

This paper presents a novel idea based on the Port-Hamiltonian and cascade system to control the electric vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system. Based on the proposed method, the relationship between the converter plant gain and the moment of inertia of generator that has been established is effective for decoupled control of the V2G system. It is well known that the existing methods apply the H ∞ control and PSO method to enumerate and choose the value of converter plant gain from the region decided by the state of charge. Since an explicit form of converter plant gain is obtain in this paper, the proposed method that is unnecessary to repeat the above existing details effectively reduces the calculated amount of converter plant gain. Finally, the simulations demonstrate the validity and advantage of the proposed method.
Pole assignment and distributed output feedback control via graph-based decomposition

ABSTRACT A new distributed observer-based output feedback control design with an arbitrary control structure is proposed. Assuming that the linear time-invariant (LTI) system does not have any fixed-modes with respect to the control structure, the pole placement at the desired locations becomes theoretically feasible. In this paper, the structural output feedback controller design is transformed into equivalent problems based on a graph-theoretic approach. Two augmented structures are established and formulated as the solution of a set of binary linear programs (BLP). The first one facilitates the incorporation of the maximum number of edges in the principal bipartite graph and the second one results in the least order of dynamic control for the principal block. Next, the distributed design problem is segmented into two stages: (i) design of a set of static control loops based on convex optimisation, to maximise the controllability/observability radius and (ii) design of the control loops corresponding to the principal bipartite graph based on the reduced-order observer-based control. The performance of the proposed approach is investigated in terms of the pole-placement accuracy, control effort, robustness to perturbations in system dynamics, and effect of controller order reduction.
Fast Sparse LiDAR Odometry Using Self-Supervised Feature Selection on Intensity Images

Ego-motion estimation is a fundamental building block of any autonomous system that needs to navigate in an environment. In large-scale outdoor scenes, 3D LiDARs are often used for this task, as they provide a large number of range measurements at high precision. In this paper, we propose a novel approach that exploits the intensity channel of 3D LiDAR scans to compute an accurate odometry estimate at a high frequency. In contrast to existing methods that operate on full point clouds, our approach extracts a sparse set of salient points from intensity images using data-driven feature extraction architectures originally designed for RGB images. These salient points are then used to compute the relative pose between successive scans. Furthermore, we propose a novel self-supervised procedure to fine-tune the feature extraction network online during navigation, which exploits the estimated relative motion but does not require ground truth data. The experimental evaluation suggests that the proposed approach provides a solid ego-motion estimation at a much higher frequency than the sensor frame rate while improving its estimation accuracy online.
Influence of Sodium Butyrate on Provoke of Immune Response in Vaccinated Broilers With Avian Influenza (H9N2) Vaccines

T HIS study aimed to evaluate the impact of sodium butyrate (SB) on immune response of broiler vaccinated with 2 different inactivated H9N2 vaccines. 150 day-old chicks were divided into 5 groups (every 30 chicks): groups A and B were vaccinated with classical inactivated avian influenza H9N2 vaccine at 1 day-old/ S.C. Group A left without treatment but group B was treated with SB with a dosage of 1g/L of drinking water daily till end of trail. Whereas groups C and D were vaccinated with a developed inactivated avian influenza H9N2P vaccine at the same age S.C. Group C was left without treatment but group D was treated with SB as group B, finally, group E was control group. The results showed no significant effect of SB on level interferon γ in treated and/or vaccinated groups. Significant effect on Abs level with SB supplementation was detected at 14 days in group D in comparison with other groups, then at 35 days SB and or developed H9N2 vaccine revealed an elevation in Abs titer in group B, C, and D respectively by ELISA and HI tests. The significant difference occurred in RW of bursa with group B in comparison with group D and E at 21 and 28 days. Finally, group B showed a significant increase in weight gain at 35 days followed by group D in comparison with other groups. We concluded that supplemented SB at 1gm/ L has a positive impact on both humoral immunity and weight gain of broiler.
Baicalein self‐microemulsion based on drug–phospholipid complex for the alleviation of cytokine storm

Abstract Cytokine storm is a phenomenon whereby the overreaction of the human immune system leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines, which can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. At present, the existing drugs for the treatment of cytokine storm have limited efficacy and severe adverse effects. Here, we report a lymphatic targeting self‐microemulsifying drug delivery system containing baicalein to effectively inhibit cytokine storm. Baicalein self‐microemulsion with phospholipid complex as an intermediate carrier (BAPC‐SME) prepared in this study could be spontaneously emulsified to form 12‐nm oil‐in‐water nanoemulsion after administration. And then BAPC‐SME underwent uptake by enterocyte through endocytosis mediated by lipid valve and clathrin, and had obvious characteristics of mesenteric lymph node targeting distribution. Oral administration of BAPC‐SME could significantly inhibit the increase in plasma levels of 14 cytokines: TNF‐α, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, MCP‐1, IL‐17A, IL‐27, IL‐1α, GM‐CSF, MIG, IFN‐β, IL‐12, MIP‐3α, IL‐23, and RANTES in mice experiencing systemic cytokine storm. BAPC‐SME could also significantly improve the pathological injury and inflammatory cell infiltration of lung tissue in mice experiencing local cytokine storm. This study does not only provide a new lymphatic targeted drug delivery strategy for the treatment of cytokine storm but also has great practical significance for the clinical development of baicalein self‐microemulsion therapies for cytokine storm.
Effects of common litter types and their physicochemical properties on the welfare of broilers

Background and Aim: In broiler production, the poor quality litter not only may lead to a deterioration of the welfare status but also negatively affect carcass quality, overall health and growth performance, which may result in economic losses. The effects of litter types on the welfare of broilers are known but the effects of their characteristics have been little studied. This study aimed to evaluate correlations between welfare parameters of broilers and physicochemical characteristics of five common litter types. Materials and Methods: Over 42 days, 600 (Cobb 700) male broiler chicks were placed within 30 pens (each 2 m2) at a density of 10 birds/m2. The experiment included five treatments with six replicates per treatment. The following litter (or bedding) materials were examined: Standard quality straw, low-quality straw, wood shavings (WS), sawdust, and crop residues. Footpad condition, hock burns, and plumage cleanliness, as well as litter condition, were scored according to previously developed point scale systems. Litter quality was evaluated according to pH level, moisture, water-holding capacity, and ammonia content. Results: No significant differences were found among litter types in terms of pH, moisture content, or ammonia levels. WS had a significant positive effect on footpad health and plumage cleanliness. However, hock burn was not affected by different bedding types. The severity of pododermatitis was negatively correlated with litter type (r = −0.78; p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the litter scores (r = 0.67; p < 0.001). However, contact dermatitis observed (pododermatitis and hock burn) was not correlated with any of the physicochemical parameters we studied. Meanwhile, we observed a correlation between footpad lesions and hock burn (r = 0.45; p < 0.05), and between footpad lesions and plumage cleanliness (r = 0.59; p < 0.01). Conclusion: For all litter types examined, contact dermatitis was not correlated with any of the physicochemical components we studied. There were, however, significant correlations between litter type and footpad lesions, as well as between footpad dermatitis and hock burns.
Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Patients Who Visited Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital’s Emergency Department Over a Six-Year Period, Woldia, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

Background Despite ongoing intensive public health intervention efforts, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Having updated epidemiological data focusing on the top common IPIs that cause emergency visits is crucial for implementing area-specific and evidence-based intervention strategies. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital’s (WCSH) emergency laboratory over a six-year period. Methods An institutional-based retrospective study was conducted to assess the prevalence of IPIs over a six-year period (2014–2019) using a recorded saline wet-mount stool sample examination result in the laboratory logbook at WCSH’s emergency department. Results In this study, of the total of 11,281 clinically suspected individuals who were requested for stool sample examination, 3908 (34.6%) individuals were diagnosed with IPs. The majority of confirmed cases were caused by protozoan parasites (32.9%), followed by helminth infections (1.7%). A slight fluctuating trend in the prevalence of IPs was observed in the six-year study period, with the highest prevalence documented in the year of 2014 (41.3%) and the lowest in 2017 (28.0%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia lamblia accounts for 95% of the IPs. The prevalence of protozoan infection was significantly higher in females (p-value = 0.0101), while H. nana (p-value =0.0138) and E. vermicularis (p-value = 0.0201) infections were higher in males. The highest and the lowest IP prevalence were reported in the age groups of 45–54 years (40%) and under five years (25.6%), respectively. Conclusion and Recommendations In the study area, nearly one-third of patients with emergency visits due to gastrointestinal symptoms were infected with IPs. This underlines the severity of the problem in the study area, which requires a collaborative effort of concerned bodies to minimize the burden of IP to the level where it is no longer a public health threat.
Preliminary monitoring of macro- and micronutrients in bottom sediments of the Gowienica River

Gowienica Miedwiańska river, located in a typical agricultural catchment, was selected for the research. They were carried out in 2014-2015. Samples of bottom sediments from the river were collected from the 0-30 cm layer. In the samples taken, the total content of the elements was determined: Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn. The aim of the research was to initially monitor the spread of macroand microelements in bottom sediments of the Gowienica River along its course. The analyzes performed in the bottom sediment samples allowed to observe that the highest concentrations of the analyzed elements in both 2014 and 2015 occurred in the final section of the studied river (P-5 and 6) with the exception of zinc concentrations, where the highest concentration occurred in the initial section in point no. 2. Increased concentrations may be caused by a slowing down of the river water speed. The highest statistically significant positive correlations for the deposits of the Gowienica River appeared between magnesium and sodium in 2014 and 2015. The analysis also showed statistically significant correlations for calcium and copper (in 2014 and 2015) and for calcium and manganese in 2014 and 2015.
THE ROLE OF QUALITY CONTROL ON THE FORMATION OF AUDITOR’S PROFESSIONAL SKEPTICISM

AbstractPurpose: This study aimed to determine the ability of quality control to moderate the relationship between time pressure, locus of control, and professional skepticism of auditors. Method: The population included auditors in the city of Semarang, Indonesia. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed to 100 respondents with only 78 returned while the hypotheses were tested through the use of multiple regression methods.Findings: The results showed two hypotheses, the first and third, were not accepted. This, therefore, means time pressure does not affect professional skepticism and there was no moderating effect of quality control on this relationship. The remaining two hypotheses, second and fourth, were accepted. This indicates there was an influence of external locus of control on professional skepticism and quality control was able to moderate this effect.Novelty: The research’s originality was the use of Professional Skepticism variable which is made up of ethical dilemmas, knowledge and experience gap, deadline pressure, auditor characteristic, and feedback. However, several situational factors like the quality control are usually adopted in a public accounting firm as a moderating variable to improve the direct effect of certain determinants on professional skepticism Keywords: Professional skepticism, Time pressure, Locus of Control, Quality Control
Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Program on Health Outcomes among Patients with Thoracic Surgery

Background: Inspiratory muscle training is a targeted strengthening of the inspiratory muscles through the application of resistance during inspiration. Aim of this study: Was to evaluate effect of inspiratory muscle training program on health outcomes among thoracic surgeries patients. Research design: A quasi experimental research design was utilized to meet the aim of this study. Setting: The study was conducted in Thoracic Surgery Department at Benha University Hospital which consists of 5 rooms, 26 beds. Sample: A purposive sample of 80 adult patients undergoing thoracic surgery who met the inclusion criteria enrolled to this study. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used: Tool I: Structured questionnaire assessment. Tool II: Observational checklist. Tool III: The clinical outcome assessment. Results: There was highly significant positive correlation between total patients’ knowledge and their practice towards thoracic surgery and inspiratory muscle training at pre, post and follow-up implementation of a training program at (P= < 0.01) ,there was highly significant positive correlation between total patients’ knowledge and their practice towards thoracic surgery and inspiratory muscle training and patients outcome at pre, post and follow-up implementation of a training program at (P= < 0.01). Conclusion: Patient’s knowledge and practice were poor at preprogram phase while it had been improved during post program phases (immediate & after 1months) which reflects that training program was effective and had a positive impact on patient’s performance regarding patient status observed as (P value at . Recommendation: The study should be replicated on large sample & different hospitals setting in order to detect and generalize the results.
Aplicación intralesional de antimoniales en el tratamiento de leishmaniasis cutánea

Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia clínica de la aplicación intralesional de 3 versus, 6 inyecciones de Glucantime®, durante una o dos semanas en pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea. Métodos: estudio de tipo cuasi experimental. Se incluyó a 41 pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea del área endémica tropical de Cochabamba, Bolivia. Los pacientes, fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente para recibir tratamiento intralesional con Glucantime®, en tres o seis aplicaciones. Todos ellos firmaron un consentimiento escrito de aceptación voluntaria de participar del estudio, que cuenta con el aval del comité de ética de la facultad de medicina UMSS. Resultados: la evaluación realizada a la eficacia clínica, del empleo de tres o seis aplicaciones intralesionales de Glucantime® no encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambas. Así mismo, tampoco se encontró diferencias significativas en cuanto a la cicatrización completa alcanzada al primer mes post tratamiento por ambos esquemas de aplicación. Conclusiones: la cicatrización de las úlceras observada en este estudio, se consiguió independiente del esquema de tres o seis aplicaciones intralesionales de Glucantime® y estos resultados son comparables al tratamiento sistémico. Se considera que tres aplicaciones de Glucantime® intralesional es el límite mínimo como tratamiento para leishmaniasis cutánea con una sola úlcera cuyo tamaño sea menor a tres por tres centímetros.
Inhibiting PI3K–AKT–mTOR Signaling in Multiple Myeloma-Associated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Impedes the Proliferation of Multiple Myeloma Cells

The microenvironment of cancer cells is receiving increasing attention as an important factor influencing the progression and prognosis of tumor diseases. In multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological cancer of plasma cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an integral part of the bone marrow niche and tumor microenvironment. It has been described that MM cells alter MSCs in a way that MM-associated MSCs promote the proliferation and survival of MM cells. Yet, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between MM cells and MSCs and whether this can be targeted for therapeutic interventions is limited. To identify potential molecular targets, we examined MSCs by RNA sequencing and Western blot analysis. We report that MSCs from MM patients with active disease (MM-Act-MSCs) show a distinct gene expression profile as compared with MSCs from patients with other (non-) malignant diseases (CTR-MSCs). Of note, we detected a significant enrichment of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR hallmark gene set in MM-Act-MSCs and further confirmed the increased levels of related proteins in these MSCs. Pictilisib, a pan-PI3K inhibitor, selectively reduced the proliferation of MM-Act-MSCs as compared with CTR-MSCs. Furthermore, pictilisib treatment impaired the MM-promoting function of MM-Act-MSCs. Our data thus provide a deeper insight into the molecular signature and function of MSCs associated with MM and show that targeting PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling in MSCs may represent an additional therapeutic pathway in the treatment of MM patients.
Probabilistic slope stability assessment of laterite borrow pit using artificial neural network

ABSTRACT Assessment of slope stability of abandoned laterite borrow pits in residential areas is highly desirable as the consequence of its failure could be fatal. This study applied artificial neural network (ANN) to conduct probabilistic slope stability assessments of the borrow pits. To determine the corresponding factor of safety (FOS), random shear strength parameters, slope geometry, structure load on the slope and structure distance from the slope crest were used as inputs in finite-difference numerical simulations. The FOS was combined with ANN techniques to derive a mathematical model for predicting the failure probability. The effects of variability of soil shear strength parameters and cross-correlation between the parameters on the probability of slope failure were examined. Results showed that the performance level of the pit slopes was hazardous. Variability in shear strength parameters significantly influenced the slope stability, while negative correlation coefficients between the parameters reduced the probability of the slope failure.
ICT knowledge transfer in complex organizations: Investigating antecedents of potential absorptive capacity

ABSTRACT This paper is an empirical analysis of ICT knowledge transfer in a large commercial bank. We assess how the ‘potential absorptive capacity’ (PAC) affects the effectiveness of ICT knowledge transfer. The study design includes interview data with 10 branch managers of the bank and a survey of the highest-ranking manager in each of the bank’s 50 largest branches. The study revealed that the parameters most significant to the effective intra-branch diffusion of ICT technical knowledge are formalization, perceived procedural justice, and motivation, and these relationships are explained by their link to PAC. The parameter informal relationships, however, was found to not be a significant factor. In addition, while some variables, such as procedural justice, have been identified in previous studies to affect successful knowledge transfer, we argue in our study that these variables are important mainly because they influence potential absorptive capacity (i.e., PAC).