Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spike-Event Object Detection for Neuromorphic Vision

Neuromorphic vision is one of the novel research fields that study neuromorphic cameras and spiking neural networks (SNNs) for computer vision. Instead of computing on frame-based images, spike events are streamed from neuromorphic cameras, and novel object detection algorithms have to deal with spike events to achieve detection tasks. In this paper, we propose a solution to the novel object detection method with spike events. Spike events are first encoded to event images according to the computational methodology of neuromorphic theory. The event images can be realized as change-detected images of moving objects with a high frame rate. A redesigned deep learning framework is proposed for object detection to process the event images. We propose a deep SNN method that is achieved by the conversion of successful convolution neural networks but trained by event images. The networks with multiscale representation are discussed and designed in our method. We also design a semi-automatic data labeling method to build event-image datasets by object tracking algorithms. The proposed solution, therefore, includes spike event encoding, a redesigned deep SNN, and an event-image data augmentation algorithm. Experiments are conducted not only on the MNIST-DVS dataset, which is a benchmark dataset for the study of neuromorphic vision but also on our event pedestrian detection dataset. The experimental results show that the performance of the deep SNN trained with our augmented data is close to the model trained on manually labeled data. A performance comparison based on the PAFBenchmark dataset shows that our proposed method has higher accuracy than existing SNN methods, and better energy efficiency and lower energy consumption than existing CNN methods. It demonstrates that our deep SNN method is a feasible solution for the study of neuromorphic vision. The intuition that deep SNN trained with more learning data can achieve better accuracy is also confirmed for this brand-new research field.
National Trends in Special Education and Academic Outcomes for English Learners With Disabilities

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires annual data collection to monitor the provision of special education services, yet federal reports rarely disaggregate trends for English learners (ELs). In merging all available annual data files required under IDEA from 2006 to 2020, the present study provides the first large-scale examination of trends in the school experiences and outcomes of ELs with disabilities. Results show that while EL overrepresentation in special education is limited, the population has increased by more than 50%, with growth rates substantially higher by disability type (autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay) and geographic region (U.S. Midwest and Northeast). Analyses of school outcomes show consistently lower rates of suspension, general education inclusion, and high school graduation for ELs with disabilities relative to non-ELs with disabilities. Test score trends from the National Assessment for Education Progress reveal stagnation for ELs with disabilities and a consistent gap relative to non-ELs with disabilities. The study has implications for how schools prepare for changing student demographics in special education and improve student outcomes.
Effect of Encapsulation Material on Lipid Bioaccessibility and Oxidation during In Vitro Digestion of Black Seed Oil

Different encapsulation materials might not only affect lipid hydrolysis but also lipid oxidation during in vitro digestion. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of two commonly used shell materials, starch and gelatin, on the extent of lipolysis and bioaccessibility of the main and some minor lipid compounds, as well as on the oxidative status in encapsulated black seed oil (Nigella sativa) during in vitro digestion. The study was carried out using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-UV. It was shown that starch increased the level of lipid hydrolysis in black seed oil during gastric in vitro digestion, while no differences were observed in the intestinal digestates between starch-encapsulated oil and gelatin-encapsulated oil. Similarly, the bioaccessibility of minor compounds (tocopherols, sterols and thymoquinone) was not influenced by the shell materials. However, regarding lipid oxidation, a 20- and 10-fold rise of free oxylipins was obtained in oils encapsulated by starch and gelatin, respectively, after intestinal in vitro digestion. This study evidenced that gelatin rather than starch should be used for the encapsulation of oils to minimize the digestion-induced formation of bioactive oxylipins.
Structural insights into RNA recognition by the Chikungunya virus nsP2 helicase

Significance The multifunctional helicase-protease protein nsP2 of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) plays vital roles in viral RNA replication and virus–host interactions. We determined the crystal structure of the helicase part of the CHIKV nsP2 (nsP2h) bound to the conserved 3′ end of the genomic RNA and the nucleotide analog ADP-AlF4. The structure of this ternary complex revealed the molecular basis for viral RNA recognition and ATP hydrolysis by the nsP2h. Unique hydrophobic protein–RNA interactions play essential roles in viral RNA replication. These findings expand our knowledge of CHIKV and related alphaviruses and might also have broad implications for antiviral and vaccine developments against pathogenic alphaviruses. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes and causes Chikungunya fever. Nonstructural protein 2 (nsP2) exhibits the protease and RNA helicase activities that are required for viral RNA replication and transcription. Unlike for the C-terminal protease, the structure of the N-terminal RNA helicase (nsP2h) has not been determined. Here, we report the crystal structure of the nsP2h bound to the conserved 3′-end 14 nucleotides of the CHIKV genome and the nonhydrolyzable transition-state nucleotide analog ADP-AlF4. Overall, the structural analysis revealed that nsP2h adopts a uniquely folded N-terminal domain followed by a superfamily 1 RNA helicase fold. The conserved helicase motifs establish polar contacts with the RNA backbone. There are three hydrophobic residues (Y161, F164, and F287) which form stacking interactions with RNA bases and thereby bend the RNA backbone. An F287A substitution that disrupted these stacking interactions increased the basal ATPase activity but decreased the RNA binding affinity. Furthermore, the F287A substitution reduced viral infectivity by attenuating subgenomic RNA synthesis. Replication of the mutant virus was restored by pseudoreversion (A287V) or adaptive mutations in the RecA2 helicase domain (T358S or V410I). Y161A and/or F164A substitutions, which were designed to disrupt the interactions with the RNA molecule, did not affect the ATPase activity but completely abolished the replication and transcription of viral RNA and the infectivity of CHIKV. Our study sheds light on the roles of the RNA helicase region in viral replication and provides insights that might be applicable to alphaviruses and other RNA viruses in general.
Age- and Gender-Related Differences in the Morphology of Cuff Tear Arthropathy: A Cross Sectional Analysis

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) is the most common reason for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). There is minimal understanding of the natural progression of osteoarthritis of the shoulder and of the morphologic differences between men and women and between younger and older patients. This trial comprised 309 patients (342 shoulders) who underwent RSA due to CTA in the period between January 2009 and September 2019. The patients were divided into gender and age groups. Preoperative X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were conducted using various classifications to describe the morphology of the CTA. Of all 342 analyzed shoulders, 209 were right and 133 were left shoulders. A total of 257 female shoulders and 85 male shoulders were assessed. Both mean age and age distribution were significantly different (74.37 years in female and 70.11 years in male patients, p = 0.001; 70.2% female patients in the age group <75.5 years and 80.1% in the age group >75.5 years, p = 0.045). A larger extent of progression of the fatty infiltration was detected both in the female cohort (p = 0.006) and in the older age group (p = 0.001). Additionally, older patients had significantly higher levels of muscle retraction (Patte; p = 0.003), a lower acromiohumeral distance (p = 0.042) and more advanced CTA (Seebauer; p = 0.006).
The Impact of Local Food Festivals on Rural Areas’ Development

The importance of food festivals in the functioning of local rural areas is manifested in the construction of a sense of community and place. However, each stakeholder group perceives the impact of such festivals differently. The literature lacks a comprehensive approach to this issue. The main aim of this research is, thus, to identify how particular groups of stakeholders perceive the impact of a local food festival on the development of a rural area. The research was conducted at a small local food festival in Poland in July 2020. Individual groups of stakeholders (organizers, vendors and visitors) were asked to assess the impact of the festival on the development of the rural area. This research was conducted in three main stages using various research tools. In the first stage, an in-depth interview was conducted with the festival’s organizers. In the second stage, a survey, via a questionnaire, was conducted with visitors. In the third stage, semi-structured interviews were held with vendors. Surveys and interviews were carried out using the paper-and-pencil interview (PAPI) method. Our results indicate that interest in the impact of festivals on rural development decreases with distance. That is, the sooner such effects are visible, the more positive they are perceived. Moreover, visitors (on vacation) perceive a festival’s impact more positively than vendors (at work).
The equation of state for stellar envelopes. I - An occupation probability formalism for the truncation of internal partition functions

An equation of state for material in stellar envelopes, subject to the limits of temperature less than about 10 to the 7th K and density less than about . 01 g/cu cm is presented. The equation makes it possible to express free energy as the sum of several terms representing effects such as partial degeneracy of the electron, Coulomb interactions among charged particles, finite-volume, hard sphere repulsion, and van der Waals attraction. An occupation probability formalism is used to represent the effects of the plasma in establishing a finite partition function. It is shown that the use of the static screened Coulomb potential to calculate level shifts and to estimate the cutoff of the internal partition function is invalid. For most of the parameter space relevant to stellar envelopes, perturbations arising from the plasma ions are shown to be dominant in establishing the internal partition function.
Missing Data, Imputation, and the Bootstrap

Abstract Missing data refers to a class of problems made difficult by the absence of some portions of a familiar data structure. For example, a regression problem might have some missing values in the predictor vectors. This article concerns nonparametric approaches to assessing the accuracy of an estimator in a missing data situation. Three main topics are discussed: bootstrap methods for missing data, these methods' relationship to the theory of multiple imputation, and computationally efficient ways of executing them. The simplest form of nonparametric bootstrap confidence interval turns out to give convenient and accurate answers. There are interesting practical and theoretical differences between bootstrap methods and the multiple imputation approach, as well as some useful similarities.
Foam Rolling vs. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in the Hamstring Flexibility of Amateur Athletes: Control Trials

Background: the use of stretching techniques in the sports world is frequent and common thanks to their many effects. One of the main benefits of stretching is an increased range of motion (ROM). Recently, the use of a foam roller has spread in sports practice due to benefits that are similar to those of shoes observed in stretching. The objective of the following study was to compare the results of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF) with foam rolling (FR). Methods: The design of the study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrial.gov NCT05134883), and the participants were 80 healthy young athletes. The range of motion was evaluated with a modified sit-and-reach test before, during (at 30 s), and at the end of the intervention (at 2 min). The subject’s discomfort sensation was measured using the Borg scale. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d coefficient. Volunteers were randomized into the PNF group or FR group. Results: the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001) during the intervention in favor of PNF group. The differences at the end of intervention showed that the PNF group had a greater increase in flexibility, with this difference being statically significant (p < 0.001). The sensation of perceived exertion with PNF at the end of the intervention was similarly classified as moderate for both groups. Conclusion: Despite the fact that the use of FR is spreading in the field of sports and rehabilitation, the results of the present study suggest that the gain in flexibility in the hamstrings is greater if PNF-type stretches are used instead of FR.
A Missense Variation in PHACTR2 Associates with Impaired Actin Dynamics, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and Left Ventricular Non-Compaction in Humans

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a primary myocardial disease leading to contractile dysfunction, progressive heart failure, and excessive risk of sudden cardiac death. Using whole-exome sequencing to investigate a possible genetic cause of DCM with LVNC in a consanguineous child, a homozygous nucleotide change c.1532G>A causing p.Arg511His in PHACTR2 was found. The missense change can affect the binding of PHACTR2 to actin by eliminating the hydrogen bonds between them. The amino acid change does not change PHACTR2 localization to the cytoplasm. The patient’s fibroblasts showed a decreased globular to fibrillary actin ratio compared to the control fibroblasts. The re-polymerization of fibrillary actin after treatment with cytochalasin D, which disrupts the actin filaments, was slower in the patient’s fibroblasts. Finally, the patient’s fibroblasts bridged a scar gap slower than the control fibroblasts because of slower and indirect movement. This is the first report of a human variation in this PHACTR family member. The knock-out mouse model presented no significant phenotype. Our data underscore the importance of PHACTR2 in regulating the monomeric actin pool, the kinetics of actin polymerization, and cell movement, emphasizing the importance of actin regulation for the normal function of the human heart.
Confinement transitions in TJ-II under Li-coated wall conditions

This paper presents the latest results on confinement studies in the TJ-II stellarator. The inherently strong plasma–wall interaction of TJ-II has been successfully reduced after lithium coating by vacuum evaporation. Besides H retention and low Z, Li was chosen because there exists a reactor-oriented interest in this element, thus giving special relevance to the investigation of its properties. The Li-coating has led to important changes in plasma performance. Particularly, the effective density limit in NBI plasmas has been extended reaching central values of 8 × 1019 m−3 and Te ≈ 250–300 eV, with peaked density, rather flat Te profiles and higher ion temperatures. Due to the achieved density control, a second type of transition has been added to the low density ones previously observed in ECRH plasmas: higher density transitions characterized by the fall in Hα emission, the onset of steep density gradient and the reduction in the turbulence; which are characteristics of transition to the H mode. Confinement studies in ECH plasmas indicate that lowest order magnetic resonances, even in a low shear environment, locally reduce the effective electron heat diffusivities, while Alfven eigenmodes destabilized in NBI plasmas can influence fast ion confinement.
Immunomodulation of the Vaginal Ecosystem by Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632 Improves Pregnancy Rates among Women with Infertility of Unknown Origin or Habitual Abortions

In this study, the probiotic potential of Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632 was assessed, including properties specifically related with gynecological targets. This strain displayed co-aggregative and antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of vaginal pathogens while being respectful with the growth of vaginal lactobacilli. The strain produced a high concentration of lactic acid and displayed α-amylase activity when assayed in vitro. It showed a noticeable survival rate after exposition to conditions similar to those present in the human digestive tract and was adhesive to both vaginal and intestinal cells. Subsequently, their capacity to increase pregnancy rates among women with habitual abortion or infertility of unknown origin was studied. Administration of L. salivarius CECT 30632 (~9 log10 CFU) daily for a maximum of six months to these women was safe and led to a successful pregnancy rate of 67.5% (80% and 55% for women with repetitive abortion and infertile women, respectively). Significant differences in Nugent score, vaginal pH, and vaginal concentrations of lactobacilli, TGF-β, and VEFG were observed when the samples collected before the intervention were compared with those collected after the treatment among those women who got pregnant. Therefore, this strain can modulate the vaginal ecosystem and lead to better fertility outcomes.
Correlation of IL-15 with viral load of hepatitis B and its role in the clearance of the virus

Introduction and Aim: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B infection resulting in acute and chronic liver damage. Diagnosis of HBV involves blood tests that can distinguish acute and chronic infections. Molecular tests are also available that aid in viral detection and quantification. HBV infected individuals exhibit increasing levels of cytokines throughout the progress of infection which is thought to play an important role in the virus clearance process. Hence in this study we aim to evaluate the role of IL-15 in clearance of hepatitis B virus in acute and chronic infection. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based investigation conducted in Baghdad, Iraq comprised 34 patients with HBV infection and 30 apparently healthy individuals aged between 20-75 years. Blood drawn from each individual was subjected to ELISA and RT-PCR assays for detection of the virus. The serum obtained was assayed for IL-15 levels. Statistical analysis was performed on the data obtained. Results: HBsAg was detected in all acute hepatitis B patients. The study revealed that 85.29 % of acute hepatitis B patients with HBsAg by ELISA were positive by RT-PCR. The viral load was highest in patients aged 40-49 years. Patients with acute hepatitis B but detected negative by RT-PCR had the highest mean IL-15 level (22.17 pg/ml) compared to patients positive by RT-PCR and the control group (11.16 and 4.21 pg/ml, respectively). A strong negative association (R = -0.8657) existed between IL-15 level and viral load in patients with acute hepatitis B. Conclusion: High levels of IL-15 are associated with the HBV clearance in patients with acute hepatitis.
A novel plane mirror interferometer without using corner cube reflectors

The conception and properties will be introduced of an interferometer that exclusively uses plane mirrors as reflectors; thus, these interferometers correspond well to the original Michelson interferometer. First, the relationship between the interference conditions and the detection with photodiodes will be discussed using the example of known interferometers as well as reasons given for primarily using corner cube reflectors in these devices. Next, the conceptual design of the plane mirror interferometer will be presented. This type of interferometer possesses new properties which are significant for metrological and technical applications. Only one measuring beam exists between the polarizing beam splitter and the measuring mirror and this beam alone represents the Abbe axis. This property allows the significant reduction of the Abbe error. The interferometer is able to tolerate tilting on the order of about 1′. This ensures the orthogonality between the measuring beam and the measuring mirror during the measurement. This property can be used in three-dimensional measurements to erect the three measuring beams as a x–y–z Cartesian coordinate system on the basis of three orthogonal mirrors. The plane-mirror interferometer also allows non-contact measurements of planar and curved surfaces, e.g. silicon wafers.
Charmed Baryons in a Quark Model with Hyperfine Interactions

We employ a quark model based on quantum chromodynamics and tested against noncharmed baryons to predict masses and decay rates of ground-state and excited baryons containing one charmed quark. Among other conclusions, the calculations indicate that the orbitally excited ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}$ $\frac{1}{{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$ analogous to the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}(1405)$ is stable against strong decays.
Enhancement of material ablation using 248, 308, 532, 1064 nm laser pulse with a water film on the treated surface

Many industrial laser processes, such as surface cleaning, require the removal of small thicknesses of matter, often on large samples. An experimental study has been performed in order to characterize and enhance the ablation of materials by means of the interaction between a pulsed laser beam and matter using common industrial laser sources, particularly at 248, 308, 532, and 1064 nm. Ablation was achieved on a static sample with one or several successive pulses and for different energy densities. These parameters enabled us to control the depth of the ablation in the micrometer range. Experiments have been carried out in ambient air, under gaseous cover, and then under a flowing water film on the material surface at atmospheric pressure. The material was a stainless‐steel alloy. The experiments made it possible to determine the ablation fluence threshold for each wavelength and the alteration of the surface by the successive laser pulses. In order to avoid oxidation during the process, an argon gaseous .
Multiphoton photoluminescence from GaN with tunable picosecond pulses

UV photoluminescence ~PL! from GaN thin films was observed by multiphoton excitation. The two-photon PL excitation spectrum near the band gap agrees with the theoretical two-photon-absorption spectrum. The pump-intensity dependence and the PL excitation spectrum in the infrared indicate the existence of midgap defect states around 1 eV above the valence band. This is confirmed by the PL excitation spectrum obtained with a two-color, two-photon excitation process. @S0163-1829~97! 51708-5#