Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Component Selection in Impedance-Type Haptic Devices

A teleoperation system consists of an operator interface (master) controlling a slave system in a remote virtual environment. When the slave’s environmental forces are fed back to the operator, this is called haptic force-feedback. An impedance-type master device ideally has a large range of stable achievable impedances, i.e. a small free space impedance, together with a large stable closed-loop impedance. In addition, the rendered force should be accurate: the resemblance between the rendered and desired force should be large. In haptic design, those properties are quantified as the Z-Width and the Transparency. However, the properties to achieve those results, often contradict. This thesis develops a method that relates component level choices the selected performance criteria. This allows direct design trade-offs, enabling the designer to optimize for desired haptic performance. It consists of three steps: first the Key Performance Indicators, KPI's, are determined: the Z-Width and the Transparency. Then the effect of individual physical properties on maximum stable rendering and the KPI's is evaluated. The final step is to determine how component level choices affect the physical parameters and thereby the KPI's, since the physical parameters are often interrelated in component level choices. The focus will be on the well-known Haptic Paddle Configuration, and tests will be performed on the Gemini haptic paddle device. This experimentally validated approach, in combination with the reduction in computational effort, enables designers of haptic devices to optimize for closed-loop haptic performance
Effect of Feeding Methods on Feed Intake, Milk Production and Milk Quality of Holstein-Friesian Cows

This study aimed to determine the effect of different feeding methods on feed intake, milk production, and milk quality of lactating Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows. The materials used in this study were 16 lactating cows (2 nd –3 rd ) with the bodyweight of 550-650 kg, which were divided into 2 treatments based on feeding methods. The treatments were the TMR method (T0) and the component feeding method (T1). Data on feed intake, milk production, and milk quality were tabulated and then analyzed using t-test. The results showed that the average dry matter intake, organic matter intake, and milk production in T1 was significantly ( P <0.05) higher than T0 (15.54 vs. 11.53 kg, 14.89 vs. 11.01 kg, and 21.06 vs. 15.89 kg, respectively). However, the effect of feeding methods on milk quality was not significant ( P >0.05). The relationship between dry matter intake and milk production could be explained by the following equation: Y milk production = 0.6X DMI + 11.6, indicating that milk production was significantly affected by DMI. Based on this regression equation, it can be interpreted that an increase in DMI of 1 kg can increase milk production by 0.6 kg. The relationship between organic matter intake and milk production could be expressed by the following equation: Y milk production = 0.7X OMI + 11.6, indicating that milk production was significantly affected by OMI. Based on this regression equation, it can be interpreted that an increase in OMI of 1 kg can increase milk production by 0.7 kg. In conclusion, feed consumption, milk production, and milk quality of the dairy cows in the component feeding method were higher than in the TMR method.
Identification of Characteristic Points in Multivariate Physiological Signals by Sensor Fusion and Multi-Task Deep Networks

Identification of characteristic points in physiological signals, such as the peak of the R wave in the electrocardiogram and the peak of the systolic wave of the photopletismogram, is a fundamental step for the quantification of clinical parameters, such as the pulse transit time. In this work, we presented a novel neural architecture, called eMTUnet, to automate point identification in multivariate signals acquired with a chest-worn device. The eMTUnet consists of a single deep network capable of performing three tasks simultaneously: (i) localization in time of characteristic points (labeling task), (ii) evaluation of the quality of signals (classification task); (iii) estimation of the reliability of classification (reliability task). Preliminary results in overnight monitoring showcased the ability to detect characteristic points in the four signals with a recall index of about 1.00, 0.90, 0.90, and 0.80, respectively. The accuracy of the signal quality classification was about 0.90, on average over four different classes. The average confidence of the correctly classified signals, against the misclassifications, was 0.93 vs. 0.52, proving the worthiness of the confidence index, which may better qualify the point identification. From the achieved outcomes, we point out that high-quality segmentation and classification are both ensured, which brings the use of a multi-modal framework, composed of wearable sensors and artificial intelligence, incrementally closer to clinical translation.
Factors Contributing to the Stability of the Farmer Producer Organisations: A Study in West Bengal

The study was conducted to assess the stability of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and the factors contributing to the stability of FPOs in West Bengal during 2020. Using random sampling procedure, data were collected from 120 farmer members from ten FPOs from four districts of the state namely Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman and Nadia through personal interview method. For measuring the stability of FPOs, stability index was developed taking mutual trust, role clarity of the members, level of involvement of members in group works, satisfaction of the members, sense of attachment and conviction and sense of ownership as the indicators. The significant difference between the mean scores of stability index of high and low performing FPOs were observed with respect to the dimensions like satisfaction of the members, mutual trust, role clarity and sense of attachment and conviction. Attitude of members towards their FPO and cooperation were found to be significant contributor in developing better group stability within a high performing FPO. Attitude towards FPO, assimilation and competition were found to be the reliable predictors for the variance in group stability in low performing FPOs.
Management of a Large Periapical Lesion Following Nonsurgical Retreatment and Low-level Laser Therapy: A Case Report

Tissue repair is an essential process that reestablishes tissue integrity and regular function. Nevertheless, different therapeutic factors and clinical conditions may interfere in this process of periapical healing. Long-term success of root canal treatment(RCT) is dependent on sufficient and appropriate cleaning and shaping of the root canal system along with 3 dimensional obturation. This article aims to report a non-surgical and orthograde endodontic retreatment of mandibular right central incisor with a large radicular cyst progression related to endodontic origin in a 51-year-old male. The signs (sinus tract) and symptoms ceased after treatment. Bone formation Complete healing of the periradicular lesion was observed at the two-year follow-up examination. The appropriate diagnosis of periradicular lesion and the treatment of root canal system allowed complete healing of large lesions without endodontic surgery.
Effects of different push-to-talk solutions on driving performance

Police officers have been using the Project54 system in their vehicles for a number of years. They have also started using the handheld version of Project54 outside their vehicles recently. There is a need to connect these two instances of the system into a continuous user interface. On the other hand, research has shown that the PTT button location affects driving performance. This thesis investigates the difference between the old, fixed PTT button and a new wireless PTT glove, that could be used in and outside of the car. The thesis describes the design of the glove and the driving simulator experiment that was conducted to investigate the glove's merit. The main results show that the glove allows more freedom of operation, appears to be easier and more efficient to operate and it reduces the visual distraction of the drivers.
Effectiveness of a behavior change program on cardiometabolic risk factors in adult women

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a behavior change program, called Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saúde (Active Life Improving Health - VAMOS), on cardiometabolic risk factors in adult women. Study participants (> 18 years) were divided into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). The GI participated in VAMOS, in 2016 and 2018, for three months, with 12 face-to-face meetings, once a week, for approximately 2 hours. The GC received general guidance on the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle before data collection. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and three months after the intervention. The evaluation consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood collection to determine the biochemical profile. There was a reduction in uric acid (AU) (p <0.001) and waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.001) in the GI from pre- to post-intervention. For the other variables evaluated, no statistically significant difference was observed within and between the groups. It is concluded that the VAMOS program was effective in reducing UA and WC, important indicators of cardiovascular diseases, in adult women.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of Dracocephalum moldavica L. Essential Oil and Hydrolate

Steam distillation was used for the isolation of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (Moldavian dragonhead) essential oil (DMEO). This aromatic herbaceous plant is widespread across the Northern Hemisphere regions and has been utilized in health-improving studies and applications. In addition to the DMEO, the hydrolate (DMH), a byproduct of the distillation process, was also collected. The DMEO and DMH were analyzed and compared in terms of their chemical composition, as well as their in vitro biological activities. The main component in DMEO was geranyl acetate, while geranial was dominant in DMH. The DMEO demonstrated better antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared with the DMH against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, which represent sources of food-borne illness at the global level. The DMEO and DMH show promise as antioxidant and antimicrobial additives to various products.
Food By-Product Valorization by Using Plant-Based Coagulants Combined with AOPs for Agro-Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Re-using and adding value to by-products is one of the current focuses of the agri-food industry, following the Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations. In this work, the by-products of four plants, namely chestnut burr, acorn peel, olive leaf, and grape stem were used as coagulants to treat elderberry wastewater (EW), a problematic liquid effluent. EW pre-treatment using these natural coagulants showed promising results after pH and coagulant dosage optimization. However, the decrease in total organic carbon (TOC) was not significant, due to the addition of the plant-based natural coagulants which contain carbon content. After this pre-treatment, the photo-Fenton advanced oxidation process was selected, after preliminary assays, to improve the global performance of the EW treatment. Photo-Fenton was also optimized for the parameters of pH, H2O2, Fe2+, and irradiance power, and the best conditions were applied to the EW treatment. Under the best operational conditions defined in the parametric study, the combined results of coagulation–flocculation–decantation (CFD) and photo-Fenton for chestnut burr, acorn peel, olive leaf, and grape stem were, respectively, 90.2, 89.5, 91.5, and 88.7% for TOC removal; 88.7, 82.0, 90.2 and 93.1%, respectively, for turbidity removal; and finally, 40.6, 42.2, 45.3, and 39.1%, respectively, for TSS removal. As a final remark, it is possible to suggest that plant-based coagulants, combined with photo-Fenton, can be a promising strategy for EW treatment that simultaneously enables valorization by adding value back to food by-products.
Public Health in the United Arab Emirates and Ras Al Khaimah

Since independence, the discovery of oil, and the beginning of its rapid development, the United Arab Emirates has looked to developed countries as its models for public administration, including its public healthcare system. Despite being a very young country and having established its healthcare system fairly recently in history, the UAE has one of the most advanced public health systems in the Gulf region. Additionally, it has pursued an effective, progressive, and prevention-focused COVID-19 response and expanded healthcare facilities and coverage to reach a greater portion of its population. However, it also has unique national challenges and those it shares with other countries in the Gulf region. This fact sheet seeks to remedy the dearth of comprehensive resources outlining the current state and future trends of healthcare in the UAE.
Reliability design of p/sup +/-pocket implant LDD transistors

It is shown that the reliability design of p/sup +/-pocket LDD (lightly doped drain) transistors is dependent on the pocket implant energy, which controls the positions of the peak field and breakdown regions. A optimum of 60 keV implant in this example gives fairly good ESD (electrostatic discharge) reliability and excellent hot carrier immunity, while preventing transistor punchthrough effects. It is also shown that it is the electric field gradient at the surface rather than the substrate current level that can have a major impact on hot carrier degradation. In fact, for future VLSI transistors this technique can be used to improve the hot carrier reliability. Finally, further insight into the poor ESD performance of LDD transistors is obtained which indicates that the junction breakdown design is important for the ESD performance of LDD or DDD (double diffused drain) transistors. <<ETX>>
Effect of sodium benzoate on some biochemical, physiological and histopathological aspects in adult male rats

Sodium benzoate (SB) is a white powder, used as preservative and food additive. Biochemical, physiological and histopathological effects of SB been tested in adult male rats. Twenty-four adult albino male rats aged100 day and weighted 250-350 g were used. Animals were divided into four groups. The first group considered as control, which received normal saline orally, other groups treated with SB by 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg of body weight respectively for 30 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected from retro orbital sinus. Heart, liver, spleen, kidneys and brain were obtained for weight recording. The results indicated a significant decrease of super oxide dismutase SOD activity and a significant increase of nitric oxide NO level of treated group 500 mg/kg of body weight. Moreover, findings revealed that there are no significant changes in growth hormone GH activity and body weight. A significant reduction of heart weight of treated group 500 mg/kg of body weight were observed. The histopathological changes ranged from mild to severe in the brain cortex, as focal gliosis, satellitosis, mild vacuolation and vasogenic edema in treated groups with SB by different doses. Also, some changes were observed in liver represented by congestion of portal vein, mild hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes, stenosis of sinusoids, steatosis and necrosis of hepatocytes in treated groups with SB compared to control group. It concluded that short-term exposure to high doses of SB may be considered an oxidant substance that caused oxidative stress. Furthermore, SB can harm various organs in the body.
Anti-Biofilms’ Activity of Garlic and Thyme Essential Oils against Salmonella typhimurium

Biofilm control by essential oil (EO) application has recently increased to preclude biofilm production on foods and environmental surfaces. In this work, the anti-biofilm effects of garlic and thyme essential oils using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against Salmonella typhimurium recovered from different abattoir samples were investigated along with the virulence genes (InvA, SdiA and Stn genes), and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of S. typhimurium as well. The obtained results revealed that S. typhimurium contaminated abattoir samples to varying degrees. The InvA gene was investigated in all isolates, whereas the SdiA and Stn genes were observed in four and three isolates, respectively. Utilizing the disc diffusion method, S. typhimurium isolates demonstrated substantial resistance to most of the examined antibiotics with a high multiple antibiotic resistance index. S. typhimurium isolates demonstrated biofilm formation abilities to various degrees at varied temperatures levels (4 °C and 37 °C). In conclusion, the obtained samples from the research area are regarded as a potential S. typhimurium contamination source. Furthermore, garlic essential oil (GEO) has more potential to inhibit S. typhimurium biofilm at different sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations as compared to thyme essential oil (TEO). Therefore, these EOs are considered as potential natural antibacterial options that could be applied in food industry.
A Facile and General Approach to Enhance Water Resistance of Metal-Organic Frameworks by the Post-Modification with Aminopropyltriethoxylsilane

The water sensitivity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a common and crucial issue has greatly hindered their practical applications. Here, we present a facile and general approach to improve the water resistance of a typical MOF, i.e., CuBTC [Cu3(BTC)2(H2O)3]n (BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate) using a post-modification reaction with aminopropyltriethoxylsilane (APTES) at room temperature. The afforded material is denoted as CuBTC@APTES. Various spectroscopic methods reveal that the organosilicon linkers have been successfully grafted onto CuBTC by electrostatic attraction between acid and base groups and without affecting the original coordination mode and basic structure. Compared with CuBTC, the water stability of CuBTC@APTES was significantly improved. The pristine CuBTC almost lost all its crystallinity, morphology and pore structure after 3-day treatment in water, while CuBTC@APTES is able to retain its main crystal structure and basic porosity after the same treatment. This finding can be explained by the successful introduction of the organosilicon molecular overlayer on the periphery of CuBTC to slow down the destruction of weak metal coordination bonds by water molecules, thus improving the water stability of CuBTC. The solution of water sensitivity provides more opportunities for the practical applications of CuBTC, such as aqueous phase catalysis and gas separation in humid environments. This simple approach can certainly be expanded to improve the water resistance of other carboxylate-containing ligand-based MOFs.
Segmental Distribution of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Livers

Background: To evaluate the segmental distribution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to Couinaud’s anatomical division in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Between 2020 and 2021, a total of 322 HCC nodules were diagnosed in 217 cirrhotic patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of suspicious nodules (>1 cm) detected during ultrasound surveillance. For each patient, the segmental position of the HCC nodule was recorded according to Couinaud’s description. The clinical data and nodule characteristics were collected. Results: A total of 234 (72.7%) HCC nodules were situated in the right lobe whereas 79 (24.5%) were detected in the left lobe (p < 0.0001) and only 9 nodules were in the caudate lobe (2.8%). HCC was most common in segment 8 (n = 88, 27.4%) and least common in segment 1 (n = 9, 2.8%). No significant differences were found in the frequencies of segmental or lobar involvement considering patient demographic and clinical characteristics, nodule dimension, or disease appearance. Conclusions: The intrahepatic distribution of HCC differs among Couinaud’s segments, with segment 8 being the most common location and segment 1 being the least common. The segmental distribution of tumour location was similar to the normal liver volume distribution, supporting a possible correlation between HCC location and the volume of hepatic segments and/or the volumetric distribution of the portal blood flow.
The concept of “Kampus Merdeka” in the current policy of Indonesian higher education: ELT lecturers’ perspectives

This study aims to advance global readers’ understanding of current Indonesian higher education policy associated with students’ rights. The researcher conducted document analysis on official regulations and interviewed lecturers to gain data about their response on the policy. The most obvious findings to emerge from this study that the Indonesian government tries to address the global challenges of higher education by transforming the paradigm of learning limited not to only classroom activities, instead providing flexibility for students to learn outside the classroom. Students should have flexibility to explore their competences by applying directly to either the societies or workplaces. Students should realise that experience is the best life-teacher to lead them to be independent and strong individuals. Learning should not always take place in the classroom; however, every place can be a medium for learning, since nature is the source of learning. Regardless the participants’ views on the current policy as the impacts neoliberal ideology, this transformation is supposed to provides positive impacts not only on students’ personal but also social, academic, and ethical domains by balancing their academic and social lives. In addition, the current policy is also intended to prepare students to respond global competitiveness and rapidly transforming societies, workplaces, and environments by mastering demanding competencies in the 21st century. Therefore, rapidly curriculum adjustment is always needed in responding any social phenomena that may significantly affect the policy making of educational system, as contextualised by the present study from Indonesian context dealing with the demands to conduct ELT curriculum adjustment as the response on the current policy. The implications of the findings are further discussed.
CEO Characteristics, Firm Policy, and Firm Performance

This research aims to investigate the effect of CEO characteristics (female gender, education, and age) on the financing policy (interest-bearing debt to total assets), investing policy (capital expenditure), and firm performance (return on assets) when it is controlled by firm size and firm age. Our research uses the data of the manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in the period 2010 - 2017. The results of our research show that female CEOs have a significant negative effect on financing policy. This has a significant positive effect on firm performance, but no significant effect on investing policy. We also found that CEO education negatively and significantly affects financing policy, but positively and significantly affects investing policy and performance. Meanwhile, CEO age has a significant negative influence on financing policy but no significant influence on investing policy and performance. Our research results support behavioral finance theory by providing empirical evidence that CEO behavioral aspects are correlated with the female gender, education, and age in terms of significantly affecting firm policies and performance. The implication of this research is that investors should know the CEO characteristics of the companies in which they invest their money because the CEO characteristics can be used as references to predict performance and CEO policy decision-making.