Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DEEP LEARNING FOR 3D BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION: A REVIEW

Abstract. 3D building reconstruction using Earth Observation (EO) data (aerial and satellite imagery, point clouds, etc.) is an important and active research topic in different fields, such as photogrammetry, remote sensing, computer vision and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Nowadays 3D city models have become an essential part of 3D GIS environments and they can be used in many applications and analyses in urban areas. The conventional 3D building reconstruction methods depend heavily on the data quality and source; and manual efforts are still needed for generating the object models. Several tasks in photogrammetry and remote sensing have been revolutionized by using deep learning (DL) methods, such as image segmentation, classification, and 3D reconstruction. In this study, we provide a review on the state-of-the-art machine learning and in particular the DL methods for 3D building reconstruction for the purpose of city modelling using EO data. This is the first review with a focus on object model generation based on the DL methods and EO data. A brief overview of the recent building reconstruction studies with DL is also given. We have investigated the different DL architectures, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and the combinations of conventional approaches with DL in this paper and reported their advantages and disadvantages. An outlook on the future developments of 3D building modelling based on DL is also presented.
Cumulative seismic damage assessment of reinforced concrete columns through cyclic and pseudo‐dynamic tests

This paper presents the findings of a systematic experimental study conducted to investigate cumulative seismic damage in reinforced concrete columns. Fourteen identical large‐scale concrete columns were fabricated and tested to failure. Experimental tests were conducted in two phases. Phase I testing included benchmark tests to characterize the monotonic force‐deformation behavior and constant amplitude tests to determine the low‐cycle fatigue characteristics of typical flexural columns. Phase II involved testing of concrete columns under a series of earthquakes of varying duration and magnitude. Low‐cycle fatigue of the longitudinal reinforcing bars and confinement failure due to rupture of the confining hoops were the main failure modes in phase I. Phase II tests also demonstrated the potential for low‐cycle fatigue fracture of the main longitudinal steel when the specimen was subjected to relatively larger displacement amplitudes. A fatigue‐based damage model is proposed based on the data obtained from the constant amplitude tests of phase I. The damage prediction of the model is assessed by using the response of three specimens tested in phase II and the data from the cyclic tests of six reinforced concrete columns reported in the literature. Results show that the proposed fatigue‐based damage model offers a reliable means of assessing seismic structural performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Ethosomes Containing Tocopherol Acetate to Enhance Transdermal Permeation: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Characterizations

Background: Tocopherol acetate (TA) is known as a skin moisturizing and photoprotective agent. One major drawback with tocopherol and its derivatives remains its limited stability. Aim: To develop highly stable TA-containing ethosomal gel (TAEG) as an advanced dosage form. Methods: A cold method technique was used to produce the ethosomes. An in vitro evaluation of viscosity, conductivity, and pH stability was carried out for three months. An in vitro physical characterization of the nanoparticles (NPs) that included particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis was then performed. Organoleptic evaluation, thermostability at 8 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C and 40 °C ± 75% RH, pH, conductivity, viscosity, and spreadability measurements were also performed in vitro for three months. An ex vivo permeation study was performed in phosphate-buffered solution (1× PBS; pH 5.5 or pH 7.4) at 37 ± 0.2 °C by using rat abdominal skin and the Franz diffusion cell method. The data of three independent experiments were expressed as mean ± SD. A two-way ANOVA was applied to compare data on TAEG versus TA control gel (TACG). Results: PS of the ethosomes was in the range of 144–289 nm. A total of nine formulations were developed. Optimized TAEG formulation (TA-5) was selected based on the highest entrapment efficiency (EE) of 99.71%, while the stability, the PS, and the uniformity-based polydispersity index (PDI) were also among the best. TA-5 exhibited smooth spherical ethosomal NPs with PS of 200.6 nm, ZP value of −18.6 V, and PDI of 0.465. Stability data obtained for TA-5 in terms of rheology, conductivity, and pH presented no significant change (p > 0.05) during the entire study duration. Rheological studies indicated that TA-5 followed a non-Newtonian behavior of shear thinning system. The ex vivo drug permeation was 44.55 ± 0.01% in TA-5 and the drug retention in skin was 51.20%, which was significantly higher than TACG as observed after 24 h permeation study (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The newly developed TAEG formulation appears promising to enhance the effectivity of TA and its topical application.
Research of conditions of rational correlation of design parameters of tractor and plough aggregate

The efficiency of using a general-purpose wheeled tractor as part of an arable machine-tractor aggregate depends to a great extent on a correct ratio of the design parameters. Experimental investigations of arable aggregates with definite traction and operational-technological indicators are implemented using tensometric and other special mechatronic equipment. In the experimental investigations, we applied the version of the arable aggregate, based on the HTZ-170 tractor with 16.6R38 tires. It was found that the performance of such a machinetractor aggregate at a translational speed of 2.4 m·s was 1.52 ha·h. In this case slippage of the tractor wheels did not exceed 11%, and the specific fuel consumption was 14.5 kg·ha. The use of an arable machine-tractor aggregate as part of an HTZ-170 wheeled aggregating tractor and a five-furrow plough, trailed behind and tuned according to the developed methodology, made it possible to increase its productivity by 13.4% while reducing the specific fuel consumption by 15.2%. The proposed method for setting up an arable aggregate provides an increase in its efficiency by combining the design parameters of the plough and tractor in the direction of achieving the most rational placement of the “center of resistance” and the point of attachment of the plough in relation to the longitudinal axis of symmetry.
Understanding the Role of Academic Vocabulary in Content Acquisition for Middle School Students With and Without Disabilities

Vocabulary is a prominent contributor to reading comprehension. However, little is known about how students with disabilities with lower vocabulary performance respond to Tier 1 instruction, or how their vocabulary knowledge relates to their content acquisition. To examine the differential impact of Tier 1 instruction for U.S. middle school students with disabilities and to investigate the relations among academic vocabulary, content knowledge, and reading comprehension, this study analyzed data collected in previous randomized controlled trials. Findings suggest that evidence-based Tier 1 instruction targeting academic vocabulary can help eighth graders with disabilities grow as much as students without disabilities on academic vocabulary and content reading comprehension. In addition to students’ baseline performance, learning gains in academic vocabulary significantly predicted the growth of content acquisition among students with disabilities.
A Surface Electromyography Classification System

The objective of this study was to investigate whether surface electromyography (SEMG) signals may be used to discriminate between normal (NOR), myopathy (MYO) and neuropathy (NEUR) subjects. Ninety -one normal subjects participated and 20 patients (11 MYO and 9 NEUR). Recorded signals were obtained for 5 seconds at 10, 30, 50 70 and 100% of Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC). Five parameters were obtained, two from the time domain (turns and zero crossings per second), two from the frequency domain (median frequency and total power per second) and one from the bi-frequency domain (bispectrum peak amplitude). The KNN classifier with the leave-one-out method was used for classification whereas the Self Organising Feature Maps (SOFM) was used for cluster analysis and visualization of the group separation. Results have shown that separation of normal subjects from neuromuscular diseased patients is possible with a success rate of the order of 83%, whereas separation of subjects from the two types of patients (myopathy and neuropathy) is again high and of the order of 77%.
Perinatal Treatment with Leptin, but Not Celastrol, Protects from Metabolically Obese, Normal-Weight Phenotype in Rats

Perinatal nutrition has a well-known influence on obesity susceptibility. We previously demonstrated the protective anti-obesity effects of perinatal leptin administration. Celastrol is a natural compound acting as a leptin sensitizer with anti-obesity effects when administered in adult animals. Here, we aimed to determine if perinatal treatment with leptin, celastrol, or their combination was able to improve metabolic health in animals fed an isocaloric high-fat (HF) diet. Leptin and/or celastrol or their vehicle were administered orally to rats during the suckling period. After weaning, animals were chronically pair-fed with an HF diet provided isocaloric to the intake of a normal-fat diet by control animals to avoid obesity. Isocaloric HF feeding in vehicle-treated animals resulted in metabolic features characteristic of the metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) phenotype, i.e., obesity-related disturbances without increased body weight. Leptin treatment prevented liver fat deposition and insulin resistance, induced greater insulin and leptin signaling capacity, decreased gene expression of orexigenic signals at the hypothalamic level, and induced browning in retroperitoneal adipose tissue. However, celastrol treatment did not provide any protective effect and resulted in greater size of the retroperitoneal adipose depot, higher circulating glucose and insulin levels, and decreased leptin sensitivity capacity in adipose tissue. The co-administration of leptin ameliorated the negative effects of celastrol on the retroperitoneal depot, inducing browning and decreasing its size. In conclusion, the perinatal administration of leptin, but not celastrol, provided protection against the consequences of dietary unbalances leading to an MONW phenotype in adulthood.
Frontier of Rural Revitalization in China: A Spatial Analysis of National Rural Tourist Towns

As the national economic situation improves, concerns about rural issues in China, a large agricultural country, are gradually increasing. Hence, rural tourism has been thrust into the limelight. This research is based on the National Rural Tourist Towns of China (NRTTC). It aims to analyze the spatial structure, influencing factors and their relevance to rural tourism development. Initially, this research examines the spatial distribution pattern in terms of kernel density. Subsequently, the imbalance index and Lorenz curve are used to distinguish the differences in spatial distribution. The Gini coefficient is used to explore the clustered regional distribution. The results indicate the following: (1) the number of NRTTC in each province is relatively even; and (2) the spatial distribution is highly uneven. The degree of aggregation is bounded by the Hu Huanyong boundary, with more in the southeast and less in the northwest. The capital circle is the core density area. Additionally, those NRTTC in the eastern and southeastern regions have a large distribution density and a more comprehensive radiation range. This study additionally analyzed the factors influencing the spatial distribution characteristics of NRTTC, and found four crucial aspects, namely, the national development strategy, the social environment, the geographical environment, and historical development. This research can provide a reference for the construction of rural tourist towns in different countries and regions.
Dual-Band Circularly Polarized Annular Ring Patch Antenna for GPS-Aided GEO-Augmented Navigation Receivers

A compact, single- feed, dual band, circularly polarized annular ring patch antenna coupled to a cross slot is proposed in this letter for GPS-aided GEO-augmented navigation (GAGAN) receivers covering L band, centered at 1176.45 MHz (L5) and 1575.42 MHz (L1) frequencies. The antenna consists of two annular rings configured by two small strips, which is coupled to a cross slot in the ground plane for gain enhancement. Circular polarization in both the bands is produced by introducing perturbations in outer annular ring and two orthogonal strips in the center space of inner annular ring. The proposed CP antenna radiates LHCP in both the desired frequencies. Two shorting pins are introduced near the feed to improve impedance matching. The simulated and measured reflection coefficient, gain, circular polarization, and axial ratio are in accord with each other. The measured 10 dB bandwidth is 2.7% (1168–1200 MHz) for the L5 and 2.5% (1560–1600 MHz) for L1. The AR bandwidth below 3 dB for the designed antenna is 1.5% (1156–1174 MHz) for L5 and 1% (1556–1572 MHz) for L1.
The mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between emotional intelligence and organizational commitment

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and organizational commitment, focusing on the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between emotional intelligence and organizational commitment.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used an online survey to collect data for this purpose. The sample consisted of 145 employees of different organizations in Kosovo. To test the hypothetical model, a mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS Model Type 4.FindingsThe results show that emotional intelligence is positively related to self-efficacy and that self-efficacy is positively related to organizational commitment. Furthermore, the results of the mediation analysis confirm that the relationship between emotional intelligence and organizational commitment is mediated by self-efficacy.Research limitations/implicationsFor future research, the authors recommend using the sub-dimensions of the above variables to test this model, and multiple models could be formulated. At the same time, the survey can be applied to managers to examine their emotional intelligence and to determine whether emotional intelligence influences their organizational commitment through self-efficacy. Consistent with the findings of this study, managers and executives in organizations should consider the emotional intelligence of their employees and that the employees with higher emotional intelligence have higher self-efficacy and can perform better.Originality/valueThis study extends the current literature in organizational behavior and provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and organizational commitment. This study was also conducted in a developing country context, which can always lead to different results than studies conducted in developed countries.
Sigma-1 Receptor Modulation by Ligands Coordinates Cancer Cell Energy Metabolism

Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is an important endoplasmic reticulum chaperone with various functions in health and disease. The purpose of the current work was to elucidate the involvement of S1R in cancer energy metabolism under its basal, activated, and inactivated states. For this, two cancer cell lines that differentially express S1R were treated with S1R agonist, (+)-SKF10047, and antagonist, BD1047. The effects of the agonist and antagonist on cancer energy metabolism were studied using single-cell fluorescence microscopy analysis of real-time ion and metabolite fluxes. Our experiments revealed that S1R activation by agonist increases mitochondrial bioenergetics of cancer cells while decreasing their reliance on aerobic glycolysis. S1R antagonist did not have a major impact on mitochondrial bioenergetics of tested cell lines but increased aerobic glycolysis of S1R expressing cancer cell line. Our findings suggest that S1R plays an important role in cancer energy metabolism and that S1R ligands can serve as tools to modulate it.
Adaptation and Changes in Actin Dynamics and Cell Motility as Early Responses of Cultured Mammalian Cells to Altered Gravitational Vector

Cultured mammalian cells have been shown to respond to microgravity (μG), but the molecular mechanism is still unknown. The study we report here is focused on molecular and cellular events that occur within a short period of time, which may be related to gravity sensing by cells. Our assumption is that the gravity-sensing mechanism is activated as soon as cells are exposed to any new gravitational environment. To study the molecular events, we exposed cells to simulated μG (SμG) for 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h using a three-dimensional clinostat and made cell lysates, which were then analyzed by reverse phase protein arrays (RPPAs) using a panel of 453 different antibodies. By comparing the RPPA data from cells cultured at 1G with those of cells under SμG, we identified a total of 35 proteomic changes in the SμG samples and found that 20 of these changes took place, mostly transiently, within 30 min. In the 4 h and 8 h samples, there were only two RPPA changes, suggesting that the physiology of these cells is practically indistinguishable from that of cells cultured at 1 G. Among the proteins involved in the early proteomic changes were those that regulate cell motility and cytoskeletal organization. To see whether changes in gravitational environment indeed activate cell motility, we flipped the culture dish upside down (directional change in gravity vector) and studied cell migration and actin cytoskeletal organization. We found that compared with cells grown right-side up, upside-down cells transiently lost stress fibers and rapidly developed lamellipodia, which was supported by increased activity of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1). The upside-down cells also increased their migratory activity. It is possible that these early molecular and cellular events play roles in gravity sensing by mammalian cells. Our study also indicated that these early responses are transient, suggesting that cells appear to adapt physiologically to a new gravitational environment.
Nanotechnology in the Diagnostic and Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common liver malignancy and is among the top five most common cancers. Despite the progress of surgery and chemotherapy, the results are often disappointing, in part due to chemoresistance. This type of tumor has special characteristics that allow the improvement of diagnostic and treatment techniques used in clinical practice, by combining nanotechnology. This article presents a brief review of the literature focused on nano-conditioned diagnostic methods, targeted therapy, and therapeutic implications for the pathology of hepatocellular carcinoma. Within each subdomain, several modern technologies with significant impact were highlighted: serological, imaging, or histopathological diagnosis; intraoperative detection; carrier-type nano-conditioned therapy, thermal ablation, and gene therapy. The prospects offered by nanomedicine will strengthen the hope of more efficient diagnoses and therapies in the future.
Kisspeptin treatment improves fetal-placental development and blocks placental oxidative damage caused by maternal hypothyroidism in an experimental rat model

Maternal hypothyroidism is associated with fetal growth restriction, placental dysfunction, and reduced kisspeptin/Kiss1R at the maternal-fetal interface. Kisspeptin affects trophoblastic migration and has antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of kisspeptin in the fetal-placental dysfunction of hypothyroid Wistar rats. Hypothyroidism was induced by daily administration of propylthiouracil. Kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) treatment was performed every other day or daily beginning on day 8 of gestation. Feto-placental development, placental histomorphometry, and expression levels of growth factors (VEGF, PLGF, IGF1, IGF2, and GLUT1), hormonal (Dio2) and inflammatory mediators (TNFα, IL10, and IL6), markers of hypoxia (HIF1α) and oxidative damage (8-OHdG), antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, Cat, and GPx1), and endoplasmic reticulum stress mediators (ATF4, GRP78, and CHOP) were evaluated on day 18 of gestation. Daily treatment with Kp-10 increased free T3 and T4 levels and improved fetal weight. Both treatments reestablished the glycogen cell population in the junctional zone. Daily treatment with Kp-10 increased the gene expression levels of Plgf, Igf1, and Glut1 in the placenta of hypothyroid animals, in addition to blocking the increase in 8-OHdG and increasing protein and/or mRNA expression levels of SOD1, Cat, and GPx1. Daily treatment with Kp-10 did not alter the higher protein expression levels of VEGF, HIF1α, IL10, GRP78, and CHOP caused by hypothyroidism in the junctional zone compared to control, nor the lower expression of Dio2 caused by hypothyroidism. However, in the labyrinth zone, this treatment restored the expression of VEGF and IL10 and reduced the GRP78 and CHOP immunostaining. These findings demonstrate that daily treatment with Kp-10 improves fetal development and placental morphology in hypothyroid rats, blocks placental oxidative damage, and increases the expression of growth factors and antioxidant enzymes in the placenta.