Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Object-level fusion for surround environment perception in automated driving applications

Driver assistance systems have increasingly relied on more sensors for new functions. As advanced driver assistance system continue to improve towards automated driving, new methods are required for processing the data in an efficient and economical manner from the sensors for such complex systems. The detection of dynamic objects is one of the most important aspects required by advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving. In this thesis, an environment model approach for the detection of dynamic objects is presented in order to realize an effective method for sensor data fusion. A scalable high-level fusion architecture is developed for fusing object data from several sensors in a single system, where processing occurs in three levels: sensor, fusion and application. A complete and consistent object model which includes the object’s dynamic state, existence probability and classification is defined as a sensor-independent and generic interface for sensor data fusion across all three processing levels. Novel algorithms are developed for object data association and fusion at the fusion-level of the architecture. An asynchronous sensor-to-global fusion strategy is applied in order to process sensor data immediately within the high-level fusion architecture, giving driver assistance systems the most up-todate information about the vehicle’s environment. Track-to-track fusion algorithms are uniquely applied for dynamic state fusion, where the information matrix fusion algorithm produces results comparable to a low-level central Kalman filter approach. The existence probability of an object is fused using a novel approach based on the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory, where the individual sensor’s existence estimation performance is considered during the fusion process. A similar novel approach with the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory is also applied to the fusion of an object’s classification. The developed high-level sensor data fusion architecture and its algorithms are evaluated using a prototype vehicle equipped with 12 sensors for surround environment perception. A thorough evaluation of the complete object model is performed on a closed test track using vehicles equipped with hardware for generating an accurate ground truth. Existence and classification performance is evaluated using labeled data sets from real traffic scenarios. The evaluation demonstrates the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed sensor data fusion approach. The work presented in this thesis has additionally been extensively used in several research projects as the dynamic object detection platform for automated driving applications on highways in real traffic.
Influence of Exposure Conditions on the Values of Strength and Absorption in the Soil Stabilized with Lime and Rice Husk Ash

The article presents a study on the influence of exposure conditions on strength and absorption in soil stabilized with lime and rice husk ash. A soil classified as A-4 and CL, known as Red-Yellow Podzol, a hydrated lime and a crystal-type burnt rice husk ashes were used throughout the study. The laboratory testing program encompassed compaction of specimens of soil and its mixtures with lime content of 8% enriched with ash contents of 5% and 10% of the soil dry weight in the Normal Proctor Energy. The specimens were moist-cured for 28 days and then subjected to different exposure conditions, including curing in kiln oven, fully exposed and immersed in water. After curing the specimens were subjected to compressive strength tests with and without previous 24 h immersion in water, and also to absorption tests. Results showed the advantages of using ash as an auxiliary additive in soil-lime mixtures to promote mechanical strength increase and its long-term maintenance, as well as reducing the influence of saturation on compressive strength. Water immersion promoted the best mechanical strength increase, and water absorption increased with the increasing percentage of ash and with the curing time of the mixtures.
Evaluation of Reproductive Hormone, Electrolytes and Serum Protein in Pregnant Women with Different Genotypes

Introduction: Genotype is an inward expression of gene or the combination of alleles, situated on corresponding chromosomes that determines a specific trait of an individual. Sickle Cell Disease is associated with higher clinical and obstetric complications compared to the general population. Aim: This study sought to investigate how different genotypes might affect the levels of hormones, electrolytes and serum proteins in pregnancy. Study Design: A case-Control Study. Methodology: Participants were 120 pregnant women recruited from hospitals in Oyo State and Ekiti State. They were grouped into 40each according to their Genotypes: AA,AS and SS. Blood samples were collected and analytes quantified by standard laboratory methods. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan multiple range test were used to compare variables across the three groups. Results: There was a significant reduction in the levels of Estrogen, and Prolactin in Sickle Cell group when compared to AA and AS group, while the levels of progesterone were not statistically different in the three groups. Also, there was a significant reduction in the levels of Na, K ,Total Protein and Albumin in Sickle Cell Group when compared to Group 1 and 2. However, the levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cl and Fe, C-reactive protein were not statistically different in the three groups. Conclusion: Low levels of reproductive hormones, total protein and electrolytes imbalance are associated with pregnancy in Sickle Cell Disease.
Analysing Search Engine Trends related to Antibiotics

Antimicrobial ​ ​ resistance ​ ​ is ​ ​ an ​ ​ essential ​ ​ public ​ ​ health ​ ​ issue ​ ​ and ​ ​ there ​ ​ are ​ ​ multiple approaches ​ ​ to ​ ​ researching ​ ​ the ​ ​ problem. ​ ​ The ​ ​ large ​ ​ amounts ​ ​ of ​ ​ web ​ ​ generated ​ ​ data ​ ​ can be ​ ​ used ​ ​ to ​ ​ understand ​ ​ public ​ ​ behavior ​ ​ on ​ ​ the ​ ​ web ​ ​ and ​ ​ consequently ​ ​ the ​ ​ behavior ​ ​ and the ​ ​ ideas ​ ​ of ​ ​ a ​ ​ population. ​ ​ In ​ ​ this ​ ​ project ​ ​ the ​ ​ approach ​ ​ was ​ ​ to ​ ​ study ​ ​ public ​ ​ behavior ​ ​ and tendencies ​ ​ in ​ ​ the ​ ​ use ​ ​ and ​ ​ misuse ​ ​ of ​ ​ antibiotics ​ ​ and ​ ​ the ​ ​ public ​ ​ awareness ​ ​ of ​ ​ antibiotic resistance ​ ​ by ​ ​ using ​ ​ Google ​ ​ Trends. ​ ​ The ​ ​ results ​ ​ show ​ ​ that ​ ​ searches ​ ​ on ​ ​ what ​ ​ may ​ ​ be related ​ ​ to ​ ​ buying ​ ​ antibiotics ​ ​ on ​ ​ the ​ ​ web ​ ​ are ​ ​ often ​ ​ related ​ ​ to ​ ​ each ​ ​ other ​ ​ in ​ ​ Google Trends, ​ ​ which ​ ​ strengthens ​ ​ the ​ ​ hypothesis ​ ​ that ​ ​ these ​ ​ popular ​ ​ searches ​ ​ are ​ ​ related ​ ​ to buying ​ ​ antibiotics.
Hepatic Function Predictive Value of Hepatic Venous Waveform versus Portal Vein Velocity in Liver Cirrhosis

Background: This study assessed the hepatic vein waveform (HVW) and mean maximum portal vein velocity (MM-PVV) on Doppler ultrasound in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and compared it with that of age and sex-matched controls. It correlated the degree of HVW abnormality and MM-PVV changes with liver function based on Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) to determine which was more predictive of CTP. Methods: Sixty patients with LC and 60 healthy controls were consecutively recruited into this study. Each patient was classed based on the CTP system after relevant tests. Doppler evaluation of the hepatic vein (HV) and MM-PVV were performed. HVW obtained was classified either into triphasic, biphasic, or monophasic. Results: Sixty cirrhotic and 60 age-matched control subjects aged 19–69 and 18–69 years, respectively, completed this study. All control subjects had a normal HVW pattern while 46 (76.7%) cirrhotic subjects had abnormal HVW (P < 0.001). The MM-PVV was significantly lower in cirrhotic subjects than in controls; 22.8 cm/s versus 33.6 cm/s (P < 0.001). The degree of HVW abnormality among cirrhotics showed a significant positive correlation with CTP (r = 0.283, P = 0.029). MM-PVV on the other hand showed no correlation with CTP class (r = −0.124; P = 0.346). Linear regression showed that HVW was a significant predictor of hepatic dysfunction based on CTP. Conclusion: Changes in the waveform pattern of the HVs are a good predictor of the derangement of hepatic function in patients with LC than changes in PVV. HVW pattern could therefore serve as an adjunct to CTP class in hepatic function assessment.
A Comparison of Emergence Behaviour and Cost Effectiveness in Tonsillectomy Patients Undergoing General Anaesthesia with Desflurane versus Sevoflurane

Background: It has been seen that volatile anaesthetics agents which are speedily eliminated with minimal breakdown should facilitate faster recovery from general anaesthesia. As compared to isoflurane-based anaesthesia, both sevoflurane and desflurane have shorter emergence times due to rapid induction and elimination. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare and analyse the superiority of both agents, with regards to the emergence and recovery from anaesthesia, intraoperative hemodynamics, postoperative side effects and estimate the average quantity and cost-benefit of both volatile agents consumed. Methods: Total of 100 cases above the age of 6 years undergoing tonsillectomy surgeries of ASA grade 1& 2 was included. Patients were allocated into two groups by computer-generated numbers. Group S: Anaesthesia maintained with 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide/oxygen and sevoflurane. Group D: Anaesthesia maintained with 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide/oxygen and desflurane. The parameters recorded were compared between the two groups using the unpaired t-test for continuous variables and P≤0.005 is deemed significant. Results: There was no significant hemodynamic difference intraoperatively between sevoflurane and desflurane except in the desflurane group, heart rate was higher. Recovery was faster and better in Group D. Conclusion: Postoperative recovery was better and faster and postoperative complication was lower in the desflurane group. Though the total cost of desflurane group was higher compared to sevoflurane but the use of desflurane can be justified with lesser complication, faster emergence from anaesthesia, faster shifting from PACU, lesser hospital stays, lower chance of nosocomial infection and lower cost of hospital stay.
Investigation of the Role of Face Shape on the Flow Dynamics and Effectiveness of Face Masks

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been used extensively in society. The effectiveness of face masks depends on their material, design, and fit. With much research being focused on quantifying the role of the material, the design and fit of masks have been an afterthought at most. Recent studies, on the other hand, have shown that the mask fit is a significant factor to consider when specifying the effectiveness of the face mask. Moreover, the fit is highly dependent on face topology. Differences in face types and anthropometrics lead to different face mask fit. Here, computational fluid dynamics simulations employing a novel model for porous membranes (i.e., masks) are used to study the leakage pattern of a cough through a face mask on different faces. The three faces studied (female, male, and child) are characteristic faces identified in a previous population study. The female face is observed to have the most leakage through the periphery of the mask, which results in the lowest fitted filtration efficiency of the three faces. The male and child faces had similar gap profiles, leakage and fitted filtration efficiencies. However, the flow of the three faces differs significantly. The effect of the porosity of the mask was also studied. While all faces showed the same general trend with changing porosity, the effect on the child’s face was more significant.
Effect of hot air impingement drying on drying behavior, volatile components profile, shell burst ratio, flavonoid contents, microstructure of Amomum villosum fruits

Abstract Hot air impingement drying (HAID) was employed to dry Amomum villosum (A. v.) fruit, one of the most popular traditional Chinese herbs and functional foods, under different drying temperatures, air velocities and the drying characteristics and quality were evaluated. The drying time decreased from 12 to 4 h, 10 to 8 h with the increase of temperature and velocity from 50 to 70 °C, 3 to 9 m/s, respectively. Weibull model precisely described the drying behavior. The highest total flavonoid content was obtained at 60 °C with low shell burst ratio. As for essential oil components, the relative content of monoterpenoids increased while sesquiterpenes decreased with increasing temperature. The acids and alcohols contents decreased with increase in velocity. By considering both drying time and quality, 60 °C and 6 m/s was proposed as the most favorable condition. The findings indicate HAID is a promising drying method for A. v. fruit.
The effects of vaccination on the disease severity and factors for viral clearance and hospitalization in Omicron-infected patients: A retrospective observational cohort study from recent regional outbreaks in China

Object This study attempted to explore the effects of vaccination on disease severity and the factors for viral clearance and hospitalization in omicron-infected patients. Methods The clinical manifestations of 3,265 Omicron-infected patients (BA.2 lineage variant; the Omicron group) were compared with those of 226 Delta-infected patients (the Delta group). A Multi-class logistic regression model was employed to analyze the impacts of vaccination doses and intervals on disease severity; a logistic regression model to evaluate the risk factors for hospitalization; R 4.1. 2 data analysis to investigate the factors for time for nucleic acid negativization (NAN). Results Compared with the Delta group, the Omicron group reported a fast transmission, mild symptoms, and lower severity incidence, and a significant inverse correlation of vaccination dose with clinical severity (OR: 0.803, 95%CI: 0.742-0.868, p<0.001). Of the 7 or 5 categories of vaccination status, the risk of severity significantly decreased only at ≥21 days after three doses (OR: 0.618, 95% CI: 0.475-0.803, p<0.001; OR: 0.627, 95% CI: 0.482-0.815, p<0.001, respectively). The Omicron group also reported underlying illness as an independent factor for hospitalization, sore throat as a protective factor, and much shorter time for NAN [15 (12,19) vs. 16 (12,22), p<0.05]. NAN was associated positively with age, female gender, fever, cough, and disease severity, but negatively with vaccination doses. Conclusion Booster vaccination should be advocated for COVID-19 pandemic-related control and prevention policies and adequate precautions should be taken for patients with underlying conditions.
Writing and Reading Self-efficacy in Graduate Students: Implications for Psychological Well-being

In an effort to identify critical antecedents of mental health challenges in graduate education, recent research has examined graduate students’ self-efficacy beliefs as a motivational antecedent of their productivity, persistence, and well-being. Whereas graduate students’ self-efficacy concerning their scholarly writing activities has received increasing research attention in regards to psychological health, the well-being implications of graduate students’ self-efficacy for academic reading remains underexplored. The present study assessed both writing and reading self-efficacy in an international sample of graduate students (N = 851) in relation to critical well-being indicators including exhaustion, engagement, quitting intentions, program satisfaction, and imposter syndrome. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed writing self-efficacy to be a strong predictor across well-being outcomes, with a significant two-way interaction highlighting the combined benefits of writing and reading self-efficacy for imposter syndrome in graduate students. The present findings are novel in highlighting the well-being implications of both writing and reading self-efficacy for graduate students and support the expansion of graduate education programs aimed at promoting writing competencies to also address reading-related issues.
Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Pregnancy: Experience from a Nationally Accredited Center

(1) Background: In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pregnancy is regarded a contraindication due to high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. We report our experience in the management of pregnancies in PAH. (2) Methods: retrospective observational study in a nationally accredited pulmonary hypertension (PH) center from 2013 to 2021. (3) Results: seven pregnancies in six women with PAH, ranging from low to high risk and 21 to 37 years old. Half had known pre-existing PAH before pregnancy. One had a multifetal gestation, and one was pregnant twice under our care. PH medical therapy and serial clinical assessment throughout pregnancy were implemented with focused attention on optimizing right heart function. Delivery was planned by a multidisciplinary team involving PH cardiology, maternal fetal medicine, and obstetric anesthesiology. Patients delivered between 31 and 40 weeks of gestation; five of the seven were via cesarean section. All received regional anesthesia and were monitored in the PH intermediate step-down unit after delivery until discharge. In all cases, delivery was without complications with excellent outcomes for the mother and child. (4) Conclusions: Multidisciplinary and tailored management of PAH in pregnancy, emphasizing optimized right heart function prior to delivery, can result in excellent clinical outcomes in a referral PH center.
Stabilization of platinum catalyst surface‐treated by atomic layer deposition of cobalt for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

To improve the stability of the platinum/carbon catalyst widely used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, cobalt was deposited via plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), which enables the uniform deposition of a high‐purity thin film even on the porous structure of a cathode. After single cells were fabricated using the prepared Co‐Pt/C cathodes, an accelerated stress test (AST) was performed to evaluate the stability of the Co‐Pt/C catalysts. When cathodes obtained by 10 and 20 cycles of Co deposition (Co‐ALD 10 and Co‐ALD 20, respectively) were used, the electrochemically active area of the Pt catalyst particles was reduced because of Co deposition on the cathode. Consequently, the initial performance and electrochemical surface area (ECSA) decreased compared with those of a cathode without Co (Co‐ALD 0). However, the decrease in performance and ECSA after the AST were smaller, confirming that Co deposition via the designed PEALD process improved the stability of the Pt/C catalyst. To determine the cause of this stability improvement, the cathode catalysts before and after the AST were compared using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The HRTEM images of the Co‐Pt/C catalyst after the AST showed that the Pt catalyst particles were distributed relatively uniformly on the carbon support. The particle size of the Co‐Pt/C catalyst was smaller than that of the bare Pt/C catalyst, on which Co was not deposited. These results indicate that a sufficiently thin Co layer deposited via PEALD immobilizes adjacent Pt catalyst particles and inhibits the decomposition of Pt catalyst particles that may occur during the AST. The stability of the Pt/C catalyst was improved through this mechanism. In addition, the Co layer can be deposited via short‐term deposition even at low temperatures using plasma‐state reaction gases in contrast to the high‐temperature and long‐term heat treatment methods of the existing alloy catalyst manufacturing strategies.
Analysis and evaluation of novel rotor permanent magnet flux-switching machine for EV and HEV applications

To relieve the serious saturation in stator teeth of stator-permanent-magnet flux-switching (SPM-FS) machines due to the co-existence of magnets and armature windings in stator, this study proposes and analyses a novel rotor-permanent magnet flux-switching (RPM-FS) brushless machine. Different from the conventional SPM-FS machines, the magnets are removed from stator to rotor, and magnetised in a unique direction, resulting in a significant alleviation of stator tooth saturation level for the RPM-FS machines. The concentrated armature windings are still wound around stator teeth with an even shorter end-part winding length due to the absence of magnets. To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of RPM-FS machines, a comprehensive comparison between a RPM-FS machine, a SPM-FS machine, and an interior permanent magnet machine used in Toyota-Prius 2004 hybrid electric vehicle, is conducted and the electromagnetic performances of three machines are investigated by finite element analysis. The predicted results indicate the proposed RPM-FS machine exhibits the largest power density, greatest torque capability, highest efficiency under rated operation, and improved flux-weakening ability. Therefore, the RPM-FS machine is a promising candidate for EV and hybrid electric vehicles applications especially for direct driven systems where the superior overloaded performance is crucial.
Improving Student Activity and Learning Outcomes in Science Content Using the "RING TOURNAMENT" Learning Model in Class IV SDN KuinCerucuk 5 Banjarmasin

The target of the research implemented is to describe teacher activities, analyze activities, and student learning outcomes in solving problems in the science content of various styles of material through a combination of the RING TOURNAMENT learning model ( Guided Inquiry, Mind Mapping, and Teams Games Tournament) . CAR research implemented in 3 meetings. The research data analysis used is qualitative and quantitative. Based on the implementation of the results of this research, it can be concluded that the combination of the RING TOURNAMENT model (Guided Inquiry, Mind Mapping, and Teams Games Tournament) can increase activity and student learning outcomes in the science content of various styles of class IV SDN Cerucuk 5 Banjarmasin. Therefore the stated hypothesis can be accepted.
CONTRACT NOTE AVAILABLE FROM PUB TYPE EDRS PRICE DESCRIPTORS DOCUMENT RESUME

Simms, Brian E. ; And Others Colleges with Fences: A Handbook for Improving Corrections Education Programs. Research and Development Series No. 266. Ohio State Univ., Columbus. National Center for Research in Vocational Education. Office of Vocational and Adult Education (ED), Washington, DC. 87 300-83-0016 93p. National Center Publications, Box F, National Center for Research in Vocational Education, 1960 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1090 (Order No. RD266--$8.75). Guides Non-Classroom Use (055)