Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of Traffic Shaping Approaches in Time-Sensitive Networking(TSN)

Technological advancements in modern vehicles facilitate active research on the Ethernet-based Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) protocol to overcome the limitations of traffic processing in the traditional In-Vehicle Network (IVN) domain. Several TSN traffic processing studies focus on the process between the Switch (SW) or between the SW and End System (ES). However, traffic processing between the ES and subordinate nodes needs to integrate a TSN into an existing IVN. In this study, we compared the performance of the time-synchronized Time-Aware Shaper (TAS) approach and the non-time synchronized Asynchronous Traffic Shaper (ATS) approach (based on Token Bucket Emulation (TBE) and Length Rate Quotient (LRQ) algorithms) for traffic processing between the ES and subordinate nodes. The analysis revealed that the ATS approach based on the TBE algorithm exhibited the most stable performance in the given traffic model, whereas the TAS approach exhibited superior performance for high-priority traffic.
Structured Isosurface Mapping of 3-D Scalar Fields While Seeking Extremum With Mobile Sensor Networks

Adaptive navigation (AN) techniques enable autonomous modification of an agent’s trajectory using realtime measurements of the local environment. AN methods can reduce time and energy expended to autonomously explore unknown and dynamic scalar fields representing physical features of real-world phenomena (e.g., pollutants, temperature, radiation) when compared to conventional navigation approaches. A coordinated group of agents, referred to as a mobile sensor network, can improve AN performance through cooperative and spatially dispersed sensing to determine the local scalar field structure and then use that data to inform navigation decisions for the network. This article proposes a novel method for performing structured 3-D isosurface mapping en route to seeking an extremum, which combines the two historically separate categories of extrema seeking and level set/contour tracking in a single mission profile. Characterization of an isosurface shape is achieved through structured mapping of the surface, described as a systematic “rendering” via contour tracing within periodically spaced planes which intersect the surface. Successive mapping planes are set perpendicular to the local scalar field gradient, calculated in realtime from mobile sensor network readings, as the agents follow the path of steepest ascent/descent toward an extremum. The result is a more intuitive and cost-effective characterization of the isosurface shape and gradient direction, that is also simpler for a supervisor to operate. This article presents the multilayer control architecture that maintains the geometry of the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) cluster, uses AN control primitives to specify the direction of cluster motion, and implements a mission-level sequencer to establish the combined isosurface mapping/extremum-seeking functionality. The new controller is verified using high-fidelity simulations that include vehicle dynamics, outdoor wind gust disturbances, position sensor inaccuracy, and scalar field sensor noise.
Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery: Our 30 years of surgical experience and outcomes

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate our 30 years of surgical experience and outcomes in management of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery with various age groups. Methods: Between March 1992 and August 2022, a total of 21 patients (10 males, 11 females; mean age: 16.3±15.9 years; range, 1 to 64 years) diagnosed with anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery who underwent successful surgical repair were retrospectively analyzed. An initial diagnosis was made with two-dimensional echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization and angiography were performed in all our patients. Results: The median follow-up was five (range, 1 to 14) years. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 43.47±14.30% with associated moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation in seven (33.33%) patients. Coronary button transfer was performed in 15 (71.42%) patients, Takeuchi repair in four (19.04%) patients, and ligation of anomalous left main coronary artery and ligation with great saphenous venous graft in one (4.76%) patient. There was no mortality. However, two (9.52%) patients had prolonged intensive care unit stay (>7 days). At the final follow-up, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction improved to 57.47±4.97%. Regression of moderate mitral regurgitation was observed in four (66.6%) patients. Conclusion: Preoperative left ventricular function is a major risk factor of perioperative mortality and morbidity. Mitral valve intervention is not warranted concomitantly in patients with moderate mitral regurgitation, if there are no structural lesions. Early diagnosis and meticulous surgical technique can yield excellent results and good long-term outcomes.
Prevalence of TERT Promoter Mutations in Orbital Solitary Fibrous Tumors

The orbital manifestation of a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is exceptionally rare and poses specific challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Its rather exceptional behavior among all SFTs comprises a high tendency towards local recurrence, but it rarely culminates in metastatic disease. This raises the question of prognostic factors in orbital SFTs (oSFTs). Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)-promoter mutations have previously been linked to an unfavorable prognosis in SFTs of other locations. We analyzed the prevalence of TERT promoter mutations of SFTs in the orbital compartment. We performed a retrospective, descriptive clinico-histopathological analysis of nine cases of oSFTs between the years of 2017 and 2021. A TERT promoter mutation was present in one case, which was classified with intermediate metastatic risk. Local recurrence or progress occurred in six cases after primary resection; no distant metastases were reported. Multimodal imaging repeatedly showed particular morphologic patterns, including tubular vascular structures and ADC reduction. The prevalence of the TERT promoter mutation in oSFT was 11%, which is similar to the prevalence of extra-meningeal SFTs of the head and neck and lower than that in other extra-meningeal compartments. In the present study, the TERT promoter mutation in oSFT manifested in a case with an unfavorable prognosis, comprising aggressive local tumor growth, local recurrence, and eye loss.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Vaginal Microbiome Disorders in Women Suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder in women. Due to its association with the menstrual cycle and fertility disorders, the importance of this problem is emphasized especially in patients of reproductive age. Based on a number of analyses, the effect of PCOS on altering the diversity of the microbiome (e.g., intestinal or vaginal) is suggested. Vaginal dysbiosis can result in BV (bacterial vaginosis). The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of BV in patients with PCOS, as well as to determine the most reliable diagnostic factors. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of microbiological findings (2018–2022) of PCOS patients (n = 594) of reproductive age. The present analysis focused on the results of patients with PCOS (n = 380) and vaginal discharge with pH ≥ 4.4 and suspected BV. Biological material was a vaginal swab/vaginal secretion. The most commonly used routine methods for assessing BV were the Amsel analysis and the Nugent scoring system. Results: Patients with PCOS and vaginal fluid pH ≥ 4.4 and suspected BV (n = 380) accounted for 64% of all PCOS patients (n = 594). The relationship between pH and detection of “clue cells” showed significant dependency and increased with leukocytes. The pH measurement also showed dependency on high G. vaginalis counts. In addition, the elimination of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in vaginal secretions was associated with an increase in the number of leukocytes with increasing pH values. A marked increase in G. vaginalis was found in more than half (56.8%) of PCOS women (n = 380) with suspected BV. No dependency was observed between the absence of LAB and the diagnosis of BV on a positive G. vaginalis culture. Of the n = 380 patients with PCOS, 191 (50%) had a Nugent score ≥ 7 positive for BV. No dependency was observed between the number of patients with Candida sp. in vaginal secretions and pH, BV (with clue cells), or elevated leukocyte levels. The LRM was adjusted and the statistical model represented by the following formula was obtained: log(p/(1 − p)) = −1.18 + 1.24 × Group4.6 + 1.08 × Group4.8 + 1.66 × Group5.4. Conclusions: Based on the present analysis, BV appears to be more common in patients with PCOS than in the non-PCOS population. Chronic inflammation in PCOS patients and abnormalities in the vaginal microbiome may predispose to the development of BV. In women with PCOS, BV may be one of the unrecognized causes of infertility or complications of pregnancy. Despite the potential link between PCOS and the development of BV, the extent to which this syndrome contributes to vaginal dysbiosis and reproductive complications requires further study.
Zonation of Sulfate and Sulfide Minerals and Isotopic Composition in the Far Southeast Porphyry and Lepanto Epithermal Cu–Au Deposits, Philippines

The world‐class Far Southeast (FSE) porphyry system, Philippines, includes the FSE Cu–Au porphyry deposit, the Lepanto Cu–Au high‐sulfidation deposit and the Victoria–Teresa Au–Ag intermediate‐sulfidation veins, centered on the intrusive complex of dioritic composition. The Lepanto and FSE deposits are genetically related and both share an evolution characterized by early stage 1 alteration (deep FSE potassic, shallow Lepanto advanced argillic‐silicic, both at ~1.4 Ma), followed by stage 2 phyllic alteration (at ~1.3 Ma); the dominant ore mineral deposition within the FSE porphyry and the Lepanto epithermal deposits occurred during stage 2. We determined the chemical and S isotopic composition of sulfate and sulfide minerals from Lepanto, including stage 1 alunite (12 to 28 permil), aluminum–phosphate–sulfate (APS) minerals (14 to 21 permil) and pyrite (−4 to 2 permil), stage 2 sulfides (mainly enargite–luzonite and some pyrite, −10 to −1 permil), and late stage 2 sulfates (barite and anhydrite, 21 to 27 permil). The minerals from FSE include stage 2 chalcopyrite (1.6 to 2.6 permil), pyrite (1.1 to 3.4 permil) and anhydrite (13 to 25 permil). The whole‐rock S isotopic composition of weakly altered syn‐mineral intrusions is 2.0 permil.
Migration and Urbanisation in Post-Apartheid South Africa

Under apartheid, black South Africans were severely restricted in their choice of location and many were forced to live in homelands. Following the abolition of apartheid they were free to migrate. Given gravity, a town nearer to the homelands can be expected to receive a larger inflow of people than a more distant town following the removal of mobility restrictions. Exploting this exogenous variation, we study the effect of migration on urbanisation and the distribution of population. In particular, we test if migration inflows led to displacement, path dependence, or agglomeration in destination areas. We find evidence for path dependence in the aggregate, but substantial heterogeneity across town densities. An exogenous population shock leads to an increase of the urban relative to the rural population, which suggests that exogenous migration shocks can foster urbanisation in the medium run.
Protective Effect of Betulin on Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetes in Female Rats

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia and a relative loss of β–cell function. Our research investigated the antidiabetic potential of betulin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid found primarily in birch bark and, intriguingly, in a few marine organisms. Betulin has been shown to possess diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and antidiabetic activities; however, no studies have fully explored the effects of betulin on the pancreas and pancreatic islets. In this study, we investigated the effect of betulin on streptozotocin–nicotinamide (STZ)-induced diabetes in female Wistar rats. Betulin was prepared as an emulsion, and intragastric treatments were administered at doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg for 28 days. The effect of treatment was assessed by analyzing glucose parameters such as fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and glucose tolerance; hepatic and renal biomarkers; lipid peroxidation; antioxidant enzymes; immunohistochemical analysis; and hematological indices. Administration of betulin improved the glycemic response and decreased α–amylase activity in diabetic rats, although insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA–IR) scores remained unchanged. Furthermore, betulin lowered the levels of hepatic biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alpha-amylase activities) and renal biomarkers (urea and creatine), in addition to improving glutathione levels and preventing the elevation of lipid peroxidation in diabetic animals. We also found that betulin promoted the regeneration of β–cells in a dose-dependent manner but did not have toxic effects on the pancreas. In conclusion, betulin at a dose of 50 mg/kg exerts a pronounced protective effect against cytolysis, diabetic nephropathy, and damage to the acinar pancreas and may be a potential treatment option for diabetes.
Deployment of edge computing nodes in IoT: Effective implementation of simulated annealing method based on user location

Edge computing paradigm for 5G architecture has been considered as one of the most effective ways to realize low latency and highly reliable communication, which brings computing tasks and network resources to the edge of network. The deployment of edge computing nodes is a key factor affecting the service performance of edge computing systems. In this paper, we propose a method for deploying edge computing nodes based on user location. Through the combination of Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) and Network Simulator-3 (NS-3), a simulation platform is built to generate data of hotspot areas in IoT scenario. By effectively using the data generated by the communication between users in IoT scenario, the location area of the user terminal can be obtained. On this basis, the deployment problem is expressed as a mixed integer linear problem, which can be solved by Simulated Annealing (SA) method. The analysis of the results shows that, compared with the traditional method, the proposed method has faster convergence speed and better performance.
Start-ups within entrepreneurial ecosystems: Transition towards circular economy

This article explores the role of start-ups within entrepreneurial ecosystems in driving the transition towards a circular economy. It emphasises the importance of understanding and supporting circular start-ups for broader sustainability impacts. Unlike established firms, start-ups can readily adopt ambitious circular business models (CBMs) without the risk of business model cannibalisation and with the agility to adapt to market trends. CBMs enhance value creation, delivery and capture resource flows in an optimised non-linear fashion. Scaling up CBMs is crucial for overall economic, social and environmental benefits. Hence, leveraging the key entrepreneurial ecosystems actors, such as universities, business incubators and related venture development intermediaries, is vital for start-up support. In this special issue, we have invited researchers to submit contributions that delve into the dynamics among start-ups, entrepreneurial ecosystems and the circular economy, aiming to enrich our understanding of the early stage start-up development process with the aim of promoting the circular economy at a firm, regional or national level.
Serological Evidence for Circulation of Influenza D Virus in the Ovine Population in Italy

Influenza D virus (IDV) is a novel orthomyxovirus initially isolated from pigs exhibiting influenza-like disease in the USA. Since then, IDV has been detected worldwide in several host species, including livestock animals, whilst specific antibodies have been identified in humans, raising concerns about interspecies transmission and zoonotic risks. Few data regarding the seroprevalence of IDV in small ruminants have been available to date. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of antibodies against IDV in ovine serum samples in Sicily, Southern Italy. Six hundred serum samples, collected from dairy sheep herds located in Sicily in 2022, were tested by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) assays using reference strains, D/660 and D/OK, representative of two distinct IDV lineages circulating in Italy. Out of 600 tested samples, 168 (28.0%) tested positive to either IDV strain D/660 or D/OK or to both by HI whilst 378 (63.0%) tested positive to either IDV strain D/660 or D/OK or to both by VN. Overall, our findings demonstrate that IDV circulates in ovine dairy herds in Sicily. Since IDV seems to have a broad host range and it has zoonotic potential, it is important to collect epidemiological information on susceptible species.
Living with wildlife and associated conflicts in northern Gonarezhou National Park, southeast Zimbabwe

Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are a common phenomenon world-wide, particularly in areas where humans and wild animal’s requirements overlap. In this study we focused on the nature of HWC in an area occurring within the northern Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), Zimbabwe. We collected data using focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations in January–February 2011. Our results show that elephant, lion and spotted hyena were identified as the main problem animals. Setting fires around fields at night, burning chilli pepper mixed with elephant dung, scaring animals by beating drums and shooting in the air, linearization of huts in order to block elephants from accessing the fields, herding and kraaling livestock were the common methods employed to minimise HWC. It is suggested that a combination of HWC control strategies and establishing a temporary barrier would help to minimise HWC in northern GNP.
Multi-Product Firms and Product Turnover in the Developing World: Evidence from India

Recent theoretical work predicts that an important margin of adjustment to deregulation or trade reforms is the reallocation of output within firms through changes in their product mix. Empirical work has accordingly shifted its focus towards multi-product firms and their product mix decisions. Existing studies have however focused exclusively on the U.S. Using detailed firm-level data from India, we provide the first evidence on the patterns of multi-product firm production in a large developing country during a period (1989-2003) that spans large-scale trade and other market reforms. We find that in the cross-section, multi-product firms in India look remarkably similar to their U.S. counterparts, confirming the predictions of recent theoretical models. The time-series patterns however exhibit important differences. In contrast to evidence from the U.S., product churning--particularly product rationalization -- is far less common in India. We thus find little evidence of "creative destruction". We also find no link between declines in tariffs on final goods induced by India&apos;s 1991 trade reform and product dropping. The lack of product dropping is consistent with the role of industrial regulation in India, which, like in many other developing countries, may prevent an efficient allocation of resources.
Improved 2D and 3D resistivity surveys using buried electrodes and optimized arrays: The multi-electrode resistivity implant technique (MERIT)

viii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION.1 Review of DC Resistivity Method.1 MERIT Array Installation.3 Array Optimization.6 Sinkhole Structure.10 Guideline of the Thesis.13 References.16 CHAPTER TWO: IMPROVING RESISTIVITY SURVEY RESOLUTION AT SITES WITH LIMITED SPATIAL EXTENT USING BURIED ELECTRODE ARRAYS.24 Abstract.24 Introduction.25 Method: Forward models and Inversion.27 Synthetic Models.27 Cylindrical targets.27 Effect of a shallow conductive layer.30 Sinkhole structure.32 Data RMS misfit: survey design and interpretation.36 Laboratory Experiments.38 Rectangular Rods.38 Sinkhole analog model.40 Field Case Study.43 Field case study 1: Sinkhole related karst features . 43 Field case study 2: Landfill site.49 Conclusion.54 Acknowledgements.55
Magnetic Resonance Image Findings and Potential Anatomic Risk Factors for Chodromalacia in Children and Adolescents Suffering from Non-Overload Atraumatic Knee Pain in the Ambulant Setting

Purpose: To evaluate magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings in children and adolescents suffering from knee pain without traumatic or physical overload history and to identify potential anatomic risk factors. Material and Methods: A total of 507 MRIs of 6- to 20-year-old patients (251 males; 256 females) were evaluated with regard to detectable pathologies of the knee. The results were compared to a control group without pain (n = 73; 34 males; 39 females). A binary logistic regression model and t-tests for paired and unpaired samples were used to identify possible risk factors and significant anatomic differences of the study population. Results: In 348 patients (68.6%), at least one pathology was detected. The most commonly detected finding was chondromalacia of the patellofemoral (PF) joint (n = 205; 40.4%). Chondral lesions of the PF joint occurred significantly more often in knee pain patients than in the control group (40% vs. 11.0%; p = 0.001), especially in cases of a patella tilt angle > 5° (p ≤ 0.001), a bony sulcus angle > 150° (p = 0.002), a cartilaginous sulcus angle > 150° (p = 0.012), a lateral trochlear inclination < 11° (p ≤ 0.001), a lateralised patella (p = 0.023) and a Wiberg type II or III patella shape (p = 0.019). Moreover, a larger patella tilt angle (p = 0.021), a greater bony sulcus angle (p = 0.042), a larger cartilaginous sulcus angle (p = 0.038) and a lower value of the lateral trochlear inclination (p = 0.014) were detected in knee pain patients compared to the reference group. Conclusion: Chondromalacia of the PF joint is frequently observed in children and adolescents suffering from non-overload atraumatic knee pain, whereby a patella tilt angle > 5°, a bony sulcus angle > 150°, a cartilaginous sulcus angle > 150°, a lateral trochlear inclination < 11°, a lateralised patella and a Wiberg type II or III patella shape seem to represent anatomic risk factors.
Exploring the Future of the Engineer Profession: The Effect of the Entrepreneurial Engineers’ Mental Models on Their Opportunity Recognition Capabilities

This work evaluates the effects of entrepreneurial engineers' mental models on their opportunity recognition (OR) capability. We use mental model proxies such as entrepreneurial experience, knowledge, and education. Through a self-applied survey, we found that entrepreneurial experience, entrepreneurial education (EE), and OR are unidimensional constructs. Both EE and entrepreneurial experience show a significant positive effect on OR. Both the mean of OR and entrepreneurial knowledge (EK) show a significant difference between individuals with or without entrepreneurship experience. EE shows a significant positive effect on EK. Also, age shows a positive effect on EK. We use for the first time in OR literature the semantic perspective of mental model theory to discuss and explain research results.