Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of a Low-Power Super-Resolution Architecture for Virtual Reality Wearable Devices

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) have made a virtual reality (VR) accessible to a widespread consumer market, introducing a revolution in many applications. Among the limitations of current HMD technology, the need for generating high-resolution images and streaming them at adequate frame rates is one of the most critical. Super-resolution (SR) convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be exploited to alleviate timing and bandwidth bottlenecks of video streaming by reconstructing high-resolution images locally (i.e., near the display). However, such techniques involve a significant amount of computations that makes their deployment within area-/power-constrained wearable devices often unfeasible. This research work originated from the consideration that the human eye can capture details with high acuity only within a certain region, called the fovea. Therefore, we designed a custom hardware architecture able to reconstruct high-resolution images by treating foveal region (FR) and peripheral region (PR) through accurate and inaccurate operations, respectively. Hardware experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposal: a customized fast SR CNN (FSRCNN) accelerator realized as described here and implemented on a 28-nm process technology is able to process up to 214 ultrahigh definition frames/s, while consuming just 0.51 pJ/pixel without compromising the perceptual visual quality, thus achieving a 55% energy reduction and a $\times 14$ times higher throughput rate, with respect to state-of-the-art competitors.
GENERALIZED SOLUTIONS OF THE HAMILTON-JACOBI EQUATIONS OF EIKONAL TYPE. I. FORMULATION OF THE PROBLEMS; EXISTENCE, UNIQUENESS AND STABILITY THEOREMS; SOME PROPERTIES OF THE SOLUTIONS

A nonlocal theory of boundary value problems in bounded and unbounded domains is constructed for nonlinear equations of first order of the type of the classical eikonal equation in geometric optics with Cauchy-Dirichlet boundary conditions and with additional conditions at infinity in the case of unbounded domains. Existence, uniqueness and stability theorems are proved; some representations of the solutions are indicated; and properties of the solutions generalizing the principles of Fermat and Huygens in geometric optics are established.Bibliography: 14 titles.
Geo-epidemiology of animal tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis genotypes in livestock in a small, high-incidence area in Sicily, Italy

Introduction The persistence of animal tuberculosis (TB) in livestock is a major concern in Sicily, Italy. The objective of this study was to elucidate the transmission dynamics of M. bovis infection in a highly circumscribed, and at the same time geographically diverse, high-risk area of the island through an in-depth geo-epidemiological investigation of TB in cattle and black pigs raised in small-scale extensive farms across the district of Caronia. Methods We used genotype analysis coupled with geographic information system (GIS) technology and phylogenetic inference to characterize the spatial distribution of TB and M. bovis genotypes in livestock and the genetic relationships between M. bovis isolates. A total of 589 M. bovis isolates collected from slaughtered cattle (n = 527) and Sicilian black pigs (n = 62) over a 5-year period (2014–2018) were included in the study. Results TB was widespread throughout the district and was most frequent in the north-central area of the district, especially along one of the district’s streams. We identified a total of 62 M. bovis genotypes. Identical genetic profiles were isolated from both neighboring and non-neighburing herds. The 10 most frequent genotypes, accounting for 82% of M. bovis isolates, showed geographic specificities in that they tended to cluster in specific spatial niches. The landscape structure of these niches—i.e. steep slopes, rocky ridges, meadows and streams—is likely to have had a significant influence on the distribution of TB among livestock in Caronia. Higher concentrations of TB were observed along streams and in open meadows, while rocky ridges and slopes appeared to have hampered the spread of TB. Discussion The geographical distribution of TB cases among livestock in Caronia is consistent with several epidemiological scenarios (e.g., high density of infected herds along the streams or in hilly plateau where livestock share pastures). Landscape structure is likely to play an important role in the transmission and persistence of M. bovis infection across the district. Additional potential risk factors, such as livestock trading and extensive breeding methods, are also discussed. Our results will contribute to the improvement of surveillance, control and eradication activities of TB in Sicily by the implementation of ad hoc TB control measures, especially in farms located along streams, sharing common pastures or with mixed animal species.
Diagnostic checking of nonlinear multivariate time series with multivariate arch errors

Multivariate time series with multivariate ARCH errors have been found useful in many applications. In order to check the adequacy of these models, we define the sum of squared (standardized) residual autocorrelations and derive their asymptotic distribution. The results are used to derive several new multivariate portmanteau tests. Simulation results show that the asymptotic standard errors are quite satisfactory compared with empirical standard errors and that the tests have reasonable empirical size and power. The distribution of the standardized residual autocorrelations is also derived.
Numerical simulation of detonations in mixtures of gases and solid particles

This article examines the structure and stability of detonations in mixtures of gases and solid particles via direct numerical simulation. Cases with both reactive and inert particles are considered. First, the two-phase flow model is presented and the assumptions that it is based upon are discussed. Steady-wave structures admitted by the model are subsequently analysed. Next, the algorithm employed for the numerical simulations is described. It is a recently developed high-order shock-capturing algorithm for compressible two-phase flows. The accuracy of the algorithm has been verified through a series of code validation and numerical convergence tests, some of which are included in this article. Subsequently, numerical results for both one-dimensional and two-dimensional detonations are presented and discussed. These results show that the mass, momentum and energy transfers between the two phases result in detonation structures that are substantially different from those observed in the corresponding purely gaseous flows. The effect of certain important parameters, such as particle reactivity, particle volume fraction, and particle diameter, are examined in detail. The numerical results predict that increased particle reactivity suppresses the flow instabilities and increases the detonation velocities. It is further predicted that sufficiently high particle volume fractions can cause detonation quenching regardless of particle reactivity.
Derivation of the magnetic field on a metal cylinder excited by a longitudinal magnetic dipole transmitter: II. Cylinder in a two‐layer dissipative dielectric medium

We derive an exact convergent analytical solution for the complex frequency‐dependent magnetic field on the surface of an infinitely long and perfectly conducting metal cylinder situated in a cylindrically layered dissipative medium. The inhomogeneous medium consists of two exterior cylindrical layers that are concentric with the cylinder. The magnetic field on the cylinder is excited by a longitudinally oriented oscillating magnetic dipole transmitter on the cylinder surface. An exact analytical solution to this problem has not been previously published and is of theoretical as well as practical importance, e.g., in modeling the responses of electromagnetic wave propagation well logging tools. It is shown that the magnetic field on the cylinder surface can be expressed as a real‐axis integral; however, the integrand oscillates rapidly and diverges for large values of the integration variable. The real‐axis integral is replaced by the sum of two convergent branch line integrals and a sum over the residues of the complex poles in the integrand of the real‐axis integral. The poles correspond physically to waveguide modes that propagate with discrete wave numbers. A pole search algorithm is developed to locate the positions of the poles and compute their residues. Phase shifts and attenuations of the magnetic field between receivers for a 1.1 GHz well logging tool are computed to elucidate the pole spectra and the relative contributions of the waveguide modes and the branch cut integrals for different thicknesses of the innermost dielectric layer and for different layer properties.
Estimated Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Ruminants from Slaughterhouses in Constantine Province (Northeastern Algeria): A 10-Year Retrospective Survey (2011–2020)

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the most widespread and devastating zoonotic diseases in low-income countries, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The aim of this 10-year retrospective survey (from 2011 to 2020) was to determine the frequency of bovine, ovine, and goat tuberculosis in different local slaughterhouses across Constantine Province, Algeria. The control of livestock carcasses was systematically performed by veterinarian inspectors, after each stage of the slaughter process. The routine abattoir inspection included the detection of visible abnormalities on different organs and lymph nodes. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis recorded in slaughtered animals was 0.83%, with the following distribution among species: 2.73% in cattle, 0.001% in sheep, and 0.0% in goats. During the study period, there was a strong correlation (R = 0.82) (p < 0.01) between tuberculosis occurrence and the number of slaughtered cattle. Fluctuations in monthly TB prevalence ranged from 2% to 24.8% between 2018 and 2020, although there were no statistically significant correlations between infection and the age or gender of the animals, except for the year 2020 when a significantly higher (p = 0.017) percentage of TB cases were recorded in female cattle compared to male cattle. The average monthly weight of the confiscated livers and lungs ranged significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 150 kg to 350 kg. The study results provide baseline data regarding livestock tuberculosis monitoring in the area of Constantine, Algeria, indicating that the disease incidence is not highly alarming, yet remains a serious public and animal health issue in the screened region.
Reward prospect affects strategic adjustments in stop signal task

Interaction with the environment requires us to predict the potential reward that will follow our choices. Rewards could change depending on the context and our behavior adapts accordingly. Previous studies have shown that, depending on reward regimes, actions can be facilitated (i.e., increasing the reward for response) or interfered (i.e., increasing the reward for suppression). Here we studied how the change in reward perspective can influence subjects’ adaptation strategy. Students were asked to perform a modified version of the Stop-Signal task. Specifically, at the beginning of each trial, a Cue Signal informed subjects of the value of the reward they would receive; in one condition, Go Trials were rewarded more than Stop Trials, in another, Stop Trials were rewarded more than Go Trials, and in the last, both trials were rewarded equally. Subjects participated in a virtual competition, and the reward consisted of points to be earned to climb the leaderboard and win (as in a video game contest). The sum of points earned was updated with each trial. After a learning phase in which the three conditions were presented separately, each subject performed 600 trials testing phase in which the three conditions were randomly mixed. Based on the previous studies, we hypothesized that subjects could employ different strategies to perform the task, including modulating inhibition efficiency, adjusting response speed, or employing a constant behavior across contexts. We found that to perform the task, subjects preferentially employed a strategy-related speed of response adjustment, while the duration of the inhibition process did not change significantly across the conditions. The investigation of strategic motor adjustments to reward’s prospect is relevant not only to understanding how action control is typically regulated, but also to work on various groups of patients who exhibit cognitive control deficits, suggesting that the ability to inhibit can be modulated by employing reward prospects as motivational factors.
Molecular Markers of Blood Cell Populations Can Help Estimate Aging of the Immune System

Aging of the immune system involves functional changes in individual cell populations, in hematopoietic tissues and at the systemic level. They are mediated by factors produced by circulating cells, niche cells, and at the systemic level. Age-related alterations in the microenvironment of the bone marrow and thymus cause a decrease in the production of naive immune cells and functional immunodeficiencies. Another result of aging and reduced tissue immune surveillance is the accumulation of senescent cells. Some viral infections deplete adaptive immune cells, increasing the risk of autoimmune and immunodeficiency conditions, leading to a general degradation in the specificity and effectiveness of the immune system in old age. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state-of-the-art application of mass spectrometry, multichannel flow cytometry, and single-cell genetic analysis have provided vast data on the mechanisms of aging of the immune system. These data require systematic analysis and functional verification. In addition, the prediction of age-related complications is a priority task of modern medicine in the context of the increase in the aged population and the risk of premature death during epidemics. In this review, based on the latest data, we discuss the mechanisms of immune aging and highlight some cellular markers as indicators of age-related immune disbalance that increase the risk of senile diseases and infectious complications.
Investigations on the Role of Commercial Probiotics on New Zealand White Rabbits Experimentally Infected with Eimeria stiedae

ABSTRACT: Coccidiosis is a serious parasitic disease that causes severe economic losses in rabbits. Commercial probiotics are widely used as potential therapeutic replacements for weight gain and increased resistance to many diseases. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of a probiotic product called MiaClost as a liquid extract to protect animals from Eimeria stiedae infection. Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 5 equal groups. Rabbits in the first 3 groups were treated with concentrations of 107, 108, and 109 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml of MiaClost in their drinking water for 10 days before experimental infection with 1 × 104 of sporulated oocyst of E. stiedae. The last 2 groups served as positive and negative control groups. We found a significant reduction in mortality in rabbits receiving 109 CFU/ml MiaClost as well as an improvement in weight retention and food consumption ratios. Beneficial low oocyst output in feces of rabbits treated with 109 CFU/ml MiaClost led to a reduction in pathological changes in the liver and gall bladder. Our findings suggest that a liquid extract of MiaClost in concentration of 109 CFU/ml can provide protection against hepatic coccidiosis. Further research is needed to test this product against other diseases through different routes of consumption in animals.
Acetylcholine Esterase Inhibitory Effect, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Metabolomic Profiling, and an In Silico Study of Non-Polar Extract of The Halotolerant Marine Fungus Penicillium chrysogenum MZ945518

Major health issues, such as the rise in oxidative stress, incidences of Alzheimer’s disease, and infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microbes, have prompted researchers to look for new therapeutics. Microbial extracts are still a good source of novel compounds for biotechnological use. The objective of the current work was to investigate marine fungal bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects. Penicillium chrysogenum strain MZ945518 was isolated from the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. The fungus was halotolerant with a salt tolerance index of 1.3. The mycelial extract showed antifungal properties against Fusarium solani with an inhibitory percentage of 77.5 ± 0.3, followed by Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum with percentages of 52 ± 0.0 and 40 ± 0.5, respectively. The extract also showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains using the agar diffusion technique. The fungal extract was significantly more effective with Proteus mirabilis ATCC 29906 and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341; inhibition zones recorded 20 and 12 mm, respectively, compared with the antibiotic gentamycin, which recorded 12 and 10 mm, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the fungus extract revealed that it successfully scavenged DPPH free radicals and recorded an IC50 of 542.5 µg/mL. Additionally, it was capable of reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+ and exhibiting chelating ability in the metal ion-chelating test. The fungal extract was identified as a crucial inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase with an inhibition percentage of 63% and an IC50 value of 60.87 µg/mL. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), 20 metabolites were detected. The most prevalent ones were (Z)-18-octadec-9-enolide and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, with ratios of 36.28 and 26.73%, respectively. An in silico study using molecular docking demonstrated interactions between the major metabolites and the target proteins, including: DNA Gyrase, glutathione S-transferase, and Acetylcholinesterase, confirming the extract’s antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Penicillium chrysogenum MZ945518, a halotolerant strain, has promising bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antioxidant, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities
Theoretical investigation on the use of high permittivity materials in microstrip aperture stacked patch antennas

The effects of altering the parameters of the feed substrate on the characteristics of a microstrip line fed aperture stacked patch antenna are investigated, in order to determine their suitability for integration into monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) and optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs). It is shown that an increase in the permittivity and/or a decrease in the thickness of the feed substrate reduces the maximum achievable bandwidth of the antenna. However, a bandwidth in excess of 27% and a peak gain of approximately 8 dBi are still achievable using a thickness and permittivity that replicates an OEIC/MMIC wafer.
The discharge plasma in ion engine neutralizers: Numerical simulations and comparisons with laboratory data

Numerical simulations of neutralizer hollow cathodes at various operating conditions and orifice sizes are presented. The simulations were performed using a two-dimensional axisymmetric model that solves numerically an extensive system of conservation laws for the partially ionized gas in these devices. The results for the plasma are compared directly with Langmuir probe measurements. The computed keeper voltages are also compared with the observed values. Whenever model inputs and/or specific physics of the cathode discharge were uncertain or unknown additional sensitivity calculations have been performed to quantify the uncertainties. The model has also been employed to provide insight into recent ground test observations of the neutralizer cathode in NASA’s evolutionary xenon thruster. It is found that a likely cause of the observed keeper voltage drop in a long duration test of the engine is cathode orifice erosion.
Study of a circuit-breaker arc with self-generated flow. III. The post-arc phase

For pt.II see ibid., vol.16, p.615-22, 1988. The third part of this study of a circuit-breaker arc with self-generated flow concerns the model of the post-arc phase. The greater interruption capability of SF/sub 6/ compared to N/sub 2/, already suggested in pt.II, is confirmed by the following results: amplitude and duration of the postarc current are much lower in SF/sub 6/ and the maximum value of the rate of rise of recovery voltage is about three times higher in SF/sub 6/ than in N/sub 2/. The model also predicts the existence of a plateau in post-arc current variation and the original behavior of this type of circuit-breaker: interrupting efficiency increases with the current peak in the initial phase. >
Hopf-type estimates and formulas for nonconvex nonconcave Hamilton-Jacobi equations

Simple explicit estimates are presented for the viscosity solution of the Cauchy problem for the Hamilton--Jacobi equation where either the Hamiltonian or the initial data are the sum of a convex and a concave function. The estimates become equalities whenever a "minmax" equals a "maxmin" and thus a representation formula for the solution is obtained, generalizing the classical Hopf formulas as well as some formulas of Kruzkov [Functional Anal. Appl. , 2 (1969), pp. 128--136].
Determinants of viral load suppression among orphaned and vulnerable children living with HIV on ART in Tanzania

Introduction In Tanzania, only 66% children 0–14 years living with HIV know their HIV status, 66% are on treatment while 47% of children on ART are virally suppressed. Although retention on ART and poor adherence remain a challenge for children living with HIV, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) face a greater limitation of access to and utilization of comprehensive HIV care and treatment. In response to this, the current study assessed the determinants of viral load suppression (VLS) among OVC aged 0–14 years living with HIV enrolled in HIV interventions. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that used secondary data collected by the USAID Kizazi Kipya project in 81 district councils of Tanzania. Included in this study are 1,980 orphans and vulnerable children living with HIV (OVCLHIV) (0–14 years) enrolled and served by the project for 24 months. Data analysis involved multivariable logistic regression, with viral load suppression as the outcome of interest and HIV interventions as the main independent variables. Results The overall VLS rate among the OVCLHIV was 85.3%. This rate increased from 85.3, 89.9, 97.6 to 98.8% after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of retention on ART, respectively. Similar rates were observed as the duration of adherence to ART increased. In the multivariable analysis, OVCLHIV attending people living with HIV (PLHIV) support groups were 411 times more likely to be virally suppressed than those not attending (aOR = 411.25, 95% CI 168.2–1,005.4). OVCLHIV with health insurance were 6 times more likely to achieve viral suppression than those without (aOR = 6.05, 95% CI 3.28–11.15). OVCLHIV with >95% adherence to ART were 149 times more likely to be virally suppressed than those not adherent to ART (aOR = 148.96, 95% CI 42.6–520.6, p < 0.001). Other significant factors included food security and family size. OVCLHIV reached by the different HIV community-based interventions were more likely to be virally suppressed than those who were not. Discussion To advance viral suppression, efforts should be made to ensure that all OVCLHIV are reached by community-based interventions as well as integrating food support in HIV treatment interventions.