Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Implementation of Distributed Supervisory Controllers With Communication Delays

This paper discusses a method to distribute a synthesized supervisor for implementation on multiple physical controllers. Dependency structure matrices are used to determine a distribution of a system. The supervisor is then distributed accordingly, using an existing localization method. Communication delays between the distributed components of a supervisor may affect its behavior, due to changes in the order of events. Therefore, a new delay-robustness check is proposed and where needed mutex locks are employed to make the distributed supervisor delay robust. The controller performance is analyzed and optimized through a parameter study and a mutex implementation evaluation. In a real-life case study, the method is demonstrated by synthesizing, distributing, implementing, and validating a supervisor for a road tunnel. Note to Practitioners—This article is motivated by the desire to bridge the gap between the asynchronous, discrete-event, world of synthesized supervisors and the synchronous, real-time, world of networked PLC controllers. The main focus lies on maintaining the guarantees of supervisor synthesis while taking into account all aspects of real-time implementation, such as cycle-driven code execution and communication delays.
Survey of recent research topics on effective use of communication tools in higher education

Effective communication is crucial for the success and well being of students and faculty members in higher education. Communication can improve student’s learning outcomes by clarifying the expectations and learning objectives on both curriculum and course levels. Further inclusive communication can enable creating a sense of community and belonging among students and the faculty. In this article, we present the results of a literary survey conducted on recent research discussing communication practices and software communication tools in higher education. Both linear and interactive communication occur in variable contexts and between different participating roles. During campus lock downs caused by COVID-19 pandemic, teaching and related communication were moved into fully distance mode. For teaching and learning higher education institutions needed to rely on existing and newly created software platforms. Synchronous teaching and communication could be conducted using video and voice conferencing tools, like Zoom or Teams. Similarly asynchronous communication could use tools including forums or emails. The tools adopted during the pandemic largely remain in use after the comeback of blended learning. For future research one goal could be the creation of communication models that can integrate the roles, practices, and tools currently interacting in higher education.
The Competitive Impact of Product Configurators in Mass Tailoring and Mass Customization Companies

Several researchers have advocated the role of product configurators in mass customization, especially due to their ability to stream-line the order process. This paper presents the preliminary results of a study of different competitive advantages and challenges a company which produces highly customized (tailored) products faces by introducing a product configurator system. Also, it suggests a model for evaluating whether a product configuration system should be acquired and, in case it should, what kind of system to choose. The model is developed through the use of a Norwegian wooden staircase manufacturer as a case. The staircase industry is chosen due to the inherent degree of customization in that industry. The challenges that rises when including construction and, hence, parametric variables into the core of the configuration process is discussed. The impact of this paper is not limited to the wooden staircase industry, but affects all companies that mass produce highly customized products.
Best predictors in logarithmic distance between positive random variables

Abstract The metric properties of the set in which random variables take their values lead to relevant probabilistic concepts. For example, the mean of a random variable is a best predictor in that it minimizes the L2 distance between a point and a random variable. Similarly, the median is the same concept but when the distance is measured by the L1 norm. Also, a geodesic distance can be defined on the cone of strictly positive vectors in ℝn in such a way that, the minimizer of the distance between a point and a collection of points is their geometric mean. That geodesic distance induces a distance on the class of strictly positive random variables, which in turn leads to an interesting notions of conditional expectation (or best predictors) and their estimators. It also leads to different versions of the Law of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem. For example, the lognormal variables appear as the analogue of the Gaussian variables for version of the Central Limit Theorem in the logarithmic distance.
Migrating to a microservice architecture: benefits and challenges

Considering the need for scalability, flexible configuration, easier development, maintenance, and rapid agile development, many organizations are moving to a microservice architecture. This migration process is undertaken by organizations to change their software architecture and mature the benefits offered by microservice architecture. However, performing a migration towards microservices is not a trivial and structured process, and many challenges have been identified along the way.In this research paper, we investigate the migration process and the adoption of microservices in different organizations by conducting a survey with industry practitioners, mainly focusing on the reasons for migration, the advantages that this architecture brings, and the obstacles encountered during the migration.The expected result of the research is to contribute to the findings reported in the scientific literature, highlighting relevant problems and identifying possible directions for future research.
Adolescent's motivation and their perceptions of learning contexts of foreign language

The aim of the present study was to investigate motivational orientations of 396 adolescents of public schools and their perceptions of their learning contexts. About half of the sample suited English as a compulsory language, while others studied Spanish as an elected language. Data were collected through a Likert-type self report questionnaire with questions related to mastery and work avoidance achievement goals, to perceptions of interesting classes and utility value. Results showed significant positive relations among mastery goal orientation and perceptions of interesting classes and utility, and negative relations among work avoidance goal orientation and those variables. Regression analyses showed that perceptions of interesting classes and utility value predict mastery goal orientation. Some significant differences aroused among students of the two learning contexts. Results were discussed in the light of motivational theories and some suggestions for new researches and for educational practices as well with adolescents were drawn.
Association of Di ff erentially Altered Liver Fibrosis with Deposition of TGFBi in Stabilin-De fi cient Mice

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) control clearance of Transforming growth factor, beta-induced, 68kDa (TGFBi) and Periostin (POSTN) through scavenger receptors Stabilin-1 (Stab1) and Stabilin-2 (Stab2). Stabilin inhibition can ameliorate atherosclerosis in mouse models, while Stabilin-double-knockout leads to glomerulofibrosis. Fibrotic organ damage may pose a limiting factor in future anti-Stabilin therapies. While Stab1-deficient (Stab1−/−) mice were shown to exhibit higher liver fibrosis levels upon challenges, fibrosis susceptibility has not been studied in Stab2-deficient (Stab2−/−) mice. Wildtype (WT), Stab1−/− and Stab2−/− mice were fed experimental diets, and local ligand abundance, hepatic fibrosis, and ligand plasma levels were measured. Hepatic fibrosis was increased in both Stab1−/− and Stab2−/− at baseline. A pro-fibrotic short Methionine-Choline-deficient (MCD) diet induced slightly increased liver fibrosis in Stab1−/− and Stab2−/− mice. A Choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet induced liver fibrosis of similar distribution and extent in all genotypes (WT, Stab1−/− and Stab2−/−). A hepatic abundance of Stabilin ligand TGFBi correlated very highly with liver fibrosis levels. In contrast, plasma levels of TGFBi were increased only in Stab2−/− mice after the CDAA diet but not the MCD diet, indicating the differential effects of these diets. Here we show that a single Stabilin deficiency of either Stab1 or Stab2 induces mildly increased collagen depositions under homeostatic conditions. Upon experimental dietary challenge, the local abundance of Stabilin ligand TGFBi was differentially altered in Stabilin-deficient mice, indicating differentially affected LSEC scavenger functions. Since anti-Stabilin-directed therapies are in clinical evaluation for the treatment of diseases, these findings bear relevance to treatment with novel anti-Stabilin agents.
Coordinated Variable Speed Limit Control for Consecutive Bottlenecks on Freeways Using Multiagent Reinforcement Learning

Most of the current variable speed limit (VSL) strategies are designed to alleviate congestion in relatively short freeway segments with a single bottleneck. However, in reality, consecutive bottlenecks can occur simultaneously due to the merging flow from multiple ramps. In such situations, the existing strategies use multiple VSL controllers that operate independently, without considering the traffic flow interactions and speed limit differences. In this research, we introduced a multiagent reinforcement learning-based VSL (MARL-VSL) approach to enhance collaboration among VSL controllers. The MARL-VSL approach employed a centralized training with decentralized execution structure to achieve a joint optimal solution for a series of VSL controllers. The consecutive bottleneck scenarios were simulated in the modified cell transmission model to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. An independent single-agent reinforcement learning-based VSL (ISARL-VSL) and a feedback-based VSL (feedback-VSL) were also applied for comparison. Time-varying heterogeneous traffic flow stemming from the mainline and ramps was loaded into the freeway network. The results demonstrated that the proposed MARL-VSL achieved superior performance compared to the baseline methods. The proposed approach reduced the total time spent by the vehicles by 18.01% and 17.07% in static and dynamic traffic scenarios, respectively. The control actions of the MARL-VSL were more appropriate in maintaining a smooth freeway traffic flow due to its superior collaboration performance. More specifically, the MARL-VSL significantly improved the average driving speed and speed homogeneity across the entire freeway.
Search for Dispersed Repeats in Bacterial Genomes Using an Iterative Procedure

We have developed a de novo method for the identification of dispersed repeats based on the use of random position-weight matrices (PWMs) and an iterative procedure (IP). The created algorithm (IP method) allows detection of dispersed repeats for which the average number of substitutions between any two repeats per nucleotide (x) is less than or equal to 1.5. We have shown that all previously developed methods and algorithms (RED, RECON, and some others) can only find dispersed repeats for x ≤ 1.0. We applied the IP method to find dispersed repeats in the genomes of E. coli and nine other bacterial species. We identify three families of approximately 1.09 × 106, 0.64 × 106, and 0.58 × 106 DNA bases, respectively, constituting almost 50% of the complete E. coli genome. The length of the repeats is in the range of 400 to 600 bp. Other analyzed bacterial genomes contain one to three families of dispersed repeats with a total number of 103 to 6 × 103 copies. The existence of such highly divergent repeats could be associated with the presence of a single-type triplet periodicity in various genes or with the packing of bacterial DNA into a nucleoid.
The Use of Stopped-Action Video Replay to Helghten Theory Testing in ' Young Citildren Solving Balancing Tasks

The effectiveness of iIistant video replay in improving young children's understanding of the physical laws of balancing blocks,on a fulcruni was investigated. A total of 128 children from 4 to 8 years of age were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions. In the "Predict Block" condition, children viewed a video replay that stopped action immediately after a block reached the fulcrum. Following viewing, children were asked to say what the block would do when the videotape continued. In the "Predict Self" condition, children saw a frame with stopped action just prior to the placement of the block on,the fulcrum-and were subsequently asked to say where the block would be placed when the videotape continued. In the "Summarize Video" condition, children watched a replay of their attempt to balance a block without any stopped action and were asked to summarize that attempt. Children in the "No Video" group were asked to summarize a recent attempt at balancing without video replay. Children in the "Predict Self" condition, who began the training sessions with some notion of the need to search for a general rule (albeit often the wrong rule), evidenced the best posttest improvement. For children who began the training sessions with an ad hoc approach to each block, the video replay conditions were either no better than the "No Video" condition or actually debilitated performance in the "Predict Self" condition. (Author/MP) ********************************************************************;** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.IL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) XThis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization onginating it C\J Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality r-4 Crr Points of view or opinions stated in this at, c ment do not necessarily represent official NIE C\I position or policy ,C\J The Use of Stopped-Action Video Replay C:3 to Heighten Theory Testing in Young Children Solving Balancing Tasks Principal'Investigators: George E. Forman Carolyn P. Edwards
Necroptosis Mediates Muscle Protein Degradation in a Cachexia Model of Weanling Pig with Lipopolysaccharide Challenge

Necroptosis, an actively researched form of programmed cell death closely related to the inflammatory response, is important in a variety of disorders and diseases. However, the relationship between necroptosis and muscle protein degradation in cachexia is rarely reported. This study aimed to elucidate whether necroptosis played a crucial role in muscle protein degradation in a cachexia model of weaned piglets induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In Experiment 1, the piglets were intraperitoneally injected with LPS to construct the cachexia model, and sacrificed at different time points after LPS injection (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h). In Experiment 2, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), a necroptosis blocker, was pretreated in piglets before the injection of LPS to inhibit the occurrence of necroptosis. Blood and longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected for further analysis. In the piglet model with LPS-induced cachexia, the morphological and ultrastructural damage, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were dynamically elicited in longissimus dorsi muscle. Further, protein concentration and protein/DNA ratio were dynamically decreased, and protein degradation signaling pathway, containing serine/threonine kinase (Akt), Forkhead box O (FOXO), muscular atrophy F-box (MAFbx), and muscle ring finger protein 1 (MuRF1), was dynamically activated in piglets after LPS challenge. Moreover, mRNA and protein expression of necroptosis signals including receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIP)1, RIP3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL), were time-independently upregulated. Subsequently, when Nec-1 was used to inhibit necroptosis, the morphological damage, the increase in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the reduction in protein content and protein/DNA ratio, and the activation of the protein degradation signaling pathway were alleviated. These results provide the first evidence that necroptosis mediates muscle protein degradation in cachexia by LPS challenge.
The Influence of Digital Maturity, Competitive Priorities and Decision-making Styles on the Acceptance of Digital Technologies in Micro and Small Organizations

The subject of this research is to determine the level of digital technology acceptancein micro and small organizations. There is a lack of research in the existing literaturethat would move away from existing models and theories and explain the reasons fordigital technology acceptance by micro and small organizations. It was noticed thatresearch on the intention to accept digital technologies in micro and small organizationsneeds to focus on moderating factors, the influence of which has been neglected inexisting research.For this reason, a model for digital technology acceptance by micro and smallorganizations was created, which explored the effect of moderating factors andencompassed the key characteristics of micro and small organizations. The effect ofperceived financial risk, perceived security risk, perceived loss of time, perceivedgovernment pressure, and the level of knowledge of decision-makers on the intentionto accept digital technologies are examined. As well the relationship between externalpressure (market participants' pressure and crisis circumstances) and the level ofknowledge of decision-makers in organizations was explored.The focus of the research is to explore the moderating effect of the organization's digitalmaturity and competitive priorities on the relationship of factors (perceived securityrisk, perceived loss of time, perceived government pressure) and intent to accept digitaltechnologies. The moderating effect of the decision-makers decision-making style onthe relationship between external pressure (market participants' pressure and crisiscircumstances) and the level of knowledge of decision-makers are explored as well.
PKD1 gene mutation and ultrasonographic characterization in cats with renal cysts

Background: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) has a complex phenotype partly explained by genetic variants related to this disease. Ultrasonography is a promising approach for defining clinical signs. This study aimed to assess kidney characteristics in cats with Polycystin-1 (PKD1) gene mutations and wild-type cats. Kidney characteristics were identified by ultrasonography. Methods: A total of 108 cats of variable breeds aged an average of 37.01±3.50 months were included. Blood examination and biochemical tests were evaluated. For cystic formation, renal ultrasound was performed. The PKD1 gene mutation was identified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Matrix correlation and effectiveness of ultrasound for PKD1 mutation detection were determined. Results: The results showed that 19.44% of cats had PKD1 mutations, a high prevalence in Persian and Persian-related breed cats. Our results demonstrated the characteristics of kidneys in wild-type cats and cats with gene mutations. Based on ultrasonography results, there was an association between cats with gene mutations and cyst formation. The findings indicated that ultrasound did not detect cysts in cats aged 4-36 months, supporting the evidence that PKD1 gene mutations may not be present. This study found high sensitivity and renal specificity ultrasound for PKD1 heterozygous mutation. Moreover, cystic formation via renal ultrasound showed an increased risk for PKD1 mutation 2,623 times compared to normal kidneys. Conclusions: Ultrasonographic examination, coupled with genetic investigations, may help to clarify the phenotypic variability of PKD1. The phenotypic profile of PKD1 will guide therapeutic outcomes and reduce the prevalence of PKD morbidity and mortality in cats.
Clinical Characteristics and Genetic Variants of a Large Cohort of Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa Using Multimodal Imaging and Next Generation Sequencing

This retrospective study identifies patients with RP at the Inherited Retinal Disease Clinic at the University of Minnesota (UMN)/M Health System who had genetic testing via next generation sequencing. A database was curated to record history and examination, genetic findings, and ocular imaging. Causative pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were recorded. Disease status was further characterized by ocular coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (AF). Our study cohort included a total of 199 patients evaluated between 1 May 2015–5 August 2022. The cohort included 151 patients with non-syndromic RP and 48 with syndromic RP. Presenting symptoms included nyctalopia (85.4%) photosensitivity/hemeralopia (60.5%), and decreased color vision (55.8%). On average, 38.9% had visual acuity of worse than 20/80. Ellipsoid zone band width on OCT scan of less than 1500 μm was noted in 73.6%. Ninety-nine percent had fundus autofluorescence (AF) findings of a hypo- or hyper-fluorescent ring within the macula and/or peripheral hypo-AF. Of the 127 subjects who underwent genetic testing, a diagnostic pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic variant was identified in 67 (52.8%) patients—33.3% of syndromic RP and 66.6% of non-syndromic RP patients had a diagnostic gene variant identified. It was found that 23.6% of the cohort had negative genetic testing results or only variants of uncertain significance identified, which were deemed as non-diagnostic. We concluded that patients with RP often present with advanced disease. In our population, next generation sequencing panels identified a genotype consistent with the exam in just over half the patients. Additional work will be needed to identify the underlying genetic etiology for the remainder.
A Comprehensive Insight into the Effect of Berberine on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Systematic Review

Hepatic dysfunction is primarily caused by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, berberine (BBR) has attracted researchers’ interest with its hepatic protective property. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of BBR and its mechanisms of action in the management of NAFLD and its complications. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements were applied to perform the study. Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases were searched up until March 2023. According to the inclusion criteria, finally, 65 studies were entered into the study. The evidence provided in the study revealed that BBR could regulate the development of NAFLD via several mechanisms of action namely lowering body weight, modulating lipid and glucose metabolism, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (OS). The current systematic review demonstrated the beneficial effects of BBR on NAFLD and its associated metabolic disorders including dyslipidemia, obesity, and insulin resistance through regulating lipid metabolism, facilitating β-oxidation of fatty acids, and mitigating the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes. These beneficial effects make BBR a potential therapeutic approach and an efficient agent in the management of NAFLD and its related risk factors. There is an insufficient number of clinical trials addressing the effects of BBR in humans, so conducting more human research in the future is recommended.