Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Baleka: A Bipedal Robot for Studying Rapid Maneuverability

In nature animals are highly adapted to perform rapid maneuvers. However, these maneuvers have generally been avoided by robotics researchers due to the complex (and poorly-understood) dynamics they entail. To improve the agility of the current state-of-the-art robots, highly agile platforms need to be developed capable of performing these maneuvers. Due to the complexities involved, robotics researchers need to leverage trajectory optimization techniques to inspire and aid in designing and controlling these platforms. Presented here is the optimization-inspired design and testing of an agile bipedal robot called Baleka, which has specifically been designed for rapid acceleration and gait termination. By using the Vertical Agility metric (VA), experimental results show that Baleka is one of the most agile biped robots. Baleka achieved a vertical agility of 1.86 m/s (for the biped) and 1.82 m/s (for the monopod). When leaping with a single leg, Baleka achieved a vertical agility of 1.33 m/s, surpassing that of humans (0.89 m/s). These results indicate the power of using trajectory optimization methods to aid in the mechanical design process and prove Baleka's suitability for future rapid transient maneuver studies.
Wave Transmission by Rectangular Submerged Breakwaters

In this paper, we investigate the wave damping mechanism caused by the presence of submerged bars using the Shallow Water Equations (SWEs). We first solve these equations for the single bar case using separation of variables to obtain the analytical solution for the wave elevation over a rectangular bar wave reflector with specific heights and lengths. From the analytical solution, we derive the wave reflection and transmission coefficients and determine the optimal height and length of the bar that would give the smallest transmission coefficient. We also measure the effectiveness of the bar by comparing the amplitude of the incoming wave before and after the wave passes the submerged bar, and extend the result to the case of n-submerged bars. We then construct a numerical scheme for the SWEs based on the finite volume method on a staggered grid to simulate the propagation of a monochromatic wave as it passes over a single submerged rectangular bar. For validation, we compare the transmission coefficient values obtained from the analytical solution, numerical scheme, and experimental data. The result of this paper may be useful in wave reflector engineering and design, particularly that of rectangle-shaped wave reflectors, as it can serve as a basis for designing bar wave reflectors that reduce wave amplitudes optimally.
Pollen of Apis honey from Maharashtra

Melissopalynological investigations are important in establishing an apiary industry. Pollen analyses of the nectar sources of Apis florea Fabr. from the Saoner region indicate the importance of this region for commercial bee keeping enterprises. Twenty seven samples were collected during winter season in the months of October 1997 to January 1998 and November 1998 to January 1999. In addition, 245 pollen loads were analyzed from 19 honey combs collected from the same region. Pollen grains were identified from reference slides. Of the 27 honey samples, 17 samples were unifloral and ten multifloral. A total of 39 pollen types were classified into 21 families. In the analyses of the 245 pollen loads Lagascea mollis Cav. was dominant in 57 pollen loads and Parthenium hysterophorus L. in 55 pollen loads. Weeds such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Sphaeranthus indicus L. , Lagascea mollis, Bidens pilosa L. and Justicia procumbens L. were the common sources of nectar and pollen for Apis florea in the region. Agricultural tracts of the Saoner region in the Nagpur District have a good potential for sustaining beekeeping ventures because of the diversity of nectar and pollen taxa.
GLOBAL-SCALE CLIMATIC CONTROLS OF LEAF DRY MASS PER AREA, DENSITY, AND THICKNESS IN TREES AND SHRUBS

Leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) is a product of leaf thickness (T) and of density (D). Greater T is associated with greater foliar photosynthetic rates per unit area because of accumulation of photosynthetic compounds; greater D results in decreased foliage photosynthetic potentials per unit dry mass because of lower concentrations of assimilative leaf compounds and decreases in intercellular transfer conductance to CO2. To understand the considerable variation in T and D at the global scale, literature data were analyzed for 558 broad-leaved and 39 needle-leaved shrubs and trees from 182 geographical locations distributed over all major earth biomes with woody vegetation. Site climatic data were interpolated from long-term world climatologies (monthly precipitation, surface temperature) or modeled using the Canadian Climate Center Model (monthly global solar radiation). Influences of total annual precipitation (WT), precipitation of the driest month (Wmin), monthly mean precipitation of the three dries.
The nocturnal larvae of a specialist folivore perform better on Chromolaena odorata leaves from a shaded environment

Increasing evidence suggests that individuals of the same plant species occurring in different microhabitats often show a degree of phenotypic and phytochemical variation. Consequently, insect herbivores associated with such plant species must deal with environment‐mediated changes or variability in the traits of their host plants. In this study, we examined the effects of habitat condition (shaded vs. full‐sun habitats) on plant traits and leaf characteristics of the invasive alien plant, Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robinson (Asteraceae). In addition, the performance was evaluated in two generations of a specialist folivore, Pareuchaetes insulata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae), on leaves obtained from both shaded and full‐sun habitats. The study was done in an area where the insect was introduced as a biological control agent. Leaves growing in shade were less tough, had higher water and nitrogen content, and lower total non‐structural carbohydrate, compared with leaves growing in full sun. Plants growing in shade had longer leaves and were taller, but above‐ground biomass was significantly reduced compared with plants growing in full sun. In both generations (parents and offspring), P. insulata developed faster and had larger pupal mass, increased growth rate, and higher fecundity when reared on shaded foliage compared with full‐sun foliage. Although immature survival and adult longevity did not differ between habitats, Maw's host suitability index indicated that shaded leaves were more suitable for the growth and reproduction of P. insulata. We suggest that the benefits obtained by P. insulata feeding on shaded foliage are associated with reduced toughness and enhanced nitrogen and water content of leaves. These results demonstrate that light‐mediated changes in plant traits and leaf characteristics can affect insect folivore performance.
Historically controlled comparison of glucocorticoids with or without tocilizumab versus supportive care only in patients with COVID-19-associated cytokine storm syndrome: results of the CHIC study

Objectives To prospectively investigate in patients with severe COVID-19-associated cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) whether an intensive course of glucocorticoids with or without tocilizumab accelerates clinical improvement, reduces mortality and prevents invasive mechanical ventilation, in comparison with a historic control group of patients who received supportive care only. Methods From 1 April 2020, patients with COVID-19-associated CSS, defined as rapid respiratory deterioration plus at least two out of three biomarkers with important elevations (C-reactive protein >100 mg/L; ferritin >900 µg/L; D-dimer >1500 µg/L), received high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone for 5 consecutive days (250 mg on day 1 followed by 80 mg on days 2–5). If the respiratory condition had not improved sufficiently (in 43%), the interleukin-6 receptor blocker tocilizumab (8 mg/kg body weight, single infusion) was added on or after day 2. Control patients with COVID-19-associated CSS (same definition) were retrospectively sampled from the pool of patients (n=350) admitted between 7 March and 31 March, and matched one to one to treated patients on sex and age. The primary outcome was ≥2 stages of improvement on a 7-item WHO-endorsed scale for trials in patients with severe influenza pneumonia, or discharge from the hospital. Secondary outcomes were hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation. Results At baseline all patients with COVID-19 in the treatment group (n=86) and control group (n=86) had symptoms of CSS and faced acute respiratory failure. Treated patients had 79% higher likelihood on reaching the primary outcome (HR: 1.8; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.7) (7 days earlier), 65% less mortality (HR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.65) and 71% less invasive mechanical ventilation (HR: 0.29; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.65). Treatment effects remained constant in confounding and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions A strategy involving a course of high-dose methylprednisolone, followed by tocilizumab if needed, may accelerate respiratory recovery, lower hospital mortality and reduce the likelihood of invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID-19-associated CSS.
Cardiac-associated biliary atresia (CABA): a prognostic subgroup

Objectives To describe the range of concurrent cardiac malformations in biliary atresia (BA) while providing a functional framework of risk. Methods Demographic and variables were collected from a prospectively maintained single-centre database. Infants were grouped according to a cardiac functional framework (A=acyanotic, B=cyanotic and C=insignificant shunt). Primary outcome was set as clearance of jaundice (bilirubin ≤20 μmol/L) following Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). Native liver survival and overall actuarial survival were compared with a date-matched control infant with BA (n=77). P value <0.05 was regarded as significant. Results 524 infants with histologically confirmed BA were treated between January 1999 and December 2018, 37 (7%) had a concurrent cardiac anomaly (A: n=23 (62%), B: n=10 (27%), C: n=4 (11%)). Infants with biliary atresia splenic malformation (BASM) or cat-eye syndrome (CES) contributed over half of the cases (21/37; 57%). Overall, 20 (54%) infants cleared jaundice (vs 50/77 (65%) controls; p=0.2), but with higher mortality compared with the non-cardiac controls (15/37 (40%) vs 3/77 (4%); HR 15.5 (95% CI 5.5 to 43.4); p<0.00001). Infants requiring cardiac intervention in the first year of life (n=15) were more likely to clear jaundice (6/7 vs 2/8; p=0.04) and had a trend towards higher survival (6/7 vs 3/8; p=0.1) when KPE followed cardiac surgery. Yet, the type of cardiac pathology did not impact clearance of jaundice or mortality. Conclusion We propose the term cardiac-associated biliary atresia (CABA) as a high-risk group. We believe that restorative cardiac surgery should precede KPE wherever possible to improve outcome.
Flexor tendon injuries in children. About a series of cases

Objetive: to describe the clinical characteristics of a series of pediatric patients with injuries of flexor tendons of the hand and their functional results. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with flexor tendon injuries over a two-year period. Variables analyzed were: age, sex, laterality, trauma mechanism, affected area, associated lesions and results with TAM scale. Inclusion criteria: age 0-16 years, diagnosis of flexor lesion and minimum follow-up of 10 weeks. Results: Twenty-one patients were found, 15 of them had a cutting injury. One case had bilateral involvement. Zone V was the most affected in all cases, followed by zone II. The most frequent associated lesions were collateral nerve and ulnar nerve injuries. Short-term results were good in most patients. Conclusions: A high index of suspicion is necessary for the diagnosis of these lesions; in pediatric patients, surgical exploration is recommended in case of clinical suspicion of tendinous lesion. Primary repair is the gold standard of treatment and the results are good with an adequate follow-up and immobilization protocol.
Self-clustering recurrent networks

It is shown, based on empirical analyses, that second-order recurrent neural networks which are trained to learn finite state automata (FSAs) tend to form discrete clusters as the state representation in the hidden unit activation space. This observation is used to define self-clustering networks which automatically extract discrete state machines from the learning network. To address the problem of instability a network structure is introduced, whereby the network uses quantization in the feedback path to force the learning of discrete states. Experimental results show that the method learns FSAs just as well as existing methods in the literature but with the significant advantage of being stable on test strings of arbitrary length. <<ETX>>
Crime in the Making

Introduction 1. Toward an Age-graded Theory of Informal Social Control 2. Unraveling Juvenile Delinquency and Follow-up Studies 3. Restoring, Supplementing, and Validating the Data 4. The Family Context of Juvenile Delinquency 5. The Role of School, Peers, and Siblings 6. Continuity in Behavior over Time 7. Adult Social Bonds and Change in Criminal Behavior 8. Comparative Models of Crime and Deviance 9. Exploring Life Histories 10. Summing Up and Looking Ahead Appendix: Interview with the Gluecks' Original Research Staff Notes References Index
Determination of Vegetative and Fruit Characteristics of Some Thornless Blackberry Genotypes in Hatay (Turkey)

ABSTRACT The experiments were carried out during 2002 and 2003 at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey. In this study, some vegetative and fruit quality attributes of eight blackberry genotypes (‘Jumbo’, ‘Chester Thornless’, ‘Black Satin’, ‘Navaho’, ‘Bursa 1’, ‘Bursa 2’, ‘Bursa 3’, ‘Bartm’) were evaluated in 2002 and 2003. The greatest cane numbers and cane lengths were recorded for ‘Bursa 2’. They were followed by ‘Bursa 3’ and ‘Chester Thornless’ in both years. Harvest periods ranged from 8 to 44 days and occurred from the middle of June until the end of August. ‘Jumbo’ and ‘Bursa 1’ were the earliest ripening cultivars. ‘Bursa 2’ had the longest harvest period. The highest yields were obtained from ‘Bursa 1,’ ‘Bursa 2’ and ‘Chester Thornless. ’ ‘Jumbo’ had the largest fruits. The highest TSS/TA ratio was found in ‘Navaho’.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the attachments used in implant-supported overdentures

Aim: To evaluate the survival rate, tissue response, and patient satisfaction of different attachments used in implant overdenture. Settings and Design: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: Electronic search of peer-review articles published between 2001 and 2019 assessing the attachments used for implant-supported overdentures was done according to PRISMA Guidelies. The review evaluated sixteen articles related to survival of the attachments, the reaction of the soft and hard tissues along with repair and maintenance of the attachments, and overall performance of the overdenture attachments. Statistical Analysis Used: There is statistically significant heterogeneity (Q =374.7403, df = 15, and P < 0.0001). The statistics of fixed-effect model reported an MD of − 0.0880 (95% CI = −0.1536; 0.0225). Result: The review evaluated the 16 articles that met with the inclusion and search criteria. The studies were the combination of bar and ball attachments and their subtypes, magnetic and bar attachments, and locator in combination with other attachments. The meta-analysis of combined 16 studies reported acceptable heterogeneity among 16 studies (I 2 = 96%) and reported to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The survival rate of attachments was in the range of 95.8%–97.5% for bar, 96.2%–100% for ball, 90%–92% for magnet and locator attachments were in the range of 97% after a mean follow-up period of 3 years. The bar attachments reported moderate tissue reaction in the form of mucosal changes, gingival inflammation, and bone resorption. The locator attachments require higher maintenance and repair. The magnetic attachments produce higher bone resorption and readily displace under functional force. Patient satisfaction and compliance was higher for ball, locator, and bar attachments as well as low for magnetic attachment. Thus, the ball and locator attachments excellently perform in terms of survival rate, tissue response, and patient satisfaction.
Spirometric abnormalities following treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide, and despite microbiological cure for the disease, many patients still demonstrate residual respiratory symptoms and spirometric abnormalities. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed at identifying the prevalence, pattern and factors associated with spirometric abnormalities in patients successfully treated for PTB in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study at the pulmonary outpatient clinics of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and Kwara State Specialist Hospital, Sobi, Ilorin. A total of 308 consenting patients who had been certified microbiologically cured for bacteriologically confirmed PTB in the preceding 3 years had assessment of residual pulmonary symptoms, spirometry and plain chest radiograph. Results: The prevalence of abnormal spirometry following treatment for PTB was 72.1% (confidence interval: 0.6682–0.7695), with restrictive pattern being the predominant abnormality (42.2%). Over half of the patients (56.5%) had at least one residual respiratory symptom. The significant predictors of abnormal spirometry were PTB retreatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.918; P = 0.012), increasing modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scores (aOR = 7.935; P = 0.008) and increasing radiologic scores (aOR = 4.679; P ≤ 0.001) after treatment. Conclusion: There is significant residual lung function impairment in majority of the individuals successfully treated for PTB in Ilorin. This highlights the need for spirometric assessment and follow-up after treatment.
The Role of Entropy Monitoring in Reducing Propofol Requirements during Open Heart Surgeries. A Prospective Randomized Study

Background: Hypotension, which is commonly associated with propofol induction of general anesthesia in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, may cause adverse consequences in patients with coronary artery diseases undergoing this type of surgeries. The clinical absence of verbal response and eyelash reflex was used as an endpoint for hypnosis. Spectral entropy, as a novel monitoring method for the endpoint of hypnosis, affect the dose of required anesthetic agents for induction as well as the hemodynamic profile during general anesthesia in CABG surgery. Aims: We hypothesized that entropy monitoring might reduce the dose of propofol required for induction of anesthesia during CABG surgery and could maintain hemodynamic stability when compared with the conventional clinical monitoring. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult patients of both sexes, aged 30–60 years, ASA II and III, and scheduled for CABG surgery were enrolled in this prospective, controlled, randomized, double-blind study. These patients were randomly divided into two equal groups to receive intravenous propofol for induction of anesthesia guided by either the patients' clinical response (Group I) or by entropy monitoring (Group II). The total dose of propofol used for induction of anesthesia was recorded. Hemodynamic parameters and entropy values were also recorded. Results: Propofol consumption was significantly reduced in Group II than Group I (P = 0.000*). Heart rate showed no statistical significance between the two groups, whereas the mean arterial pressure significantly decreased at induction in group I compared to Group II (P = 0.000*). The entropy values were significantly lower in Group I than Group II at induction (P = 0.036* for state entropy; 0.002* for response entropy). However, during intubation, and after 1 and 5 min, entropy indices displayed a significant increase in Group I than Group II. Conclusions: Entropy monitoring significantly reduced the dose of propofol required for induction of anesthesia and maintained hemodynamic stability compared to the conventional clinical monitoring during CABG surgeries.
Comparison of the Additive, Logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk (EuroSCORE) with the EuroSCORE 2 to Predict Mortality in High-Risk Cardiac Surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the new EuroSCORE (ES) 2 prediction model in high-risk patients with the 2 other oldest additive ES (aES) and logistic ES (lES). Methods: Consecutive adult patients undergoing all cardiac surgery except heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device were included. The 3 risk scores were collected before surgery. We defined 4 high-risk groups of patients, patients ≥80 years, combined cardiac surgery, surgery of the thoracic aorta, and emergency cardiac surgery, and 2 low-risk groups, valve surgery and coronary artery bypass surgery. The predicted value of each score has been assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). Results: The study had included 3301 patients. Thirty-day mortality was 3.9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.3 − 4.6%). The AUC of ES2 was 0.81 (0.77 − 0.84), 0.82 (0.78 − 0.85), 0.70 (0.64 − 0.76), 0.79 (0.74 − 0.83), 0.85 (0.83 − 0.87), and 0.88 (0.86 − 0.90) for octogenarians, thoracic aortic surgery, combined surgery, emergency surgery, coronary surgery, and valve surgery, respectively. These ES2 AUC values were higher than those obtained with the aES for octogenarians, and with the lES for octogenarians and valve surgery. The ES2 calibration was better than the aES and lES calibration for the whole population, and low-risk groups. The ES2 calibration was superior to aES and lES in high-risk groups, except for octogenarians and thoracic aortic surgery compared to lES. Conclusion: In high-risk cardiac surgery patients, ES2 only marginally improve the predicted 30-day mortality in comparison to other ES.
Toxicity of Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid as Seed Treatments to Parasitoids Associated to Control Bemisia tabaci

Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam are being used for cotton seed treatment in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. , to control various early season piercing and sucking pests. To assess the activity of these neonicotinoids against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci and their aphelinid parasitoids, cotton seed were treated with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam and sown in the field. Untreated seed were also sown as control treatment. The studies were continued for three years. During the study period, the population of B. tabaci remained below economic threshold level (6 leaf -1 ) in all the treatments upto 50 days after sowing. It was significantly lower in the imidacloprid and thiamethoxam seed treated plots compared with untreated check plots during the same period. Parasitism in the treated plots was comparatively lower than untreated plots. During 2003, the seasonal mean percent parasitism in plot treated with imidacloprid was 12% less than untreated plots. During 2004 and 2005, the level of parasitism in imidacloprid plots was 23.8% and 21.9% less and in thiamethoxam it was 15.9% and 18.4% less compared with untreated check. Total parasitism in pooled data from these studies revealed that percent parasitism reduction in imidacloprid (19.2 %) and thiamethoxam (13.2%) was less compared with untreated. Comparatively, thiamethoxam proved less toxic to parasitoids compared with imidacloprid.