Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An intelligent sliding mode controller of robotic manipulators with output constraints and high‐level adaptation

Fast transient responses and excellent steady‐state control performances with flexibility in control operation are core motivations to promote a vast of research in the robotic control sector nowadays. As a sequence, in this paper, we present a learning nonlinear controller for motion control of robotic manipulators with output constraints. The constrained control objectives are first transformed to new free variables using nonlinear synthetization profiles. Boundedness of the main control objectives within feasible ranges of the physical outputs is next strictly guaranteed under a simple sliding‐mode control policy. To improve the control performance, dominant terms of the system dynamics are learnt by a neural network with a nonlinear adaptation law. The systematic deviation remaining is then estimated by an adaptive disturbance observer. A novel high‐level adaptation rule is designed to maximize the learning ability and the control quality. Both an asymptotic control performance and estimation effectiveness are theoretically thoroughly proven by Lyapunov‐based analyses. Feasibility of the overall system is carefully investigated by intensive comparative simulations.
Near-ambient oxidation of melt-processed aluminum-mercury alloy compounds under air with controlled humidity

Aluminum-mercury alloys prepared by a thermal processing route were exposed to humid air environments under controlled temperature and humidity. The mass changes and energetics associated with the ensuing reaction were monitored by thermal analysis techniques, and it was found that a surprising inverse relationship exists between reaction rate and temperature under constant mass flow rate of water vapor. Additionally, at constant temperature there exists a water mass flow rate threshold below which no reaction occurs. The presence of mercury in the alloy at a gravimetric loading of 120 ppm or less produces no measurable reaction with humid air under the conditions employed, while higher mercury loadings result in the formation of voluminous low-density alumina filaments. Increasing the surface area of a bulk alloy sample through mechanical attrition reduces the rate and extent of reaction, contrary to the behavior of typical surface-moderated reactions. These findings demonstrate that “homogeneously” distributed Hg in Al, as produced by our thermal processing route, generally retains its strongly activating behavior in air. Furthermore, the systematic variation in Hg composition and reaction conditions has quantified the thresholds required for sustaining air-reactivity of such materials.
The Introduction of Custom Earplugs Aboard LCS-1

Abstract : NSMRL was responsible for providing custom-molded hearing-protective devices (HPDs) and conducting advanced hearing-conservation efforts with the crew of USS FREEDOM (LCS-1) as part of a longitudinal study on the effectiveness of a hearing-conservation program. This report documents our relevant experience with LCS-1 crewmembers, discusses related reports on the use of foam and custom HPDs, and provides interim recommendations. Custom-molded HPDs were judged by users to be superior in comfort, and able to be worn for longer periods of time than other devices (foam). Based on data from LCS and other related studies, the performance, acceptance, and cost of the custom-molded product are comparable, or better, than foam HPDs. The interim recommendation is to provide multiple types of HPDs, including custom earplugs, to service members.
Effects of sex on carcass composition and physicochemical, textural and rheological properties of meat from grey partridge

The study aimed to determine the effects of sex on bodyweight (BW) and dimensions, carcass weight, dressing percentage, percentage of carcass components, chemical composition, mineral content, acidity and electrical conductivity of the breast and leg muscles of grey partridges (Perdix perdix L.). The experiment also determined the colour attributes, textural and rheological characteristics, and mineral content in the liver of the grey partridge. Fifteen males and 15 females were examined. Carcasses were weighed on electronic scales, then dissected. The chemical compounds in the breast and leg muscles were determined with a near-infrared spectrophotometer. To ascertain the contents of minerals, the meat samples were analysed by spectrometry. The textural and rheological properties were established with the TPA double compression test, Warner-Bratzler (WB) test, and the relaxation test. At 36 weeks, males had significantly longer keels and shanks than females. Males and females did not differ significantly in the weight of the eviscerated carcass, dressing percentage, and percentage of carcass components. There were no significant differences between males and females in the chemical composition of meat from breasts and legs, and in the mineral contents of the breast and leg muscles and the liver. Bird sex had no significant effect on acidity and electrical conductivity of the breast and leg muscles or on the lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) of the Pectoralis major muscle. No significant differences were established between 36-week-old males and females in textural and rheological characteristics. Thus, there was scant evidence for sexual dimorphism in this species.
A MLR-Based Approach to Analyze Regulators of T Lymphocyte Activation In Vivo

Depending on the context, robust and durable T lymphocyte activation is either desirable, as in the case of anti-tumor responses, or unwanted, in cases of autoimmunity when chronic stimulation leads to self-tissue damage. Therefore, reliable in vivo models are of great importance to identify and validate regulatory pathways of T lymphocyte activation. Here, we describe an in vivo mixed-lymphocyte-reaction (MLR) approach, which is based on the so-called parent-into-F1 (P → F1) mouse model in combination with the congenic marker CD45.1/2 and cell proliferation dye-labeling. This setup allows us to track adoptively transferred allogenic CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and analyze their phenotype as well as the proliferation by flow cytometry in the blood and spleen. We could show hypo-reactive responses of T lymphocytes isolated from knockout mice with a known defect in T lymphocyte activation. Thus, this MLR-based in vivo model provides the opportunity to analyze positive regulators of T cell responses under physiological conditions of polyclonal T lymphocyte activation in vivo.
Views of Consumers, Farmers and Stakeholders on Alternative Dairy Cattle Housing Systems

Simple Summary Sustainable alternative housing systems for dairy cattle depend on being accepted by key categories like farmers, stakeholders, and consumers. Alongside tie-stall and cubicle housing systems, alternative free-walk systems (compost-bedded pack and artificial floor systems) are available today. This study aimed to determine and compare the acceptance of (alternative) housing systems and attitudes to certain aspects of housing systems for dairy cattle among Slovenian consumers, farmers, and stakeholders. They were asked online about their views on the most important aspects (animals, farmers, products, environment) of housing systems as well as the acceptance of four housing systems and related issues. The results reveal differences in attitude and acceptance among the main groups of respondents. Consumers, stakeholders, and conventional farmers preferred the artificial floor system, while organic farmers preferred the compost-bedded pack housing system. Consumers and organic farmers showed below-average scores for all aspects analyzed concerning animals, products, and the environment, whereas conventional farmers and stakeholders had shown above-average scores for aspects related to animals and the environment and negative attitudes to products. The findings suggest the need to tailor information about different housing systems to specific groups. Abstract Alternative housing systems for dairy cattle have recently emerged, such as compost-bedded packs and artificial floor ones. To determine their acceptability among categories of people with a connection to animal husbandry, this study aimed to identify and compare the acceptability of (alternative) housing systems and attitudes to aspects of housing systems for dairy cattle among Slovenian consumers, farmers, and stakeholders. Farmers (N = 306), consumers (N = 508), and stakeholders (N = 40) were interviewed about their views on the main aspects (animals, farmers, products, environment) of housing systems for dairy cattle, the acceptance of four housing systems, and important housing features. The results show that consumers, stakeholders, and conventional farmers preferred housing systems with an artificial floor, while organic farmers preferred a housing system with a compost-bedded pack. Consumers and organic farmers expressed the greatest acceptance of almost every aspect of the housing system, except for a sufficient income for farmers and a low workload. Conventional farmers and stakeholders hold similar views, except for the expectation that the animals have enough space to move around, the image of the landscape, and the animals’ health and wellbeing, where stakeholders showed more acceptance than conventional farmers. The results imply that systematically planned information aimed at different target categories is needed to increase the acceptance of (alternative) housing systems for cattle.
Quantifying eco-evolutionary contributions to trait divergence in spatially structured systems

Ecological and evolutionary processes can occur at similar time scales, and hence influence one another. There has been much progress in the development of metrics that quantify contributions of ecological and evolutionary components to trait change over time. However, many empirical evolutionary ecology studies document genetic differentiation among populations structured in space. In both time and space, the observed differentiation in trait values among populations and communities can be the result of interactions between non-evolutionary (phenotypic plasticity, changes in the relative abundance of species) and evolutionary (genetic differentiation among populations) processes. However, the tools developed so far to quantify ecological and evolutionary contributions to trait change are implicitly addressing temporal dynamics because they require directionality of change from an ancestral to a derived state. Identifying directionality from one site to another in spatial studies of eco-evolutionary dynamics is not always possible and often not desired. We here suggest three modifications to existing metrics so they allow the partitioning of ecological and evolutionary contributions to changes in population and community trait values across landscapes. Applying these spatially modified metrics to published empirical examples shows how these metrics can be used to generate new empirical insights and to facilitate future comparative analyses. The possibility to apply eco-evolutionary partitioning metrics to populations and communities in real landscapes is critical as it will broaden our capacity to quantify eco-evolutionary interactions as they occur in nature.
Congenital Hydrocephalus and Associated Risk Factors: An Institution-Based Case–Control Study, Dessie Town, North East Ethiopia

Introduction Congenital hydrocephalus is one of the commonest congenital anomalies of the central nervous system. It is characterized by extensive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain due to an imbalance between synthesis and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. This study was planned to investigate the incidence and associated risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus. Methods Unmatched case–control study was conducted in 34 (cases) and 104 (controls) pregnant women. Maternal data were collected from a structured questionnaire, and fetal-related data were recorded from obstetric ultrasound. Epi-info 7 and SPSS version 24 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. The association between congenital hydrocephalus and risk factors was evaluated using binary logistic regression. Results The incidence of congenital hydrocephalus was 2.67 per 1000 pregnancies. The result of multivariate logistic regression indicated that alcohol use and iron with folic acid supplementation during pregnancy were significantly associated with the development of congenital hydrocephalus (OR: 7.64, 95% CI: 1.97–29.66 and p-value: 0.003 and OR: 0.186, 95% CI: 0.07–0.49 and p-value: 0.001, respectively). Maternal exposure to typhus and typhoid and use of antibiotics during early pregnancy were also significantly associated with congenital hydrocephalus. Moreover, significant association was also observed between the simultaneous development of spina bifida and congenital hydrocephalus (p-value 0.03). Conclusion In conclusion, alcohol consumption, unprescribed use of antibiotics and infection during pregnancy as well as absence of folic acid supplementation may predispose to congenital hydrocephalus.
School Teachers’ Knowledge and Attitude toward School Students with Epilepsy

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system that affects people of all ages worldwide. Objectives: to measure schoolteacher’s perception of epilepsy in school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2018. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was done and data was collected by online and manual survey from (476) teachers chosen by quota sampling technique. The data was analyzed by using SPSS. Scale of level of knowledge in Table 1. Results: Most of the teachers had moderate and good knowledge (81%); females had better knowledge (85%); teachers with higher educational level had better knowledge (92%) and teachers with more years of experience had better knowledge (83%). Most of the teachers feel sympathy toward students with epilepsy (67%). Most of the teachers had moderate and good attitude (84%). Those who were 40 years or above had a better attitude (88%). About half the teachers knew about epilepsy from their friends (45%). Most of the teachers had poor practice (85%). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the majority of the teachers had moderate and good knowledge and attitude while only a few teachers had moderate and good practice. Teachers’ age and years of experience are shown to be factors in acquiring knowledge. It was found that teachers’ age has a significant effect on their attitude and teachers with higher educational level had better attitude. Teachers’ gender and educational level appeared to have a significant effect on their knowledge. Key words: Teachers, Knowledge, Attitude, Students, Epilepsy, Saudi Arabia
Prevalence and associated factors of burnout among nurses in a general hospital in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Background: Burnout is a prevalent psychological state among nurses. Burnout syndrome consists of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, which results from prolonged stress in the workplace. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of burnout among nurses in Yanbu General Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 nurses at Yanbu General Hospital, Saudi Arabia. The validated Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel was used to measure burnout. Sources of stress were assessed by 17 items. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version. 20. Students’ t-test, correlation and analysis of variance were used to assess the relationship between variables. Results: High burnout was found among 168 (67.5%) participants. The EE score was significantly higher among Saudis, (p=0.004), among those who worked >40 hours per week (p<0.001) and among those who had more than 8 shifts per week (p=0.001). The depersonalization (DP) score was significantly higher among Saudis (p=0.014), and among those who worked >40 hours per week (p<0.001). The personal accomplishment (PA) score was higher among those who had higher monthly income (p=0.038). Sources of stress were associated with the three scales of burnout. Conclusion: Burnout was highly prevalent among nurses in this study and was associated significantly with work related factors and sources of stress in the workplace. Working conditions should be improved to minimize the impact and consequences of burnout among nurses. Key words: Burnout, Mental Health, Nurses, Saudi Arabia, Source of Stress, Yanbu
Evaluation of mathematical models for predicting particle size distribution using digital soil mapping in semiarid agricultural lands

Abstract Soil Particle Size Distribution (PSD) is a fundamental physical property that can affect soil hydraulic properties, soil structure characterization, and available water. Many models have been applied to define the PSD curve, but predicting the spatial distribution information of PSD has been rarely investigated. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to predict soil texture fractions using the most accurate PSD models. First, the performance of 16 mathematical PSD models was evaluated. Then, Random Forest (RF) was used to determine the relationship between covariates (i.e., remote sensing and the digital elevation model) and georeferenced measurements of the best PSD models’ parameters. Results indicated that a PSD model may be acceptable for some particle diameters or even whole particles, but not necessarily be suitable for other particles. For example, in the estimation of sand content, the best model was Simple Lognormal, while the Fred-4p was the best model in the estimation of the clay fraction. Importantly, the Jaky model with only one parameter of P did a great job in predicting soil particle fractions. Further, the spatial distribution of clay, silt, and sand contents was accurately derived from the predicted map of P (R2 for Sand = 0.86). Consequently, the current research indicated that the combination of PSD models and digital soil mapping techniques can be used to quantify the spatial distribution of the PSD curve in other similar agroclimatological regions.
Aerodynamic load characterisation of a low speed aerofoil using particle image velocimetry

Abstract Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements of the flow around a wing section are employed as a basis for non-intrusive aerodynamic mean loads characterisation, providing sectional lift, drag and pitching moment. The technique relies upon the application of control-volume approaches in combination with the deduction of the pressure from the PIV experimental data through application of the momentum equation. The treatment can also be applied when the flow is unsteady; in that case time-mean loads are obtained from velocity statistics, through the use of Reynolds-averaged formulation of the governing equations. The procedure was applied in the experimental investigation of a NACA 642A015 aerofoil, in which the PIV approach is validated against standard pressure-based methods (surface pressure distribution and wake rake). The chord Reynolds number considered in the investigation ranges between 1 – 7 × 105. In addition, the consistency and potential performance of the method was assessed by means of synthetic velocity field data obtained from a numerical flow simulation.
‘Defined by the #CoronavirusOutbreak’: characterizing Gen Z in Twitter discourse surrounding COVID-19

ABSTRACT Applying Social Identity Theory and resulting stereotyping as a framework to construct and categorize the cohort, we analyze discourse surrounding Gen Z and the pandemic via Twitter. Specifically, the research uncovers how discourse portrayed the onset of the pandemic as a defining moment for young adults comprising Gen Z and investigates resulting emergent stereotypes of the cohort. Using an inductive-dominant approach to qualitative content analysis, researchers analyzed 634 tweets using the hashtags #GenZ/#GenerationZ and #Covid19/#Coronavirus at the onset of stay-at-home orders across the U.S. The analysis yielded two themes and five subthemes: (1) defining moment: COVID-19 as an opportunity for collective sacrifice and COVID-19 as a catalyst for collective change; and (2) emergent stereotypes: Gen Z as societal delinquents versus model citizens, Gen Z as fragile versus resilient, and Gen Z as negative versus positive users of technology. The study views Twitter as an important space to capture the pandemic as a defining moment for Gen Z and as a vector for generational discourse to reflect stereotypes of the cohort, which has previously been largely unexplored by generational stereotyping scholarship.
Assessments of range-wide distribution of six African storks and their relationships with protected areas

Species range maps provided by the IUCN and BirdLife International are recognised to sometimes mischaracterise distribution and have resulted in inaccurate status assessments. In this study we assessed distribution trends and relationships with protected area extent for six African storks, the African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus, Abdim’s Stork Ciconia abdimii, African Woolly-necked Stork C. microscelis, Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis, Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer and Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis. Each of these species is understudied and assumed to be ubiquitous throughout sub-Saharan Africa and therefore considered Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. We developed empirically based distribution maps for the six African stork species using a plethora of data sources from >150 years. We found all six species were widespread from East to Southern Africa, but had highly fragmented ranges in West Africa. West African populations have either declined or been extirpated since the 1960s. Countries that require better field coverage include Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Zimbabwe. For each species, there was a positive relationship between occurrence and protected area extent, suggesting either protected habitat is important for storks or unprotected areas are poorly covered in the field. We evaluate species status based on the new collated information and recommend uplisting the global status of the Saddle-billed Stork to Near Threatened and West African populations of the Saddle-billed Stork, Marabou Stork and Yellow-billed Stork to Threatened status.