Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Failure Analysis of Car Bumper Made of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Composite

The bumper car made of the Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Composite (PLFRC) is possible to be produced with the advantage of easy to get, and cheap. Pineapple leaf fiber has chosen as a natural fiber, which the maximum of the strength of 368 MPa. The objective of this study was to determine the maximum capability of front car bumpers using Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Composite materials through the process of simulating stress analysis with Solidworks 2014 software. The aim also to know the distribution of loads that occur on the front car bumper and predict the critical point position on the design of the bumper. The result will use to develop the alternative lightweight, cheap and environmentally friendly materials in general and the development of the use of pineapple fiber for automotive purposes in particular. Simulations and failure analysis have been conducted and showed an increased impact speed in line with increased displacement, strain, and stress that occur on the surface of the bumper. The bumper can withstand collisions at a speed of less than 70 kph.
The trace partitioning abstract domain

In order to achieve better precision of abstract interpretation-based static analysis, we introduce a new generic abstract domain, the trace partitioning abstract domain. We develop a theoretical framework allowing a wide range of instantiations of the domain, proving that all these instantiations give correct results. From this theoretical framework, we go into implementation details of a particular instance developed in the Astrée static analyzer. We show how the domain is automatically configured in Astrée and the gain and cost in terms of performance and precision.
Laser-Based Control Law for Autonomous Parallel and Perpendicular Parking

This paper addresses the perpendicular and parallel parking problems of car-like vehicles for both forward and reverse maneuvers in one trial by extending the work presented in [1] using a multi sensor-based controller with a weighted control scheme. The perception problem is discussed briefly considering a Velodyne VLP-16 and a SICK LMS151 as the sensors providing the required exteroceptive information. The results obtained from simulations and real experimentation for different parking scenarios show the validity and potential of the proposed approach. Furthermore, it is shown that, despite the need of handling several constraints for collision avoidance, the required computation time of the proposed approach is small enough to be used online.
An Efficient B+-Tree Implementation in C++ Using the STL Style

Database indexes are the search engines for database management systems. The B+-tree is one of the most widely used data structures and provides an efficient index. An efficient implementation is crucial for a B+tree index. Our B+-tree index is designed to be a container in the style of the C++ Standard Template Library (STL) and implemented efficiently using design patterns and generic programming techniques.
Community structure and modularity index determination of signed graphs: Pre- and post-ictal hippocampal depth recordings

In recent years, there is an increased interest in the role of static properties of and dynamics on signed graphs in physical, biological, and social networks. In particular, community structures of signed graphs and their modularity indices have drawn special attention, and there are numerous methods to identify them. Here we provide the technical details of implementing four important methods that in their nature are very different from one another; two spectral methods, one using the adjacency matrix and one using the Laplacian matrix, a heuristic graph theoretic method using a concept of edge centrality, and finally, a stochastic combinatorial optimization method. Because of the novel nature of the methods, we focus on an interesting problem of community structures in brain network of the CA1 region of the hippocampus of anesthetized rats to study the pre-ictal and post-ictal states. We use recent electroenecephalograph (EEG) depth recordings for a period of 117 minutes at a sampling rate of 1000Hz. Since the electrode used has 16-contact points, we construct non-overlapping but sliding 100,000 sample-windowed correlation matrices or functional connectivity (FC) matrices over the recorded time, yielding signed graphs. Our results from the clustering methods both at the pre-ictal and post-ictal periods of the depth recording reported here for the first time yield convincing answers to differing community structures.
Game-Theoretic Scalable Offloading for Video Streaming Services over LTE and WiFi Networks

This paper presents a game-theoretic scalable offloading system that provides seamless video streaming services by effectively offloading parts of video traffic in all video streaming services to a WiFi network to alleviate cellular network congestion. The system also consolidates multiple physical paths in a cost-effective manner. In the proposed system, the fountain encoding symbols of compressed video data are transmitted through long term evolution (LTE) and WiFi networks concurrently to flexibly control the amount of video traffic through the WiFi network as well as mitigate video quality degradation caused by wireless channel errors. Furthermore, the progressive second price auction mechanism is employed to allocate the limited LTE resources to multiple user equipment in order to maximize social welfare while converging to the ϵ-Nash equilibrium. Specifically, we design an application-centric resource valuation that explicitly considers both the realistic wireless network conditions and characteristics of video streaming services. In addition, the scalability and convergence properties of the proposed system are verified both theoretically and experimentally. The proposed system is implemented using network simulator 3. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance improvement of the proposed system.
Assessing the Crop-Water Status in Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) Trees via Thermal Imaging Camera Connected to Smartphone

Different tools are being implemented in order to improve the water management in agricultural irrigated areas of semiarid environments. Thermography has been progressively introduced as a promising technique for irrigation scheduling and the assessing of crop-water status, especially when deficit irrigation is being implemented. However, an important limitation is related to the cost of the actual cameras, this being a severe limitation to its practical usage by farmers and technicians. This work evaluates the potential and the robustness of a thermal imaging camera that is connected to smartphone (Flir One) recently developed by Flir Systems Inc. as a first step to assess the crop water status. The trial was developed in mature almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) trees that are subjected to different irrigation treatments. Thermal information obtained by the Flir One camera was deal with the thermal information obtained with a conventional Thermal Camera (Flir SC660) with a high resolution, and subsequently, confronted with other related plant physiological parameters (leaf water potential, Ψleaf, and stomatal conductance, gs). Thermal imaging camera connected to smartphone provided useful information in estimating the crop-water status in almond trees, being a potential promising tool to accelerate the monitoring process and thereby enhance water-stress management of almond orchards.
Maximum likelihood approach suggests positive selection in platelet integrin αIIbβ3 in mammalian species

Abstract Platelet integrin αIIbβ3 is crucial for platelet aggregation. Although structural and functional characteristics of this protein have been extensively studied, the evolutionary pattern studies of this protein complex in mammals are scarce. Here, we addressed this question using maximum likelihood approaches to identify codons that are evolving under positive selection. Likelihood of positive selection was estimated using CODEML implemented in PAML software applied to integrin αIIbβ3 derived from nucleotide sequences of 10 different mammalian species. Four codons in mature αIIb-subunit (corresponding to residues 150, 184, 193, and 370) and three codons in mature β3-subunit (corresponding to residues 129, 440, and 444) showed signs of positive selection with posterior probabilities over 95%. The different amino acids observed for each of the positively selected residues detected showed different physicochemical properties. These results open new research avenues to understand the physiological importance of specific residues and should allow for a better understanding of the function and the different interactions of each residue within the mature protein.
A 12-Year Follow-up on the Long-Term Effectiveness of the Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in 4 Nordic Countries

Background The long-term effectiveness of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine was assessed by monitoring the combined incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2, CIN3), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and cervical cancer related to HPV16 or HPV18. Methods Women from Nordic countries of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden who received a 3-dose regimen of the qHPV vaccine in the beginning of FUTURE II (Females United to Unilaterally Reduce Endo/Ectocervical Disease; V501-015, base study NCT00092534) are followed through different national registries. Effectiveness analyses were conducted approximately 2 years following completion of the base study and occur approximately every 2 years thereafter for 10 years (ie, 14 years from day 1 of the base study). Vaccine effectiveness against HPV16/18-related CIN2 or worse (CIN2+) was estimated by comparing the observed incidence with the expected incidence of CIN2+ in an unvaccinated cohort using historical registry data. Results In the per-protocol population (2084 women) analysis of effectiveness after the first 12 years, there were no breakthrough cases of HPV16/18 CIN2+ after 9437 person- years of follow-up. Statistical power was sufficient to conclude that qHPV vaccine effectiveness remains above 90% for at least 10 years. The number of person-years during the follow-up interval of 10-12 years is continuing to accrue and shows a trend toward continuing effectiveness of the vaccine during that period. Conclusion The qHPV vaccine shows continued protection in women through at least 10 years, with a trend for continued protection through 12 years of follow-up. Clinical Trials Registration NCT00092534. Study Identification V501-015.
Development of Clade-Specific and Broadly Reactive Live Attenuated Influenza Virus Vaccines against Rapidly Evolving H5 Subtype Viruses

ABSTRACT We have developed pandemic live attenuated influenza vaccines (pLAIVs) against clade 1 H5N1 viruses on an Ann Arbor cold-adapted (ca) backbone that induced long-term immune memory. In 2015, many human infections caused by a new clade (clade 2.2.1.1) of goose/Guangdong (gs/GD) lineage H5N1 viruses were reported in Egypt, which prompted updating of the H5N1 pLAIV. We explored two strategies to generate suitable pLAIVs. The first approach was to modify the hemagglutinin gene of a highly pathogenic wild-type (wt) clade 2.2.1.1 virus, A/Egypt/N03434/2009 (Egy/09) (H5N1), with its unmodified neuraminidase (NA) gene; this virus was designated Egy/09 ca. The second approach was to select a low-pathogenicity avian influenza H5 virus that elicited antibodies that cross-reacted with a broad range of H5 viruses, including the Egypt H5N1 viruses, and contained a novel NA subtype for humans. We selected the low-pathogenicity A/duck/Hokkaido/69/2000 (H5N3) (dk/Hok/00) virus for this purpose. Both candidate vaccines were attenuated and immunogenic in ferrets, inducing antibodies that neutralized homologous and heterologous H5 viruses with different degrees of cross-reactivity; Egy/09 ca vaccine antisera were more specific for the gs/GD lineage viruses but did not neutralize recent North American isolates (clade 2.3.4.4), whereas antisera from dk/Hok/69 ca-vaccinated ferrets cross-reacted with clade 2.3. 4.4 and 2.2.1 viruses but not clade 1 or 2.1 viruses. When vaccinated ferrets were challenged with homologous and heterologous H5 viruses, challenge virus replication was reduced in the respiratory tract. Thus, the two H5 pLAIV candidates are suitable for clinical development to protect humans from infection with different clades of H5 viruses. IMPORTANCE In response to the continuing evolution of H5N1 avian influenza viruses and human infections, new candidate H5 live attenuated vaccines were developed by using two different approaches: one targeted a specific circulating strain in Egypt, and the other was based on a virus that elicits broadly cross-reactive antibodies against a wide range of H5 viruses. Both candidate vaccines were immunogenic and exhibited protective efficacy in ferrets. Our study permits a comparison of the two approaches, and the data support the further development of both vaccine viruses to optimally prepare for the further spread of clade 2.2.1 or 2.3. 4.4 viruses.
Use of trunk muscle training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to reduce pain and disability in an older adult with chronic low back pain: A case report

ABSTRACT Among older adults, low back pain (LBP) is common, costly, and disabling. Trunk muscle training (TMT) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) have both been found to be effective in reducing LBP, but studies among older adults have been limited. An 83-year-old female with left-sided chronic LBP participated in a randomized controlled trial consisting of supervised TMT and NMES to the paraspinal muscles two times per week for 12 weeks. She also participated in a home exercise program. At the end of the intervention, she reported reduced LBP and LBP-related disability per the modified Oswestry disability index (i.e., 60% at baseline to 40% at 12 weeks). Her Short Physical Performance Battery summary score improved from 4/12 at baseline to 10/12 at 12 weeks, while her Timed Up and Go test improved from 17.21 to 15.20 s and her Repetitive Trunk Rotation test from 2.72 to 1.93 s/right–left rotation. This case demonstrates a positive short-term treatment response to TMT supplemented with NMES of the paraspinal muscles in an older adult with chronic LBP. A packaged intervention of TMT plus NMES may be a means of addressing not only LBP, but also impaired physical function and resultant disability.
Hypervariable Domain of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus nsP3 Redundantly Utilizes Multiple Cellular Proteins for Replication Complex Assembly

ABSTRACT Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a representative member of the New World alphaviruses. It is pathogenic for a variety of vertebrate hosts, in which EEEV induces a highly debilitating disease, and the outcomes are frequently lethal. Despite a significant public health threat, the molecular mechanism of EEEV replication and interaction with hosts is poorly understood. Our previously published data and those of other teams have demonstrated that hypervariable domains (HVDs) of the alphavirus nsP3 protein interact with virus-specific host factors and play critical roles in assembly of viral replication complexes (vRCs). The most abundantly represented HVD-binding proteins are the FXR and G3BP family members. FXR proteins drive the assembly of vRCs of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), and G3BPs were shown to function in vRC assembly in the replication of chikungunya and Sindbis viruses. Our new study demonstrates that EEEV exhibits a unique level of redundancy in the use of host factors in RNA replication. EEEV efficiently utilizes both the VEEV-specific FXR protein family and the Old World alphavirus-specific G3BP protein family. A lack of interaction with either FXRs or G3BPs does not affect vRC formation; however, removal of EEEV's ability to interact with both protein families has a deleterious effect on virus growth. Other identified EEEV nsP3 HVD-interacting host proteins are also capable of supporting EEEV replication, albeit with a dramatically lower efficiency. The ability to use a wide range of host factors with redundant functions in vRC assembly and function provides a plausible explanation for the efficient replication of EEEV and may contribute to its highly pathogenic phenotype. IMPORTANCE Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is one of the most pathogenic New World alphaviruses. Despite the continuous public health threat, to date, the molecular mechanisms of its very efficient replication and high virulence are not sufficiently understood. The results of this new study demonstrate that North American EEEV exhibits a high level of redundancy in using host factors in replication complex assembly and virus replication. The hypervariable domain of the EEEV nsP3 protein interacts with all of the members of the FXR and G3BP protein families, and only a lack of interaction with both protein families strongly affects virus replication rates. Other identified HVD-binding factors are also involved in EEEV replication, but their roles are not as critical as those of FXRs and G3BPs. The new data present a plausible explanation for the exceptionally high replication rates of EEEV and suggest a new means of its attenuation and new targets for screening of antiviral drugs.
Floquet theory and non‐linear perturbation analysis for oscillators with differential‐algebraic equations

Oscillators are key components of electronic systems. In RF communication systems, they are used for frequency translation of information signals and for channel selection, and in digital electronic systems, they are used as a time reference, i.e. a clock signal, in order to synchronize operations. Undesired perturbations in practical electronic systems adversely affect the spectral and timing properties of oscillators, which is a key performance limiting factor, being a major contributor to bit-error-rate (BER) of RF communication systems, and creating synchronization problems in clocked and sampled-data systems. Characterizing how perturbations affect oscillators is therefore crucial for practical applications. The traditional approach to analysing perturbed nonlinear systems (i.e. linearization) is not valid for oscillators. In this paper, we present a theory and efficient numerical methods, for non-linear perturbation and noise analysis of oscillators described by a system of differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). Our techniques can be used in characterizing phase noise and timing jitter due to intrinsic noise in IC devices, and evaluating the effect of substrate and supply noise on the timing properties of practical oscillators. In this paper, we also establish novel results for periodically time-varying systems of linear DAEs, which we rely on in developing the above theory and the numerical methods. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health state utility valuation in radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer

Purpose The aim of this study was to elicit utilities for radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR-DTC) and evaluate the impact of treatment response and toxicities on quality of life. Patients and methods RR-DTC health states were developed based on data from a previous qualitative study and iterative review by clinical experts. Following piloting, health states underwent valuation by 100 members of the UK public during time trade-off interviews. Mean utilities and descriptive distribution statistics were calculated, and a logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results The demographic characteristics of the study sample were generally reflective of the UK population. Clear differentiation in valuation between health states was observed. No response/stable disease had an adjusted utility value of 0.87, with a corresponding gain of +0.04 following a treatment response and a decline of −0.35 for disease progression. Adverse events were associated with utility decrements between −0.47 (grade III diarrhea) and −0.05 (grade I/II alopecia). Conclusion The trade-off interviews derived utility weights show clear differentiation between RR-DTC health states in response to treatment. The values reported in this study are suitable for cost-effectiveness evaluations for new treatments in RR-DTC.
STUDY OF HEAT TREATMENT AND COOLING RATE OF OIL MIXTURES TRANSPORTED BY "KUMKOL-KARAKOIN-BARSENGIR-ATASU" PIPELINE

Transportation of Kazakhstan waxy crude oil mixtures through long distance pipelines, such as «Kumkol-Karakoin-Barsengir-Atasu» entails various difficulties due to its composition. One of the most effective way to improve rheology is using heat treatment. The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of heat treatment on the rheology of oil mix - tures and wax deposition tendenc in addition, to studying the influence of cooling rate and kin- etics of wax crystallisation in accordance to the JMAK (Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov) theory. The results indicate that increasing the value of heat treatment leads to improvment of rheological parameters of oil mixtures and a decrease in wax deposition but no change to the shape of crystals.
Mobile Filter: Exploring Filter Migration for Error-Bounded Continuous Sensor Data Collection

In wireless sensor networks, filters that suppress data update reports within predefined error bounds effectively reduce the traffic volume for continuous data collection. All prior filter designs, however, are stationary in the sense that each filter is attached to a specific sensor node and remains stationary over its lifetime. In this paper, we propose a mobile filter, i.e., a novel design that explores the migration of filters to maximize overall traffic reduction. A mobile filter moves upstream along the data-collection path, with its residual size being updated according to the collected data. Intuitively, this migration extracts and relays unused filters, leading to more proactive suppression of update reports. While extra communications are needed to move filters, we show through probabilistic analysis that the overhead is outrun by the gain from suppressing more data updates. We present an optimal filter-migration algorithm for a chain topology. The algorithm is then extended to general multichain and tree topologies. Extensive simulations demonstrate that, for both synthetic and real data traces, the mobile filtering scheme significantly reduces data traffic and extends network lifetime against a state-of-the-art stationary filtering scheme. Such results are also observed from experiments over a Mica-2 sensor network testbed.
The Distributions and Boundary of Two Distinct, Local Forms of Japanese Pond Frog, Pelophylax porosus brevipodus, Inferred From Sequences of Mitochondrial DNA

The Nagoya Daruma pond frog Pelophylax porosus brevipodus is distributed in western Japan and is traditionally divided into two local forms: the Okayama form in the west and the Nagoya form in the east. These two forms are genetically differentiated, but have never been defined taxonomically because their distributions are unclear to date. To complete the distributions and identify the boundary of the two forms, we genetically investigated 16 populations including eight populations located within the unexamined area. We found that the distributional boundary is located within a small area of Hyogo Prefecture where haplotypes of mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and D-loop region corresponding to the two forms co-existed. On the other hand, the polymorphic site of the nuclear gene SOX3 revealed introgression over the boundary into Okayama cytb clade. These results suggest that the two forms were geographically isolated from each other in the past, and secondarily contacted and then accepted one-way introgression. As a next step of the research, taxonomic approach is expected to define the two forms.