Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Popular Social Media Topics Regarding Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most significant environmental issues in the world. The rapid increase of the cumulative amount of plastic waste has caused alarm, and the public have called for actions to mitigate its impacts on the environment. Numerous governments and social activists from various non-profit organisations have set up policies and actively promoted awareness and have engaged the public in discussions on this issue. Nevertheless, social responsibility is the key to a sustainable environment, and individuals are accountable for performing their civic duty and commit to behavioural changes that can reduce the use of plastics. This paper explores a set of topic modelling techniques to assist policymakers and environment communities in understanding public opinions about the issues related to plastic pollution by analysing social media data. We report on an experiment in which a total of 274,404 tweets were collected from Twitter that are related to plastic pollution, and five topic modelling techniques, including (a) Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), (b) Hierarchical Dirichlet Process (HDP), (c) Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI), (d) Non-Negative Matrix Factorisation (NMF), and (e) extension of LDA—Structural Topic Model (STM), were applied to the data to identify popular topics of online conversations, considering topic coherence, topic prevalence, and topic correlation. Our experimental results show that some of these topic modelling techniques are effective in detecting and identifying important topics surrounding plastic pollution, and potentially different techniques can be combined to develop an efficient system for mining important environment-related topics from social media data on a large scale.
Enhancing 5G multi‐band long haul optical fronthaul links performance by magnitude‐selective affine digital predistortion method

This paper presents a novel magnitude‐selective affine (MSA) based digital predistortion (DPD) method for the performance investigation of multiband 5G new radio (NR) based analog radio over fiber link. The proposed MSA‐DPD method is derived from the canonical piecewise linear (CPWL) based model by employing MSA functions, which can result in reduction of the number of multiplication operations and the model complexity. The 5G NR standard at 20 GHz with 50 MHz bandwidth and flexible‐waveform signal at 3 GHz with 20 MHz bandwidth is used. A dual drive Mach Zehnder modulator having two distinct RF signals modulates a 1310 nm optical carrier using distributed feedback laser for 22 km of standard single mode fiber. The proposed MSA‐DPD method is compared with the CPWL and generalized memory polynomial method. The experimental results are presented in terms of adjacent channel power ratio, error vector magnitude, number of estimated coefficients and multiplications suggesting that MSA‐DPD method achieves a better performance as compared to CPWL and GMP models with much lesser complexity meeting the 3GPP Release 17 requirements.
Sum Rate Optimization of IRS-Aided Uplink Muliantenna NOMA with Practical Reflection

Recently, intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs) have drawn huge attention as a promising solution for 6G networks to enhance diverse performance metrics in a cost-effective way. For massive connectivity toward a higher spectral efficiency, we address an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) to an uplink nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) network supported by a multiantenna receiver. We maximize the sum rate of the IRS-aided NOMA network by optimizing the IRS reflection pattern under unit modulus and practical reflection. For a moderate-sized IRS, we obtain an upper bound on the optimal sum rate by solving a determinant maximization (max-det) problem after rank relaxation, which also leads to a feasible solution through Gaussian randomization. For a large number of IRS elements, we apply the iterative algorithms relying on the gradient, such as Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) and limited-memory BFGS algorithms for which the gradient of the sum rate is derived in a computationally efficient form. The results show that the max-det approach provides a near-optimal performance under unit modulus reflection, while the gradient-based iterative algorithms exhibit merits in performance and complexity for a large-sized IRS with practical reflection.
An enhanced variational mode decomposition based on correntropy and a periodicity-assisted log-cycligram for bearing fault diagnosis

Variational mode decomposition (VMD) outperforms other decomposition methods in extracting fault-related modes. However, the major issue in the practical application of VMD is how to determine some key parameters appropriately, especially the mode number. To overcome this problem, an enhanced VMD is presented in this paper. A powerful tool, the rate of change of correntropy, is applied to estimate the mode number precisely. Then, the target mode is selected by a periodicity-assisted log-cycligram rather than conventional kurtosis. The advantages of the enhanced VMD are exposed by applying it to the experimental data collected from two different bearing test benches. Compared with the conventional fast kurtogram and empirical mode decomposition method, the enhanced VMD can extract the target fault mode from the collected vibration signal with strong background noise.
Programmable self-folding of trilayer and bilayer-hinge structures by time-dependent swelling of tough hydrogels

Inspired by nature, active materials are used to developed complex 3D configurations considering their specific characteristics. One of the shape-shifting methods in smart structures is utilizing programmable materials in self-folding structures. Hydrogels due to their biocompatibility, controllable functionalities, large reversible deformations, and their sensitivity to environmental stimuli are vital candidates to be used in self-folding structures. To avoid the mechanical weakness of conventional hydrogels, in this paper polyampholyte tough hydrogel is inspected considering a transient electro-chemo-mechanical constitutive model combining a visco-hyperelastic model with Nernst-Planck and Poisson’s equations. After calibrating the material parameters and verifying the accuracy of the model and its implementation, we present two approaches in order to generate self-folding hydrogel-based structures: polymer structure with bilayer hinges and trilayer structure composed of a hydrogel film sandwiched between two elastomer layers. Next, diverse factors are examined in the self-folding of smart structures which conforms with experimental test data, including hydrogel swelling, structure thickness and stiffness, bilayer configuration and composition, the width of the bilayer as well as opening width in trilayer and layers thickness. Finally, several transient self-folding of 2D flat patterns which turn into 3D complex configurations are scrutinized such as the closure of box, pyramids, and flower-shaper gripper.
Incremental Model Predictive Control Exploiting Time-Delay Estimation for a Robot Manipulator

This article proposes a new incremental model predictive control (IMPC) strategy, which allows for constrained control of a robot manipulator, while the resulting incremental model is derived without a concrete mathematical system model. First, to reduce dependence on the nominal model of robot manipulators, the continuous-time nonlinear system model is approximated by an incremental system using the time-delay estimation (TDE). Then, based on the incremental system, the tracking IMPC is designed in the framework of MPC without terminal ingredients. Thus, compared with existing MPC methods, the nominal mathematical model is not required. Moreover, we investigate reachable reference trajectories and confirm the local input-to-state stability (ISS) of IMPC, considering the bounded TDE error as the disturbance of the incremental system. For reachable reference trajectories, the local ISS of IMPC is analyzed using the continuity of the value function, and the cumulative error bound is not overconservative. Finally, several real-time experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of IMPC. Experimental results show that the system can achieve optimal control performance while guaranteeing that input and state constraints are not violated.
Coaching and ‘Self-repair’: Examining the ‘Artful Practices’ of Coaching Work

The significance of this article lies in examining how sports coaches construct and negotiate their professional sense making; what Goffman described as the practices engaged in to manage ‘ugly’ interpretations. Using the work of Garfinkel and Goffman, the article pays attention to coaches’ ‘ethno-methods’; that is, the background knowledge and practical competency employed in forming and maintaining social order. In doing so, the explanatory accounts of Christian, a coach and author who supported the co-construction of this work, were collected via recorded interviews over the course of a 3-month period during a competitive season. The analysis explores the procedures used to ‘achieve coherence’ in what he did. The analysis employed Garfinkel’s description of ‘artful practices’ and related concepts of ‘self repair’ to demonstrate the fundamental interactional ‘work’ done by Christian, not only to understand why he did what he did, but also how he would ‘get things done’ in future. Such analysis highlights the mundane routines of coaching in particular, and work settings in general, to reveal the backstage manufacturing individuals ‘do’ to maintain a sense of ‘practical objectivity’ to their continual inferences, judgements, and justifications of practice.
Research of PMSM Control based on Sliding Mode Observer

In the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor(PMSM) field-oriented control system,the information of rotor position and speed are necessary in order to achieve high performance.On the Basis of the theory of sliding mode observer,this paper presents a new method of designing the sliding mode observer to estimate the position of rotor in the sensorless PMSM control system.Also the variations of the parameters,such as resistance and inductance variations are analyzed.Simulative and experimental results show that the observer is robust to parameter variation and able to observe the position of rotor so as to achieve sensorless vector control of PMSM.
Secure Inter-Domain Routing for Resisting Unknown Attacker in Internet-of-Things

With an increasing adoption of Internet-of-Things (IoT) over massively connected device, there is a raising security concern. Review of existing security schemes in IoT shows that there is a significant trade-off due to non-adoption of interdomain routing scheme over larger domain of heterogeneous nodes in an Internet of Things (IoT) via gateway nodes. Hence, the purpose of the proposed study is to bridge this trade-off by adopting a new security scheme that works over an inter-domain routing without any apriori information of an attacker. The goal of the proposed framework is to identify the malicious intention of attacker by evaluating their increasing attention over different types of hop links information. Upon identification, the framework also aims for resisting attacker node to participate in IoT environment by advertising the counterfeited route information with a target of misleading the attackers promoting autonomous self-isolation. The study outcome shows proposed scheme is secure compared to existing scheme. Keywords—Internet-of-things; security; inter-domain routing; gateway node; attacker
Automated Textile Circuit Generation using Machine Vision and Embroidery Technique

An automated textile circuit generation method was developed using machine vision and embroidery technique. For this, an image acquisition device was designed to capture the physical layout image of electronic devices on the fabric. A series of image analysis algorithms were developed to calibrate the image and recognize the type, location, and orientation of each device from the image. Dedicated computer-aided design software was developed that can design a circuit and modify it according to the actual device layout on the fabric. It can also convert the circuit elements such as conductive path and insulation layer into data for a computerized embroidery machine. An example circuit consisting of seven electronic devices was designed and repeatedly produced to verify the developed method. The method has shown promising results.
Ginseng-plus-Bai-Hu-Tang Combined with Western Medicine for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which is also accompanied by changes in blood lipids and protein. According to research reports, Ginseng-plus-Bai-Hu-Tang (GBHT) has significant antihyperglycemic activity. Nevertheless, the evidence of effectiveness is not enough. In order to verify the effectiveness and safety of GBHT combined with conventional Western medicine (CWM) in the treatment of T2DM, we carried out this meta-analysis. Method We collected 7 electronic databases from the inception to September 1, 2021; then, 12 studies were selected. The data analysis and methodological evaluation were conducted by the software RevMan 5.3. 3 and Stata 12.0. Results The meta-analysis revealed that when GBHT was adopted in combination with CWM, the effective rate (OR = 2.98, 95% CI = [2.01, 4.43], P < 0.00001), the FBG (MD = −0.86, 95% CI = [−1.06, −0.65], P < 0.00001), 2hBG (MD = −0.80, 95% CI = [−1.05, −0.55], P < 0.00001), and HbA1c (MD = −0.64, 95% CI = [−0.98, −0.30], P = 0.0002) of T2DM patients improved significantly compared with the control group. After GBHT combined with CWM treatment, HOME-RI (MD = −0.75, 95% CI = [−1.38, −0.12] P = 0.02) of T2DM patients was superior to CWM alone. In comparison, the benefit from FINS (MD = −1.42, 95% CI = [−4.46, −1.62], P = 0.36) was not apparent. In addition, none of the adverse events mentioned occurred, indicating that it is safe enough. Conclusion GBHT combined with CWM is an effective and safe as adjunctive treatment for patients with T2DM. Nevertheless, due to the limitation of the quality of the included studies, additional high-quality researches are required to further confirm these results.
Interaction of Polyphenylsilsesquioxane With Various β-diketonate Complexes of Titanium By Mechanochemical Activation

In the present work, we studied the interaction of polyphenylsilsesquioxane with various β-diketonate complexes of titanium by mechanochemical activation. Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, bis-(2,4-pentanedionate) titanium dichloride, bis-(1-phenyl-1,3-butanedionate) titanium dichloride and bis-(1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedionate) titanium dichloride were used as starting reagents. Synthesis products were studied by various chemical and physicochemical methods of analysis. The composition of the obtained compounds has been determined. It is shown that under conditions of mechanochemical activation, high molecular weight products with a Si/Ti ratio different from the specified ones are formed. In addition, under the action of mechanical stresses, the initial titanium complexes (with the exception of acetylacetonate) polymerize with the formation of coordination high-molecular compounds, which are destroyed by the addition of ethyl alcohol. The work is fundamental and contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of mechanochemical synthesis. The work is aimed at finding effective and environmentally friendly methods for the synthesis and modification of elementorganic high-molecular compounds.
Evolution of SASyLF 2008-2021

SASyLF was released in 2008 and used as a proof assistant in courses at several universities. It proved itself useful and has continued to be used, and each iteration of use has encouraged further development: fixing bugs and adding enhancements. This paper describes how SASyLF was developed while keeping true to its purpose. Most notable are making substitutions explicit, support of"and"and"or,"support for mutual and lexicographic induction, and IDE support.
The Role of Serratomolide-like Amino Lipids Produced by Bacteria of Genus Serratia in Nematicidal Activity

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, also known as pinewood nematode (PWN), is the pathogenic agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), which affects pine trees around the world. Infection spread globally through international wood commerce and locally by vector beetles, threatening the wood world economy. As climate changes, more countries are becoming susceptible to PWD and, to prevent disease spread and limit economic and ecological losses, better knowledge about this pathogenic agent is needed. Serratia strains, present in the endophytic community of pine trees and carried by PWN, may play an important role in PWD. This work aimed to better understand the interaction between Serratia strains and B. xylophilus and to assess the nematicidal potential of serratomolide-like molecules produced by Serratia strains. Serrawettin gene presence was evaluated in selected Serratia strains. Mortality tests were performed with bacteria supernatants, and extracted amino lipids, against Caenorhabditis elegans (model organism) and B. xylophilus to determine their nematicidal potential. Attraction tests were performed with C. elegans. Concentrated supernatants of Serratia strains with serratamolide-like lipopeptides were able to kill more than 77% of B. xylophilus after 72 h. Eight specific amino lipids showed a high nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus. We conclude that, for some Serratia strains, their supernatants and specific amino lipids showed nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus.
Numerical Short-Open-Load (SOL) Calibration Technique for Accurate Extraction of Electrically-Small Planar/Non-Planar Microstrip-Line Circuits

This article presents a numerical short-open-load (SOL) calibration technique for accurate extraction of electrically small planar/nonplanar microstrip-line (MSL) circuits and elements in the interface of 3-D full-wave algorithm or simulator. An additional matched-load condition is established at the reference plane and employed in the whole calibration process. In comparison with the traditional short-open calibration (SOC) method, the proposed SOL technique implemented in the interface of software does not inquire prior simulation of the internal current/voltage at the reference plane of two calibration standards but only needs to know the external port impedances of three calibration standards. After the description of entire extraction process, a few typical electrically small planar circuits, such as MSL open-end and step discontinuities, are first numerically deembedded, and their extracted circuit parameters are evidently confirmed with other published ones. Then, a nonplanar structure of a vertically placed shorting pin in the middle of MSL is studied with different sizes and positions to effectively extract the circuit parameters in the two presented equivalent models. Finally, a third-order Chebyshev filter is designed with pin-loaded MSL structures. Its frequency response is synthesized on the proposed SOL method to validate the correctness of the extracted circuit parameters and further demonstrate the usefulness of this method in synthesis design of electrically large microwave circuits. Good agreement among the filtering frequency responses from equivalent circuit model, full-wave simulation, and measurement has well revealed that the proposed SOL method is indeed accurate in numerical extraction of circuit elements and efficient in synthesis design of an entire circuit with prescribed specifications.
Design of steel structures according to EN 1993-1-1

Udžbenik obrađuje osnove problematike modeliranja i proracuna stapnih celicnih konstrukcija prema EN 1993-1-1 kao dijelu europskih normi za celicne konstrukcije, poznatije pod nazivom Eurokod 3. Proracun celicnih konstrukcija prema ENV verziji (prednormi) Eurokoda se vec vise od desetljeca predaje na građevinskim fakultetima u Hrvatskoj, tako da nasi diplomirani studenti vec imaju iskustva s osnovnim nacelima toga proracuna. Međutim, u svibnju 2005. objavljena je i konacna verzija norme EN 1993-1-1 koja se bitnije razlikuje od prednorme. Stoga su u knjizi posebno obrađene osnove novoga proracunskog koncepta koji se zasniva na primjeni probabilistickih metoda te je poseban naglasak stavljen na povezivanje kodificiranih proracunskih izraza s opcim teorijskim ponasanjem idealnih i realnih modela na koje se ti izrazi odnose. Na odgovarajucim numerickim primjerima ilustrirana je primjena teorijski obrađenih metoda proracuna.
APEX: Characterizing Attack Behaviors from Network Anomalies

Networks regularly face various threats and attacks that manifest in their communication traffic. Recent works proposed unsupervised approaches, e.g., using a variational autoencoder, that are not only effective in detecting anomalies in network traffic, but also practical as they do not require ground truth or labeled data. However, the problem of characterizing anomalies into different attack behaviors is still less explored; in this work, we study this specific problem. We develop APEX, a framework that employs data mining approaches in a semisupervised way to extract the attack patterns from anomalous traffic and links them to specific attack types. APEX comprises two levels of mining: the first level extracts patterns in anomalous network flows, and the second level characterizes behaviors in the extracted patterns into different attack classes. We carry out extensive experiments on real network traces obtained from the MAWI traffic archive. The evaluations demonstrate that APEX is effective in extracting distinguishable behaviors of network attacks from anomalous traffic, and provide useful insights to security analysts investigating the anomalies.
Cross-Domain Knowledge Transfer Using High Dynamic Range Imaging in Synthetic Datasets

Abstract Herein, we propose a framework for the generation of photorealistic synthetic datasets using High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI) that include all kinds of information computer vision algorithms need. Furthermore, by utilizing the proposed framework, we demonstrate cross-domain knowledge transfer in a semantic segmentation scenario. We found that deep neural networks trained with our synthetic images or with a mix of real and synthetic perform equal to or in cases better than those trained solely on real images. To our knowledge, this is the first work that uses HDRI to successfully transfer knowledge from the synthetic domain to the real world.
Adaptive optimal route selection based on gray evaluation theory

In this paper, different kinds of requirements among route selection on driver are fully considered. Based on the AHP and gray evaluation theory, an adaptive optimal route selection method to a driver's preference is proposed, and the corresponding decision support system is also developed, which paves the way for more guidance systems of intelligent traffic flow. 