Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Giraffe as a Natural Animal Model for Resistance to Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a leading form of human cardiovascular disease and commonly associated with systemic hypertension. Unique evolved adaptations in giraffe myocardia may be a natural animal model of resistance to HFpEF. In humans, pressure-overload induced left ventricular thickening (PLVT) impairs diastolic relaxation, elevates left atrial pressures and may progress to heart failure with symptoms including exercise intolerance. In healthy giraffe, the left ventricle thickens as developmental neck lengthening widens the vertical distance between the heart and head increasing pressures needed to maintain constant brain perfusion. Yet, diastolic relaxation and exercise capacity are unimpaired, a critical adaptation for prey species such as giraffe. The proximate mechanisms underlying this unique cardiovascular physiology are not yet characterized. Developmental PLVT in giraffe emerges as a species-specific evolved adaptation which offers a roadmap for identifying innovations in therapeutic and prevention strategies for HFpEF.
Advanced Temperature-Varied ECU Fingerprints for Source Identification and Intrusion Detection in Controller Area Networks

External wireless interfaces and the lack of security design of controller area network (CAN) standards make it vulnerable to CAN-targeting attacks. Unfortunately, various defense solutions have been proposed merely to detect CAN intrusion attacks, while only a few works are devoted to intrusion source identification. Demonstrated by our experimental studies, the most advanced IDS with intrusion source identification, which is based on the physical feature fingerprints of the in-vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs), will fail when the temperature changes. In this paper, we innovatively propose temperature-varied fingerprinting, called TVF, for CAN intrusion detection and intrusion source identification. Motivated by the remarkable observation that the physical feature of an ECU, i.e., its clock offset, changes linearly with the temperature of ECUs, the concept of temperature-varied fingerprints is proposed. Then, for a severe intrusion case, we provide an advanced TVF for further supplemented and expanded. The proposed advanced temperature-varied fingerprinting is implemented, and extensive performance evaluation experiments are conducted in both CAN bus prototype and real vehicles. The experimental results illustrate the effectiveness and performance of advanced TVF.
Self-Regeneration Effect of Three-Way Catalysts during Thermal Aging Procedure

One of the most important features of the three-way catalysts is their long-term stability. However, quite often, promising catalytic compositions with excellent activity become deactivated after a relatively short period of exploitation due to various reasons. Therefore, a study on the onboard regeneration of the deactivated three-way catalysts remains its actuality. The present work is mainly focused on the self-regeneration effect of the rhodium-containing component. Aging of the catalysts in the standard and model engine braking regimes revealed the difference in the catalytic performance. Deactivated rhodium species turned to the active state as a result of rapid cooling in air flow from 1200 to 600 °C. The regenerated catalyst shows improved activity towards NOx reduction and, therefore, widened operation window, which indicates higher accessibility of the rhodium species. X-ray diffraction analysis of the aged catalysts does not reveal any noticeable phase changes. Contrary, significant changes in the Rh oxidation state were registered by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The observed effect opens new horizons for the development of the onboard purification systems with prolonged exploitation lifetime.
Corrected Stochastic Dual Coordinate Ascent for Top-k SVM

SUMMARY Currently, the top-k error ratio is one of the primary meth-ods to measure the accuracy of multi-category classiﬁcation. Top-k multi-class SVM was designed to minimize the empirical risk based on the top-k error ratio. Two SDCA-based algorithms exist for learning the top-k SVM, both of which have several desirable properties for achieving optimization. However, both algorithms su ﬀ er from a serious disadvantage, that is, they cannot attain the optimal convergence in most cases owing to their theoretical imperfections. As demonstrated through numerical simulations, if the modiﬁed SDCA algorithm is employed, optimal convergence is always achieved, in contrast to the failure of the two existing SDCA-based algorithms. Finally, our analytical results are presented to clarify the signiﬁ-cance of these existing algorithms.
Temporal Flow Evolution on a Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device

The transplant line is long and slow for patients with cardiac diseases, especially children. The support of ventricular assist devices (VAD) may stabilize the patient until a suitable donor is found. VADs are auxiliary pumps that help the failing heart to pump the blood. However, the use of a VAD is associated with clinical complications due to blood trauma (hemolysis) or thrombus formation. The destruction of the blood cells is strongly correlated with the shear stress that is imposed in the flow through all the devices parts, while regions of very slow velocities (stagnation) may increase the probability of thrombus formation. One particularly difficulty lies in pediatric devices due to strong variations in sizes and flows to accommodate children of various ages. To allow future improvement in the PVAD, the present work aims to analyze the temporal flow evolution inside a pulsatile pediatric ventricular assistance device (PVAD) under development in our institution. The time resolved particle image velocimetry technique was used to observe the evolution of flow structures inside the device. In this study, three parallel planes were studied to visualize the three-dimensionality of the flow. In the experiments, the acquisition rate was 3250 Hz and pumping rate set at 70 bpm. The results show important asymmetries in the filling and ejection periods especially near the valves.
Hysteresis control for a grid connected dual-buck inverter

Single-phase inverters are widely used in different renewable energy applications. Although the full-bridge inverter istypically used, dual-buck inverters provide an important advantage, since they eliminate the shoot-through problems. However, solutions proposed in the literature require additional inductors, use linear controllersdesigned around an operation point, or cannot be used in grid-connected applications. This paper presents a hysteresis current control of a single-phase dual-buck full-bridge inverter for grid-connected active power injection. Includes the dynamical modelin state variables, as well as analytical conditions to guarantee the evolution of the error dynamics in a set with boundaries defined by the designer. Moreover, the paper provides guidelines for the design of the dead band required for the transitions between the positive and negative semi-cycles (and vice-versa) of the grid voltage. Finally, simulation results validate the main features of the controller as well as the design of the dead band
COVID-19: Risk Factors and Protective Role of Resilience and Coping Strategies for Emergency Stress and Secondary Trauma in Medical Staff and Emergency Workers—An Online-Based Inquiry

The COVID-19 crisis has placed a heavy burden on medical staff and emergency workers, who may be at risk of developing psychological distress and secondary trauma. Coping and resilience to stress during a pandemic are protective factors that can mitigate the potential adverse psychological effects. Here, we investigated the direct and mediated effects of coping strategies and hardiness on secondary trauma among Italian medical staff (physicians and nurses, n = 140) and emergency workers (firefighters, civil protection, and ambulance personnel, n = 100) involved in the first phase of the pandemic. For this purpose, we collected data from participants through online questionnaires to measure emergency stress, coping strategies, hardiness, and secondary trauma. Other variables analyzed were age, sex, direct contact with COVID-19 patients, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). We performed a correlational analysis, regressions, and a mediation analysis. The results show that nurses and physicians experienced higher levels of emergency stress than emergency workers. Direct contact with COVID-19 patients, female sex, unexpected events, and lack of PPE were risk factors for emergency stress, while resilience and coping strategies played a protective role. Mediation analysis shows that coping strategies and hardiness are protective factors and reduce the effect of stress on secondary trauma.
Development of the Analytical System for Vehicle Operating Conditions Management in the V2I Information Complex Using Simulation Modeling

In connection with the active development of information systems in transport, it becomes necessary to integrate vehicles, infrastructure and humans into a single information network. The V2I system of information analysis for monitoring and controlling vehicles in operating conditions is an organic combination of information and analytical components. The latter includes the analysis of information regarding changes in operating conditions. The article presents a study that has improved the processes of managing the operating conditions of vehicles in the V2I communication system by using simulation modelling. A simulation model for choosing the optimal operating conditions for vehicles is described. The model takes into account road, climatic, and transport conditions and culture of vehicle operation, as well as the peculiarities of public transport movement in a transport hub. The objective function with the appropriate restrictions and the problem of traffic optimization in the investigated transport hub were established. Diagrams of the processes of the simulation model were constructed for various input parameters, including the optimal ones, with the creation of corresponding agents and their populations. Models of public transport delays at stops using a triangular distribution were developed, and the corresponding hypotheses were confirmed by Pearson’s test (χ2). The developed models can be used in the process of rebuilding a transport hub, as well as for modeling traffic when the operating conditions of vehicles change and for predicting such changes. The simulation results can be used in the creation and design of intelligent transport systems
Neutrosophic Analysis of the Facultative Vote in the Electoral Process of Ecuador

Youth participation in the country's electoral processes has a great impact on Ecuadorian political life. Analyzing the incidence of the facultative vote and the responsibility that the use of the right implies in electoral democracy, constitutes an important task to guarantee citizen rights. These elements can be analyzed in the scientific literature through statistical studies. The present research aims to carry out an analysis of the incidence of the facultative vote of young people between 16 and 18 years old in the electoral process of Ecuador. To model the uncertainty in the proposed analysis, the neutrosophic statistics are used to include in the study the uncertainty about the fluctuation of the youth population and the invalid votes.
Improvement of the Polarity of Polyethylene with Oxidized Fischer-Tropsch Paraffin Wax and Its Influence on the Final Mechanical Properties

The easy, low-cost modification of the polar- ity of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) through blending with oxidized Fis- cher-Tropsch wax was investigated. A 10 wt % concentra- tion of the wax increased the polar component of the total surface free energy 10 times for LDPE and 4.5 times for HDPE. Modified LDPE also had significantly higher adhe- sion to the polar substrate, which was represented by a crosslinked epoxy-based resin. This behavior was not ob- served for HDPE. The conservation of the good mechanical properties of polyethylene was observed. The wax content had only a moderate influence on the mechanical properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1164 -1168, 2005
Collaborative Problem-based Learning: An Analysis of Problem-Solving Skills in Vocational Schools

This study aims to analyze the effect of using Collaborative Problem-Based Learning (CPBL) on students' problem-solving skills. This study used a 2x2 factorial design, in which the selection of experimental and control groups was determined with convenience sampling. The data analysis technique of this research is divided into two types, namely the prerequisite analysis test and hypothesis testing. The findings of this study concluded that students who studied with CPBL had significantly higher problem-solving skills than students who studied with Direct Instruction (DI). In addition, high problem-solving skills were generally owned by students with high initial skills. Meanwhile, the complete the results of the hypothesis test this study also showed a significant interaction between the learning model and initial skills on students' problem-solving skills in internal combustion motor competences. This shows that the selection of the right learning model is needed according to the initial skills of students so that problem-solving skills can be adequately developed. Thus, it is hoped that vocational school students can become graduates who can compete in the world of work.
Precision quantum state preparation and readout of solid state spins

In this thesis, quantum states of single spin systems in solid state are investigated for potential applications in quantum information processing. The studied system is the nitrogen-vacancy defect in diamond, which can be thought of as a molecule trapped inside the diamond crystal. An issue for high-fidelity state preparation is the intitialization of the system. The photo-induced charge state dynamics of the nitrogen-vacancy defect is determined, and methods for charge state initialization are beeing developed. The electron spin state of single nitrogen-vacancy defects can be read out optically. Here, we focus on nearby nuclear spins coupled to the electron spin. We investigate the quantum evolution of a single nuclear spin, measurement of non-orthogonal quantum states and improved magnetic field sensing. Based on three nuclear spins, a small quantum register is realized. We prepare and measure the GHZ and the W state in this register, and implement an algorithm for quantum error correction. In dieser Arbeit werden Quantenzustande von Einzelspinsystemen in Festkorper fur potenzielle Anwendungen in der Quanteninformationsverabeitung untersucht. Dabei wird das Stickstoff-Fehlstellen Zentrum in Diamant benutzt, dass man sich wie ein im Diamantkristall gefangenes Molekul vorstellen kann. Ein wichtiger Punkt zur genauen Zustandspraparation ist die Initialisierung des Systems. Die photo-induzierte Dynamik des Ladungszustands wird untersucht, und Methoden zur Initialisierung des Ladungszustands entwickelt. Der Elektronenspinzustand von einzelnen Stickstoff-Fehlstellen Zentren kann optisch ausgelesen werden. Hier konzentrieren wir uns auf naheliegende Kernspins, die an den Elektronenspin gekoppelt sind. Wir untersuchen die Quantenevolution eines einzelnen Kerspins, Messungen von nicht-orthogonalen Quantenzustanden, und verbessertes Magnetfeldsensing. Basierend auf drei Kernspins wird ein kleines Quantenregister realisiert. In diesem Register erzeugen und vermessen wir einen GHZ- und einen W-Zustand, und implementieren einen Algorithmus zur Quantenfehlerkorrektur.
The polymorphic variants DRD2 rs1800497 and ABCB1 3435C>T are associated with antipsychotic safety parameters in adolescents with an acute psychotic episode: the results of a pilot study

Children and adolescents are more likely than adults to experience adverse side effects when taking antipsychotics. Pharmacogenetic testing allows one to more accurately choose the initial dose of a drug. The genes of pharmacokinetic factors have been shown to be of high prognostic value for the safety of antipsychotics in adults.Patients and methods. The study enrolled 36 adolescents (58.3% male) (mean age, 14.83±1.84 years). All the patients took an antipsychotic. The follow-up lasted 28 days. On 14 and 28 days of treatment, its efficiency and safety were evaluated using the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersњgelser Side Effects Rating Scale (UKU-SERS), the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS), and the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS). The patients were genotyped for CYP3A4*22, CYP3A5*3, CYP2D6*4, *9, *10, ABCB1 1236C>T, 2677G>T/A, 3435C>T, DRD2 rs1800497, DRD4 rs1800955, and HTR2A rs6313.Results and discussion. The decrease in the mean score of the PANSS subscale “Productive symptoms” was more pronounced in carriers of the DRD2 rs1800497 polymorphic variant (-6.5 [-10.25; -3.75] vs -3 [-6.5; -2 ] on 14 day (p=0.028) and (-11 [-13; -9.5] vs -5 [-9; -3.5] on 28 day (p=0.001) compared to baseline. The carriage of ABCB1 3435CT+TT was associated with worse tolerance to pharmacotherapy on 14 day (the total score of the UKU-SERS M, 8 [3; 11.75] vs M, 2 [1; 6]; p=0.034). The carriers of DRD2 rs1800497 reported a greater severity of antipsychotic-induced neurological disorders (UKU-SERS subscale score M, 1 [0; 2.25] vs M 0 [0; 1]; p=0.029). Conclusion. The polymorphic variants DRD2 rs1800497 and ABCB1 3435C>T were established to be significantly associated with the efficacy and safety of antipsychotics in adolescents with an acute psychotic episode.
Genetic Composition of Korean Ginseng Germplasm by Collection Area and Resource Type

To improve crops, it is important to secure plant genetic source material and evaluate the genetic diversity. Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has long been used as a medicinal herb in Korea and China. Since ginseng originated from wild ginseng with low genetic diversity, it is also expected to have low genetic diversity. In this study, the genetic diversity of 451 ginseng accessions conserved in the National Agrobiodiversity Center (NAC) at Korea was analyzed using 33 SSR markers. Another objective was to establish a strategy for NAC to manage ginseng germplasm based on these results. The 451 accessions were collected from 22 cities in six provinces in South Korea. Among the 451 ginseng accessions, 390 (86.5%) and 61 (13.5%) were landraces and breeding lines, respectively. In the STRUCTURE results for the accessions, there was no relationship between assigned genotypes and collection areas, but there was a population genetic structure. In addition, genetic differentiation within populations of each analysis was low, indicating that the ginseng accessions conserved at NAC are extensively dispersed throughout the collection areas. The results of this study suggest that NAC should increase the genetic diversity of ginseng accessions for breeding programs, and alternatives are needed for securing ginseng genetic resources.
Thurstonian Scaling and the Perception of Painterly Translucency

Visual material perception is often studied with physically well-defined stimuli that lack ecological variety. Yet, even the visual variety found in our natural environment is limited when compared to artistic depiction. A similar object can be depicted in numerous different ways that all make visual sense. We studied the perception of translucency using 38 paintings of sea waves as experimental stimuli. It has previously been shown that translucency depends on the shape of the translucent object and on the light conditions. Both shape and light appear in many variations in depictions of seas. In the first experiment we explored the use of Thurstonian scaling and introduce the concept of Number of Distinguishable Levels (NDL). We found that the NDL ranged between 1.5 in a set with small waves to 4 in a set with large waves. While Experiment 1 took place in the lab, Experiment 2 was performed online and replicated the data from Experiment 1 qualitatively, although the NDL was lower in the online experiment. Furthermore, in this experiment we conducted Thurstonian scaling on a number of other attributes that possibly contribute to translucency perception, such as wave tip shading, surface reflections and realism. We found that many of these correlated significantly with translucency. In sum, this study advocates and demonstrates the use of uncontrolled stimuli, in our case paintings, to explore the wide variety of input the human visual system can process.
Contingent capital and performance of hydroelectric energy projects in Kenya

The purpose of the study was to examine how contingent capital influences the performance of hydroelectric energy projects in Kenya. The study was underpinned on pragmatism paradigm which allows the use of a mixed-method approach and descriptive correlational survey research design. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data from a sample size of 94 participants out of a target population of 94 subjects. A validity test was done on the instruments and a coefficient of 0.775 obtained using the Content Validity Index while reliability involved pretesting of the instruments amongst the 10% of the participants and Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.781 obtained. The analysis was done using both descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics of Correlation and Regression at a significance level of 0.05 with the aid of SPSS version 25 and thematic content analysis of qualitative data for triangulation. The hypothesis was tested using Simple linear regression and Pearson Correlation Coefficient models and the result was: H0: Contingent capital does not significantly influence the performance of hydroelectric energy projects in Kenya was rejected since P=0.000<0.05. Therefore, the study concluded that there is a significant influence of contingent capital on the performance of hydroelectric energy projects in Kenya. The study provides valuable knowledge on the effectiveness of contingent capital on the performance of hydroelectric energy projects for policy action and adoption by investors. It is recommended that Project management and policymakers should integrate Contingent capital to improve the performance of hydroelectric energy projects besides developing targeted policies for strengthening the implementation of contingent capital. Further research should be carried out on mechanisms of improving utilization of contingent capital in power projects in Kenya. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee SSBFNET, Istanbul, Turkey. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
ZnO nanostructures prepared using a vapour transport method

ZnO nanostructures were prepared on Si(100) substrates using a vapour transport technique in water vapour and oxygen gas, in the existence of Au catalyst. Synthesised in both water vapour and oxygen gas, the ZnO nanostructures presented hexagonal wurtzite structure but exhibited different growth orientations, which subsequently created diverse nanostructures. The different ZnO morphologies grown in different atmosphere are due to various growth mechanisms, which have been proposed in this article. At the end, the photoluminescence spectra of both ZnO nanostructures were measured, which revealed only a strong ultraviolet peak at about 389 nm.