Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excavator hydraulic circuit solution to reduce dissipations and fuel consumption

In the field of mobile machine the research is mainly focused on solutions to reduce the energy dissipations and fuel consumptions being these machines mainly equipped with Diesel engines. This paper presents a solution for improving the performance of a traditional Load sensing flow sharing circuit. The solution concerns the insertion of a Load sensing signal conditioner (LSc), developed by Walvoil S.p.A. , that permits to dynamically change the pressure drop across the directional valves. A careful control of this new component permits to obtain a reduction of the fuel consumption without changing the performance of the machine taking as reference a JCMAS duty cycle. This paper presents the mathematical model of a 9 ton excavator that was previously validated with tests carried out on both the single hydraulic and the excavator main components like pump and flow sharing valves. The LSc model was developed and added to the traditional hydraulic circuit. The model of the excavator hydraulic circuit with this new component has permitted to simulate the energy saving achievable in comparison with the traditional solution. The paper presents the relevance of a carefully control of this new device in order to maximize the performance. The physical prototyping of this device has been already developed and will be installed in a mobile machine to confirm the simulated performance.
Resolving the discrepancy in tortuosity factor estimation for Li-Ion battery electrodes through micro-macro modeling and experiment

Battery performance is strongly correlated with electrode microstructural properties. Of the relevant properties, the tortuosity factor of the electrolyte transport paths through microstructure pores is important as it limits battery maximum charge/discharge rate, particularly for energy-dense thick electrodes. Tortuosity factor however, is difﬁcult to precisely measure, and thus its estimation has been debated frequently in the literature. Herein, three independent approaches have been applied to quantify the tortuosity factor of lithium-ion battery electrodes. The ﬁrst approach is a microstructure model based on three-dimensional geometries from X-ray computed tomography (CT) and stochastic reconstructions enhanced with computationally generated carbon/binder domain (CBD), as CT is often unable to resolve the CBD. The second approach uses a macro-homogeneous model to ﬁt electrochemical data at several rates, providing a separate estimation of the tortuosity factor. The third approach experimentally measures tortuosity factor via symmetric cells employing a blocking electrolyte. Comparisons have been made across the three approaches for 14 graphite and nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide electrodes. Analysis suggests that if the tortuosity factor were characterized based on the active material skeleton only, the actual tortuosities would be 1.35–1.81 times higher for calendered electrodes. Correlations are provided for varying porosity, CBD phase interfacial arrangement and solid particle morphology.
Polyphenol Metabolite Pyrogallol-O-Sulfate Decreases Microglial Activation and VEGF in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells and Diabetic Mouse Retina

(Poly)phenol-derived metabolites are small molecules resulting from (poly)phenol metabolization after ingestion that can be found in circulation. In the last decade, studies on the impact of (poly)phenol properties in health and cellular metabolism accumulated evidence that (poly)phenols are beneficial against human diseases. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by inflammation and neovascularization and targeting these is of therapeutic interest. We aimed to study the effect of pyrogallol-O-sulfate (Pyr-s) metabolite in the expression of proteins involved in retinal glial activation, neovascularization, and glucose transport. The expression of PEDF, VEGF, and GLUT-1 were analyzed upon pyrogallol-O-sulfate treatment in RPE cells under high glucose and hypoxia. To test its effect on a diabetic mouse model, Ins2Akita mice were subjected to a single intraocular injection of the metabolite and the expression of PEDF, VEGF, GLUT-1, Iba1, or GFAP measured in the neural retina and/or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), two weeks after treatment. We observed a significant decrease in the expression of pro-angiogenic VEGF in RPE cells. Moreover, pyrogallol-O-sulfate significantly decreased the expression of microglial marker Iba1 in the diabetic retina at different stages of disease progression. These results highlight the potential pyrogallol-O-sulfate metabolite as a preventive approach towards DR progression, targeting molecules involved in both inflammation and neovascularization.
Nafion/sulfonated poly(indene) polyelectrolyte membranes for fuel cell application

Sulfonated poly(indene) (SPInd), with 35% and 45% degree of sulfonation, was blended with Nafion to prepare blended membranes with 10, 15 and 20 wt. % of SPInd. Membranes were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Water uptake (WU), ion exchange capacity (IEC) and through-plane proton conductivity were measured. The membranes presented similar thermal stability to Nafion. WU was slightly higher for Nafion/SPInd membranes (19-21% at RT and 40-44% at 90 °C) compared with recast Nafion (16% and 34%, respectively), and IEC values showed a similar trend. Blended Nafion membranes had increased proton conductivity of 2.41 x 10-2 and 2.37 x 10-2 Scm-1 (20 wt. % of SPInd 35% and 45%, respectively), compared with 1.16 x 10-2 Scm-1 for recast Nafion. The results show that the addition of SPInd to Nafion is a potential route towards improving the performance of Nafion in proton conductivity for use in fuel cells devices.
Streamers Variability Investigation of a Radio-Frequency Corona Discharge in an Optical Access Engine at Different Speeds and Loads

Engine research community interest in the Radio-Frequency corona-based ignition systems is currently gaining in importance mainly due to their capability to ensure robust combustion at challenging operating conditions such as very lean mixture and/or high EGR dilution. The benefits of Corona low-temperature plasma foster the early flame development thanks to combustion precursors production and to a more energetic and volumetric discharge, resulting in a larger amount of involved mixture. The corona discharge generates ionizing waves, named streamers, whose temporal and spatial variability in orientation, length and branching can affect the combustion onset and, therefore, the engine cycle-to-cycle variability. In this work, the discharge natural luminosity of a RF corona igniter, characterized by four tips electrodes, was recorded in an optically accessible engine via high-speed camera detection. A preliminary statistical analysis of the spatial and temporal streamer variability was performed by operating in motored conditions. Four different engine speeds and two different loads were explored in order to deeply investigate the streamer behaviour at diverse engine operating conditions. A comparison between a motored and a lean operating condition is also proposed to analyse, at a specific engine speed, the mixture influence on the streamers propagation before the start of the combustion.
HPC-Cloud-Big Data Convergent Architectures and Research Data Management: The LEXIS Approach

The LEXIS project (Large-scale EXecution for Industry & Society, H2020 GA825532) provides a platform for optimised execution of Cloud-HPC workﬂows, reducing computation time and increasing energy eﬃciency. The system will rely on advanced, distributed orchestration solutions (Atos YSTIA Suite, with Alien4Cloud and Yorc, based on TOSCA), the High-End Application Execution Middleware HEAppE, and new hardware capabilities for maximising eﬃciency in data processing, analysis and transfer (e.g. Burst Buﬀers with GPU- and FPGA-based data reprocess-ing).
Transactions on Computational Imaging

Technical Committee Chairs Audio and Acoustics Signal Processing, P. SMARAGDIS Bio Imaging and Signal Processing, E. MEIJERING Computational Imaging Technical Committee, M. CETIN Design and Implementation of Signal Processing Systems, T. -C. CHIU Image, Video, and Multidimensional Signal Processing, O. GULERYUZ Industry DSP Technology Standing Committee, M. POLLEY Information Forensics and Security, A. ROCHA Machine Learning for Signal Processing, B. D. RAO Multimedia Signal Processing, F. DUFAUX Sensor Array and Multichannel, C. MECKLENBRAUKER Signal Processing for Communications and Networking, J. JALDEN Signal Processing Theory and Methods, J. C. M. BERMUDEZ Speech and Language Processing, E. FOSLER-LUSSIER Standing Committee Chairs Chapters, C. N. PAUNWALA Fellow Reference, I. TRANCOSO Industrial Relations, M. TSATSANIS Long-Range Planning and Implementation, A. H. TEWFIK Membership Services, A. MOHAMMADI Student Services, L. MARCENARO Nominations and Appointments, R. WARD TC Review Committee, A. H. TEWFIK Chapters Review, N. SIDIROPOULOS Education, A. MAJUMDAR Regional 1–6, B. RAMABHADRAN Regional 7 & 9, E. A. B. DA SILVA Regional 8, C. RICHARD Regional 10, K. V. S. HARI Resource Center, M. S. GRECO Sig-Port, A. KWASINSKI Seasonal Schools Subcommittee & Chair, A. LIAVAS Women in Signal Processing Subcommittee, N. VASWANI Young Professionals Subcommittee, B. GHORAANI Awards Board Chair, R. WARD
Status of Constipation and Its Association with Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study

(1) Background: As the clinical relevance of constipation and sarcopenia is not well studied, we aimed to investigate the association between them in older adults. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1278 community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. The Rome IV criteria were used to identify patients with clinically defined constipation, while sarcopenia was defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia consensus. The cohort was classified into three groups: no constipation, self-reported constipation only, and clinically defined constipation. (3) Results: The presence of constipation was associated with sarcopenia and slow gait speed (p < 0.001). After adjustment for possible covariates, the association with sarcopenia attenuated, while that for slow gait speed persisted. In terms of geriatric parameters, both groups with clinically defined and self-reported constipation had a higher burden of cognitive impairment, IADL disability, and lower QOL scores (p < 0.05) compared with those without constipation. (4) Conclusions: Sarcopenia and slow gait speed associated with constipation in community-dwelling older adults. Individuals with self-reported constipation symptoms alone showed comparable sarcopenic and geriatric burden to those with clinically defined constipation. Clinical suspicion for possible co-existing sarcopenia is warranted in older patients with constipation.
Computer Vision and Machine Learning for Tuna and Salmon Meat Classification

Aquatic products are popular among consumers, and their visual quality used to be detected manually for freshness assessment. This paper presents a solution to inspect tuna and salmon meat from digital images. The solution proposes hardware and a protocol for preprocessing images and extracting parameters from the RGB, HSV, HSI, and L*a*b* spaces of the collected images to generate the datasets. Experiments are performed using machine learning classification methods. We evaluated the AutoML models to classify the freshness levels of tuna and salmon samples through the metrics of: accuracy, receiver operating characteristic curve, precision, recall, f1-score, and confusion matrix (CM). The ensembles generated by AutoML, for both tuna and salmon, reached 100% in all metrics, noting that the method of inspection of fish freshness from image collection, through preprocessing and extraction/fitting of features showed exceptional results when datasets were subjected to the machine learning models. We emphasize how easy it is to use the proposed solution in different contexts. Computer vision and machine learning, as a nondestructive method, were viable for external quality detection of tuna and salmon meat products through its efficiency, objectiveness, consistency, and reliability due to the experiments’ high accuracy.
Identification and structure activity relationship of small molecule antagonists of the human P2X4 receptor

P2X4 is a purinergic receptor distributed all over the body with various roles. Among them, it was reportedly overexpressed in several neuronal and immune cell types following peripheral nerve injury and its activation leads to neuropathic pain. Several compounds were found to block P2X4 but none has gone into a clinical stage, probably due to insufficient information about the compound itself and P2X4 in general. One of such compounds, 5-(3-Bromophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-Benzofuro[3,2-e]-1,4-diazepin-2-one (5-BDBD) is known to be widely used in P2X4-related studies despite its limited information. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) find a novel compound that can block the activation of P2X4 through high throughput screening and characterise it, and (ii) study structural-activity relationship between 5-BDBD and P2X4. Human P2X4 receptor was stably expressed in human 1321N1 astrocytoma cells and 1710 compounds from National Cancer Institute were screened for their activity at P2X4. Extensive tests led to identifying a natural product (thaspine) as the most potent inhibitor at reducing P2X4 activation. Further characterisation experiments revealed that thaspine had an IC50 value of 3.8 ± 0.2 μM and showed an allosteric mode, time-dependent and irreversible inhibition. Thaspine was similarly potent at mouse P2X4, but not effective at human P2X2, P2X2/3 and P2X7. It was also inactive at human P2Y2 and P2Y6 at concentrations below 10 μM and 30 μM respectively. In primary microglial cell model (BV2), it inhibited ivermectin-potentiated responses but not normal ATP-evoked responses. Meanwhile, 5-BDBD was found to be inhibiting P2X4 receptor competitively and diazepinone was a pivotal group of the structure to cause inhibition. The binding pocket of 5-BDBD at P2X4 was also predicted using molecular docking. In this study, a novel compound thaspine, has been shown to be effective at inhibiting human P2X4 and thus may have potential therapeutic applications while novel information about 5-BDBD was also acquired.
The Application of Human-Centered Design Approaches in Health Research and Innovation: A Narrative Review of Current Practices

Background Human-centered design (HCD) approaches to health care strive to support the development of innovative, effective, and person-centered solutions for health care. Although their use is increasing, there is no integral overview describing the details of HCD methods in health innovations. Objective This review aims to explore the current practices of HCD approaches for the development of health innovations, with the aim of providing an overview of the applied methods for participatory and HCD processes and highlighting their shortcomings for further research. Methods A narrative review of health research was conducted based on systematic electronic searches in the PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts (2000-2020) databases using keywords related to human-centered design, design thinking (DT), and user-centered design (UCD). Abstracts and full-text articles were screened by 2 reviewers independently based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction focused on the methodology used throughout the research process, the choice of methods in different phases of the innovation cycle, and the level of engagement of end users. Results This review summarizes the application of HCD practices across various areas of health innovation. All approaches prioritized the user’s needs and the participatory and iterative nature of the design process. The design processes comprised several design cycles during which multiple qualitative and quantitative methods were used in combination with specific design methods. HCD- and DT-based research primarily targeted understanding the research context and defining the problem, whereas UCD-based work focused mainly on the direct generation of solutions. Although UCD approaches involved end users primarily as testers and informants, HCD and DT approaches involved end users most often as design partners. Conclusions We have provided an overview of the currently applied methodologies and HCD guidelines to assist health care professionals and design researchers in their methodological choices. HCD-based techniques are challenging to evaluate using traditional biomedical research methods. Previously proposed reporting guidelines are a step forward but would require a level of detail that is incompatible with the current publishing landscape. Hence, further development is needed in this area. Special focus should be placed on the congruence between the chosen methods, design strategy, and achievable outcomes. Furthermore, power dimensions, agency, and intersectionality need to be considered in co-design sessions with multiple stakeholders, especially when including vulnerable groups.
The Management of Lichen Sclerosus Urethral Strictures by 3 Different Techniques: a single-center surgical algorithm based on the evaluation of corpus spongiosum

BackgroundLichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of unknown cause which occurs in the male genital area and can affect the external genital and the anterior urethra. Nowdays, urethral stricture associated with LS is still a challenge to urologists and different surgical options are employed according to surgeons’ personal preferences. In this study, we report our experience of surgical treatments for genital lichen sclerosus urethral stricture and try to share our surgical algorithm. MethodsBetween March 2013 and March 2018, 55 patients with LS urethral strictures underwent three different surgical techniques including of Kulkarni technique, Bracka technique and perineal urethrostomy (PU). Approaches were chosen according to the evaluation of the degree of spongiofibrosis and patients’ wishes. ResultsThe overall success rate was 74.55%. Kulkarni technique was performed in 37 patients with a success rate of 78.38%. 12 patients who were planned for staged substitution urethroplasty, developed a 50% success rate, including 3 local graft contractures following the first stage, 2 fistulas and 1 dehiscence following the urethroplasty respectively. PU was chosen as the primary treatment in 6 patients and performed as salvage surgery on 4 patients, which resulted a 100% success rate. Comparing to the Kulkarni and Bracka techniques, PU offers the highest degree of success and could be considered as a final salvage for all patients and statistic difference was found between three techniques (P=0.0082). ConclusionThe staged urethroplasty by excising corpus spongiosum consumed more cost of time and money but could not provide similar therapeutic effects as the Kulkarni technique and PU. Therefore, the evaluation of corpus spongiosum is a necessary step in the surgical decision making which can make surgeons avoid unsuitable decisions and improve the success rate.
A K-6 computational thinking curricular framework: pedagogical implications for teaching practice

ABSTRACT In this paper we propose a universal curricular framework that is intended to aid K-6 schoolteachers holistically and humanistically developing their students’ computational thinking (CT) skills (e.g. algorithmic thinking, abstraction, decomposition, generalization, patterns recognition, evaluation, and logical thinking). This framework, which can be applied to any subject at the elementary school level, is grounded on specific principles that we have gleaned from both learning theories and considerations on child development. New media literacy skills (NML) and social-emotional skills are also targeted, as they are strongly connected with CT skills and display bidirectional linkages that can comprehensively benefit students in various ways (cognitively, imaginatively/creatively, materially, socially, and affectively/emotionally) without the need for digital technologies or coding. The universal nature of our curricular proposal rests on the following factors: it is based on a cross-disciplinary approach that can be applied in ways that mirror real life; CT is seen as a universal skill that should be learned by everyone, not just computer scientists, and is applicable to every aspect of daily life; one-sided intellectualism is avoided; and, lastly, the resulting classroom practices have an impact on and are influenced by children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.
System Development for On-line Monitoring using Raman Spectroscopy for CO2 Absorption by MEA

Among various kinds of technologies available, carbon dioxide (CO2) capture by monoethanolamine (MEA) is considered to be the most technically and scientifically matured technology which can be tested in industrial scale. When CO2 is absorbed by an MEA, a chemical reaction takes place which results to form different carbon and amine species in the system. In this work, Raman spectroscopy has been used to measure those concentrations in-situ. Since the instrument does not provide direct measurements, multivariate analysis has been used to develop models and predictions are made using these models for future measurements. This study presents the methodology of acquiring measurements by the Raman spectroscopy for MEA-CO2-H2O system, transferring the measurement data into Matlab/Labview, converting data into concentration values and presenting the results in a graphical user interface. This software based platform makes the Raman spectroscopy to be accessed as a real-time instrument in CO2 capture plants.
Excitonic effect in black phosphorus oxides

Two-dimensional (2D) few-layer black phosphorus (BP) with extraordinary electronic and optical properties is an excellent candidate for optoelectronic applications. However, rapid surface oxidation under ambient environment significantly restricts its practicability. Here, we investigate excitonic effect in few-layer BP oxides via first-principle calculation and effective mass approximation. Influence of layer numbers and degree of oxidation on exciton binding energy (EBE) is discussed in detail for the first time. It is found that EBE in BP oxides decreases exponentially with increasing sample thickness and becomes almost oxygen independent over six layers with values similar to that of pristine BP. Instead, oxidation alters excitation probability of excitons in few-layer BP via a direct/indirect bandgap transition.
Comprehension, purpose, and mattering? A latent profile analysis of laypeople’s beliefs about meaning in life

ABSTRACT How do laypeople understand meaning in life (MIL) and how are lay beliefs about MIL related to well-being in specific groups of laypeople? To address these questions, we recruited 417 adults and identified their most prevalent lay beliefs about MIL: (1) interpersonal relationships, (2) purpose, (3) self-transcendence, (4) personal growth, (5) spirituality, and (6) meaning making. Two other MIL lay beliefs – comprehension and existential mattering – were rarely mentioned. Using latent profile analysis with the identified six lay beliefs, we uncovered a three-cluster solution. The three clusters were characterized by beliefs about self-transcendent, spiritual-personal growth, and the interpersonal nature of MIL, respectively. Overall, findings on cluster membership, MIL lay beliefs, and well-being suggest that thinking about MIL in other-oriented terms might exert positive effects on well-being, whereas a more self-focused belief could have detrimental effects. These findings underscore the heterogeneity of laypeople’s beliefs about MIL and their implications for well-being.