Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement of large, discontinuous displacement from digital images

One main limitation of conventional digital image correlation (DIC) methods is their incapacity to treat with large, discontinuous displacements. This paper seeks to resolve this issue using a variational method. Specifically, the objective function is written in a form of L1‐norm instead of L2‐norm for discontinuity preservation. This convex, non‐differentiable objective function is resolved by a proximal gradient method. Then, the entire correlation process is embedded into a multi‐level image pyramid, enabling large displacements to be measured accurately. The proposed method is first validated on images with prescribed small displacements; its performance to treat with discontinuous, large displacements is then examined. The results show that the proposed method exhibits an acceptable performance when measuring some extreme displacements up to 16.5 pixels in a 500 × 500 pixels resolution image. Concerning subpixel accuracy, the errors can be lessened to a very low level with optimised parameters even for a dense correlation at each pixel. Good performance is also demonstrated in forms of noise proof and illumination fluctuation tolerance. Finally, an application is conducted on an experiment concerned with cracking in desiccated soils, in which the proposed method succeeds in tracking the nucleation and propagation processes of multiple cracks.
Ocular Fungi: Molecular Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern to Azoles

Background: Treatment of ocular infection by fungi has become a problematic issue, particularly in deep lesion cases, because of the limited available antifungals and emerging resistance species. Objectives: The present study was designed for molecular identification and studying the antifungal susceptibility pattern of ocular fungi. Methods: Fifty-three ocular fungal isolates, including Fusarium spp. , Aspergillus spp. , yeast spp. , and dematiaceous fungi were collected. Initial identification of each sample was performed using routine mycological techniques. ITS1-5.8SrDNA-ITS2 and translation elongation factor (TEF)-1α regions were used for the identification and differentiation of ocular non-Fusarium and Fusarium fungal species, respectively. The antifungal susceptibility of itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole was determined according to the CLSI guidelines (CLSI M38 and M60, 3rd ed.) for filamentous and yeast species, respectively. Results: Voriconazole and posaconazole showed excellent activity in all tested isolates; however, some of Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Curvularia strains showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 2 μg/mL. The itraconazole showed different results in all species, and high MICs (≥ 16 μg/mL) were found. Conclusions: Finally, in the present study, we tried to identify species involved in fungal ocular infection using the molecular methods, which highlighted the importance of precise identification of species to choose an appropriate antifungal regime. On the other hand, our findings showed that antifungal susceptibility test is effective to reliably predict the in vivo response to therapy in infections; however, in fungal ocular infection cases, the penetration of antifungals may contribute to predict the outcome.
Analysis and design of a high voltage‐gain quasi‐Z‐source DC–DC converter

In this study, a modified DC–DC converter is proposed, which can achieve a high voltage-gain exploiting both quasi-Z-source and switched-capacitor networks. In addition to the high voltage-gain, the proposed converter has low voltage stresses on its elements. The steady-state analysis in both continuous and discontinuous conduction modes is given in this study. Moreover, the design of the passive elements, the calculation of the non-ideal voltage gain, and the power loss analysis are done. Then, an extended topology of the proposed converter is presented, which further enhances the voltage gain, while maintaining the voltage stresses of the components. A comprehensive comparison with the prior-art converters is performed to accentuate the advantages of the proposed converter. Finally, simulations and experimental tests are provided to substantiate the theoretical analysis.
D-Band Wideband Air-Filled Plate Array Antenna With Multistage Impedance Matching Based on MEMS Micromachining Technology

A wideband air-filled plate array antenna with multistage impedance matching operated in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$D$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band is proposed in this article. To achieve the wide bandwidth, three stages of impedance matching are introduced in the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2\times 2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> subarray, including the step-profiled horn element, the step-profiled power divider cavity with two resonant points, and a modified E-plane bend transition. The integrated step-profiled horn with simple configuration can realize broadband matching. Wideband T-junctions are combined together to form a corporate feeding network. Essential matching pins are introduced to break through the upper bandwidth restriction of the feeding network. In addition, the square aperture shape of the horn element and the air-filled feeding structure contribute to the high radiation efficiency of the proposed array. To satisfy the fabrication tolerance, the MEMS micromachining technology with a high etching precision is utilized. The experimental results show a wide 1 dB down gain bandwidth of 23.54%. The maximum gain is 33.24 dBi and the peak efficiency is 70.91%.
Physical origin of the one-quarter exact exchange in density functional theory

Exchange interactions are a manifestation of the quantum mechanical nature of the electrons and play a key role in predicting the properties of materials from first principles. In density functional theory (DFT), a widely used approximation to the exchange energy combines fractions of density-based and Hartree–Fock (exact) exchange. This so-called hybrid DFT scheme is accurate in many materials, for reasons that are not fully understood. Here we show that a 1/4 fraction of exact exchange plus a 3/4 fraction of density-based exchange is compatible with a correct quantum mechanical treatment of the exchange energy of an electron pair in the unpolarized electron gas. We also show that the 1/4 exact-exchange fraction mimics a correlation interaction between doubly-excited electronic configurations. The relation between our results and trends observed in hybrid DFT calculations is discussed, along with other implications.
Operational performance indicators of Brazilian Airport Services, 2013-2016

Introduction: The main services provided at airports were converted into indicators by the International Airports Council (ACI) and measured at Brazilian airports since the FIFA World Cup 2014. Objective: to describe the operational quality of 15 Brazilian airports, according to passenger size and management model (public/private), in the 2013-2016 quadrennial. Methods: A total of 48 operational quality indicators in the airport services of 15 airports, measured on a Likert scale, were aggregated into ten intermediate indices and five total indices (tangibility, agility, reliability, assurance and empathy). In the 4 years under study, there were an average of 13,000 respondents each quarter in the year. Results: Among the ten Intermediate indices, Competence was the item best evaluated by the users (average of 4.42) and Costs was the worst (average of 2.61). Among the five total indices, Agility and Reliability were the best-evaluated (averages of 4.25 and 4.15, respectively), while Empathy was the worst evaluation (mean of 3.82). Conclusion: The linking of operational performance indexes to the administrative management model (public or private) in the period under study, pointed out the Curitiba International Airport, of public administration (average of 4.29), as the best rated in the opinion of the respondents/users. It received the best evaluations in the intermediate operational performance indices, as well as by sector of the airport.
Exploiting Deep Learning in Limited-Fronthaul Cell-Free Massive MIMO Uplink

A cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) uplink is considered, where quantize-and-forward (QF) refers to the case where both the channel estimates and the received signals are quantized at the access points (APs) and forwarded to a central processing unit (CPU) whereas in combine-quantize-and-forward (CQF), the APs send the quantized version of the combined signal to the CPU. To solve the non-convex sum rate maximization problem, a heuristic sub-optimal scheme is exploited to convert the power allocation problem into a standard geometric programme (GP). We exploit the knowledge of the channel statistics to design the power elements. Employing large-scale-fading (LSF) with a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) enables us to determine a mapping from the LSF coefficients and the optimal power through solving the sum rate maximization problem using the quantized channel. Four possible power control schemes are studied, which we refer to as i) small-scale fading (SSF)-based QF; ii) LSF-based CQF; iii) LSF use-and-then-forget (UatF)-based QF; and iv) LSF deep learning (DL)-based QF, according to where channel estimation is performed and exploited and how the optimization problem is solved. Numerical results show that for the same fronthaul rate, the throughput significantly increases thanks to the mapping obtained using DCNN.
Computer guided flapless vestibular to lingual trans-alveolar implant insertion for All on four implant prosthesis in case of severely atrophied mandible: A short term clinical and radiographic study

Aim: This short-term investigation aimed to study the outcomes of computer guided flapless vestibular to lingual implant insertion for All on four implant prosthesis in case of severely atrophied mandible. Material and methods: Six (3 men and 3 women) edentulous patients (mean age of 59 years) with atrophied mandibles received four implants using the computer guided flapless surgical protocol and a stereolithographic surgical guide. The posterior implant was installed in bicuspid region lingual to mental foramen and inclined in buccolingual trans-alveolar direction to engage the lingual cortical plate. Fixtures were loaded by the old denture the same day of implant placement. Plaque and bleeding scores, probing depth, fixture mobility and loss of bone around implants were measured at baseline (immediately after loading), 6 and 12 months thereafter. Results: There was a significant increase in plaque scores, probing depth and resorption of bone with passage of time. gingival scores and stability of the implants did not change with time. Premolar implants showed significant higher plaque scores, probing depth and marginal loss of bone compared to canine implants. Two posterior implants were lost resulting in survival rate of 91.6% after one year. Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it could be concluded that computer guided flapless vestibular to lingual trans-alveolar posterior implant insertion for All on four implant prosthesis in case of severely atrophied mandible is a predictable and reliable method as it was associated with favourable clinical and radiographic peri-implant outcomes after one year.
A Hybrid Collaborative Filtering Recommendation Algorithm Based on User Attributes and Matrix Completion

Collaborative filtering is a popular strategy in recommendation system. Traditional collaborative filtering relies on the user-item rating matrix that encodes the individual ratings of users for items to make recommendations. However, in the real-world, the rating matrix is highly sparse, and many new users do not have rating records, thus traditional collaborative filtering could not provide satisfactory recommendations. To alleviate this issue, we propose a hybrid algorithm that utilizes LMaFit to complete rating matrix, reducing the degree of sparsity, and provides a hybrid user-similarity to supply a good support for recommending to new users in the condition of cold start. Extensive experiment results on real-world datasets show the proposed algorithm has a better performance than other methods.
Synthesis of BiOBrXCl1-X by Solvothermal Method and Its Photocatalytic Activity

In order to improve the activity of monohalide ruthenium oxide, different ratios of BiOBrXCl1-X series samples (X=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) were synthesized by solvothermal method. The synthesized BiOBrXCl1-X samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The photocatalytic degradation experiment for Rhodamine B showed that the BiOBr0.2Cl0.8 sample had higher degradation efficiency under visible light and effectively improved photocatalytic activity.
TiC-MgO composite: an X-ray transparent and machinable heating element in a multi-anvil high pressure apparatus

ABSTRACT TiC-MgO composite was developed as a heating element for X-ray study in the multi-anvil high pressure apparatus. We synthesized TiC-MgO blocks (50–70 wt.% of TiC) by compression in a cold isostatic press followed by baking in a gas flow furnace. Heaters of tubular shape were manufactured from the synthesized blocks either by lathe or numerically controlled milling machine. The so-produced heating elements have been proved to generate temperatures up to 2250 K at 10 GPa, condition where classical graphite heaters are not suitable anymore due to graphite-diamond transition. These new heaters have been successfully used for in situ X-ray radiography and diffraction measurements on liquid Fe alloys, exploiting excellent X-ray transparency.
Evaluations of serological test in the diagnosis of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections during the COVID-19 outbreak

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has killed over twenty-one thousand and sickened over four hundred thousand people worldwide, posing a great challenge to global public health. A sensitive and accurate diagnosis method will substantially help to control disease expansion. Here, we developed a chemiluminescence-immunoassay method based on the recombinant nucleocapsid antigen and the magnetic beads for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections and surveillance of antibody changing pattern. Serums from 29 healthy individuals, 51 tuberculosis patients, and 79 SARS-CoV-2 confirmed patients were employed to evaluate the performance of this approach. Compared to the IgM testing, the IgG testing was more reliable in which it identified 65 SARS-CoV-2 infections from the 79 confirmed patients and only two false-positive cases from the 80 control group with a sensitivity and specificity reaching 82.28% and 97.5%, respectively. However, only a slight difference (not statistically significant) in the detected cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections was observed between the IgM and IgG testing manner in patients at a different time of onset of disease. A performance comparison between an ELISA kit using the same nucleocapsid antigen and our chemiluminescence method was undertaken. The same false-positive cases were seen in both methods from the paired control group, while ELISA kit can only detect half of the SARS-CoV-2 infections from paired SARS-CoV-2 confirmed patients group than that of the chemiluminescence method, indicating a higher performance for the chemiluminescence-immunoassay approach. Together, our studies provide a useful and valuable serological testing tool for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the community.
Influence of different thermopolymerization methods on composite resin microhardness

Background Additional heat polymerization in composite resins allows greater effectiveness of microhardness, flexural strength, fracture toughness, wear resistance, and increased color stability. Material and Methods 150 composite resin specimens were made using a 4 mm diameter and 2 mm thick bipartite steel matrix. Five resins composed of different compositions were tested (Brilliant Everglow/Coltene, Filtek One BulkFill/3M, Filtek P60/3M, Filtek Z350XT/3M, Filtek Z250XT/3M), and for each of them three types of polymerization were tested: light curing only (n=50); photopolymerization + autoclave thermopolymerization (n=50) and photopolymerization + microwave thermopolymerization (n=50). Each specimen was submitted to three indentations by means of the Vickers microhardness test, applying a load of 300gf, associated with the time of 15s. Data were analyzed descriptively by means of statistics, standard deviation and coefficient of variation and inferentially by the F test (ANOVA) in the comparison between groups. The margin of error used in statistical test decisions was 5%. Results The highest vicker microhardness averages were from the Control group (light curing only) on P60 (82.16) and Z250 XT (79.61) resins. The lowest averages were all verified on Brilliant Everglow resin in all polymerization methods studied: Photopolymerization (37.32), with microwave (43.80) and autoclave (45.12), followed by Bulk Fill 3M resin, ranged from 52.23 to 59.15. Conclusions Both autoclave and microwave thermopolymerization methods showed similar behavior on the microhardness of the composites studied. Considering the resin type, there was a varied behavior compared to thermopolymerization, which increased the microhardness values for Brilliant Everglow resins (Coltene) and Filtek One Bulkfill (3M) and decreased for Filtek P60, Filtek Z350XT and Filtek Z250XT resins. Key words:Dentistry, composite resins, polymerization.
Characterization of bacterial endophytes from Myanmar medicinal plants for antimicrobial activity against human and plant pathogens

This research aimed to investigate the antagonistic activity of the bacterial endophytes from Myanmar medicinal plants. Thirty-one bacterial isolates were isolated from Myanmar medicinal plants: Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers. , Catharanthus roseus G. Don. , Tectona hamiltoniana Wall. and Boscia variabilis Collett & Hemsl. (Capparaceae). Dual culture and agar well diffusion methods were used for antimicrobial assay. One endophyte from Catharanthus roseus and two bacterial isolates from Boscia variabilis Collett & Hemsl. (Capparaceae) had not only the antibacterial activity towards the human pathogenic bacteria but also the antifungal activity against the plant pathogenic fungi. From 16S rRNA sequencing, one strain from Catharanthus roseus G. Don. was Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM7 and two antagonistic strains from Boscia variabilis Collett & Hemsl. (Capparaceae) were Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis str. 168 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM7, respectively. The best medium for the maximum production of the bioactive compounds was Bacillus medium supplemented with the 4% of starch and 0.3% of peptone for B. amyloliquefaciens DSM7 and B. subtilis subsp. subtilis str. 168 showed the maximum antimicrobial compounds production when it was incubated in the medium amended with 3% of starch and 2% of peptone. The optimum conditions for the the maximum production of the antimicrobial compound were the medium pH of 6 at 35 °C after two days of incubation for B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 7 and B. subtitlis subsp. subtilis str. 168 secreted the maximum concentration of the bioactive compounds at pH 7.5 and 35 ̊C on second day incubation period. In conclusion, the isolated endophytic bacteria showed the strong antimicrobial activity towards the pathogenic microbes and they could be used in medicine and agriculture as well.
Genetic Phylogeny and Diversity of some Romanian Silkworms Based on RAPD Technique

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used in the present study to analyze genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among some race and hybrids of Romanian Bombyx mori. DNA from 8 hybrids and 1 race was amplified with 35 highly polymorphic RAPD primers, of which 21 markers generated polymorphic bands that were used to analyze genetic phylogeny and diversity. A total of 921 polymorphic bands were detected and UPGMA cluster analysis of Jaccard’s genetic distance grouped silkworm strains on the basis of their origin, obtaining a dendogram reflecting their genetic relationship.
A Parallel Estimation System of Stator Resistance and Rotor Speed for Active Disturbance Rejection Control of Six-Phase Induction Motor

In this paper, a parallel estimation system of the stator resistance and the rotor speed is proposed in speed sensorless six-phase induction motor (6PIM) drive. First, a full-order observer is presented to provide the stator current and the rotor flux. Then, an adaptive control law is designed using the Lyapunov stability theorem to estimate the rotor speed. In parallel, a stator resistance identification scheme is proposed using more degrees of freedom of the 6PIM, which is also based on the Lyapunov stability theorem. The main advantage of the proposed method is that the stator resistance adaptation is completely decoupled from the rotor speed estimation algorithm. To increase the robustness of the drive system against external disturbances, noises, and parameter uncertainties, an active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) is introduced in direct torque control (DTC) of the 6PIM. The experimental results clarify the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Atmospheric Pollutant Prediction Based on Wavelet Decomposition and Long Short-Term Memory Network

To solve the problem that current atmospheric pollutant prediction research only pays attention to one pollutant type, a Long Short-term Memory Network (LSTM) atmospheric pollutant prediction model based on Wavelet Decomposition (WD) is proposed, predicting daily average PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and O3 concentration for the next day. Based on data collected from the national control station (NO.1338A) in Changsha from 2015 to 2018, the model was verified. The results show that for the prediction of atmospheric pollutants, compared with the LSTM prediction model established directly with the original atmospheric pollutants, the root mean square error and the absolute average error of the hybrid model are lower, and the accuracy of the level prediction is higher.