Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Failsoft Scheme for Mobile Live Streaming by Scalable Video Coding

SUMMARY In this study, we propose a mechanism called adaptive failsoft control to address peak tra ﬃ c in mobile live streaming, using a chasing playback function. Although a cache system is avaliable to support the chasing playback function for live streaming in a base station and device-to-device communication, the request concentration by highlight scenes inﬂuences the tra ﬃ c load owing to data unavailability. To avoid data unavailability, we adapted two live streaming features: (1) streaming data while switching the video quality, and (2) time variability of the number of requests. The second feature enables a fallback mechanism for the cache system by prioritizing cache eviction and terminating the transfer of cache-missed requests. This paper discusses the simulation results of the proposed mechanism, which adopts a request model appropriate for (a) avoiding peak tra ﬃ c and (b) maintaining continuity of service.
Technical and political concerns of site remediation: a German case

On a site in Northern Germany the groundwater is contaminated with cyanides. The source is the embankment of a road constructed with slag material in the 70’s. Comprehensive conceptual and mathematical site models were developed to simulate the groundwater flow and the cyanide transport in the aquifer. The calibrated mathematical models were then applied to assess the feasibility of a funnel-and-gate system at the site. Although technically feasible, the decision for this technology was object of political discussion. This case study shows how technical, economical and social aspects have to be properly taken into consideration in clean-up projects.
Methodology and computer package for generation rescheduling

Generation rescheduling is a cost-effective way to enhance steady-state and dynamic security. The paper presents an improved formulation for generation rescheduling and develops an iterative solution procedure. The proposed method can be used to assist operators to eliminate potential steady-state insecurity, dynamic insecurity, or their combination. Steady-state security is established by the well known (n – 1) criterion which deals with thermal limits of transmission lines. Dynamic security is defined in such a fashion that transient stability of the system is maintained under any of the contingencies which may occur at each end of every transmission line of a power system. An attractive feature of the proposed method is that it is reliable, realistic and easy to understand since dynamic security is checked in the method by an integration procedure. Simulation results of a 36-machine 200-node practical power system are demonstrated.
Maternal High-Fat Feeding Affects the Liver and Thymus Metabolic Axis in the Offspring and Some Effects Are Attenuated by Maternal Diet Normalization in a Minipig Model

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) affects metabolic and immune development. We aimed to characterize the effects of maternal HFD, and the subsequent diet-normalization of the mothers during a second pregnancy, on the liver and thymus metabolism in their offspring, in minipigs. Offspring born to high-fat (HFD) and normal diet (ND) fed mothers were studied at week 1 and months 1, 6, 12 of life. Liver and thymus glucose uptake (GU) was measured with positron emission tomography during hyperinsulinemic-isoglycemia. Histological analyses were performed to quantify liver steatosis, inflammation, and hepatic hematopoietic niches (HHN), and thymocyte size and density in a subset. The protocol was repeated after maternal-diet-normalization in the HFD group. At one week, HFDoff were characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, severe insulin resistance (IR), and high liver and thymus GU, associating with thymocyte size and density, with elevated weight-gain, liver IR, and steatosis in the first 6 months of life. Maternal diet normalization reversed thymus and liver hypermetabolism, and increased HHN at one week. It also normalized systemic insulin-sensitivity and liver fat content at all ages. Instead, weight-gain excess, hyperglycemia, and hepatic IR were still observed at 1 month, i.e., end-lactation. We conclude that intra-uterine HFD exposure leads to time-changing metabolic and immune-correlated abnormalities. Maternal diet-normalization reversed most of the effects in the offspring.
Empirical Analysis of Widely Tunable Fused Fiber Coupler Assisted by External Medium of High Thermo-Optic Coefficient

Abstract This article reports the fused fiber coupler whose transmission spectrum is widely tuned or switched with temperature. With a proper choice of the external medium applied on the fused region of the coupler, the tuning range could be expanded up to the free spectral range of the coupler itself. A polymer with a matched refractive index and high thermo-optic coefficient was used as the external medium, and a micro-coil heater was installed to tune or switch the coupler. As the elongation length of the coupler increased in the fabrication process, the tuning range increased also. With the polymer having a thermo-optic coefficient of −1.8 × 10−4/°C and a 1.440 room temperature refractive index, wavelength tuning as wide as 210 nm was experimentally obtained. The fabrication process of the tunable fused coupler and the temperature-dependent spectral properties of the implemented couplers in terms of the elongation length and the polymer index are presented in detail. The feasibility of the proposed device as a tunable filter, optical switch, and variable optical attenuator are also presented.
Achromobacter spp. Surgical Site Infections: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series

Achromobacter species are isolated from rare but severe healthcare-associated infections, including surgical site infections. They are considered to preferentially infect immunocompromised patients but so far with limited evidence. We conducted a systematic review on Achromobacter spp. surgical site infections (SSIs) to determine if such infections were indeed more commonly associated with immunocompromised patients. The secondary objective was to describe the characteristics of infected patients. Eligible articles had to be published before 30 September 2020 and to report Achromobacter spp. SSIs across all surgical specialties excluding ophthalmology. Analyses were performed on individual data without meta-analysis. Cases were divided into 2 subgroups: one group which had either prosthesis or implant and the other group which did not. A first selection led to a review of 94 articles, of which 37 were analyzed. All were case reports or case series and corresponded to 49 infected patients. Most of the patients were under 65 years of age and had undergone a heart or digestive surgery followed by deep infection with no co-infecting pathogens. Nine out of the 49 cases were immunocompromised, with similar distribution between the two subgroups (16.6% and 20%, respectively). This review suggests that Achromobacter spp. SSIs do not preferentially target immunocompromised patients.
Maximum Collectable Solar Energy by Different Solar Tracking Systems

The output energy from any solar energy system depends on the solar energy input to that system. Using different ways to track the solar energy system to follow the sun can increase solar energy input according to the type of the tracker. A practical study was carried out on different solar tracking systems. The layout of these systems are a fixed system facing south and tilted 40 degrees, a vertical-axis tracker, a 6 degrees tilted-axis tracker, and a two-axis tracker. All the trackers are microprocessor controlled systems, and all systems have photovoltaic arrays for electric energy production. The evaluation of the different systems is based on a complete year of measurements for solar radiation input to the systems and the electric power output from them. The study also includes the effect of some operating parameters on the tracker operation. These studies showed that the collected solar energy as well as the electrical output energy of the tracking solar system are more than that of the stationary s.
Radiofrequency ablation vs radiation therapy vs transarterial chemoembolization vs yttrium 90 for local treatment of liver cancer – a systematic review and network meta-analysis of survival data

Abstract Introduction The comparative effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), radiation therapy (RT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization with Yttrium-90 (Y90) relative to one another for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis is to compare RFA to RT to TACE to Y90 in the treatment of HCC. Methods Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched up until April 19, 2021. Observational analyses with propensity score matched (PSM) cohort analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCT) reporting on two or more treatments relative to one another with respect to overall survival (OS) and/or progression free survival (PFS) were included. Survival data were extracted from Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and meta-analyzed using a multivariate network meta-analysis. Results After exclusions, 24 RCTs or PSM observational studies reporting on 5549 patients were included. While 1-year OS was greater for Y90 than TACE (RR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72–0.99), all other 1-year OS comparisons across the 4 modalities yielded similar OS, and there were no differences across any modalities in 2-year and 3-year OS. TACE had a modest PFS advantage relative to RFA (RR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68–0.95) and RT (RR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.51–0.83) at 2 years. Conclusion All modalities assessed resulted in similar OS, which explains the current heterogenous practice patterns. This conclusion may assist in decision making based on administrative and patient costs, and implementation of these modalities. Other factors such as toxicity rate specific to individual patients could not be assessed using network meta-analysis and may also play a role in selection of modality. Further studies, ideally using PSM cohort analyses or RCT study design, reporting on OS, PFS, local control, complete response and toxicity are needed prior to drawing definitive conclusions.
Four-Bar Linkage Mechanism for Insectlike Flapping Wings in Hover: Concept and an Outline of Its Realization

This paper describes the concept of a four-bar linkage mechanism for flapping wing micro air vehicles and outlines its design, implementation, and testing. Micro air vehicles (MAVs) are defined as flying vehicles ca. 150 mm in size (handheld), weighing 50-100 g, and are developed to reconnoiter in confined spaces (inside buildings, tunnels, etc.). For this application, insectlike flapping wings are an attractive solution and, hence, the need to realize the functionality of insect flight by engineering means. Insects fly by oscillating (plunging) and rotating (pitching) their wings through large angles, while sweeping them forward and backward. During this motion, the wing tip approximately traces a figure eight and the wing changes the angle of attack (pitching) significantly. The aim of the work described here was to design and build an insectlike flapping mechanism on a 150 mm scale. The main purpose was not only to construct a test bed for aeromechanical research on hover in this mode of flight, but also to provide a precursor design for a future flapping-wing MAV. The mechanical realization was to be based on a four-bar linkage combined with a spatial articulation. Two instances of idealized figure eights were considered: (i) Bernoulli's lemniscate and (ii) Watt's sextic. The former was found theoretically attractive, but impractical, while the latter was both theoretically and practically feasible. This led to a combination of Watt's straight-line mechanism with a drive train utilizing a Geneva wheel and a spatial articulation. The actual design, implementation, and testing of this concept are briefly described at the end of the paper.
The effect of in-silo effluent absorbents on effluent production and silage quality

Abstract Experimental data on the effects of absorbent inclusion in the silo on effluent production and silage quality is reviewed. The absorbent materials used in various studies include straw, hay, paper, bentonite, polymers, cereals, dried sugarbeet pulp, various by-products and compound feeds formulated to reduce effluent and enhance silage quality. Most studies have shown absorbent inclusion (20–80 kg/t) to reduce total effluent production by 20–85%. The amount of effluent retained per unit of absorbent varied widely for different absorbents and for the same absorbent in different experiments. This variation cannot be attributed simply to differences in experimental procedures and implies that crop characteristics such as proportion of stem, amount of surface water, etc. influence the effectiveness of absorbents. Highly lignified materials (hay, straw, newspaper) and absorptive minerals (bentonite), though highly absorptive, adversely affect nutritive quality and are unlikely to find application in current conservation systems. The inclusion of cereals in the silo has generally improved fermentation and nutritive quality but their effectiveness as absorbents is questioned in several experiments. Inclusion of dried sugarbeet pulp has almost invariably reduced effluent production although the amount retained has varied widely between experiments. Sugarbeet inclusion improved fermentation and reduced losses when the untreated grass was poorly fermented. Silage quality was improved by sugarbeet inclusion; the overall efficiency of inclusion, compared to supplementary feeding, appears to depend on the extent to which sugarbeet inclusion influences in-silo losses and silage intake. The results repeated for proprietary absorbents have been generally similar to those for sugarbeet. The evidence available suggests that incorporation of sugarbeet or proprietary absorbents in the silo would be beneficial, particularly if the untreated crop is likely to be poorly fermented. The main factors mitigating against these or other absorbents is the unpredictability of effluent retention and the additional labour, resources and silo space required at harvest time.
Development of Rapidly-Quenched Al-Ge-Si Filler Alloys for the Joining of Stainless Steel AISI 304 and Aluminum Alloy AA6082

Aluminum alloys based on the Al-Ge-Si system with a germanium content of up to 40 wt. %, promising for the brazing of aluminum alloy AA6082 with the stainless steel AISI 304, were studied. The temperature characteristics and microstructural and mechanical properties of the filler alloys were systematically investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that with an increase in the germanium content from 28.0 to 40.0 wt. %, the liquidus temperature of the filler alloys decreased from 514.8 to 474.3 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy data showed that the foil of the filler alloys reveals a homogeneous structure. The ingots of the alloys contain two eutectics, the first of which consists of a solid solution of (Al, Ge) with a solid solution of (Ge, Si), and the second consists of a solid solution of (Al, Ge) with a solid solution based on (Ge). When the content of germanium increases from 28.0 to 40.0 wt. %, a separation of the faceted solid solution particles (Ge, Si) and an increase in their number could be observed. Nanohardness measurements showed that the (Ge, Si) and (Ge) solid solutions had similar nanohardness, with values of 11.6 and 10.2 GPa, respectively. Simultaneously, the Al solid solution and the intermetallic Al7Ge2Fe phase exhibited significantly lower nanohardness values of 0.7 and 6.7 GPa, respectively. Brinell hardness measurements showed that the ingots of the filler alloys were sufficiently ductile and had a hardness comparable to that of AA6082, which is used for brazing with AISI 304 stainless steel. The obtained results for the studied ingots and the rapidly quenched foils can be used to predict the forming structure of the seam after brazing and adjusted for diffusion processes occurring between the brazed materials and the studied filler alloys.
A Critical Review on Preventive and Corrective Control against Voltage Collapse

A general framework that explains various issues involved in the Preventive and Corrective Control (PCC) aspects of voltage stability is presented. A critical review of the existing methods available to address the control strategies to mitigate voltage collapse is provided. Finally, the paper discusses the drawbacks of the present methods to be addressed in the future work.
Yes! I Want My Non-Cognitive Skills to Be Improved: Perceptions on an ICT-Enabled Learning Journey

Non-cognitive skills (NCS) are important for personal development and enhancing employability. However, as related literature points out, designs for NCS development are challenged by their fidelity, complexity, technology pedagogy and content value, user-centricity and so forth. Thus, this study investigates on 1) how do individuals recognise their needs, challenges and motivations for improving NCS, and 2) how do they envision their individual roadmap towards NCS achievement. An exploratory strategy is followed in capturing the learners’ perceptions. Expected data were collected by a questionnaire aiming at a sample of 80 purposely selected employable adults, followed by interviews with 11 randomly selected individuals among the sample. The outcomes provided feedback towards optimising design concepts for an NCS learning environment. Consequently, the framework for NCS improvement must include components, in the order of importance, tools for assessment of NCS, premises for learning NCS, dynamic CV, and linking to the occupations of individual interests as envisioned by the respondents. The participants recognised the significance of NCS and that NCS contribute meaningfully to their personal and professional growth. As such, research efforts shall be invested in evaluating the methods and tools in a systematic user-centric process to determine their effectiveness and impact in lifelong learning.
EFFECT OF TEXTILE MILL EFFLUENT ON GROWTH AND GERMINATION OF BLACK

The effect of textile effluent was studied with res pect to germination and growth of black gram Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper. In lower concentration the germinatio n ratio and growth are relatively higher than the control, but gradual decrease in the germination of seeds, seedling growth with increase in effluent concentration was observed. The best germination and seedling growth was observed in 25%concentration with growth promoting effect, and significantly better t han control. Beyond 25% effluent, root and shoot le ngth decreased. Thus the textile mill effluent can be sa fely used for irrigation purposes with proper treat ment and dilution at 25%.
Klebsiella pneumoniae Complex Harboring mcr-1, mcr-7, and mcr-8 Isolates from Slaughtered Pigs in Thailand

Dissemination of the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr in Enterobacterales among humans, animals, and the environment is a public health issue. We characterized mcr genes in the Klebsiella pneumoniae complex (KpnC) isolated from slaughtered pigs in Thailand. The 280 KpnCs consisted of K. pneumoniae (85%), Klebsiella quasipneumoniae (8.21%), and Klebsiella variicola (6.79%). mcr genes were detected in 6.79% (19/280) of KpnC isolates, consisting of mcr-8 (n = 9; 3.21%), mcr-7 (n = 7; 2.50%), mcr-7 + mcr-8 (n = 2; 0.71%), and mcr-1 + mcr-7 (n = 1; 0.36%). K. pneumoniae predominantly carried the mcr-7 and mcr-8 genes, while K. variicola and K. quasipneumoniae harbored mcr-7 and mcr-8, respectively. Six of the nineteen mcr-harboring KpnC isolates exhibited colistin resistance, and five had mcr-1 or mcr-8 transferable to an Escherichia coli recipient. Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis revealed that all mcr-carrying KpnC isolates were susceptible to carbapenems, cefotaxime, cefepime, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, and fosfomycin, and had high resistance to azithromycin. Multilocus sequence analysis demonstrated that the mcr-harboring KpnC isolates were genetically diverse. A ‘One-Health’ approach is useful to combat antimicrobial-resistant bacteria through coordinating the human, animal, and environmental sectors. Hence, continuous monitoring and surveillance of mcr-carrying KpnCs throughout the pork supply chain is crucial for ensuring public health.
Altered NCF2, NOX2 mRNA Expression Levels in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by NADPH oxidase has a pivotal role in the nonspecific innate immune response to invading microorganisms including M. tuberculosis (MTB). NCF2 and NOX2 were considered as important functional subunits of NADPH oxidase complex; hence, this study aimed to evaluate the NCF2, NOX2 mRNA expressions in PBMC of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients. Methods A total of 79 PTB patients and 73 controls were included in our study. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the NCF2, NOX2 mRNA levels, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of NCF2, NOX2 in PTB patients. Results When compared to controls, the NCF2, NOX2 mRNA levels were significantly increased in PBMC from PTB patients (P < 0.001). However, the NCF2, NOX2 mRNA levels were not associated with major clinical and laboratory data of PTB patients. Area under curve (AUC) of ROC curve analysis for NCF2 and NOX2 were 0.686 (95% CI: 0.601, 0.770) and 0.705 (95% CI: 0.623, 0.787), respectively. Conclusion Altered NCF2, NOX2 mRNA levels in PTB patients implied that these genes might play roles in PTB, and their expression levels might be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of PTB.
Hexangular In-Phase Coherently Coupled Arrays of Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers Based on Proton Implantation

Hexangular in-phase coherently coupled arrays of vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) were fabricated using proton implantation. The arrays show excellent beam quality with far-field divergence of 4.8° and the output power of 3mW under continuous-wave condition. Different global flower-shaped patterns appeared with the varied injection currents.
Design and Optimization of the X Direction Sideway Face Camber Curve of Super-Span Cross-Rail

As super-span cross-rail of NC heavy-duty planer type milling machine tool has a super span and heavy mass,it will deform seriously after installed. Machining an arch camber on X direction sideway in advance is used to compensate for influence caused by its deformation.Finite-element method is used to analysis deformation of super-span cross-rail when working.Multinomial is used to fit deformation curve based on deformation of the X direction sideway of cross-rail when bottom-slide and ram at each position.At the same time this paper takes into consideration of the impact on camber curve as the bottom-slides span brings about 2 deformation curves.A method based on 2 deformation curves is put forward to design and optimize the camber curve. By comparing various camber curves effect on the deformation of milling head,this article proves that the optimization method can effectively reduce the influence of cross-rails deformation on machine tools accuracy.