Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential Inhibitors Against Papain-like Protease of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from FDA Approved Drugs

The cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection have been continuously increasing ever since its outbreak in China last December. Currently, there are no approved drugs to treat the infection. In this scenario, there is a need to utilize the existing repertoire of FDA approved drugs to treat the disease. The rational selection of these drugs could be made by testing their ability to inhibit any COVID-19 proteins essential for viral life-cycle. We chose one such crucial viral protein, the papain-like protease (PLpro), to screen the FDA approved drugs in silico. The homology model of the protease was built based on the SARS-coronavirus PLpro structure, and the drugs were docked in S3/S4 pockets of the active site of the enzyme. In our docking studies, fifteen FDA approved drugs, including chloroquine and formoterol, bind the target enzyme with significant affinity and good geometry, suggesting their potential to be utilized against the virus.
Modeling and Control of ROV Manipulator

The main objective of this thesis is to investigate and present the most relevant techniques and topics within the field of robot modeling and control. The studies will then be used to develop a working control system for the 'Raptor' manipulator stationed on the ROV 'SubFighter 30K'. Due to insufficient information, a simplified model is made to resemble the actual manipulator. This model forms the foundation of all subsequent actions, including the model based control design. The dynamic model is developed by the well known method of Euler-Lagrange. Since this is an energy based method, both the kinetic and the potential energy of the system must be calculated. Systematic procedures are given to clarify the process of these calculations. In this thesis, a sliding-mode controller is derived and proposed as a suitable controller for the given manipulator. The control objective is to force the manipulator to track a time dependent, desired path in the joint space. However, since it is inconvenient for the operator to specify joint space trajectories, several inverse kinematics algorithms are suggested. Due to the kinematic structure of the manipulator, no closed-form solutions can be obtained. The focus is thus directed towards numerical Jacobian based methods. A full-scale implementation requires a working interface between the developed control system and the manipulator system. For that reason, the main concepts of digital communication are presented. Although no communication data is logged from the Raptor, this presentation will pose an advantage if the work is continued. When no control forces are applied to the dynamic model, the manipulator model is expected to behave like a multi joint, three dimensional pendulum. The simulations corresponds to this assumptions, thus the model is assumed to be correct and valid. Simulations of the complete system shows that the sliding-mode controller works as intended. Two chosen IK algorithms are then implemented and compared through simulations. The DLS method proves to be superior to the simple inverse Jacobian method. Finally, the control system is implemented in LabVIEW and thus prepared for full-scale testing.
Incidence of Hypertension among Persons Living with HIV in China A Multicenter Study

Objectives Life expectancy among persons living with HIV (PLWH) has improved with increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), however incidence of chronic comorbidities has simultaneously increased. No data are available regarding the incidence of hypertension among Chinese PLWH.Methods We analyzed data collected from patients enrolled in two prospective longitudinal multicenter studies of PLWH initiating ART in China. Incidence rate of hypertension per 100 person-years (PYs) among PLWH was calculated, and Cox proportional hazards models was used to evaluate the association between incident hypertension and traditional and HIV-associated risk factors.Results Of 1078 patients included in this analysis, 984 ART-naïve patients were hypertension-free at baseline, and contributed 2337.7 PYs of follow up, with a median follow-up period of 1.8 years (range: 1.2-3.2) after initiation of ART. Incidence of hypertension was 7.6 [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.5-8.7] per 100 PYs. In the Cox regression analysis, incidence of hypertension was positively associated with BMI [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.07 (1.01,1.13), p=0.02] and recent viral load (aHR 1.28, 95% CI:1.08-1.51, p=0), and negatively associated with recent CD4+/CD8+ ratio (aHR 0.14, 95% CI:0.06-0.31, p<0.001), zidovudine exposure (aHR 0.15, 95% CI: 0.10-0.24, p<0.001) and tenofovir exposure (aHR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.08-0.21, p<0.001). Conclusions The incidence of hypertension was relatively high among Chinese PLWH initiating ART. Independent risk factors for incident hypertension included recent low CD4+/CD8+ ratio and detectable HIV viremia, whereas receipt of ART was associated with reduced risk. Hypertension may be mitigated, in part, by excellent HIV care, including viral suppression with ART.
TASK-CENTERED USER INTERFACE DESIGN A Practical Introduction

Throughout this book we've emphasized the importance of bringing users into the interface design process. However, as a designer you'll also need to evaluate the evolving design when no users are present. Users' time is almost never a free or unlimited resource. Most users have their own work to do, and they're able to devote only limited time to your project. When users do take time to look at your design, it should be as free as possible of problems. This is a courtesy to the users, who shouldn't have to waste time on trivial bugs that you could have caught earlier. It also helps build the users' respect for you as a professional, making it more likely that they will give the design effort serious attention. A second reason for evaluating a design without users is that a good evaluation can catch problems that an evaluation with only a few users may not reveal. The numbers tell the story here: An interface designed for a popular personal computer might be used by thousands of people, but it may be tested with only a few dozen users before beta release. Every user will have a slightly different set of problems, and the testing won't uncover problems that the few users tested don't have. It also won't uncover problems that users might have after they get more experience. An evaluation without users won't uncover all the problems either. But doing both kinds of evaluation significantly improves the chances of success.
Virtual metrology for plasma etch processes.

Plasma processes can present dicult control challenges due to time-varying dynamics and a lack of relevant and/or regular measurements. Virtual metrology (VM) is the use of mathematical models with accessible measurements from an operating process to estimate variables of interest. This thesis addresses the challenge of virtual metrology for plasma processes, with a particular focus on semiconductor plasma etch. Introductory material covering the essentials of plasma physics, plasma etching, plasma measurement techniques, and black-box modelling techniques is rst presented for readers not familiar with these subjects. A comprehensive literature review is then completed to detail the state of the art in modelling and VM research for plasma etch processes. To demonstrate the versatility of VM, a temperature monitoring system utilising a state-space model and Luenberger observer is designed for the variable specic impulse magnetoplasma rocket (VASIMR) engine, a plasma-based space propulsion system. The temperature monitoring system uses optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements from the VASIMR engine plasma to correct temperature estimates in the presence of modelling error and inaccurate initial conditions. Temperature estimates within 2% of the real values are achieved using this scheme. An extensive examination of the implementation of a wafer-to-wafer VM scheme to estimate plasma etch rate for an industrial plasma etch process is presented. The VM models estimate etch rate using measurements from the processing tool and a plasma impedance monitor (PIM). A selection of modelling techniques are considered for VM modelling, and Gaussian process regression (GPR) is applied for the rst time for VM of plasma etch rate. Models with global and local scope are compared, and modelling schemes that attempt to cater for the etch process dynamics are proposed. GPR-based windowed models produce the most accurate estimates, achieving mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) of approximately 1:15%. The consistency of the results presented suggests that this level of accuracy represents the best accuracy achievable for the plasma etch system at the current frequency of metrology. Finally, a real-time VM and model predictive control (MPC) scheme for control of plasma electron density in an industrial etch chamber is designed and tested. The VM scheme uses PIM measurements to estimate electron density in real time. A predictive functional control (PFC) scheme is implemented to cater for a time delay in the VM system. The controller achieves time constants of less than one second, no overshoot, and excellent disturbance rejection properties. The PFC scheme is further expanded by adapting the internal model in the controller in real time in response to changes in the process operating point.
Intrapreneurship and the management of research centre growth in university art and design departments

The following is the first paragraph of the abstract: This thesis is an investigation of factors that influence the leadership and management of Research Centres during the early phases of growth. A small number of studies have specifically identified factors such as training, career development and business management but there is a dearth of empirical work to explain the causality of factors during origination, formation and development.
Upon Parametric Sensitivity Used in Damping Active Control for Human Body Protection Against Vibrations

The topic of human body protection against vibrations is of high interest in the scientific world, due to the occupational diseases vibration induces. This paper presents the work performed in this field at Transilvania University of Brasov, having as final objective to develop advanced models of the vibration phenomenon and its influence on the human body, in order to further propose active control systems for protection against vibrations. Different vibration isolation techniques are discussed and the use of parametric sensitivity in damping active control is proposed. Key-Words: Human body vibration, Active vibration isolation, Sensitivity analysis, Mathematical model, Prediction model.
Positive Assessment as Support to Personal Life Designing in Transition to Adulthood: A Case Study

Transitioning to adulthood is a natural process involving multiple factors. Adolescents living with developmental disabilities experience more difficulties in anticipating and dealing with transitions, in moving toward positive adulthood trajectories. According to current counseling literature some resources are particularly relevant in order to support these goals. The case study presented here is an example of the possibility and usefulness of giving voice to adolescents with developmental disability who are close to life transitions and assessing their resilience, adaptability, courage and future goals. Professionals interested in social and work inclusion of young adults with developmental disabilities are then invited to highlight relevant attitudes toward everyday life and resources for future life designing
Benefits and design challenges of adaptive structures for morphing aircraft

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss the future of adaptive structures leading towards the concept of a fully morphing aircraft configuration. First, examples are shown to illustrate the potential system-level mission benefits of morphing wing geometry. The challenges of design integration are discussed along with the question of how to address the optimisation of such a system. This leads to a suggestion that non-traditional methods need to be developed. It is suggested that an integrated approach to defining the work to be done and the energy to be used is the solution. This approach is introduced and then some challenges are examined in more detail. First, concepts of mechanisation are discussed as ways to achieve optimum geometries. Then there are discussions of non-linearities that could be important. Finally, the flight control design challenge is considered in terms of the rate of change of the morphing geometry. The paper concludes with recommendations for future work.
Strategies for Defining the Army's Objective Vision of Command and Control for the 21st Century

Abstract : The uncertainty in the changing world situation and the diversity of crisis situations U.S. forces may face in the future reinforce the need for force commanders at all levels to be better able to command and control their forces, particularly at the operational and tactical levels. By being able to execute command and control (C2) rapidly, effectively, and continuously, forces may be able to quell disturbances in early stages and perhaps limit the need for larger forces or for longer operations. With improved C2 as a goal, this document presents the results of a concept formulation study that took an initial look at the command and control on the move (C2OTM) situation as a whole, postulated a set of operational objectives derived from experiences in Operation Desert Storm (ODS) and from observations based on past RAND research in the area, and reviewed the Army's current and evolving C2 subarchitecture(1) against these objectives. The document also suggests some elements that can help any C2 subarchitecture better meet the postulated operational objectives.
CMOS IMAGE SENSORS WITH COMPRESSIVE SENSING ACQUISITION

The compressive sensing (CS) paradigm provides an efficient image acquisition technique through simultaneous sensing and compression. Since the imaging philosophy in CS imagers is different from conventional imaging systems, new physical structures are required to design cameras suitable for CS imaging. While this work is focused on the hardware implementation of CS encoding for CMOS sensors, the image reconstruction problem of CS is also studied. The energy compaction properties of the image in different domains are exploited to modify conventional reconstruction problems. Experimental results show that the modified methods outperform the 1-norm and TV (total variation) reconstruction algorithms by up to 2.5dB in PSNR. Also, we have designed, fabricated and measured the performance of two real-time and area-efficient implementations of the CS encoding for CMOS imagers. In the first implementation, the idea of active pixel sensor (APS) with an integrator and in-pixel current switches are used to develop a compact, current-mode implementation of CS encoding in analog domain. In another implementation, the conventional three-transistor APS structure and switched capacitor (SC) circuits are exploited to develop the analog, voltage-mode implementation of the CS encoding. With the analog and block-based implementation, the sensing and encoding are performed in the same time interval, thus making a real-time encoding process. The proposed structures are designed and fabricated in 130nm technology. The experimental results confirm the scalability, the functionality of the block read-out, and the validity of the design in making monotonic and appropriate CS measurements. This work also discusses the CS-CMOS sensors for high frame rate CS video coding. The method of multiple-camera with coded exposure video coding is discussed and a new pixel and array structure for hardware implementation of the method is presented.
The use of the enzymativeprobiotic additive "Rumit" in feeding lactating cows in the breeding factories of the Vologda region

Relevance and methodology. Milk production is effective for producers only in case of high productivity of the farmed livestock. In the prime cost of raw milk, feed costs account for over 60%, in connection with which the main task of modern science is the development of additives and preparations that can improve the use of feed by animals, which will ensure an increase in livestock productivity. The research team of OOO Biotrof has created an experimental preparation "Rumit" — a complex of live bacteria based on cultured strains of cellulolytic bacteria of deer rumen. The effectiveness of the enzymeprobiotic supplement was studied in the breeding farms of the SKHPK collective farm "Peredovoy" and JSC "Plemzavod Rodina" of the Vologda region on lactating cows with a productivity of over 8000 kg of milk per lactation. To conduct the experiment by the method of balanced groups for a complex of economically useful traits and genetic potential, a control and experimental group of 10–12 animals each were formed. Experienced groups were fed with the drug "Rumit" 50 g per head per day during the day.Results. For 90 days of the experiment, the total density of ciliates in the contents of the rumen of the experimental groups increased by 155.9–173.0 thousand ops / ml, and the significant difference with the control was 13.5. 9–171.7 thousand ops / ml. The emergence of new genera of ciliates was noted: in the agricultural production complex the collective farm "Peredovoy" — Epidinium, in the JSC "Plemzavod Rodina" — Isotricha and Ophryoscolex. The increase in the average daily milk yield in the experimental groups was from 6.3 to 9.0% in the context of enterprises, an increase in the fat content in milk by 0.05–0.07% and protein by 0.03–0.07% was noted. As a result, in the SKHPK collective farm "Peredovoy" in the experimental group, 283 kg of milk of basic fat content were additionally obtained, and in JSC Plemzavod Rodina — 112 kg. In terms of per day from one head, it is possible to receive additional profit when feeding "Rumit" in the amount of 24.50 rubles. up to 120.15 rubles.
LOGO RECOGNITION IN VIDEOS AN AUTOMATED BRAND ANALYSIS SYSTEM

Every year companies spend a sizeable budget on marketing, a large portion of which is spent on advertisement of their product brands on TV broadcasts. These physical advertising artifacts are usually emblazoned with the companies' name, logo, and their trademark brand. Given these astronomical numbers, companies are extremely keen to verify that their brand has the level of visibility they expect for such expenditure. In other words advertisers, in particular, like to verify that their contracts with broadcasters are fulfilled as promised since the price of a commercial depends primarily on the popularity of the show it interrupts or sponsors. Such verifications are essential to major companies in order to justify advertising budgets and ensure their brands achieve the desired level of visibility. Currently, the verification of brand visibility occurs manually by human annotators who view a broadcast and annotate every appearance of a companies' trademark in the broadcast. In this thesis a novel brand logo analysis system which uses shape-based matching and scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) based matching on graphics processing unit (GPU) is proposed developed and tested. The system is described for detection and retrieval of trademark logos appearing in commercial videos. A compact representation of trademark logos and video frame content based on global (shape-based) and local (scale invariant feature transform (SIFT)) feature points is proposed. These representations can be used to robustly detect, recognize, localize, and retrieve trademarks as they appear in a variety of different commercial video types. Classification of trademarks is performed by using shaped-based matching and matching a set of SIFT feature descriptors for each trademark instance against the set of SIFT features detected in each frame of the video. Our system can automatically recognize the logos in video frames in order to summarize the logo content of the broadcast with the detected size, position and score. The output of the system can be used to summarize or check the time and duration of commercial video blocks on broadcast or on a DVD. Experimental results are provided, along with an analysis of the processed frames. Results show that our proposed technique is efficient and effectively recognizes and classifies trademark logos.
Noise robust algorithms to improve cell phone speech intelligibility for the hearing impaired

Cell phone speech can lead to a difficult listening environment because of the environmental noise, the reduced bandwidth, the packet drop offs and the vocoder artifacts. This is especially true for hearing-impaired listeners who require a 9 dB improvement in signal to noise ratio (SNR) compared to normal-hearing listeners in order to understand speech in noise. This research explored various means to improve cell phone speech intelligibility for the hearing-impaired and resulted in the development of three novel hearing enhancement algorithms. The first algorithm developed by us is the recruitment based compensation (RBC) fitting method. RBC is a hearing enhancement algorithm aimed at improving speech intelligibility (SI) for unaided listeners with sensorineural hearing loss. It is a fitting algorithm which adjusts the gain parameters of the cell phone based on the individuals threshold of hearing. It provides multiple band gain and compression to make cell phone speech audible and within the reduced dynamic range of the hearing-impaired individual. Subjective hearing in noise tests (HINT) run on hearing-impaired subjects reveal that RBC shows a 15 dB improvement in SNR when compared to linear amplification which is typical of the cell phone volume control. RBC also shows a 6 dB improvement in SNR when compared to the desired sensation level (DSL) fitting method which is a popular audiology option. The second algorithm developed by us is the noise robust recruitment based compensation (NR-RBC) algorithm. NR-RBC is derived from RBC but uses the masked thresholds in noise instead of the thresholds in quiet. NR-RBC provides hearing loss compensation and automatic volume control in noisy environments. The objective speech intelligibility index (SII) scores indicate that NR-RBC has high speech usage when compared to all the other fitting methods. Both RBC and NR-RBC received a speech quality mean opinion score (MOS) of "Good. " Though RBC and NR-RBC were designed with the hearing-impaired in mind the algorithm proves beneficial to the normal-hearing person with slight modifications. This resulted in a 3 dB improvement in SNR when compared to DSL using RBC, a 13 dB improvement in SNR using NR-RBC and a speech quality rating of "Good. " For the aided hearing-impaired population, the hearing aid fitting acclimatization method was developed to improve speech intelligibility. Acclimatization occurs because of the plasticity of the auditory cortex. Acclimatization modeling was carried out using neural networks which were trained with multi-session Phonak hearing aid fitting data. This method is to be used in conjunction with existing hearing loss fitting algorithms and predicts the effect of hearing aid acclimatization. The mean square error (MSE) between the predicted values and the optimal values averaged across the parameters is lower than with the initial settings.