Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimal Perturbations for Zero Controllability of Discrete-Time Linear Systems: Complexity Analysis

This article deals with computational complexity of various problems related to the zero controllability of a discrete-time linear time-invariant system, assuming that purely structural conditions at the level of the connections between the system states (i.e., state-connections) and the connections from the inputs to the states (i.e., input-connections) are known. Given a generically zero controllable system, we consider the following problems: i) find a minimal set of input-connections whose removal makes the resulting system not generic zero controllability; ii) identify a minimal cost set of input-connections that must be retained from the given set of input-connections while preserving generic zero controllability property; and iii) given a not generically zero controllable system, find a smallest set of state-connections whose removal makes the resulting system generically zero controllable. Problem i) is polynomially solvable. Problems ii) and iii) are NP-hard and approximation results are provided for them. The results of i) and iii) provide clues to analyze the fragility and hardness involved in modifying a system structure. Problem ii) is useful to ensure an accurate discrete-time linear approximation of a large-scale system by maintaining generic zero controllability of the linear system.
Chloroplast genome for Crataegus pinnatifida (Rosaceae) and phylogenetic analyses with its coordinal species

Abstract Crataegus pinnatifida is an important medicinal and edible plant. Now, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. pinnatifida was assembled and annotated. The cp genome of C. pinnatifida was 159,898 bp and contained two short inverted repeat regions (26,540 bp) which were separated by a small single copy region (19,219 bp) and a large single copyregion (87,599 bp). The cp genome encodes 109 unique genes, including 75 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. The topology of the phylogenetic tree showed that C. pinnatifida has a close relationship with species Eriobotrya, Sorbus, Pyrus, Mulus, and Chaenomeles.
Dusky dolphin movement patterns: short-term effects of tourism

Cetacean-oriented tourism has experienced rapid growth in the last two decades, accompanied by increasing concerns about the effects of tourism on target species. Here, we used shore-based observations of dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) groups near Kaikoura, New Zealand, and generalised additive models to quantify changes in group speed, reorientation and linearity relative to natural and anthropogenic factors. Summer months were characterised by slower speeds and more changes in direction than winter months. Group speeds were higher at the beginning and end of the day, with slower speeds at midday. Speeds were slower when vessels were present, and dolphin groups changed direction more often when aircraft circled overhead. Effects were positively correlated with number of vessels present within 300 m. Short-term changes have potential to lead to long-term impacts, and further acoustic and energetic studies are proposed to elucidate whether these effects are likely to reduce individual fitness.
Effects of cysteine in serum-free maturation medium on male pronuclear formation of maturing pig oocytes penetrated in vitro

Pig immature oocytes were cultured for 24, 36 and 48 h in serum-free maturation medium with or without 0.57 mM cysteine. The addition of cysteine to the medium was associated with increased glutathione synthesis by oocytes but did not promote nor inhibit nuclear maturation, sperm penetration in vitro , and decondensation of sperm nuclei in penetrated oocytes. The incidence of activation of penetrated oocytes 14 h after insemination in vitro was lower in those cultured both in the presence and absence of cysteine for 24 h than 36 and 48 h. The lower ability of oocytes cultured for 24 h to be activated was not improved by neither the addition of cysteine (0.57 mM) in fertilization medium nor prolonged culture time after insemination. However, male pronuclear formation in activated oocytes after sperm penetration at any stages of maturation was largely accelerated when cysteine was added to maturation medium. An increased concentration of glutathione may induce full decondensation of sperm nuclei in immature pig oocytes penetrated in vitro ensuring transformation of the decondensed sperm nuclei to male pronuclei only in synchronization with oocyte activation. Reprod. 73–80,
Short Note on the Silver Eel Catch on the Lower River Shannon

Catches of eel from the Shannon lake system of 35,000 ha have fluctuated from 10 to 46 t per annum over the period 1964 to 1988. Peak catches are observed at intervals from 3 to 5 years. Catches increased following improvement of fishing gear but otherwise remained steady in spite of a sustained increase in stocks. Migration was observed every month except June. The numbers of female eels>60cm decreased over the period. Male eels ranged from 39 to 44 cm, ages 5 to 15; females from 45 to 99 cm, ages 8 to 30 years.
Experimental Studies on Lateral Root Formation in Radish Seedling Roots. I. General Methods, Developmental Stages, and Spontaneous Formation of Laterals

Three-day-old radish (Raphanus sativus) seedling roots were used in these studies, either as part of intact seedlings or as cultured excised segments. Observations and measurements were made on the growth and development of seedling roots. Anatomical studies were performed on seedling roots and on developing lateral root primordia (LRP). In longitudinal sections, oblique cross wall formation in the pericycle was observed, as was the subsequent formation of cuneiform cells during the very early ontogeny of LRP. Procedures are described for the quantitative assessment of the effects of experimental treatments on (1) LRP initiation in terms of the number of LRP that form per centimeter of seedling root, and (2) LRP development utilizing six numbered developmental stages. Five to six LRP formed spontaneously per centimeter of seedling root in the absence of treatment designed to influence LRP initiation. We speculated, based on our observations, that a spontaneously forming LRP could develop from a small population of pericycle cells that do not stop cycling after emerging from the apical meristem region.
Control of Bering Strait Transport by the Meridional Overturning Circulation

It is well established that the mean transport through Bering Strait is balanced by a sea level difference between the North Pacific and the Arctic Ocean, but no mechanism has been proposed to explain this sea level difference. It is argued that the sea level difference across Bering Strait, which geostrophically balances the northward throughflow, is associated with the sea level difference between the North Pacific and the North Atlantic/Arctic. In turn, the latter difference is caused by deeper middepth isopycnals in the Indo-Pacific than in the Atlantic, especially in the northern high latitudes because there is deep water formation in the Atlantic, but not in the Pacific. Because the depth of the middepth isopycnals is associated with the dynamics of the upper branch of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC), a model is formulated that quantitatively relates the sea level difference between the North Pacific and the Arctic/North Atlantic with the wind stress in the Antarctic Circumpolar region, since this forcing powers the MOC, and with the outcropping isopycnals shared between the Northern Hemisphere and the Antarctic circumpolar region, since this controls the location of deep water formation. This implies that if the sinking associated with the MOC were to occur in the North Pacific, rather than the North Atlantic, then the Bering Strait flow would reverse. These predictions, formalized in a theoretical box model, are confirmed by a series of numerical experiments in a simplified geometry of the World Ocean, forced by steady surface wind stress, temperature, and freshwater flux.
A Preferential Analysis of Physical Properties in Graphene Oxide Doped PEDOT:PSS Hole Transport Layers

Flexible and semitransparent hole transport layers in perovskite-based photovoltaics have been attracting increasing attention in recent years. Among the benefits they provide, such as being easily reproducible and affordable, they pose their own problems with device degradation, stability, and surface wettability. We probed the graphene oxide doped PEDOT:PSS (GO)/poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) composite for the application in 2D carbonaceous hole transport layers to improve perovskite solar cells. Advantages and problems are pointed out as well as new perspectives to further modify and retract the drawbacks of conducting polymers. We discussed the advancement of the hole transport layer and described the effects of graphene oxide (dopant) on device transmission, surface wettability, and film quality. Basic principles and mechanisms are covered in the development of polymeric hole transport layers and interfacial properties. Findings included the decrease in device transmission, lessened oxidation of the perovskite, and superior surface wettability. This work highlights the importance and relevance of thin, flexible and powerful photovoltaic systems.
Isolation of highly polymorphic microsatellite loci from the temperate damselfish Parma microlepis

Microsatellites were isolated from the damselfish Parma microlepis (Gunther 1862) (Pomacentridae) and screened for 100 individuals. Seven of the eight loci tested were highly polymorphic, having 14–43 alleles with average heterozygosities between 0.86 and 0.97. These loci should be informative for studies on population genetics of this species.
Treatment Response to Hydroxychloroquine, Lopinavir–Ritonavir, and Antibiotics for Moderate COVID-19: A First Report on the Pharmacological Outcomes from South Korea

The authors have withdrawn this manuscript because of the controversy about hydroxychloroquine and potential changes in results after peer-review, the authors intend to share their results in formal publication. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
The Biotechnology of Wine Yeast

Abstract The production of wine from grapes is one of the world's oldest biotechnological processes. The alcoholic fermentation, the conversion of grape sugars to ethanol, is conducted by yeast of the genus Saccharomyces. In addition to wide-ranging roles in beverage and food processing, Saccharomyces is also a premier research model system because of its genetic tractability. Its genome has been sequenced, and an extensive array of molecular technologies has been developed for the genetic manipulation of this organism. In spite of the availability of these molecular tools, genetically engineered yeast strains are not yet in use in the commercial wine industry. Anxiety over consumer acceptance is one reason genetically modified strains are not employed, but there are other concerns as well. Wine production is unique in many respects. The wine production process is not conducted under sterile conditions, and any modified organism has the potential to become an enduring resident of the winery flora. Further, wine production is both science and art. There is concern that many of the proposed genetic modifications of yeast are designed to correct processing errors or incompetence of the winemaker rather than being useful tools to enhance the artistry of wine making. In spite of these concerns, the efficacy of genetic modification of wine yeast has been demonstrated.
Fingerprint Quality Assessment based on Texture and Geometric Features

Abstract Fingerprint quality assessments are generally used to evaluate the quality of images obtained from fingerprint sensors, and effective fingerprint quality assessment methods are crucial to establishing high-performance biometric identification systems. The use of fingerprint quality assessments helps improve the accuracy of fingerprint registration and user satisfaction. NIST Fingerprint Image Quality (NFIQ) is a popular fingerprint quality assessment algorithm; however, it is unable to provide high-quality assessments for some partial fingerprint images obtained from mobile device sensors. In this study, a hybrid fingerprint assessment framework that integrated texture and geometric features was examined. The final quality assessment values obtained by the framework were higher than those obtained using NFIQ, effectively elevating the performance of existing NFIQ algorithms and expanding its scope of application for different fingerprint images.
The Analgesic Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) combined with Physical Therapy on Common Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND The analgesic effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) combined with physical therapy remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To systematically review available evidence comparing tDCS with any physical therapy modality (PTM) to PTM alone or PTM with sham tDCS on pain relief on common musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, namely knee osteoarthritis (KOA), chronic low back pain (CLBP), myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and fibromyalgia. METHODS EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched from inception to April 2019 for randomized controlled trials. Reviewers independently assessed the studies quality and extracted data according to the PRISMA protocol. The GRADE approach was used to asses quality of evidence and a "Summary of Findings" table was created. The analyses used random-effects model. The primary outcome was pain reduction after treatment. RESULTS Eight articles were included. Only one study had low risk of bias. Quality of evidence was considered low or very low. Significant reduction in pain scores were found for fibromyalgia and KOA (Standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.94 [95% CI: -3.37 to -0.49; I 2=76.4%] and SMD = -2.35 [95% CI: -3.63 to -1.06; I 2=69.7%] respectively). Subgroup analysis considering the type of PTM despite MSK condition revealed significant reduction in pain scores for exercise, SMD = -1.20 [95% CI: -1.683 to -0.717; I 2=10.8%]. CONCLUSIONS Large heterogeneity and low quality of evidence and limited number of studies were found. Results suggest a potential analgesic effect of tDCS in combination with a PTM for fibromyalgia and KOA. Subgroup analysis suggests a stronger effect of tDCS when combined with an exercise based PTM.
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF THYROID HORMONE IN PARAFFIN EMBEDDED HUMAN THYROID TISSUES

The immunoperoxidase technique was shown to be applicable to localization of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in 10% formalin fixed paraffin sections of human thyroid tissues including tumors. T4 was demonstrated in the colloid substance and on the luminal surface of the follicular epithelia, and less frequently in the cytoplasm of the non-neoplastic epithelia. On the contrary, cytoplasmic staining of T4 was remarkable in some thyroid tumors. The T3 localization was observed rather in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells than in the colloid substance.It is noteworthy that most of the thyroid neoplasms which were clinically diagnosed as non-functioning showed more or less positive staining for either T4 or T3.
Visual analogue scale: a simple tool in rural region for physician’s global evaluation and patient’s self-evaluation in allergic rhinitis

Background: The study was done with the objective to study whether the physician’s global evaluation of the consultation corelates with patient’s self-evaluation to patient outcome concerning symptom relief of nasal congestion by using visual analogue scale. Methods: A total of 52 patients completed a visual analogue score questionnaire presented at the consultation. 52 patients were reached in a seven days follow-up after the consultation. Patient’s outcome measures conducted at MIMER Medical College and Dr. Bhausaheb Sardesai Hospital in rural Maval Taluka in Pune district of Maharashtra state. Results: Physician’s self-evaluation of the consultation was much more strongly associated with outcome than the patient’s evaluation. Conclusions: The difference between the physician’s and patient’s evaluation of the consultation to predict patient outcomes indicates that the physician’s self-evaluation of the consultation is of importance.
Research on Energy Optimization Method of Virtual Power Plant Considering Coordination and Interaction of Source-Load-Storage

Developing renewable energy generation such as wind power and photovoltaics is an effective way to cope with energy shortage and environmental problems. The virtual power plant (VPP) realizes the grid-connected operation of intermittent distributed renewable energy by aggregating multiple types of distributed energy resources. In order to achieve the energy optimization problem of the VPP, an optimization method of VPP considering coordination and interaction of source-load-storage is proposed in this paper. First, models of components in the VPP are established. Next, an energy optimization model of the VPP considering coordination and interaction of source-load-storage is constructed. Finally, a case is studied to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the method. The results show that the coordinated consideration of distributed generation, energy storage and demand response loads contributes to reducing the operating costs and carbon emissions of the VPP.
Use of nutritional supplement to improve performance in professional soccer players: A case report

The aim of the study was to investigate the intake percentage and the satisfaction level of some nutritional supplements used by professional soccer players. Twenty-nine professional soccer players (age: 24.6 ± 5.2 years, body weight: 79.2 ± 4.9 kg, body height: 1.83 ± 0.05 m) belonging to a team of Serie A were interviewed on: frequency of use, tolerability, and acceptance of the supplements (creatine, β-alanine, whey protein, nitrates, vitamin D3, caffeine) proposed by the nutritionist team. This survey revealed a great inter-individual variability on the intake of the proposed supplements. All respondents (n = 29) said they take cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), 17 out of 29 creatine, 14 out of 29 whey protein, and 10 out of 29 dietary nitrates. No participants declared to assume β-alanine or caffeine anhydrous. Cholecalciferol resulted the most accepted supplement, followed by creatine and whey protein. Study participants prefer to take dietary nitrates through the consumption of vegetable juices, primarily from fennel and celery juice, and only two out of twenty-nine regularly taking concentrated beet juice. Since none of the twenty-nine participants interviewed uses β-alanine and caffeine in anhydrous form, the daily contribution of caffeine is mainly guaranteed by the consumption of coffee.
Immobilization of lipase from Fusarium solani FS1

Lipase from Fusarium solani FS1 was immobilized by covalent attachment to polyacrylamide beads and onto magnetized Dacron, retaining 12% and 97% of activity, respectively. Lipase was also entrapped within polyacrylamide beads, retaining 53% of activity. Investigations of the kinetic characteristics of the immobilized derivatives using triolein as substrate showed that lipase immobilized onto polyacrilamide beads and Dacron did not follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics.
A Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Wafer Defect Identification on an Imbalanced Dataset in Semiconductor Manufacturing Processes

Wafer maps contain information about various defect patterns on the wafer surface and automatic classification of these defects plays a vital role to find their root causes. Semiconductor engineers apply various methods for wafer defect classification such as manual visual inspection or machine learning-based algorithms by manually extracting useful features. However, these methods are unreliable, and their classification performance is also poor. Therefore, this paper proposes a deep learning-based convolutional neural network for automatic wafer defect identification (CNN-WDI). We applied a data augmentation technique to overcome the class-imbalance issue. The proposed model uses convolution layers to extract valuable features instead of manual feature extraction. Moreover, state-of-the-art regularization methods such as batch normalization and spatial dropout are used to improve the classification performance of the CNN-WDI model. The experimental results comparison using a real wafer dataset shows that our model outperformed all previously proposed machine learning-based wafer defect classification models. The average classification accuracy of the CNN-WDI model with nine different wafer map defects is 96.2%, which is an increment of 6.4% from the last highest average accuracy using the same dataset.
Effects of sowing rate and grazing management of forage rape (Brassica napus) on grazing behaviour and utilisation by dairy cattle.

The increase in total factor productivity in the Australian dairy industry over the last 10 years has been low (1.5%). To help address this issue, ‘FutureDairy’ is aiming to increase the production of home-grown feed currently achieved from pastures using a complementary forage-rotation (CFR) system. Forage rape (Brassica napus) is a key component of the CFR; however, it is a complex crop to manage and feed, and the interactions between the behaviour and grazing habits of dairy cattle are unknown. The present experiment investigated the effect of the sowing rate and grazing management of forage rape on the grazing behaviour and forage utilisation of lactating dairy cattle. A field experiment was established, with a forage rape crop planted at three different sowing rates of 2, 3.5 and 5 kg/ha. The crop was grazed using either a ‘multiple grazing’ system, where the forage rape was strip-grazed in a manner to promote regrowth to allow for regrazing, or a ‘take-all grazing’ system, where the forage rape was grazed once only after reaching maximum biomass. The grazing preferences of cows for the sowing rates during the grazing sessions were visually observed and recorded, and forage utilisation was determined from pre-grazing and post-grazing forage availability. Nitrogen (N) deposition from excreta was estimated using stocking density and time spent. Cattle preferred grazing the forage rape sown at 2 kg/ha, but this preference did not result in higher forage utilisation. Grazing method had no effect on forage utilisation or N deposition. Cows should be removed after ~80 min of grazing in a multiple grazing system to ensure future regrowth. Further work is necessary to fully investigate the effects of grazing method on forage utilisation and N deposition, and more accurate external devices and internal markers should be used in the future to provide better estimates of forage utilisation.