Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-Modal Reconstruction for Tactile Signal in Human–Robot Interaction

A human can infer the magnitude of interaction force solely based on visual information because of prior knowledge in human–robot interaction (HRI). A method of reconstructing tactile information through cross-modal signal processing is proposed in this paper. In our method, visual information is added as an auxiliary source to tactile information. In this case, the receiver is only able to determine the tactile interaction force from the visual information provided. In our method, we first process groups of pictures (GOPs) and treat them as the input. Secondly, we use the low-rank foreground-based attention mechanism (LAM) to detect regions of interest (ROIs). Finally, we propose a linear regression convolutional neural network (LRCNN) to infer contact force in video frames. The experimental results show that our cross-modal reconstruction is indeed feasible. Furthermore, compared to other work, our method is able to reduce the complexity of the network and improve the material identification accuracy.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Derived from Low-Grade Coal for High-Performance Flexible Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Cyclability

Preparation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) from abundant and inexpensive low-grade coal is regarded as one of the most promising methods for utilizing this resource in a high-value and environmentally sustainable manner. As the main precursor for the fabrication of RGO, graphene oxide (GO) can be extracted from low-grade coal such as lignite, but its size is just in the range of tens to hundreds of nanometers, which limits its practical application. Herein, we demonstrate that large-size RGO sheets can be prepared in large quantities by the pretreatment of lignite using the high temperature–high pressure (HTHP) method. The RGO electrode after the reduction reaction by 50 mM NaBH4 at 105 °C features porosity and high conductivity, which can facilitate high electrochemical reaction efficiency. Thus, we also demonstrate the use of lignite-derived RGO for supercapacitor electrode materials with high performance. The lignite-derived RGO supercapacitor can deliver outstanding volumetric capacitance (30.6 F cm−3), high energy density (4.2 mW h cm−3), excellent flexibility (79.5% retention of the initial capacitance at 180° bending), and a long lifespan (112.3% retention of the initial capacitance after 20,000 cycles). It is believed that the proposed large-size RGO based on reasonable optimization of inferior lignite will offer a new prospect for next-generation energy storage applications.
Pareto Optimality in Infinite Horizon Mean-Field Stochastic Cooperative Linear–Quadratic Difference Games

This article is concerned with the mean-field stochastic cooperative linear–quadratic dynamic difference game in an infinite time horizon. First, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the stability in the mean-square sense and the stochastic Popov–Belevitch–Hautus eigenvector tests for the exact observability and exact detectability of mean-field stochastic linear difference systems are derived by the $\mathscr {H}$-representation technique. Second, the relation between the solvability of the cross-coupled generalized Lyapunov equations and the exact observability, exact detectability, and stability of the mean-field dynamic system is well characterized. It is then shown that the cross-coupled algebraic Riccati equations (CC-AREs) admit a unique positive-definite (positive-semidefinite, respectively) solution under exact observability (exact detectability, respectively), which is also a feedback stabilizing solution. Furthermore, all the Pareto optimal strategies and solutions can be, respectively, derived via the solutions to the weighted CC-AREs and the weighted cross-coupled algebraic Lyapunov equations. Finally, a practical application on the computation offloading in the multiaccess edge computing network is presented to illustrate the proposed theoretical results.
Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin as a Prognostic Factor for Severe COVID-19 ARDS

Mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) protects against endothelial permeability and has been associated with prognosis in bacterial sepsis. As endothelial dysfunction is central in the pathophysiology of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, we sought to evaluate MR-proADM both as a prognostic biomarker and as a marker of bacterial superinfection. Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU for severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were prospectively included and serum was bio-banked on days 1, 3, and 7. MR-proADM levels were measured blindly from clinical outcomes in batches at the end of follow-up. Among the 135 patients included between April 2020 and May 2021, 46 (34.1%) had died at day 60. MR-proADM levels on days 1, 3, and 7 were significantly higher in day-60 non-survivors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (0.744, p < 0.001) of day-1 MR-proADM compared favorably with the AUC ROC curve of day-1 procalcitonin (0.691, p < 0.001). Serial MR-proADM measurements on days 3 and 7 may add prognostic information. After adjusting for CRP, LDH, and lymphocyte values, day-1 MR-proADM remained significantly associated with day-60 mortality. MR-proADM concentrations were significantly higher in patients with respiratory superinfections (on days 3 and 7) and bloodstream infections (on days 1, 3, and 7) than in patients without infection. Our results suggest that MR-proADM is a good predictor of outcome in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and could be a useful tool to assess bacterial superinfection in COVID-19 patients.
A Comparative Study of Software Defined Networking Controllers Using Mininet

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a relatively new networking architecture that has become the most widely discussed networking technology in recent years and the latest development in the field of developing digital networks, which aims to break down the traditional connection in the middle of the control surface and the infrastructure surface. The goal of this separation is to make resources more manageable, secure, and controllable. As a result, many controllers such as Beacon, Floodlight, Ryu, OpenDayLight (ODL), Open Network Operating System (ONOS), NOX, as well as Pox, have been developed. The selection of the finest-fit controller has evolved into an application-specific tool operation due to the large range of SDN applications and controllers. This paper discusses SDN, a new paradigm of networking in which the architecture transitions from a completely distributed form to a more centralized form and evaluates and contrasts the effects of various SDN controllers on SDN. This report examines some SDN controllers or the network’s “brains,” shows how they differ from one another, and compares them to see which is best overall. The presentation of SDN controllers such as Ryu, ODL, and others is compared by utilizing the Mininet simulation environment. In this study, we offer a variety of controllers before introducing the tools used in the paper: Mininet. Then, we run an experiment to show how to use ODL to establish a custom network topology on a Mininet. The experimental results show that the O controller, with its larger bandwidth and reduced latency, outperforms other controllers in all topologies (both the default topology and a custom topology with ODL).
Integrative Analysis of Angiogenesis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA and Identification of a Six-DEARlncRNA Signature Associated with Prognosis and Therapeutic Response in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a familiar lethal malignance. Increasing evidence has disclosed that lncRNA is involved in tumorgenesis and progression in various tumor types. However, the current understanding of angiogenesis-related lncRNAs (ARlncRNAs) involved in ESCC remains evasive. We developed and validated a six-DEARlncRNA risk score system among the GSE53624 and GSE53622 set, aiming to identify the novel prognostic targets for ESCC. Our results showed that the six-DEARlncRNA could be used as an effective independent prognostic factor of ESCC. Furthermore, the six-DEARlncRNA biomarkers mainly participated in regulation of the skin and epidermis development, and these processes protected the body from environmental insults and may have been involved in the progression of ESCC. In conclusion, this study showed that the six-DEARlncRNA signature could be used as an independent prognostic factor and may be a valuable target for treatment options in ESCC. Abstract Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a lethal gastrointestinal malignancy worldwide. We aimed to identify an angiogenesis-related lncRNAs (ARlncRNAs) signature that could predict the prognosis in ESCC. The GSE53624 and GSE53622 datasets were derived from the GEO database. The differently expressed ARlncRNAs (DEARlncRNAs) were retrieved by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differential expression analysis, and correlation analysis. Optimal lncRNA biomarkers were screened from the training set and the six-DEARlncRNA signature comprising AP000696.2, LINC01711, RP11-70C1.3, AP000487.5, AC011997.1, and RP11-225N10.1 could separate patients into high- and low-risk groups with markedly different survival. The validation of the reliability of the risk model was performed by the Kaplan-Meier test, ROC curves, and risk curves in the test set and validation set. Predictive independence analysis indicated that risk score is an independent prognostic biomarker for predicting the prognosis of ESCC patients. Subsequently, a ceRNA regulatory network and functional enrichment analysis were performed. The IC50 test revealed that patients in the high-risk group were resistant to Gefitinib and Lapatinib. Finally, the six DEARlncRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR. In conclusion, we demonstrated a novel ARlncRNA signature as an independent prognostic factor to distinguish the risk of ESCC patients and benefit the personalized clinical applications.
Blind Interference Alignment in Multi-Cell mmWave Access and Fronthaul

Enhanced network capacity and reduced overhead will be some of the future communication networks requirements. In the absence of Channel State Information (CSI) at the transmitter, Blind Interference Alignment (Blind IA) has shown that optimal Degrees of Freedom (DoF) can be achieved, minimizing network's overhead. Limited spectrum is a basic issue that millimeter-Wave (mmWave) frequencies can resolve in 5G systems. Our contribution is an interference management scheme, based on Blind IA that can be employed in multi-cell, slow-fading, mmWave networks. Blind IA manages inter-and intra-cell interference by antenna selection and appropriate message scheduling. We show that our proposed scheme achieves considerably higher sum rate than TDMA, and overall outperforms TDMA in terms of Degrees of Freedom (DoF) in most cases. Also, Blind IA provides better Bit Error Rate (BER) performance and fairness, in terms of scheduling, to the network users.
Providing Reliable Throughput with UPWARC as a Wireless Communications Architecture for High-Speed Trains

The study presented in this paper shows comprehensive simulation results of various in- train traffic loads generated by Wireless Digital Line (WiDTL)-related and passenger portable devices. It demonstrates the nature of these different traffic flows in different source, destination and aggregation points. Thus, by observing the various control- and userapplication demands associated with High- Speed Train (HST) operations we can conclude that conventional networks fail to appropriately backhaul this data load. Keeping, this limitation in this mind we have proposed User Plane Wireless Adaptable Reliable Communication (UPWARC), which increases the network performance even in harsh time-variance. According to our study, it is possible for the envisioned UPWARC-based unified train communications architecture to provide high network performance and guarantee Quality of Service (QoS), in some aspects improving performance 15 fold, at the edges of cellular wayside basestation coverage.
Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage after XEN Gel Implant Requiring Surgical Drainage

Abstract Aim To describe a case of a patient on anticoagulation who underwent XEN45 (XEN) gel stent placement and subsequently developed kissing suprachoroidal hemorrhages (SCHs) requiring surgical drainage. Background Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) aims to achieve effective control of intraocular pressure (IOP) while minimizing the complications associated with traditional glaucoma surgeries. Rarely, a severe complication of intraocular surgery is SCH, which can result from early postoperative hypotony. The XEN gel stent is a MIGS device that theoretically avoids the risk of hypotony due to its outflow resistance properties. However, cases of SCH associated with XEN gel stents have been reported. Case Description A monocular 86-year-old Caucasian male with glaucoma and atrial fibrillation on rivaroxaban underwent routine XEN gel stent placement with mitomycin C in his only seeing eye. On postoperative day 3, he presented with severe eye pain and worsening vision. He was found to have a SCH that gradually progressed to kissing suprachoroidals that required surgical drainage. After extensive discussion, the decision was made to hold the patient's rivaroxaban given his monocular status. The patient subsequently had a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) 1 week after drainage, but his symptoms gradually resolved after restarting anticoagulation. Two months after drainage, the patient's SCH had completely resolved, and he had recovered baseline visual acuity with excellent IOP control-off medications. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of quick and appropriate management of complications following glaucoma surgery, as well as discussion with patients regarding risks of treatments and return precautions. It also is a reminder that although many new surgical interventions are “minimally invasive,” those like the XEN that are more effective at IOP control may have a similar risk profile to more traditional surgeries like trabeculectomy. As such, risk factors like anticoagulation use and older age should be considered in anticipation of surgical intervention. Clinical significance The XEN gel stent is a new surgical option for glaucoma patients that asserts a better safety profile than traditional surgeries like trabeculectomy, but our case of kissing SCHs requiring surgical intervention following XEN placement reminds us that even minimally invasive surgeries can have devastating complications. How to cite this article Wang K, Wang JC, Sarrafpour S. Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage after XEN Gel Implant Requiring Surgical Drainage. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(2):132-135.
Variation in contact chemical cues may mediate differential predator response in the colour polymorphic tortoise beetle, Chelymorpha alternans

Differential predation on species with intraspecific colour variation has been explored in various systems and is often implicated as the driving force behind colour polymorphism maintenance. Here, investigation done on whether predation contributes to the maintenance of extensive colour variation in the Neotropical tortoise beetle, Chelymorpha alternans (Chrysomelidae). Recorded predation rates on different colour pattern phenotypes by three common, generalist invertebrate predators, and identified potential chemical signals of unpalatability. Predaceious mantids (Orthoptera, Mantidae) consumed no beetles, regardless of phenotype, whereas the giant orb‐weaving spider (Trichonephila clavipes; Araneidae) consumed all three beetle phenotypes. The carton‐nest ant, Azteca chartifex (Formicidae), displayed differential predation; the rufipennis phenotype of C. alternans was sometimes consumed, the metallic phenotype was never consumed, and the veraguensis phenotype was consumed in the first three encounters and subsequently discarded, suggesting a learned avoidance behaviour. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, it was determined that cuticular hydrocarbon profiles were similar between the metallic and militaris‐a phenotypes. The rufipennis phenotype showed pronounced differences and displayed the greatest among‐individual variation in elytral cuticular profiles. Between‐phenotype variation in chemical cues, and differences in how predators receive those cues, may mediate predator response, and play a role in maintaining colour variation in this species.
Clinical Considerations in the Selection of Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Canada

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, approximately 62,050 people were living with HIV in Canada in 2018, and of those, 13% were undiagnosed. Currently, no single strategy provides complete protection or is universally effective across all demographic groups at risk for HIV. However, HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the newest HIV prevention strategy that shows promise. To date, two products have received an indication for PrEP by Health Canada: emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada®; FTC/TDF) and emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (Descovy®; FTC/TAF). Despite the high efficacy of these PrEP intervention methods, access to PrEP in Canada remains low. Identifying and addressing barriers to PrEP access, especially in high-risk groups, are necessary to reduce HIV transmission in Canada. While guidelines published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include FTC/TAF information, the efficacy of FTC/TAF for PrEP has not yet been considered in Canada's clinical practice guidelines. Thus, the current paper reviews data regarding the use of FTC/TDF and FTC/TAF for PrEP, which may be useful for Canadian healthcare providers when counseling and implementing HIV prevention methods. The authors highlight these data in relation to various at-risk populations and review ongoing clinical trials investigating novel PrEP agents. Overall, FTC/TDF PrEP is effective for many populations, including men who have sex with men, transgender women, heterosexuals with partners living with HIV, and people who use drugs. While there is fewer data reported on the efficacy of FTC/TAF to date, recent clinical trials have demonstrated noninferiority of FTC/TAF in comparison to FTC/TDF. Notably, as studies have shown that FTC/TAF maintains renal function and bone mineral density to a greater extent than FTC/TDF, FTC/TAF may be a safer option for patients experiencing renal and/or bone dysfunction, for those at risk of renal and bone complications, and for those who develop FTC/TDF-related adverse events.
SVPWAM modulation strategy for back-to-back converters to reduce harmonic and common mode voltage

ABSTRACT This paper presents a new switching strategy by combining space vector modulation (SVM) and pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) techniques. The proposed method can eliminate harmonics and reduce power loss, leading to efficiency increment. Moreover, as one of the significant challenges in any modulation technique, the common-mode voltage is investigated. Accordingly, applying the proposed method in a conventional back-to-back two-level converter results in a substantial reduction of the common-mode voltage as well as the harmonic content of the systems’ input current fed by the power grid. Also, easy implementation regardless of the converter’s rating is the other advantage of using this method. Furthermore, applying this strategy does not add to the converter’s volume, weight, and cost. The appropriate selection of the active vectors, the arrangement of the switching sequences for the inverter and rectifier, as well as the modulation index of the converter are key factors in this technique. The performance of the proposed strategy is investigated through both simulations and experimentations on a back-to-back two-level converter prototype. The experimental results show that the proposed method reduces the common-mode voltage by more than 50%, reaching 87.2% efficiency, making the proposed method suitable for industrial applications.
SACI Protocol: Preliminary Guidelines for the Development of Digital Health Technologies for Clinical Trials in Brazil

In the last decade, evidence-based medical practice has been supported on a large scale by computerized decision support tools, aiming to reduce diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty, complementing the actions of the health professional. With technological developments, it is now possible to consider these systems as part of clinical intervention, both for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The literature has described the implementation of e-health tools, that is, technological innovations in the health area such as software, applications, serious games, among others, as a strategy to improve the process and adherence to treatment. However, there is still no standardized instrument in Brazil that can be used to guide the development, from the research phase, and the implementation of these tools as a health intervention, also impacting patient outcomes. With the objective of investigating a new therapeutic and preventive form, based on intervention with a computerized system, this work proposes the creation of guidelines for the registration and implementation of e-health tools as a clinical intervention. The proposal aims to be able to assist in the reporting standardization from the development stage to the application of the e-health tool helping in the treat-ment of diseases, registering all the experience lived in the research and applying it in different contexts of health.
In Vitro Release, Mucosal Permeation and Deposition of Cannabidiol from Liquisolid Systems: The Influence of Liquid Vehicles

This work investigated the influence of liquid vehicles on the release, mucosal permeation and deposition of cannabidiol (CBD) from liquisolid systems. Various vehicles, including EtOH, nonvolatile low- and semi-polar solvents, and liquid surfactants, were investigated. The CBD solution was converted into free-flowing powder using carrier (microcrystalline cellulose) and coating materials (colloidal silica). A physical mixture of the CBD and carrier–coating materials was prepared as a control. The non-crystalline state of CBD in the liquisolid systems was confirmed using XRD, FTIR and SEM studies. The CBD liquisolid powder prepared with volatile and nonvolatile solvents had a better CBD release performance than the CBD formed as the surfactant-based and control powders. The liquisolid systems provided the CBD permeation flux through porcine esophageal mucosa ranging from 0.68 ± 0.11 to 13.68 ± 0.74 µg·cm−2·h−1, with the CBD deposition levels of 0.74 ± 0.04 to 2.62 ± 0.30 μg/mg for the dry mucosa. Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether showed significant CBD permeation enhancement (2.1 folds) without an increase in mucosal deposition, while the surfactants retarded the permeation (6.7–9.0 folds) and deposition (1.5–3.2 folds) significantly. In conclusion, besides the drug release, liquid vehicles significantly influence mucosal permeation and deposition, either enhanced or suppressed, in liquisolid systems. Special attention must be paid to the selection and screening of suitable liquid vehicles for liquisolid systems designed for transmucosal applications.