Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maximizing the Engagement: Exploring New Signals of Implicit Feedback in Music Recommendations

Music recommendation engines play a pivotal role in connecting artists with their listeners. Optimizing myopically only for user satisfaction may lead systems to recommend just a small fraction of all the available artists, or to recommend artists to users who might engage with them only in the short-term. In this work, we investigate such effects by exploring different signals of implicit feedback provided by users when using a music service (i.e., counting the number of tracks, days or times a user listens to an artist) and pro-pose novel combined signals. Our approaches are evaluated over four different datasets, combining traditional user-centered evaluation metrics with artist-based ones, which allows us to measure the quality of the recommendations and the potential engagement with the recommended artists. Our experiments reveal that the selection of the implicit feedback signal has a significant impact on the quality of the recommendations. In addition, we show that the proposed signals increase the chances of a higher engagement between users and the artists they get recommended.
Tumor Nuclei Detection in Histopathology Images Using R-CNN

Breast cancer is the most common in the world and its rates could be increased from 2 million in 2018 to 3 million in 2040, and the death rate from 600 thousand to nearly 1 million per year. Histopathological analysis is used for diagnosis of almost all cancer types. Nowadays histopathological tissue analysis and evaluating the microscopic appearance of a biopsied tissue sample are provided by a pathologist. The paper is devoted to the problem of histopathological analysis automatization using a region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN). The purpose of the research is to automatizate the tumor nuclei detection in the histopathological images, because detection can be used as qualitative and quantitative analysis. In the research breast cancer histopathological annotation and diagnosis dataset is used (BreCaHAD). The classification accuracy for SVM classifier, which uses features, extracted by CNN, is 0.96. The object detection heatmap was built. It is obtained that the average precision for tumor nuclei detection is 0.338. The theory of deep learning neural networks and mathematical statistics methods are used in the research.
A Novel Human-Like Control Framework for Mobile Medical Service Robot

Recently, as a highly infectious disease of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has swept the globe, more and more patients need to be isolated in the rooms of the hospitals, so how to deliver the meals or drugs to these infectious patients is the urgent work. It is a reliable and effective method to transport medical supplies or meals to patients using robots, but how to teach the robot to the destination and to enter the door like a human is an exciting task. In this paper, a novel human-like control framework for the mobile medical service robot is considered, where a Kinect sensor is used to manage human activity recognition to generate a designed teaching trajectory. Meanwhile, the learning technique of dynamic movement primitives (DMP) with the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is applied to transfer the skill from humans to robots. A neural-based model predictive tracking controller is implemented to follow the teaching trajectory. Finally, some demonstrations are carried out in a hospital room to illustrate the superiority and effectiveness of the developed framework.
Vehicle Fusion Positioning Model based on CSI

High precision positioning in non-open area has always been a bottleneck in the development of V2X. In order to ensure the positioning performance of V2X in non-open area, this paper proposes a vehicle fusion localization method based on Channel State Information (CSI). In the proposed method, a positioning framework for on-board unit (OBU) and road-side unit (RSU) is established based on the communication characteristics of V2X. Meanwhile, the algorithms for the operation of OBU and RSU are given respectively. On this basis, the proposed method uses CSI to calculate the signal flight time, and combines with the least square method to locate the vehicle on the basis of communication equipment. To improve the reliability of CSI data analysis and solve the problem of CSI analysis under multipath propagation, the traditional optimization model is solved by a quadratic convex programming method based on algebraic optimization.
Characterisation of the faecal virome of captive and wild Tasmanian devils using virus-like particles metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics

Background The Tasmanian devil is an endangered carnivorous marsupial threatened by devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). While research on DFTD has been extensive, little is known about the viruses present in devils, and whether any of these are of potential conservation relevance for this endangered species. Methods Using both metagenomics based on virus-like particle (VLP) enrichment and sequence-independent amplification (VLP metagenomics), and meta-transcriptomics based on bulk RNA sequencing, we characterised and compared the faecal viromes of captive and wild Tasmanian devils. Results A total of 54 devil faecal samples collected from captive (n = 2) and wild (n = 4) populations were processed for virome characterisation using both approaches. We detected many novel, highly divergent viruses, including vertebrate viruses, bacteriophage and other dietary associated plant and insect viruses. In total, 18 new vertebrate viruses, including novel sapelovirus, astroviruses, bocaviruses, papillomaviruses and gammaherpesvirus were identified, as well as known mammalian pathogens including rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2). Captive devils showed significantly lower levels of viral diversity than wild devils. Comparison of the two methodological approaches revealed substantial differences in the number and types of viruses detected, with meta-transcriptomics mainly identifying RNA viruses, and VLP metagenomics largely identifying DNA viruses. Conclusion This study has greatly expanded our knowledge of eukaryotic viruses in the Tasmanian devil and provides important baseline information that will contribute to the conservation and captive management of this endangered species. In addition, our results showed that a combination of VLP metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics may be a more comprehensive approach to virome characterisation than either method alone.
Assessing Financial Risk in Public-Private Partnership Financing for Road Construction Projects in Iran Using Uncertainty Conditions Approach

Abstract Private section investment in the construction of transportation infrastructure, one of the most important of which is freeway projects, has been extensively used in developing countries in recent decades. However, in many cases due to the lack of necessary investigations and studies, the criteria have not been properly identified and, as a result, the proper way of participating in large-scale transport projects has resulted in numerous problems and, in some cases, project failure. However, choosing a private-public partnership will have a major impact on the success of freeway construction. However, due to the current conditions of the country’s economy, these projects are following with some risks. Therefore, in this study, the financial risk assessment of “public-private partnership” financing for road construction projects in Iran was investigated using the uncertainty approach and the BAS method. The research population of this study consisted of 23 researchers and experts with Ph.D. degree in finance with minimum degree of associate degree and experience of research and financial consulting in investment firms. According to the results, the lack of stability in planning and implementation of government programs and political risks, increases the risk of road construction projects and, in this regard, controlling the price fluctuations and bank financing of road construction projects can reduce the risk of these projects.
Genetic and epigenetic findings in anorexia nervosa

Abstract Polygenic factors are relevant for the genetic predispositions to the eating disorder anorexia nervosa (AN). The most recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) for AN comprised almost 17,000 patients with AN and controls. A total of eight genome-wide significant polygenic loci associated with AN have been identified. Each single polygenic locus makes only a small contribution to the development of AN. Analyses across different traits successfully identified regions/genes for AN that had not been detected by analyses of the single traits. Functional studies of the genes derived by GWAS studies aim to improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in eating disorders. Epigenetic studies have not yet successfully contributed to the understanding of AN.
Effect of Three Half-Squat Protocols on the Tensiomyographic Twitch Response and Tissue Damage of the Rectus Femoris and the Biceps Femoris

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse the acute effects of a concentric exercise and two different eccentric overload exercises (EOEs) on blood markers of muscle damage (i.e. creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], myoglobin [Myo], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) and muscle contractile properties. Ten healthy, young (27 ± 1.5 years, 179 ± 6 cm, 78.7 ± 10.8 kg), physically active men (3.5 ± 1.9 h·w-1) randomly performed three training sessions using the following protocols: a half-squat (HS) as a concentric exercise, and exercises using Versapulley (VP) or YoYo isoinertial technology (YIT) as EOEs (4 x 7 repetitions with a 2 min rest interval between sets). Blood samples and tensiomyography measurements were obtained after each training session. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey test was used to detect differences between the four time points of each variable. The standardized difference or effect size (ES, 90% confidence limit) in the selected variables was calculated using the basal SD. After all exercises, a greater activity of CK, LDH, and concentration of Myo, and MDA were found compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). A substantially greater activity of CK, LDH, and Myo concentration, but not MDA, were found after EOEs when compared to the HS protocol. Substantially lower tensiomyography results in the rectus femoris (RF) were reported, irrespective of the exercise mode performed. Also, no substantial differences were obtained in the biceps femoris (BF) between EOEs and the HS protocol. Time of contraction (Tc) in the RF was possibly to very likely lower in the HS in comparison to EOEs. Additionally, muscular displacement (Dm) in the RF was substantially lower in the HS compared to EOEs. VP produced higher concentrations of damage markers than YIT and concentric exercise did. Furthermore, tensiomyography variables showed similar activation in both exercises, although higher specific fatigue (in the RF) was registered in the traditional HS.
Influence of the Printing Nozzle Diameter on Tensile Strength of Produced 3D Models in FDM Technology

Abstract The article presents the results of tensile strength tests taking into account the influence of the printing nozzle diameter. The 3D printing method in FDM technology is described. The aim of the research was to investigate the effect of the printing nozzle diameter installed in the head. Samples printed with two types of filling were tested. The obtained results were summarized and compared. The printing time of the samples was compared with a diameter of each nozzle. Based on the strength tests, it can be concluded that the tensile strength of the samples made with the FDM printing technology is proportional to the used printing nozzle diameter.
Match and Training High Intensity Activity-Demands Profile During a Competitive Mesocycle in Youth Elite Soccer Players

Abstract The monitoring of the high intensity activity-demands profile during official matches (OMs) and training sessions (TSs) provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between training and competition loads as well as players’ fitness characteristics. The aims of this study were to: 1) describe the training and match high intensity activity-demands profile in U-19 soccer players; 2) compare the profile depending on the type of session (OM or TS) throughout match-weeks; and 3) differentiate between profiles depending on the match location (home or away). Twenty-five U-19 Spanish soccer players were monitored during TSs and OMs for a one-month competitive period using a WIMU PROTM wearable inertial device. The variables of the study were: high speed running distance (HSRD), total sprints (SPs), maximum speed (MS) and player load (PL). OMs required higher demands than TSs in HSRD (460.99 ± 206.18 vs. 315.45 ± 180.12 m; p < 0.01; d = 0.75), SPs (10.86 ± 6.64 vs. 7.23 ± 4.82; p < 0.01; d = 0.69), MS (29.99 ± 2.54 vs. 28.50 ± 2.4 km/h; p < 0.01; d = 0.59) and PL (103.08 ± 24.15 vs. 83.18 ± 17.96 a.u.; p < 0.01; d = 0.94). The interaction between the type of session and mean week’s demands presented differences with medium effect size in MS (p < 0.01; ωp2 = 0.06) and small effect size in HSRD (p = 0.04; ωp2 = 0.03), and SP (p = 0.05; ωp2 = 0.03), but there were no differences in PL (p = 0.18; ωp2 = 0). Finally, no differences were found in the match location comparison (p > 0.33; d = 0.22–0.33). Therefore, the profiles presented could be useful for future scientific purposes and serve as valid information for coaches trying to optimize performance.
The Effects of Low-Load Vs. High-Load Resistance Training on Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the effects of low-load vs. high-load resistance training on type I and type II muscle fiber hypertrophy. Searches for studies were performed through ten databases. Studies were included if they: (a) compared the effects of low-load vs. high-load resistance training (performed to momentary muscular failure); and, (b) assessed muscle fiber hypertrophy. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to analyze the data. Ten study groups were included in the analysis. In the meta-analysis for the effects of low-load vs. high-load resistance training on type I muscle fiber hypertrophy, there was no significant difference between the training conditions (standardized mean difference: 0.28; 95% confidence interval: –0.27, 0.82; p = 0.316; I2 = 18%; 95% prediction interval: –0.71, 1.28). In the meta-analysis for the effects of low-load vs. high-load resistance training on type II muscle fiber hypertrophy, there was no significant difference between the training conditions (standardized mean difference: 0.30; 95% confidence interval: –0.05, 0.66; p = 0.089; I2 = 0%; 95% prediction interval: –0.28, 0.88). In this meta-analysis, there were no significant differences between low-load and high-load resistance training on hypertrophy of type I or type II muscle fibers. The 95% confidence and prediction intervals were very wide, suggesting that the true effect in the population and the effect reported in a future study conducted on this topic could be in different directions and anywhere from trivial to very large. Therefore, there is a clear need for future research on this topic.
The prime and maximal spectra and the reticulation of residuated lattices with applications to De Morgan residuated lattices

Abstract In this paper, by using the ideal theory in residuated lattices, we construct the prime and maximal spectra (Zariski topology), proving that the prime and maximal spectra are compact topological spaces, and in the case of De Morgan residuated lattices they become compact T 0 {T}_{0} topological spaces. At the same time, we define and study the reticulation functor between De Morgan residuated lattices and bounded distributive lattices. Moreover, we study the I-topology (I comes from ideal) and the stable topology and we define the concept of pure ideal. We conclude that the I-topology is in fact the restriction of Zariski topology to the lattice of ideals, but we use it for simplicity. Finally, based on pure ideals, we define the normal De Morgan residuated lattice (L is normal iff every proper ideal of L is a pure ideal) and we offer some characterizations.
A Systematic Review of the Batting Backlift Technique in Cricket

Abstract There has been an extensive amount of research into the batting elements of cricket. However, there is limited research specifically on the batting backlift technique (BBT). Therefore, this review aims to provide an understanding and consensus of the BBT in cricket at varied skilled levels. A PRISMA flow chart revealed 38 studies that were reviewed (both coaching and scientific literature), which reported on the backlift in cricket. The databases searched were PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library and Sabinet. This review shows that the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) is a likely contributing factor to successful batsmanship at all levels of cricket ability (junior, adolescent, semi-professional, professional, international and former elite/successful cricketers). It was also found that coaching a LBBT to young batsmen may be challenging to teach, and therefore, further coaching models should be developed to assist cricket coaches. As much as a LBBT may be a contributing factor for success, there is still a need to answer a number of questions through further in-depth biomechanical investigations and through interventions that are more meticulous. A way forward for further research in this area of cricket batting is documented at the end of the review.
Contribution to the Study of Soil Stabilized by Ballast Columns

Abstract Ballasted columns are an interesting technique for improving compressible soils in situ. Their major advantages are to reduce compaction, increase the bearing capacity of soils, accelerate consolidation, and eliminate the risks of liquefaction during earthquakes. Thanks to these advantages, reinforcement processes are considerably developed in the field of geotechnical construction and this is on an international scale. Numerical modelling is a necessary and effective alternative for approaching the real behavior of soils reinforced by ballasted columns. The present work aims to change several parameters, being, among others, the number of columns, the rise of the water table, and the friction angle. With this in mind, a parametric study was carried out in order to determine the influence of certain parameters on the settlement results and observe their influence on the mechanical behavior of the soil using the Plaxis 2D calculation code. This study found that the correct choice was based on the number of columns, which is three, while the increase in groundwater level does not have a significant influence on the results.
Librarians on User Perspectives de Participation in Five bibliothécaires sur la European Countries participation des utilisateurs dans cinq pays européens

This study reports the results from an international survey of library pro­ fessionals and investigates cross-national variation of their attitudes towards user par­ ticipation and its role in public libraries by comparing differences between librarians in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, and Germany. The results show how con­ ceptualizing attitudinal patterns as discursive interpretative repertoires and mapping them to activity systems is helpful in explicating different constituents and takes on user participation and its consequences in libraries and library work.
Decentralized Control of Voltage- and Current-Controlled Converters Based on AC Bus Signaling for Autonomous Microgrids

This article proposes a fully decentralized control approach, based on AC bus signaling, to integrate the operation of voltage- and current-controlled converters that exist in an isolated low-voltage microgrid, so they may be fully steered under grid-feeding, grid-supporting, and grid-forming control principles. The proposed strategy, devised by classic and modified droop-based controllers, allows control of the microgrid active power relating to the system frequency, while regulating the reactive power related to the voltage, dispensing any need for communication infrastructures. Beyond ensuring proper microgrid power balance at all times, the control strategy prioritizes energy extraction from non-dispatchable sources (i.e., photovoltaic-based systems), whereas it uses dispatchable sources (i.e., battery-based systems) to share active and reactive power proportionally to their capabilities. As a consequence of the proper and novel management of battery-based converters, battery overvoltage and overcurrent are avoided, supporting a prolonged lifespan. Simulation results considering an autonomous microgrid operating under several scenarios are presented, to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed control scheme on steering the different topologies of converters.
Design and Analysis of a 25 GHz Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar for Foreign Object Debris Detection

Over the past few years, aviation safety has become a vital area of interest. Foreign Object Debris (FOD) present on airport runways is a huge risk to flights. It can result in grave damage to the air vehicle during crucial operations like takeoff and landing. A high-resolution sensor with ultra high accuracy is needed to detect and locate these small size unwanted articles. Millimeter wave Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radars that operate at low peak power are specially designed to achieve high range resolution. The proposed design tests the evaluation of such a FMCW radar system operating in K band for single and multiple targets. The proposed radar has a low transmit power of 0.1 W and is able to find tiny alien elements of 0.005 m2 Radar Cross Section (RCS) with accuracy of less than 1 m in 500 m range.
Nonlinear Optical Responses of Plasmonic Meatsurface with Sub-nm Gaps Calculated by TDDFT with Jellium Model

We theoretically investigate 3rd-order nonlinear response of plasmonic metasurfaces composed of two- dimensionally arrayed metallic nanoparticles by a quantum mechanical approach. When the gap distance between the constituent nanoparticles reaches sub-nm scale, huge 3rd-order nonlinearity is observed, caused by the current through the gaps.
The Deployment of Roadside Units in Vehicular Networks Based on the V2I Connection Duration

The use of roadside units (RSUs) in vehicular networks can increase the efficiency of the network by providing hot spots for data dissemination between vehicles and an infrastructure-based networking integrating specialized systems. To maximize the effectiveness of the network, the locations where roadside units are deployed require special attention. In this work, we introduce a novel strategy for the deployment of roadside units in vehicular networks to maximize the number of vehicle-to-infrastructure contact opportunities. By using this strategy, we intend to provide a larger time window, increasing the vehicular communication and the QoS provided by the underlying network. As baselines, we consider the FPF and KP strategies. FPF projects the flow of vehicles in a Markovian approach, while KP is a heuristic for the 0-1 Knapsack Problem and does not consider any mobility information. Simulation results based on a realistic scenario demonstrate that the proposed method can find locations of roadside units more efficiently in comparison to FPF and KP methods in terms of the average number of satisfied vehicles (5.31% more than FPF and 35.64% more than KP).