Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Architecture for parking management in smart cities

Parking is becoming an expensive resource in almost any major city in the world, and its limited availability is a concurrent cause of urban traffic congestion, and air pollution. In old cities, the structure of the public parking space is rigidly organised and often in the form of on-street public parking spots. Unfortunately, these public parking spots cannot be reserved beforehand during the pre-trip phase, and that often lead to a detriment of the quality of urban mobility. Addressing the problem of managing public parking spots is therefore vital to obtain environmentally friendlier and healthier cities. Recent technological progresses in industrial automation, wireless network, sensor communication along with the widespread of high-range smart devices and new rules concerning financial transactions in mobile payment allow the definition of new intelligent frameworks that enable a convenient management of public parking in urban area, which could improve sustainable urban mobility. In such a scenario, the proposed intelligent parking assistant (IPA) architecture aims at overcoming current public parking management solutions. This study discusses the conceptual architecture of IPA and the first prototype-scale simulations of the system.
Zfhx3 Transcription Factor Represses the Expression of SCN5A Gene and Decreases Sodium Current Density (INa)

The ZFHX3 and SCN5A genes encode the zinc finger homeobox 3 (Zfhx3) transcription factor (TF) and the human cardiac Na+ channel (Nav1.5), respectively. The effects of Zfhx3 on the expression of the Nav1.5 channel, and in cardiac excitability, are currently unknown. Additionally, we identified three Zfhx3 variants in probands diagnosed with familial atrial fibrillation (p.M1260T) and Brugada Syndrome (p.V949I and p.Q2564R). Here, we analyzed the effects of native (WT) and mutated Zfhx3 on Na+ current (INa) recorded in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. ZFHX3 mRNA can be detected in human atrial and ventricular samples. In HL-1 cardiomyocytes, transfection of Zfhx3 strongly reduced peak INa density, while the silencing of endogenous expression augmented it (from −65.9 ± 8.9 to −104.6 ± 10.8 pA/pF; n ≥ 8, p < 0.05). Zfhx3 significantly reduced the transcriptional activity of human SCN5A, PITX2, TBX5, and NKX25 minimal promoters. Consequently, the mRNA and/or protein expression levels of Nav1.5 and Tbx5 were diminished (n ≥ 6, p < 0.05). Zfhx3 also increased the expression of Nedd4-2 ubiquitin-protein ligase, enhancing Nav1.5 proteasomal degradation. p.V949I, p.M1260T, and p.Q2564R Zfhx3 produced similar effects on INa density and time- and voltage-dependent properties in WT. WT Zfhx3 inhibits INa as a result of a direct repressor effect on the SCN5A promoter, the modulation of Tbx5 increasing on the INa, and the increased expression of Nedd4-2. We propose that this TF participates in the control of cardiac excitability in human adult cardiac tissue.
COVID-19 PREVENTIVE BEHAVIOURS

COVID-19 is an infectious disease attributable to SARS-CoV-2, which is transmitted by direct and indirect transmission. There are some measures that have been introduced to society in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including face masks, hand hygiene, face shields, and social distancing. Face masks have become one of the most common preventive instruments against viral spreading. The primary use of face masks is to protect or contain the viral mode of transmission such as droplets. Face masks have different types that demonstrate specific uses. Hand hygiene is an accessible method that people can follow. The benefit of hand hygiene appears to be the ability to trap germs and remove them away. In a more sophisticated use, face shields are used together with face masks in order to better the performance of protecting the virus from different directions. Social distancing is known as one of the popular measures among many countries. To decrease the rate of COVID-19 infection, standing 1-2 metres is recommended. We hope that our review paper would provide useful information for the readers, which could be applied in real life. Also, we fully appreciate being a reliable supplement for the following research.
An extendable asymmetric boost multi‐level inverter with self‐balanced capacitors

This paper proposes a basic asymmetric boost 35‐level inverter topology that can be extended to earn higher gains and levels. The proposed structure benefits from following advantages: extendibility, voltage boosting capability, natural voltage balancing of capacitors, low average voltage stress on semiconductors and large ratio of number of steps to components. The impulse charging current of capacitor(s) is suppressed by small inductor(s), which is bypassed by a diode during discharging mode. The low magnitude (accordingly small size, low price and low weight) and balanced output powers of VX and VY sources are other important profits of proposed topology. The input DC sources can be realized by batteries or combination of PVs and dc–dc converters. This paper also proposes an algorithm for deciding the magnitude of DC sources, which maximizes the number of steps. The gain and steps can be further increased by adding more cascaded switched‐capacitor cells (CSCCs). Due to large number of levels, the output voltage quality of proposed structure is high, which helps to remove or downsize the ac‐side filter. The laboratory‐scaled prototype of converter (feeding a R–L load) has been implemented. The comparison and experimental results approve superiority and correct performance of proposed topology.
The fingernail clams (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Sphaeriidae) of Morocco: Diversity, distribution and conservation status

Abstract Background In Morocco, many uncertainties surround the current diversity and distribution of the bivalve family Sphaeriidae. Such information, including taxonomy and conservation status, are vital for further studies to improve the knowledge of this family in Morocco and represents the first step towards the development of a national conservation plan for all freshwater bivalves. Between 2016 and 2019, several investigations were carried out to assess the diversity and distribution of Sphaeriidae in the different basins of Morocco, covering different types of habitat (lakes, springs, rivers and small ponds). The identification of specimens and their morpho-ecological features was based on morphological and morphometric analyses. The data on the general distribution of the collected species allowed the evaluation of their conservation status as well. The shell morphology and morphometric analyses revealed the existence of five species belonging to the genus Pisidium [P.casertanum (Poli, 1791), P. (cf.) personatum Malm, 1855, P.subtruncatum Malm, 1855, P.amnicum (O. F. Müller, 1774) and Pisidium sp. ] and one species to the genus of Musculium [M.lacustre (O. F. Müller, 1774)]. Sphaeriidae were found in all Moroccan basins, except Bouregreg and Sakia El Hamra-Oued Eddahab Basins. The results showed that Sebou Basin was the species richest with the occurrence of the five species, while Loukkos and Sous-Massa Basins had the lowest-species richness with one species only. The conservation status of sphaeriids in Morocco was evaluated for the first time and resulted in P. (cf.) personatum and P.subtruncatum being proposed as Least Concern and Vulnerable, respectively, while the status of Regionally Extinct is suggested for both species P.amnicum and M.lacustre. New information First evaluation of the diversity and species richness of the family Sphaeriidae in Morocco with an assignment of an updated conservation status of the recorded species.
Assessing Transfer from Track Two Diplomacy: The Cases of Water and Jerusalem

This article focuses on the evaluation of transfer from Track Two diplomacy to negotiations and policymaking by examining four Track Two initiatives between Israelis and Palestinians over the issues of water and Jerusalem. The article first discusses the transfer process for the water and Jerusalem cases and then presents lessons drawn from the comparative study. The comparative assessment reveals similarities concerning transfer in terms of what the contributions of Track Two are to the process of negotiations, which transfer strategies are used, and what conditions are necessary to make a contribution to the outcome. Initiatives in both cases employ primarily the strategy of working with influential people and they are more successful in impacting the process of negotiations rather than the outcome. Their contribution to the process of negotiations shows regularities in the types of learning acquired and used. Successful transfer to outcome is observed in one occasion when transfer strategies were implemented effectively, the negotiators were open to outside information, and there was political willingness. Asymmetrical transfer of people, and of ideas, from Track Two initiatives to negotiations was a barrier to effective transfer.
Blockchain and Internet of Things for Electrical Energy Decentralization: A Review and System Architecture

The decentralization in the electrical power grids has gained increasing importance, especially in the last two decades, since transmission system operators (TSO), distribution system operators (DSO) and consumers are more aware of energy efficiency and energy sustainability issues. Therefore, globally, due to the introduction of energy production technologies near the consumers, in residential and industrial sectors, new scenarios of distributed energy resources (DER) are emerging. In order to guarantee an adequate power management in the electrical power grids, incorporating producers, consumers and producers-consumers (prosumers) together, it is important to adopt intelligent systems and platforms that allow the provision of information on energy consumption and production in real time, as well as for obtaining a fair price for the sale and purchase of energy. In this paper, we analyze the literature to identify the appropriate solutions to implement a decentralized electrical power grid based on sensors, blockchain and smart contracts, evaluating the current state of the art and pilot projects already in place. We also discuss a proposal for a power grid model, with renewable energy production, combining Internet of Things, blockchain and smart contracts.
Synthesis of fluorescence labelled aptamers for use as low-cost reagents in HIV/AIDS research and diagnostics

Aptamers are nucleic acids selected by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. They have potential as alternatives to antibodies in medical research and diagnostics, with the advantages of being non-immunogenic and relatively inexpensive to produce. In the present study, gp120 aptamers conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) were generated, which could interact with HIV-1 gp120. A previously isolated gp120 aptamer, CSIR 1.1, was conjugated with FITC by incubation with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and imidazole. The conjugation and binding to the glycoprotein were confirmed by flow cytometry. FITC conjugated aptamers showed an increase in fluorescence emission 24-fold higher than baseline, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.0016). Compared with a commercially available biotinylated anti-gp120 antibody, detected using FITC conjugated streptavidin, the emission of fluorescence obtained from the FITC-conjugated aptamer was 8-fold higher, suggesting a stronger interaction with gp120. In addition, the FITC conjugated aptamer neutralized HIV-1 pseudoviruses with an average IC50 of 21.3 nM, similar to the parent aptamer that had an IC50 of 19.2 nM. However, the difference in inhibition between the two aptamers was not statistically significant (P=0.784). These results indicate that the FITC-conjugated aptamer generated in the present study could potentially be used as a low-cost reagent in HIV/AIDS research and diagnostics.
Computerised facilities management systems

Assembling information is what computers are good at: monitoring information is what facilities managers do with a great deal of their time. In theory a perfect match is indicated. In practice these tasks can be problematical, and the gap between what is expected of the applications software and its actual performance can be large. As a general strategy it is best to start modestly and develop progressively, always keeping the applications within manageable proportions. Commercially useful software for applications in architecture, building maintenance, energy management and project management has been available for at least 15 years. One of the main features of the development of these systems is their reliance on traditional approaches to building design and management Just as the first railway trains were like stage coaches on iron rails, so the first applications software mimicked the manual methods they superseded.
Vehicle Localization Based on Hypothesis Test in NLOS Scenarios

Recently, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) based localization has attracted much attention due to its potential to achieve high accuracy. However, the error caused by non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation significantly affects the localization performance. In this paper, a novel method combining V2V communication and NLOS identification is proposed to improve accuracy of vehicle localization in NLOS scenarios. First, the algorithm identifies NLOS links with statistical methods. In this step, identification is conducted by decision theory or z-test, which depends on whether priori NLOS information is known or not. After that, NLOS links are discarded. Using the information including length of remaining links and GPS positions of surrounding vehicles, the estimated positions of target vehicles can be obtained by multilateration. It is shown by simulations that the proposed algorithm outperforms several classical methods in accuracy. Specifically, when priori NLOS information is available, 80% of vehicles have a localization error less than 5 m. For the case where NLOS information cannot be obtained, the algorithm still have good performance, and the ratio of vehicles having error within 5 m reaches 70%.
Survey on Mobile Target Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks

As a novel technology of information acquisition and processing, Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) has been widely used for complex large-scale localization tasks. With global distribution and sensing ability, wireless sensor network can provide valid optimal localization for mobile targets. According to the key problems of mobile target localization under wireless sensor network, this paper depicted current research status in both of line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight environments. Typical and representative algorithms are sorted and their ideas are evaluated. Finally, we discussed and anticipated the future research direction.
Can we determine burdensome transitions in the last year of life based on time of occurrence and frequency? An explanatory mixed-methods study

Abstract Objective Burdensome transitions are typically defined as having a transition in the last three days or multiple hospitalizations in the last three months of life, which is seldom verified with qualitative accounts from persons concerned. This study analyses types and frequencies of transitions in the last year of life and indicators of burdensome transitions from the perspective of bereaved relatives. Method Cross-sectional explanatory mixed-methods study with 351 surveyed and 41 interviewed bereaved relatives in a German urban area. Frequencies, t-tests, and Spearman correlations were computed for quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis with provisional and descriptive coding/subcoding. Results Transitions rise sharply during the last year of life. 8.2% of patients experience a transition in the last three days and 7.8% three or more hospitalizations in the last three months of life. An empathetic way of telling patients about the prospect of death is associated with fewer transitions in the last month of life (r = 0.185, p = 0.046). Professionals being aware of the preferred place of death corresponds to fewer hospitalizations in the last three months of life (1.28 vs. 0.97, p = 0.021). Qualitative data do not confirm that burden in transitions is linked to having transitions in the last three days or multiple hospitalizations in the last three months of life. Burden is associated with (1) late and non-empathetic communication about the prospect of death, (2) not coordinating care across settings, and (3) not considering patients’ preferences. Significance of results Time of occurrence and frequency appear to be imperfect proxies for burdensome transitions. The subjective burden seems to be associated rather with insufficient information, preparation, and management of transitions.
High‐gain, short‐circuited six‐monopole‐antenna system for concurrent, dual‐band WLAN access points

A high‐gain, short‐circuited multimonopole antenna system for wireless access points in the concurrent 2.4 and 5 GHz WLAN bands is presented. The antenna system mainly comprises a circular antenna ground and six short‐circuited, single‐band monopole antennas, among which the three antennas are designated for 2.4 and 5 GHz operation respectively. The monopole antennas are set in a sequential, rotating arrangement on the antenna ground, and the 2.4 and 5 GHz antennas are facing each other one by one. Experimental results show that well port isolation can be obtained between the antenna ports with high‐gain properties over the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. A design prototype is elaborated and discussed in the article. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2728–2732, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25588
Comparison the Impact on TENS and Conventional Physiotherapy in Stroke Patients with Upper Limb Dysfunctions: A Research Protocol

Background: Stroke is a sudden neurological explosion resulting from poor blood flow perfusion to the brain. Stroke prevalence rates in India are expected to range from eighty-four to two hundred sixty-two strokes every 100,000 persons in remote regions and from three hundred thirty-four to four hundred twenty-four strokes every 100,000 persons in metropolitan areas. It causes brain cells to die abruptly due to inadequate oxygen and is a neurological condition characterized by blood flow blockage. Aim & Objective: to examine the impact of TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation), and ROM (Range of Motion) exercises on upper-limb functioning in hemi paretic stroke victims. Methods: The current study subjects (n=39) would be stroke survivors. Patients will be divided into three groups: group A will receive TENS, group B will receive EMS, and group C will get ROM exercises. The protocol will cover 2 weeks of treatment. We will assess upper limb functioning, activities of everyday living (ADLs), and mental condition at frequent intervals. By using the MHQ (Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Brunnstrom Hand Function Recovery stages. Results: The successful completion of this study will provide evidence on the best treatment strategy for stroke patients to improve their upper extremity motor function using individual TENS, EMS, or ROM exercises. Conclusion: This study will be beneficial to treat Stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction by treating by TENS modality which might be an option for EMS treatment.
A transdiagnostic model of low self-esteem: pathway analysis in a heterogeneous clinical sample

Abstract Background: Low self-esteem (LSE) has been associated with several psychiatric disorders, and is presumably influenced by transdiagnostic factors. Our study was based both on investigations of the relationship between depression and LSE (vulnerability, scar, reciprocal models) and on theories of cognitive factors contributing to the development and maintenance of LSE, such as Melanie Fennell’s model, the catalyst model and the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model. Aims: Based on the theories above, in our cross-sectional study we aimed at understanding more specifically the transdiagnostic factors that can maintain LSE in a heterogeneous clinical sample. Method: Six hundred and eleven out-patients were assessed by SCID-I and self-report questionnaires. The model was tested by structural equation modelling. Results: Based on the fit indices, the hypothesis model did not fit the data; therefore, a modified transdiagnostic model was emerged. This model made a good fit to the data [χ2 (12, n=611)=76.471, p<. 001; RMSEA=. 080, CFI=. 950, TLI=. 913] with a strong explanatory power (adj R 2=.636). Severe stressful life events and depressive symptoms lead to LSE indirectly. Self-blame, perfectionism, seeking love and hopelessness have been identified as mediating factors in the relationship between depressive symptoms and LSE. Although there was a significant correlation between state-anxiety and LSE, as well as LSE and rumination, these two factors did not fit into the model. Conclusions: The new transdiagnostic model of LSE has great potential in the treatment of various mental conditions and may serve as a guide to developing more focused and more effective therapeutic interventions.
Development of a Transfer-Cost-Based Logit Assignment Model for the Beijing Rail Transit Network Using Automated Fare Collection Data

This article describes the development of a transfer-cost-based logit assignment model for the Beijing Rail Transit Network (BRTN) using automated fare collection data. The BRTN is an ambitious rail transit network designed to be operations by the end of 2015 with 19 metro or light rail lines. The authors stress that it is essential to estimate passenger flows over the Beijing rail transit network for revenue sharing and daily management/operation purpose. They consider major factors, including total travel time and transfer cost, that may influence passenger flow pattern in the Beijing rail transit network. They propose a full transfer cost function, including transfer walking time, vehicle waiting time, and a penalty to additional transfers, in order to better simulate passengers' transfer behaviors. The authors also present a generalized cost function for urban rail transit network and analyze the corresponding route choice behavior of travelers. The depth-first method is used to search for “effective paths” among all origin-destination (O–D) pairs. The authors report that the average errors of estimated transfer flows from the proposed assignment model are below 20%. Thus, these models are capable of reasonably reproducing passengers' transfer and route choices and will prove helpful for understanding the transfer behaviors of passengers using large rail transit networks.
Wireless digital data transmission at 300 GHz

Recently, analogue video signal transmission at 300 GHz has been demonstrated using a versatile Schottky mixer based measurement system designed for terahertz communication channel modelling and propagation studies. In this reported work, digital signal transmission at 300 GHz using this system is demonstrated and analysed. The performance of the digital transmission setup is characterised with respect to phase noise and modulation errors. For demonstration, high data rate digital video signals have been transmitted over a distance of up to 52 m.