Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of Objective Functions for Optimization of Multi-Domain Systems

Engineering problems are often characterized by many conflicting objectives which span over several engineering domains. In this paper an approach to design of objective functions for engineering problems is presented. Multi-domain systems can be characterized as complex systems which combine different fields of engineering. Here an aircraft landing gear is studied which is a true example of a multi-domain simulation problem due to the presence of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic sub systems. On this simulation model a non-gradient optimization strategy is applied where the formulation of the objective function is supported by the House of Quality method. The design of an objective function for optimization is in many cases a complex procedure involving a great amount of expertise. The House of Quality method is used here both to facilitate team activities and to elucidate the relation between system characteristics and system parameters.
Closed-loop Dynamic Control of a Soft Manipulator using Deep Reinforcement Learning

The focus of the research community in the soft robotic field has been on developing innovative materials, but the design of control strategies applicable to these robotic platforms is still an open challenge. This is due to their highly nonlinear dynamics which are difficult to model and the degree of stochasticity they often incorporate. Data-driven controllers based on neural networks have recently been explored as a viable solution to be employed for these manipulators. This paper presents a neural network-based closed-loop controller, trained by a deep reinforcement learning algorithm called Trust Region Policy Optimization (TRPO). The training takes place in simulation, using an approximation of the robot forward dynamic model obtained with a Long-short Term Memory (LSTM) network. The trained controller allows following different paths executed with different velocities in the workspace of the robot. The results demonstrate that the controller is effective in normal working conditions and with a payload attached to the end-effector of the manipulator.
The Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Vermicompost-Based Organic Amendments Enhance Soil Fertility, Growth Performance, and the Drought Stress Tolerance of Quinoa

The present study aimed to determine the effects of biostimulants on the physicochemical parameters of the agricultural soil of quinoa under two water regimes and to understand the mode of action of the biostimulants on quinoa for drought adaptation. We investigated the impact of two doses of vermicompost (5 and 10 t/ha) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi applied individually, or in joint application, on attenuating the negative impacts of water shortage and improving the agro-physiological and biochemical traits of quinoa, as well as soil fertility, under two water regimes (well-watered and drought stress) in open field conditions. Exposure to drought decreased biomass, leaf water potential, and stomatal conductance, and increased malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content. Mycorrhiza and/or vermicompost promoted plant growth by activating photosynthesis machinery and nutrient assimilation, leading to increased total soluble sugars, proteins, and antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaf and root. After the experiment, the soil’s total organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, and soil glomalin content improved by the single or combined application of mycorrhiza and vermicompost. This knowledge suggests that the combination of mycorrhiza and vermicompost regulates the physiological and biochemical processes employed by quinoa in coping with drought and improves the understanding of soil–plant interaction.
Natural Iron Silicides: A Systematic Review

This review systematically presents all finds of geogenic, impact-induced, and extraterrestrial iron silicide minerals known at the end of 2021. The respective morphological characteristics, composition, proven or reasonably suspected genesis, and possible correlations of different geneses are listed and supported by the available literature (2021). Artificially produced iron silicides are only dealt with insofar as the question of differentiation from natural minerals is concerned, especially regarding dating to pre-industrial and pretechnogenic times.
Hand-Eye Calibration Made Easy Through a Closed-Form Two-Stage Method

An analysis of the existing hand-eye calibration methods reveals that most of them are far from trivial. And, what is worse, their intrinsic complexity makes it difficult to elucidate under which circumstances they fail to provide an accurate solution. Thus, although it might seem that the hand-eye calibration problem is uninspiring because it is assumed to be well-solved, we show in this letter that there was still room for improvement, both in terms of simplicity and robustness. After reviewing the most representative methods, we analyze the situations in which they fail, and we introduce a simpler closed-form alternative that accurately solves the problem in all the identified critical circumstances. Its performance is evaluated using simulated and real experimental data.
Real-world survival analysis by tumor mutational burden in non-small cell lung cancer: a multisite U.S. study

Background: Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is a potential biomarker to predict tumor response to immuno-oncology agents in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: A multi-site cohort study evaluated patients diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC between 2012 and 2019 who had received comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and any NSCLC-related treatment at 9 U.S. cancer centers. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with TMB <10 and TMB ≥10. Results: Among the 667 patients with CGP results, most patients received CGP from Foundation Medicine (64%) or Caris (20%). Patients with TMB ≥10 (vs. TMB <10) were associated with a positive smoking history. TMB was associated with ALK (p = 0.01), EGFR (p < 0.01), and TP53 (p < 0.05) alterations. TMB >10 showed a significant association towards longer overall survival (OS) (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.88, p = 0.02) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.85, p = 0.02) in patients treated with first-line immunotherapy and tested by Foundation Medicine or Caris at treatment initiation. Conclusions: TMB levels greater than or equal to 10 mut/Mb, when tested by Foundation Medicine or Caris at treatment initiation, were significantly associated with improved OS and PFS among patients treated with first-line immunotherapy-containing regimens. Additional prospective research is warranted to validate this biomarker along with PD-L1 expression.
Multi-frequency sequential sparse Bayesian learning for DOA estimation of the moving wideband sound source

To obtain the direction of arrival (DOA) of the moving sound source from the sequential measurements collected by the microphone array is the main task in acoustic tracking and detection. Thanks to the development of compressive sensing and sparse Bayesian learning (SBL), treating time-varying DOA estimation as time-varying sparse signal recovery is considered to be a promising idea. However, most methods have assumed that the source is narrowband and the DOA is on the predefined sparse grid at each estimation step. In fact, most sound sources in the air are wideband and the DOA varies continuously. Therefore, the multi-frequency sequential SBL is proposed for the DOA estimation of the moving wideband sound source in this paper. In this method, gamma hyperprior is used as sparsity-promoting prior for multi-frequency bins so that the multi-frequency measurements can be utilized simultaneously, and with an inexact dynamic model, the sparsity-dependent information from the multi-frequency sequential measurements can be propagated to the next estimation step to improve the performance. Besides, the off-grid refinement is incorporated into the framework to adapt to the continuously varying DOA. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method has better performances under low signal-to-noise conditions with higher estimation accuracy and less computation time compared to other state-of-the-art methods. The field experiments show that our proposed method can has a stronger ability to suppress grating lobes and spatial aliasing than conventional methods in the estimation for wideband DOA and adapt to the scenarios where the number of sources also changes.
The Build-Up of Population Genetic Divergence along the Speciation Continuum during a Recent Adaptive Radiation of Rhagoletis Flies

New species form through the evolution of genetic barriers to gene flow between previously interbreeding populations. The understanding of how speciation proceeds is hampered by our inability to follow cases of incipient speciation through time. Comparative approaches examining different diverging taxa may offer limited inferences, unless they fulfill criteria that make the comparisons relevant. Here, we test for those criteria in a recent adaptive radiation of the Rhagoletis pomonella species group (RPSG) hypothesized to have diverged in sympatry via adaptation to different host fruits. We use a large-scale population genetic survey of 1568 flies across 33 populations to: (1) detect on-going hybridization, (2) determine whether the RPSG is derived from the same proximate ancestor, and (3) examine patterns of clustering and differentiation among sympatric populations. We find that divergence of each in-group RPSG taxon is occurring under current gene flow, that the derived members are nested within the large pool of genetic variation present in hawthorn-infesting populations of R. pomonella, and that sympatric population pairs differ markedly in their degree of genotypic clustering and differentiation across loci. We conclude that the RPSG provides a particularly robust opportunity to make direct comparisons to test hypotheses about how ecological speciation proceeds despite on-going gene flow.
On the design of gerared five-bar mechanism to produ cecurves of figure eight type

To design of a mechanism generating curves of figure eight type is meaningful for the theoretical study and applications. The influence on the shapes caused by the changes of the parameters of a geared five bar mechanism is investigated. An example is given to show the basic rule of designing a geared five bar mechanism to mimic the motions of the wing tip when a insect is in flight.
Juggling School and Work From Home: Results From a Survey on German Families With School-Aged Children During the Early COVID-19 Lockdown

As consequence to the coronavirus outbreak, governments around the world imposed drastic mitigation measures such as nationwide lockdowns. These measures included the closures of schools, hence, putting parents into the position of juggling school and work from home. In the present study, we investigated the well-being of parents with school-aged children and its connection to mitigation measures with particular focus on parental roles “caregiver,” “worker,” and “assistant teacher” as stressors. In addition to direct effects, we expected indirect effects on well-being through changes in household dynamics. Data were collected via an online survey (N = 1313, 85.5% female; 53.2% university degree) conducted during the first wave of school closures in Germany. We observed that during the early COVID-19 pandemic, parental well-being in general was quite positive. Comparing the positive and negative PANAS subscales, parents agreed significantly more with the positive than with the negative items, t(1299) = 28.55, p < 0.001. Parents also reported an increase in positive family activities during the lockdown, t(1272) = 43.96, p < 0.001. Although a significant increase in negative household dynamics, such as disputes, was also observed to a lower extent, t(1295) = 7.78, p < 0.001. Using structural equation modeling, we observed that “homeoffice” was not significantly related to parents’ well-being, but positively affected household dynamics. Taking on the role of “assistant teacher” was negatively related to household dynamics. Additionally, we found a significant direct effect on negative affect for “assistant teacher. ” We conclude that parents of school-aged children have mostly been able to establish positive dynamics in their households during the lockdown given the extra time they got to spend with their children by working from home. However, our results identify the role of “assistant teacher” as a potential stressor for parents. Bridging the gap between teachers and parents seems warranted especially if (some) distance-learning continues, in order to avoid long-term consequences for the students.
Dependence of the Nonlinear Photoacoustic Response of Gold Nanoparticles on the Heat-Transfer Process

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging using the nonlinear PA response of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) can effectively attenuate the interference from background noise caused by biomolecules (e.g., hemoglobin), thus offering a highly potential noninvasive biomedical imaging method. However, the mechanism of the nonlinear PA response of GNPs based on the thermal expansion mechanism, especially the effect of heat-transfer ability, still lacks quantitative investigation. Therefore, this work investigated the effect of heat-transfer ability on the nonlinear PA response of GNPs using the critical energy and fluence concept, taking into account the Au@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles (weakened heat transfer) and gold nanochains (enhanced heat transfer). The results showed that the stronger the heat transferability, the smaller the critical energy, indicating that the nonlinear PA response of different nanoparticles cannot be contrasted directly through the critical energy. Moreover, the critical fluence can directly contrast the proportion of nonlinear components in the PA response of different GNPs as governed by the combined effect of heat transferability and photothermal conversion ability.
The Effectiveness of Distance Learning Using Learning Management System Media and Whatsapp Groups at Senior High School

In the world of education, during the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and colleges were not allowed to do face-to-face learning directly or often called offline at schools or campuses. All teaching and learning processes must be carried out online at home. One alternative to this policy is by applying the Distance Learning (PJJ) method where teachers or students cannot meet face to face directly. PJJ currently carried out is online (in a network) through internet-based media. At the senior high school / vocational school / Islamic Senior High School level PJJ is carried out using a Learning Management System (LMS), which is a system that can manage, convey, and monitor students using an internet-based application. Not enough with LMS, WhatsApp social media using the Group feature is also one of the supports in the successful implementation of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research on the Effectiveness of Distance Learning (PJJ) using learning media Learning Management System (LMS) and WhatsApp Group was conducted at senior high school 1 Cipeundeuy, Subang, Indonesia.
A Critical Review of the Literature on the Relationships between Personality Variables, Parenting and Marital Satisfaction

The aim of the paper is to examine the relevant literature on the relation-ships between personality variables, parenting correlates and marital satisfaction. It should also contribute to reader’s knowledge and under-standing through a critical review of the literature published in recent years. Data source: empirical studies were searched from for in scientific data-bases: Ebsco, ScienceDirect, PsychInfo, and Proquest. The searches generated 4477 articles, of which 28 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Systematic searches of studies published in English in the period 2005–2019 were carried out. The key search terms in English were adapted according to the search options in each database and included variations on the components or dimensions of the topic of interest: marital satisfaction, marital stress, marriage, co-parenting, married couples, marital disharmony, marital quality, marital relationship, personality, and factors involved in marital satisfaction. The studies were selected based on their relevance according to the identification of the search terms in the title, abstract, or in the keywords/ or topic, or, where necessary and possible, in the main text. The most commonly identified predictors of marital satisfaction and well-being for the couple included neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, parental stress, openness to experience, impulsivity, parenting, immature defence mechanism, communication, emotional stability, and marital support.
A Residual-Based Subgrid-Scale Method Combined with Spherical Harmonics Angular Approximation for Solving the Boltzmann Transport Equation

Abstract This paper presents a stabilized finite element method (FEM) and a spherical harmonics method to discretize the space and angle of the Boltzmann transport equation. The FEM is based on the subgrid-scale (SGS) model, which decomposes the unknowns into resolvable scale and SGS with an approximation for the SGS and then embeds it into a resolvable scale formulation, which yields a stabilized variational formula with only a resolvable scale. In this method, the SGS is identified as the residual of the flux, which represents the indistinguishable high-frequency component. This method is characterized by a residual equation proposed on the subgrid, thus reflecting the relationship between the residual of the flux and the residual of the source. A simple assumption is proposed that the residual of the flux is the scaling of the residual of the source. The scaling parameter is identified as a stabilization parameter, and it takes the inverse of the norm of the transport operator. This method has been verified by various benchmark problems, and the numerical results show that it has high accuracy, stability, and void applicability.
Techno‐economic analysis of a hybrid solar wind electric vehicle charging station in highway roads

Renewable energy resources have a remarkable landmark across the world to provide electricity to the consumers without any inadequacy in the energy market. The utilization of renewable energy sources in electric vehicle charging stations is among the most prominent area of research in developing countries. This paper analyses techno‐economic and environmental factors of hybrid solar wind vehicle charging stations at the highway of Southern Tamil Nadu, India. The sensitivity analysis is performed in the design of a charging station at the following highway locations at Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sattur, Kayathar, and Tirunelveli. The locations are chosen in such a way that, wind and solar potentials are having contradictory nature in the specified locations. The charging station is designed and optimized as ON‐grid strategy using the hybrid optimization model for electrical renewable tool. The designed system is capable of charging 17 electric vehicles at day from forenoon 6:00 am to evening 6:00 am The attainment of the proposed designed system proves that Virudhunagar shows less net present cost with $303 291.26 and cost of energy as $0.072/kWh with 50% reduction in emission. Moreover, with a focus on economic analysis and Madurai produces 70% more electrical energy than other selected locations. Further, the performance analysis of the system is also studied and it shows more reliable results and is feasible considering both economic and technical studies.
‘That is a place where I would want to go’: investigating digital nature to enhance social wellbeing among older adults

Abstract Feelings of disconnectedness and social isolation among older adults are increasingly recognised as important challenges of our times. Interestingly, nature interaction can stimulate social connectedness and enhance perceived social support, indicating that nature can contribute to social wellbeing. However, nature may not always be around or accessible for older adults. In such cases, digital nature could provide an alternative means for enjoying nature's benefits. To identify limitations and restrictions that older adults experience with respect to nature interaction, and to explore preferences with respect to digital nature and their potential for influencing social wellbeing, two studies are reported: a qualitative study comprising focus groups with Dutch care centre residents (N = 26) and a subsequent quantitative study (N = 200) testing effects of digital landscapes on social wellbeing measures. Findings from the focus groups indicate that opportunities for nature interaction and preferences for digital nature vary with mobility restrictions, whereas findings from the quantitative study testify to the potential of digital nature for enhancing social wellbeing and related emotions. These findings extend research on how (digital) nature interventions can contribute to the social wellbeing of older adults and pinpoint essential nature characteristics important for doing so.
Clustering-Guided Pairwise Metric Triplet Loss for Person Reidentification

Most of the loss functions proposed for person reidentification (Re-ID) are expected to be easy to deploy, efficiently improve network performance, and will not introduce redundant parameters. This study proposes a no-parameter and generic clustering-guided pairwise metric triplet (CPM-Triplet) loss based on the hard sample mining triplet loss for the metric learning loss. CPM-Triplet loss deploys two metrics: 1) the Euclidean metric and 2) the cosine metric, to complementarily improve the metric learning of the model. Paralleled to the Euclidean metric, the cosine metric quantifies the sample similarity in a different way to the Euclidean metric, which takes a different perspective to explore the distribution of samples. But the pairwise metric mainly improves the precision between dissimilar samples of the same label and could not solve the problem of excessive outliers. Therefore, the clustering-guided correction term was deployed to apply to all samples with the same label to mine the similarity in the samples, while weakening the influence of outliers in CPM-Triplet loss. Experiments conducted on four benchmark data sets show that the combination of the CPM-Triplet loss and the widely used Bag-of-Tricks baseline generally outperforms the baseline and numerous state-of-the-art methods studied in this article. The source code would be available at https://github.com/weiyu-zeng/CPM-Triplet-loss.