Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Role of the Excitation/Inhibition Balance of Homeostatic Artificial Neural Networks

Homeostatic models of artificial neural networks have been developed to explain the self-organization of a stable dynamical connectivity between the neurons of the net. These models are typically two-population models, with excitatory and inhibitory cells. In these models, connectivity is a means to regulate cell activity, and in consequence, intracellular calcium levels towards a desired target level. The excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance is usually set to 80:20, a value characteristic for cortical cell distributions. We study the behavior of these homeostatic models outside of the physiological range of the E/I balance, and we find a pronounced bifurcation at about the physiological value of this balance. Lower inhibition values lead to sparsely connected networks. At a certain threshold value, the neurons develop a reasonably connected network that can fulfill the homeostasis criteria in a stable way. Beyond the threshold, the behavior of the artificial neural network changes drastically, with failing homeostasis and in consequence with an exploding number of connections. While the exact value of the balance at the bifurcation point is subject to the parameters of the model, the existence of this bifurcation might explain the stability of a certain E/I balance across a wide range of biological neural networks. Assuming that this class of models describes the self-organization of biological network connectivity reasonably realistically, the omnipresent physiological balance might represent a case of self-organized criticality in order to obtain a good connectivity while allowing for a stable intracellular calcium homeostasis.
Motion control and its ground-based experiment of a tethered subsatellite with a controllable rigid arm

The paper presents an experimental research on motion control of a ground-based tethered subsatellite with a controllable rigid arm between the subsatellite and the tether. The forces acting on the tethered subsatellite are first obtained through the dynamic similarity between the subsatellite and a tethered satellite orbiting the Earth. And then, an experimental system for simulating the tethered subsatellite is designed and elaborated in detail, including the airflow embranchment, the measuring and control subsystems, the power and communication subsystems, et al. Furthermore, the operating principle of the ground-based experimental system is illustrated, and the applicability of which is validated by a test of an on-orbit nonlinear optimal control problem.
The Opinions of the Teachers on Mentoring Process and Experiences

The aim of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the opinions of the teachers on mentoring process and their experiences. To achieve this aim, the study sought information on mentoring essences, practices, roles, and training needs of mentor teachers. Experienced and beginning teachers were purposefully selected from eight English-medium secondary schools in South Africa. Data from the literature review, 16 group interviews and 24 open-ended questionnaires were triangulated and thematically analysed to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Forty-eight experienced teachers and 24 beginning teachers shared their life experiences, perspectives, and perceptions on the mentoring process. The study revealed that in South African schools, mentoring was patchy and unsystematic. Data collected revealed that a new working environment presented some social, personal, and professional challenges to beginning teachers. It was revealed that experienced teachers were willing to support their fellow beginning colleagues even though they were not trained in the mentoring process and did not receive the necessary support from the school management teams.
Nanomechanical Measurement Methods on the Basis of MEMS

Recently microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have found increasingly more applications in measurement technique in form of sensors and actuators. Here a report on the development and test of nanomechanical measurement methods and systems on the basis of MEMS will be delivered. A nanoforce actuator, a nanotensile test system which are all realized in the form of MEMS are in the focus. Design and numerical simulation of the nanoforce actuator with the help of finite element analysis (FEA) are detailed . In the article the principle of these measurement systems, the design, the manufacture and the assembly of the MEMS as well as first test results and achieved performance parameters are described.
How Plausible are the Accounts of Child Victims of Sexual Abuse? A Study of Bizarre and Unusual Scripts Reported by Children

ABSTRACT Child sexual abuse is a serious social problem. In reports of sexually abused children, victims’ narratives often contain elements that suggest the abuse was recorded to create images for child pornography with sadistic, bizarre, or perverted details. The presence of unusual or bizarre elements in the accounts of abused children affects their credibility. The purpose of this paper is to assess the presence and prevalence of these elements in the reports of children with suspected sexual abuse and to examine their consistency with verified cases of child abuse. We conducted two studies. In Study 1, we developed a list of 16 categories of unusual and bizarre scripts reported by children in reports of sexual abuse. In Study 2, we validated the list by examining the presence of the identified scripts in the actual experiences of both individuals convicted of crimes related to child pornography and Italian police officers who were involved with child pornography as part of their official duties. Our findings suggest that children’s accounts of sexual abuse should be considered credible even if they contain unusual or bizarre elements that also occur in child pornography and therefore may reflect events actually experienced rather than merely the child’s fantasy or imagination.
Evaluation of quality systems for specialist contractors

Quality systems are being adopted by the Swedish building industry to an increasing degree. The present paper examines two categories of specialist contractors — electrical contractors, and plumbing, heating and ventilation contractors — and the introduction of quality systems in these environments. The companies were assessed in terms of the ISO 9001 standard and the Crosby Quality Management Maturity Grid. The evaluation shows that much has been accomplished in efforts to ensure quality, but that much is yet to be done. Considering the investment in resources which the introduction of a quality system represented for these firms, it is noteworthy that none of them measured the effects of quality control in a concrete way. A specific instrument, based on ISO 9001 and the Crosby Grid, is seen as applicable. The importance of developing the evaluation of quality systems further is emphasized, an approach which can be used both by suppliers and by customers.
Postural Control under Cognitive Load: Evidence of Increased Automaticity Revealed by Center-of-Pressure and Head Kinematics

Abstract How postural responses change with sensory perturbations while also performing a cognitive task is still debatable. This study investigated this question via comprehensive assessment of postural sway, head kinematics and their coupling. Twenty-three healthy young adults stood in tandem with eyes open or wearing the HTC Vive Head-Mounted Display (HMD) with a static or dynamic (i.e., movement in the anterior-posterior direction at 5 mm or 32 mm at 0.2 Hz) 3-wall stars display. On half of the trials, participants performed a cognitive serial subtraction task. Medio-lateral center-of-pressure (COP) path significantly increased with the cognitive task, particularly with dynamic visuals whereas medio-lateral variance decreased with the cognitive task. Head path and velocity significantly increased with the cognitive task in both directions while variance decreased. Head-COP cross-correlations ranged between 0.78 and 0.66. These findings, accompanied by frequency analysis, suggest that postural control switched to primarily relying on somatosensory input under challenging cognitive load conditions. Several differences between head and COP suggest that head kinematics contribute an important additional facet of postural control and the relationship between head and COP may depend on task and stance position. The potential of HMDs for clinical assessments of balance needs to be further explored.
Meta-Analysis of Factors Associated with Occupational Therapist Burnout

Burnout, a reaction to chronic emotional stress, affects health and reduces the quality of service. Reportedly, healthcare professionals are especially vulnerable to burnout. This meta-analysis is aimed at examining the factors associated with occupational therapists' burnout. The results of 2,430 occupational therapists, across 17 peer-reviewed English articles, the most recent published in 2020, were analysed. Results revealed significant associations between related variables and burnout. Marital status, work field, and work hours, job challenges, patient age, position, turnover intention, working type, and work addiction showed significant positive correlation effect sizes in relation to burnout, whereas age, education, engagement, job satisfaction, personal identity, professional identity, rewards, and feeling valued showed significant negative correlation effect sizes. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that strategies to reduce occupational therapists' burnout need to consider organizational as well as psychological aspects.
Shear bond strength of orthodontic tubes bonded directly with composite resin reinforcement on the enamel surface

To evaluate the shear bond strength and the fracture type of orthodontic tubes bonded directly with composite resin throughout the enamel surface. 30 bovine teeth were cut into 3 slices with 5 mm each and embedded in PVC pipes with acrylic resin exposing the buccal face. Subsequently, the teeth were submitted to conventional bonding techniques. Natural Ortho resin was applied for direct bonding of Edgewise Standard orthodontic tubes (Morelli®) and light-cured for 20s. A different viscosity resin was chosen and light-cured for 40s to reinforce the tube surface. The samples were divided into the following groups: Orthodontic tube with direct bonding without reinforcement (CONTROL), Tube with Natural Ortho resin + Reinforcement (NO + NO), Tube with Natural Ortho resin + Reinforcement with Flow resin (NO + FL). These were submitted to shear bond strength; immediate and 1-year aging fracture analysis after simulated through thermocycling. In the shear bond strength test, the group of orthodontic tubes that were directly bonded with Natural Ortho resin and reinforced (NO + NO) showed greater strength results after 24 hours and 1 year with values of (p=0.0225) and (p=0.0273). It was statistically differentto the NO + FL and CONTROL reinforced groups. In the fracture analysis, the NO +NO group was classified immediately as composite cohesive, and mixed failure after aging by thermocycling. The addition of a composite resin layer on the surface of the directly bonded orthodontic tube improved bond strength. The reinforcement must be carried out in regular consistency and the use of Flow resin is not indicated.
Diversifying the rehabilitation of calvarial defects: Rejuvenating precision: A case series

Cranial vault defects are either congenital or acquired in origin. Cranioplasty is most commonly done in patients after trauma, decompressive craniectomies, tumor resections, infections or because of congenital malformations. The purpose of a Cranioplast is to protect the underlying brain tissues, reduce pain, and to improve the calvarial contour, symmetry, and esthetics. Rehabilitation of these defects possesses a challenge to the surgical team and prosthodontist. With advancement in three-dimensional (3D) engineering technology, the use of rapid prototyping technology (RPT) can be used in the fabrication of 3D skull eliminating conventional impression for recording defect region. Custom-made cranial prosthesis now can be fabricated using the conventional method of wax-up and lost-wax method. Case 1 had a history of road traffic accident followed by decompressive craniectomy, which led to frontoparietotemporal defect of the right side. The 3D model was fabricated using RPT technology. The wax pattern fabricated on 3D prototyped skull was contoured using digital photographic superimposition method. Case 2 had a history of trauma on the head causing intracerebral hemorrhage followed by decompressive craniectomy which led to frontoparietotemporal defect of the right side. The 3D model was fabricated using RPT. The wax pattern fabricated on 3D prototyped skull was contoured using the compass method. The use of these methods with the added advantage of RPT resulted in prosthesis with good esthetics and better fit. The contour of the prosthesis was replicated in the same manner as compared to the contralateral side. These techniques are easy to use and are less time consuming and had few chances of errors.
THE MEASURING CHANNELS CALIBRATION IN THE INDUSTRY

The trend of development of measuring equipment in particular measuring systems and technological processes leads to the need of measuring the temperature without dismantling the primary transducers and stopping the technological process in a very wide range and with high accuracy. The choice of methods and means of measurement depends on such factors as the value of measured temperature, necessary accuracy of measurement, conditions of measurements, and operation of the investigated object. The topicality of the problem is that industrial metrology operates the temperature measuring systems, transducers of which are deployed in such a way that their dismantling is impossible due to the specifics of the process or dangerous for operators’ life (nuclear power plants). Such measuring systems, due to the specifics of their application, are not metrologically provided in the periods between major repairs of controlled objects, thus violating the unity of measurements.
The Role of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Predicting Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Elderly Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection

Background: The relationship between immunonutritional status (eg. Prognostic nutritional index [PNI] and Controlling Nutritional Status [COUNT] score) and risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after surgical resection of lung cancer had reported before. However, another immunonutritional parameter- Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI)-had never explored.Method: To address this issue, in this study we retrospectively analyzed patients’ characteristics and PPCs in a cohort of lung cancer patients who were treated by surgical resection at our center. The clinical utility of patients’ characteristics for predicting PPCs was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the Youden index. Univariate and multivariate analysis were applied to find the most important factors.Result: A total of 128 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Significant differences in sex, GNRI, FEV1%, LY% were found between the PPC and non-PPC groups (all P<0.05). The difference in pathology between the 2 groups showed borderline statistical significance (P=0.052). We determined the best cutoff value of each parameter and calculated the corresponding sensitivity and specificity, and found that GNRI, FEV1% and LY% had similar diagnostic value. Multivariate analysis reveled GNRI, sex, LY% and FEV1% were filtered to be correlated to PPCs of elderly lung cancer patients received surgery therapy.Conclusion: These results indicate that preoperative immunonutritional parameters of GNRI can be used to identify elderly lung cancer patients at risk of PPCs.
Exploration of the stiffness profiles of modern cars in pedestrian impacts

Consumer and regulatory tests for improvement in pedestrian protection are now firmly established. A change in the vehicle frontal stiffness profiles as a result of these tests is less well established. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge base on the vehicle frontal stiffness in pedestrian impacts. Using data recorded as part of the European New Car Assessment Programme, a series of 139 impact tests using headform and legform impactors were used to calculate the vehicle frontal stiffness profile of eight cars manufactured between 2006 and 2010. To account for one of the limitations of the legform as a device for measuring the stiffness of a surface, a methodology for determining a correction factor using the multi-body modelling software MADYMO is presented. Comparison with previous published work showed that the stiffness of the windscreen was unchanged, but that the stiffnesses of the bonnet and front bumper were reduced.
The interactive landscape plan: Use and benefits of new technologies in landscape planning and discussion of the interactive landscape plan in Koenigslutter am Elm, Germany

Abstract Information technologies (IT) provide new approaches for better access to environmental information and for improving the implementation of environmental goals in landscape planning. Many potentially suitable tools already exist. However, most have been developed in a different planning context, such as town planning or environmental impact assessment, and are only partly suitable for the comprehensive task of landscape planning. A number of important questions concerning the application of these tools in landscape planning remain unanswered: which types of tools are needed to solve the problems in landscape planning? ; must these tools be adapted to the special conditions of landscape planning? ; how should they be co-ordinated and ultimately integrated into a landscape planning support system? An analysis of the implementation problems in German landscape planning and the potentials of IT suggests new approaches and answers to these questions. This paper explores the effective use of IT in landscape planning and describes a model landscape planning support system that was developed and tested during the research project ‘Interactive Landscape Plan’ in Koenigslutter am Elm, Germany. The pilot project incorporated important components of an IT-supported landscape planning system: a geographical information system (GIS), tools for the support of communication in public participation, visualization tools and Decision Support Systems (DSSs). The project offers ‘open-source’ solutions, including a newly developed on-line participation tool, and an evaluation of selected visualization tools.
Far‐IR multiband dual‐polarization perfect absorber for wide incident angles

We present a frequency selective surface (FSS) based, electrically thin perfect absorber with multiband and/or broadband performance in the Far‐IR band. We start by introducing small metallic loadings to the well‐known crossed‐dipole FSS structure. We demonstrate that these parasitic inclusions allow for much improved design flexibility for wide‐angle perfect absorbers using SiC and Silicon substrates. The numerical simulation results of proposed absorbers show that the design achieves dual‐band performance for wide incident angles in both transverse and transverse magnetic polarizations, with near perfect absorption characteristics. Furthermore, simple compositions of scaled versions of the proposed FSS elements are shown to achieve multiband and broadband characteristics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:632–636, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27387
Analyzing dispersive nonlinear optical devices by using FDTD method

Based on the exciting results recently achieved using the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method, an explicit two dimensional FDTD package for modeling wave propagation in certain kinds of nonlinear media such as 2nd-order nonlinearity, 3rd-order nonlinearity, Kerr effect, Raman effect is proposed. The proposed scheme adopts the polarization equation (PE) philosophy, where all nonlinear effects are expressed by nonlinear polarization terms in the time-space domain Maxwell's equation. The Lorentz dispersive effect in time domain polarization term can also be easily coupled in this scheme, which will lead to a dispersive nonlinearity simulation. Typical examples for pulsed beam self-focusing, scattering, harmonic response are presented in this paper.
Analysis of Driver and Pedestrian Comprehension of Requirements for Permissive Left-Turn Applications

Operations engineers commonly program traffic signal controllers to serve the pedestrian movement at the same time as the parallel vehicular-through movement. This requires drivers completing a permissive left-turn movement to yield to opposing vehicles and pedestrians before selecting an appropriate gap. To minimize the potential safety problem, it is critical that drivers and pedestrians understand the permissive left-turn signal indications. The recently completed NCHRP Report 493 identified that a flashing yellow arrow (FYA) permissive indication provided a preferred alternative to the existing circular green permissive indication and recommended that the FYA permissive indication be included in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. This paper presents research findings of a follow-up study that targeted the FYA impact on pedestrians, including driver comprehension of the need to yield to pedestrians and pedestrians’ recognition of appropriate crossing opportunities. Driver and pedestrian comprehension of the FYA indication was evaluated with a series of dynamic driving simulator evaluations and computer-based static evaluations. In total, 139 drivers and 100 pedestrians were evaluated in 5,930 experimental scenarios. The FYA permissive indication can be safely and effectively used at intersections with pedestrian activities. Given the high level of comprehension to yield requirements, the FYA is a recommended indication at T-intersections where pedestrian crossings are prevalent. Fewer than half the pedestrians understood correct crossing procedures when pedestrian signal heads were not present, and pedestrian comprehension of the walking requirements under a flashing “don't walk” were quite low in all scenarios evaluated.
A survey on educational data mining methods used for predicting students' performance

Predicting students' performance is one of the most important issues in educational data mining (EDM), which has received more and more attention. By predicting students' performance, we can identify students' risk of academic failure and help instructors to take some actions such as guidance or interventions to help learners as early as possible, or carry out continual evaluation of learners as to optimize learning path or personalized learning resources recommendation. In this survey, we reviewed the 80 important studies on predicting students' performance using EDM methods in 2016–2021, synthesized the procedure of building prediction model of students' performance which contains four phases and 10 key steps, and compared and discussed the latest EDM methods used in all steps. We analyzed the challenges faced by previous studies in three aspects and put forward future suggestions on data collection, EDM methods used, and interpretation of prediction model. This survey provides a comprehensive understanding and practical guide for researchers in this field, and also provides direction for further research.