Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The BDNF/TrkB Neurotrophin System in the Sensory Organs of Zebrafish

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was discovered in the last century, and identified as a member of the neurotrophin family. BDNF shares approximately 50% of its amino acid with other neurotrophins such as NGF, NT-3 and NT-4/5, and its linear amino acid sequences in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and human are 91% identical. BDNF functions can be mediated by two categories of receptors: p75NTR and Trk. Intriguingly, BDNF receptors were highly conserved in the process of evolution, as were the other NTs’ receptors. In this review, we update current knowledge about the distribution and functions of the BDNF-TrkB system in the sensory organs of zebrafish. In fish, particularly in zebrafish, the distribution and functions of BDNF and TrkB in the brain have been widely studied. Both components of the system, associated or segregated, are also present outside the central nervous system, especially in sensory organs including the inner ear, lateral line system, retina, taste buds and olfactory epithelium.
Relationship between Viscoelastic Properties of Tissues and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy in Breast-Cancer-Related Lymphedema

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the viscoelastic properties of tissues and breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). After a mastectomy, 46 females were allocated into a lymphedema group (L; n = 15, lymphedema occurred) and a control group (C; n = 31, lack of lymphedema). Bioimpedance spectroscopy was used to test BCRL. The mechanical properties of the tissues in both upper limbs were tested using myotonometry. In group L, tone, stiffness, relaxation time, and creep measured on the biceps brachii of the impaired limb significantly differed from the results on the unimpaired limb. In group C, the differences were not significant. Moreover, both tone and stiffness were inversely correlated with the level of lymphedema (r = −0.72 and r = −0.88, respectively), and both relaxation and creep were significantly related to the level of lymphedema (r = 0.71 and r = 0.59, respectively), when myotonometry was completed on the biceps brachii of the impaired limb in group L. The relationships were not significant in group C. Measurements of viscoelastic properties can provide useful information concerning lymphedema. Our findings suggest that significant correlations between selected mechanical properties of the tissues and BCRL can be used in BCRL detection and treatment.
A Multiband Shared Aperture MIMO Antenna for Millimeter-Wave and Sub-6GHz 5G Applications

A shared aperture 2-element multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna design for 5G standards is presented in this study, one which uses the same radiating structure to cover both the sub-6GHz and millimeter-wave (millimeter-wave) bands. The proposed antenna comprises four concentric pentagonal slots that are uniformly separated from one another. For the sub-6GHz band, the antenna is excited by a single open-end microstrip transmission-line, while a 1 × 8 power divider (PD) connected via a T-junction structure excites the millimeter-wave band. Both the sub-6GHz and mm-wave antennas operate in a MIMO configuration. The proposed antenna design was fabricated on a 120 × 60 mm2 substrate with an edge-to-edge distance of 49 mm. The proposed sub-6GHz antenna covers the following frequency bands: 4–4.5 GHz, 3.1–3.8 GHz, 2.48–2.9 GHz, 1.82–2.14 GHz, and 1.4–1.58 GHz, while the millimeter-wave antenna operates at 28 GHz with at least 500 MHz of bandwidth. A complete antenna analysis is provided via a step-by-step design procedure, an equivalent circuit diagram showing the operation of the shared aperture antenna, and current density analysis at both millimeter-wave and sub-6GHz bands. The proposed antenna design is also characterized in terms of MIMO performance metrics with a good MIMO operation with maximum envelop correlation coefficient value of 0.113. The maximum measured gain and efficiency values obtained were 91% and 8.5 dBi over the entire band of operation. The antenna is backward compatible with 4G bands and also encompasses the sub-6GHz and 28 GHz bands for future 5G wireless communcation systems.
Restorative Materials Exposed to Acid Challenge: Influence of Temperature on In Vitro Weight Loss

Consumption of acidic beverages and foods could provoke erosive damage, both for teeth and for restorative materials. Temperatures of consumption could influence the erosive effects of these products. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess the influence of an acidic challenge on the weight loss of different restorative materials. Resin composites and glass-ionomer cements (GIC) were tested. The medium of storage was Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Company, Milano, Italy) at two different temperatures, 4 and 37 °C, respectively for Group A and Group B. For each group, nine specimens were prepared for each material tested. After 7 days, weight was assessed for each sample, and the percentage weight loss was calculated. For all the resin composites (Groups 1–13), no significant weight losses were noticed. (<1%). Conversely, GICs (Groups 14 and 15) showed significant weight loss during the acidic challenge, which was reduced in the case of these materials that included a protective layer applied above. Significant differences were registered with intra-group analysis; weight loss for specimens immersed in Coca Cola at 37 °C was significantly higher for almost all materials tested when compared to specimens exposed to a cooler medium. In conclusion, all the resin composites showed reliable behaviour when exposed to acidic erosion, whereas glass-ionomer cements generally tended to solubilize.
Genetic Variations in Thomas’s Rope Squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus) and Gambian Sun Squirrel (Heliosciurus gambianus) Ibadan, Nigeria, Using Allozyme Markers

Thomas’s Rope Squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus) and Gambian Sun Squirrel (Heliosciurus gambianus) are two of the eight squirrel species found in Nigeria with overlapping habitats in Southwestern Nigeria. Squirrels are involved in pollination, seed dispersal, vectors of human and domestic animal diseases as well as crop and household pests. These species and the crucial ecosystem services they render are threatened by habitat destruction, human encroachment and the fact that they are being used as a source of protein in Nigeria. Their conservation would be enhanced by availability of accurate genetic information which are scarce for these species. This study seeks to provide baseline data on genetic variation at three allozyme loci in the two species in University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Twenty-nine individual squirrels including eighteen F. anerythrus species and eleven H. gambianus were used in this study. These were obtained from the wild within the University of Ibadan. Observed and expected heterozygosity (Ho and He), Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), genetic distance between the species, and inbreeding coefficients were performed using POPGENE and Tools for Population Genetic Analyses (TFPGA). In F. anerythrus, Ho and He were 0.6092 and 0.5635, respectively, while, for H. gambianus, Ho and He were 0.6242 and 0.5745, respectively. There were no deviations from HWE in all the tested loci (p>0.05). Nei genetic distance between the species was 0.0070 and the populations showed fairly high level of outbreeding (FST = 0.0029 ± 0.0017). More robust genetic markers would be required to further ascertain the genetic status of the species.
Changing Worlds, Changing Classrooms: Satellite Children and their Teachers in the Transnational Era

The challenges for immigrants in the US and Canada include the difficulties of making a living while raising their children. Due to the high cost of living and childcare in cities, along with the realities of low paying jobs and long working hours among many working-class immigrants, growing numbers of families send their infant children to their countries of origin to be raised by relatives for a few years. When the children reach school age, they are returned to their parents in the US. Prior research has focused on immigrant parents’ decision-making rationale and their reports of adjustments that children went through. Informed by a critical theoretical framework and culturally sustaining pedagogy, this paper investigates elementary school teachers’ understandings of the transnational experiences of their Chinese “satellite children. ” Interview data from a qualitative study at an East Coast urban school serving a growing Chinese community, where this transnational practice is the norm, reveal challenges and opportunities that the return of these children presents for their parents, their teachers, and for the children themselves. We argue that a culturally sustaining approach is critically needed to better serve this community and student population.
Measuring the level of energy and health expenditure among energy-poor and non-poor households in india: a disaggregated analysis

ABSTRACT Energy poverty is a complex multidimensional phenomenon perceived differently in developed and developing countries. It becomes necessary to identify the energy-poor households as energy poverty affects households in many ways, with negative consequences. This study is established upon an enhanced version of the multidimensional energy poverty index. Still, it differs from the earlier frameworks, as it incorporates two critical dimensions of 10% measurement and minimum energy required for necessities. Devising a multidimensional energy poverty index, this study analyzed the pattern and magnitude of household expenditure on energy and health among energy-poor and non-poor. This study is demonstrated in India using household-level data from the National Sample Survey 68th round. The results reveal that per capita energy and health expenditure; and the share of health expenditure in the total consumption expenditure among energy-poor households is high. Insights from this study can be a valuable input for policymakers to identify energy-poor households and frame relevant and effective policies to alleviate energy poverty.
Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Drug Carriers Modified with Tb3+ Ions

The study aimed to synthesize and characterize the magnetic drug carrier modified with terbium (III) ions. The addition of terbium extends the possibilities of their applications for targeted anticancer radiotherapy as well as for imaging techniques using radioisotopes emitting β+, β−, α, and γ radiation. The synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized with citrates using the co-precipitation method (IONP @ CA) was carried out during the experimental work. The obtained nanoparticles were used to synthesize a conjugate containing terbium ions and guanosine-5′-monophosphate as an analog of drugs from the thiopurine group. Conjugates and their components were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray microanalysis, spectrofluorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The hybrid was also investigated with Langmuir layers to check the interaction with analogs of biological membranes.
Reliability of Symbolic Analysis of Heart Rate Variability and Its Changes During Sympathetic Stimulation in Elite Modern Pentathlon Athletes: A Pilot Study

Background and Purpose Most studies on heart rate variability (HRV) in professional athletes concerned linear, time-, and frequency-domain indices, and there is lack of studies on non-linear parameters in this group. The study aimed to determine the inter-day reliability, and group-related and individual changes of short-term symbolic dynamics (SymDyn) measures during sympathetic nervous system activity (SNSa) stimulation among elite modern pentathletes. Methods Short-term electrocardiographic recordings were performed in stable measurement conditions with a 7-day interval between tests. SNSa stimulation via isometric handgrip strength test was conducted on the second day of study. The occurrence rate of patterns without variations (0V), with one variation (1V), two like (2LV), and two unlike variations (2UV) obtained using three approaches (the Max–min, the σ, and the Equal-probability methods) were analyzed. Relative and absolute reliability were evaluated. Results All SymDyn indices obtained using the Max–min method, 0V, and 2UV obtained using the σ method, 2UV obtained using the Equal-probability method presented acceptable inter-day reliability (the intraclass correlation coefficient between .91 and .99, Cohen’s d between −.08 and .10, the within-subject coefficient of variation between 4% and 22%). 2LV, 2UV, and 0V obtained using the Max–min and σ methods significantly decreased and increased, respectively, during SNSa stimulation—such changes were noted for all athletes. There was no significant association between differences in SymDyn parameters and respiratory rate in stable conditions and while comparing stable conditions and SNSa stimulation. Conclusion SymDyn indices may be used as reliable non-respiratory-associated parameters in laboratory settings to detect autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity modulations in elite endurance athletes. These findings provide a potential solution for addressing the confounding influence of respiration frequency on HRV-derived inferences of cardiac autonomic function. For this reason, SymDyn may prove to be preferable for field-based monitoring where measurements are unsupervised.
Influence Analysis of Inductance Effect and Spark Effect on Lightning Impulse Characteristics of Grounding Conductors and Its Ambient Soil

In order to study the influences of inductance effect and spark effect on the impulse characteristics of grounding bodies, and to distinguish the ranges dominated by these two effects, we established an electrical network model and its corresponding iterated algorithm of grounding bodies by taking spark discharge into consideration. The model and algorithm were verified in the aspects of validity and accuracy by calculations using the full-scale test data in the case of high impulse current. Moreover, we used the model and algorithm to calculate the impulse characteristics of horizontal grounding bodies with different lengths influenced by impulse currents with different waveforms. The results indicate that, with increasing soil resistivity, the dominant factor determining grounding impulse characteristics turns from inductance effect into spark effect gradually. The obtained critical value of the normalized parameter of 450 k A·? , can be taken as the threshold to discriminate the conditions with dominate inductance effect from the conditions with dominant spark effect. The results above can be used for selecting the lengths of extended grounding bodies and horizontal ray conductors.
Use of CIED Generated Heart Failure Risk Score (HFRS) Alerts in an Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Approach to HF Management—A Prospective Cohort Study

Aim: To evaluate use of CIED-generated Heart Failure Risk Score (HFRS) alerts in an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to HF management. Methods: We undertook a prospective, single centre outcome study of patients implanted with an HFRS-enabled Medtronic CIED, generating a “high risk” alert between November 2018 and November 2020. All patients generating a “high risk” HFRS alert were managed within an integrated HF pathway. Alerts were shared with local HF teams, prompting patient contact and appropriate intervention. Outcome data on health care utilisation (HCU) and mortality were collected. A validated questionnaire was completed by the HF teams to obtain feedback. Results: 367 “High risk” alerts were noted in 188 patients. The mean patient age was 70 and 49% had a Charlson Comorbidity Score of >6. Mean number of alerts per patients was 1.95 and 44 (23%) of patients had >3 “high risk” alerts in the follow up period. Overall, 75 (39%) patients were hospitalised in the 4–6-week period of the alert; 53 (28%) were unplanned of which 24 (13%) were for decompensated HF. A total of 33 (18%) patients died in the study period. Having three or more alerts significantly increased the risk of hospitalisation for heart failure (HR 2.5, CI 1.1–5.6 p = 0.03). The feedback on the pathway was positive. Conclusions: Patients with “high risk” alerts are co-morbid and have significant HCU. An integrated approach can facilitate timely risk stratification and intervention. Intervention in these patients is not limited to HF alone and provides the opportunity for holistic management of this complex cohort.
Lightweight Neural Network for COVID-19 Detection from Chest X-ray Images Implemented on an Embedded System

At the end of 2019, a severe public health threat named coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread rapidly worldwide. After two years, this coronavirus still spreads at a fast rate. Due to its rapid spread, the immediate and rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 is of utmost importance. In the global fight against this virus, chest X-rays are essential in evaluating infected patients. Thus, various technologies that enable rapid detection of COVID-19 can offer high detection accuracy to health professionals to make the right decisions. The latest emerging deep-learning (DL) technology enhances the power of medical imaging tools by providing high-performance classifiers in X-ray detection, and thus various researchers are trying to use it with limited success. Here, we propose a robust, lightweight network where excellent classification results can diagnose COVID-19 by evaluating chest X-rays. The experimental results showed that the modified architecture of the model we propose achieved very high classification performance in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and f1-score for four classes (COVID-19, normal, viral pneumonia and lung opacity) of 21.165 chest X-ray images, and at the same time meeting real-time constraints, in a low-power embedded system. Finally, our work is the first to propose such an optimized model for a low-power embedded system with increased detection accuracy.
Design and Implementation of an Embedded System for Driver Fatigue Surveillance

Fatigue driving is one of important reasons that cause fatal traffic accidents.Technology for driver fatigue surveillance is becoming a new research topic in image processing and application fields.An ARM embedded system is designed for driver fatigue surveillance based on some improved and proposed algorithms.Video is captured by a camera with the frequency range comprising of visible light and near infrared ray.From the video,face region is firstly detected by the cascaded classifiers based Haar features and traced by a diamond searching algorithm,eye state is then judged by three criterions based on a novel statistical image difference feature,and uneven lighting is compensate by a total variation model for robust eye location and face recognization.Experimental results show that the correct rate for driver fatigue surveillance is beyond 95% in our embedded system.
Recommendations for Tracelink Decisions – An Empirical Investigation of Visualizations

Today, engineering processes integrate many subsystems from different domains like Mechanics, Electrics or Software. Therefore the systems that are engineered become more and more complex. As system complexity increases, the number of dependencies between subsystems increases as well. Hence, engineers are obliged to keep track on these dependencies via tracelinks. The present paper investigates four types of decision support (percentages, brief information, a traffic light metaphor and a half-star rating) that help engineers to decide if a tracelink should be set or not. Moreover multiple objective and subjective dependent measures were assessed. Despite the pre-study character of the present work results indicate that the half-star rating system was best in terms of objective performance, at least for experts. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Numerical Simulation on Pipe Defect Detection Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves

The development status of ultrasonic guided wave technology for pipe defect detection of power plants was presented.Numerical simulation was carried out to the detection process with Ansys finite element program,during which a wedge model with special incline angle and a water-coupled layer were established on the outer surface of a pipe model,to simulate the wedge of an oblique incidence transducer.Instantaneous displacement load was applied on the wedge to excite particular mode of guided waves,with which relationship of reflection coefficient varying with axial,circular length and depth of the defect was analyzed.The results obtained by numerical simulation agree well with that of experiments previously conducted by former investigators.
Metrics and Evaluations of Time Series Explanations: An Application in Affect Computing

Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) has shed light on enormous applications by clarifying why neural models make specific decisions. However, it remains challenging to measure how sensitive XAI solutions are to the explanations of neural models. Although different evaluation metrics have been proposed to measure sensitivity, the main focus has been on the visual and textual data. There is insufficient attention devoted to the sensitivity metrics tailored for time series data. In this paper, we formulate several metrics, including max short-term sensitivity (MSS), max long-term sensitivity (MLS), average short-term sensitivity (ASS) and average long-term sensitivity (ALS), that target the sensitivity of XAI models with respect to the generated and real time series. Our hypothesis is that for close series with the same labels, we obtain similar explanations. We evaluate three XAI models, LIME, integrated gradient (IG), and SmoothGrad (SG), on CN-Waterfall, a deep convolutional network. This network is a highly accurate time series classifier in affect computing. Our experiments rely on data-, metric- and XAI hyperparameter-related settings on the WESAD and MAHNOB-HCI datasets. The results reveal that (i) IG and LIME provide a lower sensitivity scale than SG in all the metrics and settings, potentially due to the lower scale of important scores generated by IG and LIME, (ii) the XAI models show higher sensitivities for a smaller window of data, (iii) the sensitivities of XAI models fluctuate when the network parameters and data properties change, and (iv) the XAI models provide unstable sensitivities under different settings of hyperparameters.
Simulation Based Validation of Range Prediction of Electric Vehicles

With the increasing environmental pollution in our urban communities along with the continuous exhaustion of oil assets, electric vehicles are ending up profoundly supported as means of transport. There is a proceeding with increment in the quantity of EVs being used, however their global expansion and acceptance by consumers is identified with the performance they can deliver. The most significant highlights here are observably the low energy density, with staggering expenses and short cycle life bringing about constrained mileage contrasted with conventional passenger vehicles. Ordinarily, in the technical specifications of electric cars, automakers give an operational combined range which isn't completely accurate and doesn’t differentiate and take into consideration several influencing factors (urban driving or inter city traffic, ambient temperature, utilization of auxiliary equipment …). For the owners it is imperative to know as accurate as possible the remaining range and influence of the auxiliaries on energy consumption and mileage. That information will guarantee a tranquil and pleasant journey regardless of the constrained range of electric vehicles.