Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Online Reliability-Enhanced Virtual Network Services Provisioning in Fault-Prone Mobile Edge Cloud

Fault-Prone Mobile Edge Cloud (FP-MEC) is a new type of distributed network composed of mobile edge computing and network function virtualization, where virtual network services can be provided in the form of service function chains (SFCs) that are a sequence of virtual network functions (VNFs) on-demand deployed on resource-limited edge servers. FP-MEC has a characteristic that the fault probability of each VNF is dynamic and fluctuates with time and workloads, making SFCs temporarily unreliable. To increase the reliabilities, redundant Backup VNFs (BVNFs) need to be deployed near the VNFs and activated when they experience faults. Different mobile users would request different SFCs with reliability and service time demands to process their data. However, workloads of VNFs are dynamic and unpredictable in FP-MEC due to random arrival of user requests. How to optimally deploy VNFs and corresponding BVNFs on a set of edge servers to form expected SFCs that have higher reliabilities than user demand values, meanwhile throughput of receiving requests is maximized while receiving cost is minimized in real-time, is a challenging problem. The receiving cost is composed of deployment cost of instantiating VNFs and BVNFs, and communication cost of routing data among users, VNFs and BVNFs. In this paper, the long-term provisioning problem is first formulated as an integer linear program and proved to be NP-hard. Then, it is discretized into a sequence of one-slot optimization problems to handle practical time-varying fault probability, where a set of SFC requests are given at each time slot, and receiving or rejecting decisions are executed immediately without any future information. Finally, an online approximation scheme with a constant approximation ratio is proposed to solve the one-slot problems in polynomial time. Theoretical analyses and experiments based on real network topology of CERNET in China demonstrate that the scheme is promising compared to existing works.
Bayesian Inference of Fault Slip and Coupling Along the Tuosuo Lake Segment of the Kunlun Fault, China

Integrating newly‐processed Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and available Global Positioning System (GPS) data, we obtained a dense interseismic velocity field across the Tuosuo Lake segment of the Kunlun fault. Using a Bayesian approach, we obtained the spatial distribution of fault slip and coupling. The slip rate below the locking depth, which represents contemporary steady‐state faulting, demonstrates an overall decrease, and decreases non‐monotonically toward the eastern fault tip in the range of ∼5–11 mm/a. Two strongly locked zones are identified, extending 100–120 km along‐strike and being separated by narrow sections of moderate coupling. These locked zones were likely ruptured during the 1937 M 7.5 Huashixia earthquake. The estimated moment accumulation rate provides a recurrence time of 428 ± 57 years for an earthquake similar to the 1937 event. The Maduo Mw 7.3 earthquake on 21 May 2021 imposed stress loading on the locked zones, equivalent to tectonic loading of ∼10 years, implying increased seismic hazard along the Kunlun fault.
Adaptive fuzzy fixed-time control for a class of strict-feedback stochastic nonlinear systems

This paper studies fixed-time tracking problems for stochastic nonlinear systems in strict-feedback form. Different from previous results, the practical fixed-time bounded theorem for stochastic nonlinear systems is given. The unknown functions of the stochastic nonlinear systems are approximated by the Fuzzy logic system (FLS) which has a universal approximation. Then by using a back-stepping method, a novel adaptive fuzzy fixed-time controller is designed for stochastic nonlinear systems based on the fixed-time bounded theorem. The states of the stochastic nonlinear systems are guaranteed to converge into an equilibrium point contained compact set semi-globally in fixed-time by the designed controller. Finally, a numerical example and a vehicle tracking model example are provided to illustrate the proposed strategy.
Evaluation of transverse residual stress in twin wire welded plates by ultrasonic method

Based on the acoustical theory and the simplified acoustoelastic equation for Lcr wave,ultrasonic stress measurement installation was established which consisted of a special transducer and an oscillograph with special higher digitizer board.The Lcr wave which is sensitive to stress is suitable to measure welding residual stress.Acoustoelastic coefficient of longitudinal critically refracted waves propagating in Q235 steel was obtained by tensile testing machine.The transverse stress of twin wire welded plates was measured by this system.The result fluctuation was discussed.The measurement process is real-time and quick which can be as the base of real-time reliability evaluation system for welded structure.
Design and Parameters Optimization of a Provoke-Suction Type Harvester for Ground Jujube Fruit

Low working efficiency is an important reason for the limited application of the traditional aspirated-air type jujube fruit pickup machine. In this study, a provoke-suction type harvester for ground jujube fruit (PSH) was designed, based on the principle of negative pressure suction after shoveling the jujube fruit mechanically. The main working parameters were analyzed and the structures of the key devices were designed. Then, a three-factor and three-level Box–Behnken method was used to evaluate the performance of the PSH. The results showed that the pickup rate, impurity rate, and working efficiency were 99.36%, 5.63%, and 1672.3 kg∙h−1, respectively; as the forward speed, provoke teeth buried depth, and airflow velocity were 0.21 kg∙h−1, 74 mm, and 26.4 kg∙h−1, respectively. Furthermore, the verification results showed that the pickup rate, impurity rate, and working efficiency were 98.05%, 5.97%, and 1591.2 kg∙h−1, respectively, moreover, the relative errors were 1.32%, 6.04%, and 4.85%, respectively, indicating that the parameter optimization model can accurately predict the test results. The working efficiency of the PSH was significantly improved compared with the traditional aspirated-air type jujube fruit pickup machine. This research can provide a reference for the development of the jujube fruit pickup machine.
CPU-GPU-Memory DVFS for Power-Efficient MPSoC in Mobile Cyber Physical Systems

Most modern mobile cyber-physical systems such as smartphones come equipped with multi-processor systems-on-chip (MPSoCs) with variant computing capacity both to cater to performance requirements and reduce power consumption when executing an application. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) on CPU, GPU and RAM in a mobile MPSoC, which caters to the performance requirements of the executing application while consuming low power. We evaluate our methodology on a real hardware platform, Odroid XU4, and the experimental results prove the approach to be 26% more power-efficient and 21% more thermal-efficient compared to the state-of-the-art system.
An efficient, modular controller for flapping flight composing model-based and model-free components

We present a controller that combines model-based methods with model-free data-driven methods hierarchically, utilizing the predictive power of template models with the strengths of model-free methods to account for model error, such as due to manufacturing variability in the RoboBee, a 100 mg flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle (FWMAV). Using a large suite of numerical trials, we show that the model-predictive high-level component of the proposed controller is more performant, easier to tune, and able to stabilize more dynamic tasks than a baseline reactive controller, while the data-driven inverse dynamics controller is able to better compensate for biases arising from manufacturing variability. At the same time, the formulated controller is very computationally efficient, with the MPC implemented at 5 KHz on a Simulink embedded target, via which we empirically demonstrate controlled hovering on a RoboBee.
UGT72, a Major Glycosyltransferase Family for Flavonoid and Monolignol Homeostasis in Plants

Simple Summary Phenylpropanoids are specialized metabolites playing crucial roles in plant developmental processes and in plant defense towards pathogens. The attachment of sugar moieties to these small hydrophobic molecules renders them more hydrophilic and increases their solubility. The UDP-glycosyltransferase 72 family (UGT72) of plants has been shown to glycosylate mainly two classes of phenylpropanoids, (i) the monolignols that are the building blocks of lignin, the second most abundant polymer after cellulose, and (ii) the flavonoids, which play determinant roles in plant interactions with other organisms and in response to stress. The purpose of this review is to bring an overview of the current knowledge of the UGT72 family and to highlight its role in the homeostasis of these molecules. Potential applications in pharmacology and in wood, paper pulp, and bioethanol production are given within the perspectives. Abstract Plants have developed the capacity to produce a diversified range of specialized metabolites. The glycosylation of those metabolites potentially decreases their toxicity while increasing their stability and their solubility, modifying their transport and their storage. The UGT, forming the largest glycosyltransferase superfamily in plants, combine enzymes that glycosylate mainly hormones and phenylpropanoids by using UDP-sugar as a sugar donor. Particularly, members of the UGT72 family have been shown to glycosylate the monolignols and the flavonoids, thereby being involved in their homeostasis. First, we explore primitive UGTs in algae and liverworts that are related to the angiosperm UGT72 family and their role in flavonoid homeostasis. Second, we describe the role of several UGT72s glycosylating monolignols, some of which have been associated with lignification. In addition, the role of other UGT72 members that glycosylate flavonoids and are involved in the development and/or stress response is depicted. Finally, the importance to explore the subcellular localization of UGTs to study their roles in planta is discussed.
BIM – object harmonization for timber construction

ABSTRACT The Ministry of the Environment of Finland funded “projectGENERIC” and “Puurakentamisen suunnittelun automaatio” to develop generic Building information modeling (BIM) model objects for massive timber buildings. Based on findings of the PuuBIM project the main research questions and goals were to create a generic open-source library of BIM objects for designers. Standardization is based on EN ISO 23387: 2020, YTV2012, and BIM Level-of-Development (LOD) to enhance data modeling and competitive bidding. The project used mixed methods research for the survey group of design offices and designers to collect data of the weak points in the BIM design processes and which are the key features required for the objects. Based on the research findings, a list of key features and properties were put together for BIM objects to Autodesk Revit. Objects will be available on Nordic BIM library service provider free of charge. The current projects are supposed to function as a proof of concept, provide data for discussion about harmonization of BIM-object standards. Next steps include creating a rules for Tekla Structures, with readiness for ETA- and EPD-data to compare the results at similar on-going research in other Nordic countries.
The Ant Lion Optimization Algorithm for Integrated Process Planning and Scheduling

Process planning and scheduling are two of the most important manufacturing functions which are usually performed sequentially in traditional approaches. Considering the fact that these functions are usually complementary, it is necessary to integrate them so as to improve performance of a manufacturing system. This paper presents implementation of novel nature-inspired Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) algorithm for solving this combinatorial optimization problem effectively. As the ALO algorithm mimics the intelligent behavior of antlions in hunting ants, the main steps of hunting prey, its mathematical modeling, and optimization procedure for integration of process planning and scheduling is proposed. The algorithm is implemented in Matlab environment and run on the 3.10 GHz processor with 2 GBs of RAM memory. Experimental results show applicability of the proposed approach in solving integrated process planning and scheduling problem.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Latinx Populations in the United States: A Culturally Relevant Literature Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects a large number of the American population. When compared to their representation in the general American population, a disproportionate number of Latinx individuals are affected. Within the Latinx American population, T2DM prevalence rates vary among individuals based on their country of origin. Deaths from T2DM among Latinx American population are also more compared to other ethnicities. This disparity underlines the importance of understanding the cultural considerations of T2DM disease presentation and management in Latinx communities, including risk factors, socioeconomic variables, and other social determinants of health such as access to care. There are various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for the development of T2DM, regardless of race. Staple foods in the diet of Latinx American communities, such as tortillas, rice, and beans, can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and can lead to obesity, which predisposes patients to develop T2DM. Latinx American populations suffer from lower access to healthcare than the general population due to many reasons, including language proficiency, immigration status, socioeconomic status, and level of acculturation. This study utilized the format of a commentary, while incorporating elements of a scoping review for data collection, to further explore these disparities and their impact on these populations. Understanding the cultural beliefs of Latinx individuals and how these beliefs contribute to the perceived development of T2DM is essential to properly treat these unique populations. Despite high rates of T2DM affecting Latinx individuals, non-adherence to prescribed diabetes medications is high among these populations. Interventions in the form of culturally tailored preventative education, in addition to active T2DM management, are necessary to combat the toll of this disease on Latinx Americans. Generic interventional techniques and methods should be replaced entirely by those that acknowledge, highlight, and utilize the sociocultural characteristics of Latinx Americans.
Trends in Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension According to 40-Year-Old Life Expectancy at Prefectures in Japan from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys

The prevalence of hypertension has been decreasing in Japan due to improved medical treatment and a decrease in dietary salt intake. However, disparities in the prevalence, treatment, and control of hypertension are expected to occur in different regions. This study aimed to investigate the trends in the prevalence, treatment, and control of hypertension at the prefectural level of life expectancy among Japanese population. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey and analysed the individual survey information of individuals aged 40–69 years by dividing it into six terms, i.e., 1995–1997, 1999–2001, 2003–2005, 2007–2009, 2012, and 2016. Prefectures were classified into four groups according to their 40-year-old life expectancy in 2000. Outcome values were standardised to the population by 10-year age groups in 2010, and they were tested by two-way analysis of variance according to six terms and life expectancies. The prevalence of hypertension tended to decrease, especially among women, whereas the treatment and control tended to improve from the first to the sixth period in both men and women. The prevalence and treatment of hypertension in men with longer life expectancy tended to be lower than that in other groups, and there was no obvious difference in the control. In women, there were no obvious differences in the prevalence, treatment, or control. Reducing the prevalence of hypertension by improving lifestyle factors, such as high salt intake in each prefecture with a relatively short life expectancy, may be important to resolve the disparity in life expectancy among prefectures.
Does the Farsi version of attitude toward plagiarism questionnaire have acceptable psychometric properties?

This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Attitudes Toward Plagiarism Questionnaire (ATPQ) among Iranian medical sciences postgraduate students and faculty members. In this study, the ATPQ developed by Mavrinac et al. in 2010 was translated into Persian. After assessment of face and content validity, we distributed the ATPQ draft among 286 Iranian medical science postgraduate students and faculty members. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis were applied, and Cronbach's alpha was used to measure the reliability of the ATPQ. All the items of our English version of the ATPQ were approved by the developer of the original ATPQ, and two were revised in the cognitive interview. Construct validity assessment showed that three items were not seriously involved in the extracted factors. The Persian version of the ATPQ had 26 items, five factors and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81%, and the combined value explained 38.24% of the total variance of this scale. Two new factors of “perceived control” and “attitude toward self-plagiarism” were extracted and incorporated into the Persian version. To conclude, the ATPQ is a valid, reliable, and convenient instrument to determine attitudes toward plagiarism among Iranian medical science postgraduate students and faculty members.
Small towns as research sites: the impacts of deindustrialisation on urban livelihoods in Norton, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT The paper deviates from the general trend to focus on big cities as research sites. It explores the impacts of deindustrialization on urban livelihoods in Norton – a small town west of Harare using the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) to unpack how deindustrialization compromised livelihood assets and outcomes in Norton. Data were collected using triangulation of methods, which comprised interviews and field observations. Findings showed that key industries collapsed, leading to massive job losses, and job-related benefits. Findings further point to reduced service delivery capacity, resulting in poor sanitation, water, and electricity supply in the town, and how these relate to sustainable livelihoods. Deindustrialization also triggered a surge in urban poverty, food insecurity, poor housing, and the rise of the informal economy in Norton. The study concludes that despite its rural origins, the SLA is an effective tool to analyse urban livelihoods. It suggests that deindustrialization tends to be rampant in small towns vis-à-vis big cities. The study further highlights that financial assets tend to be more important in building urban livelihoods than the other forms of assets constitutive of the SLA. It concludes by reflecting on how human skills easily become redundant and stranded assets where industry is dysfunctional.
Asymmetric Price Transmission: A Case of Wheat in India

In the present paper, horizontal and vertical integration was carried out on the wholesale and retail prices of wheat in the major markets of India. On confirming cointegration between the wholesale and retail prices of wheat in all needs, the vector error correction model (VECM) was applied to find the speed of adjustment in the corresponding price channel. The results revealed that price signals are transmitted across regions, indicating that price changes in one market are consistently related to price changes in markets and can influence the prices in other markets. In addition to studying cointegration, threshold autoregressive (TAR) and Momentum TAR (MTAR) models were applied to test for asymmetric cointegration. Hasen and Seo’s test was used to test for the presence of threshold cointegration. It revealed a significant presence of asymmetric and nonlinear cointegration in many markets. Accordingly, a threshold VECM (TVECM) model with two regimes was applied. The results indicate that the retail price significantly responds to the deviations from the long-run equilibrium compared to the wholesale price.
Development of Animal Recognition E-Learning Using Augmented Reality Technology

— The development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed the new face of education. The implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in educational institutions has become a must in educational institutions, not to close our eyes that schools are naturally responsive to technological developments. The use of interactive multimedia as a support for the teaching and learning process is considered to be able to increase flexibility in teaching and learning activities, especially for kindergarten students. Children at this age should be introduced to the benefits of technology. So that in the future it is not wrong to use technology. An interactive multimedia application that makes it easy for students to learn anywhere and anytime using a mobile device. Learning abilities are focused on making animal recognition applications for kindergarten (TK) students. Because knowledge related to animals must be introduced to students from an early age. Interactive multimedia applications are made by utilizing mobile android and Augmented Reality which are packaged in the form of games (games).
Dose-response effects of Poncirus trifoliata extract on in vitro ruminal methane production, fermentation, and microbial abundance

Abstract The effects of different inclusion rates of Poncirus trifoliata (PT) extract on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters were investigated. Six dose levels were referred to as follows: PT0, control (without PT); PT1, (3 mg/L); PT3, (9 mg/L); PT5, (15 mg/L); PT7, (21 mg/L); PT9, (27 mg/L), each incubated with 50 mL of buffered rumen fluid and 300 mg of timothy hay as a substrate for 72 h of incubation using an in vitro batch culture system. The in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was significantly affected by the PT dose, except after 6 and 48 h of incubation. Total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) increased quadratically (12 h of incubation) within the range of PT1–PT7, whereas decreased at PT9 dose. Methane (CH4) production and the proportion of CH4 in the total gas produced decreased linearly after 12 h of incubation. The relative abundance of Ruminococcus albus and Ruminoccocus flavefaciens was greater at the doses PT1 than PT0, whereas that of Fibrobacter succinogenes was greater at PT0 than at PT9 after 24 h of incubation. Methanogenic archaea decreased linearly with increasing PT dose after 12 h of incubation. The abundance of ciliate-associated methanogens decreased linearly over 24 h of incubation under PT7 and PT9 treatments. These results suggest that the dose of PT can modulate ruminal fermentation to alter VFA concentration and reduce CH4 production by altering ruminal bacterial abundance. Highlights This study evaluated the dose-response effects of Poncirus trifoliata as a methane mitigation agent in ruminants. Inclusion of Poncirus trifoliate lowered in vitro dry matter digestibility and total volatile fatty acid concentration. Inclusion of Poncirus trifoliata extract reduced methane production after 12 h of incubation but did not maintained. Inclusion of Poncirus trifoliata extract reduced methanogenic archaea and ciliate-associated methanogens abundance