Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADS-Lead: Lifelong Anomaly Detection in Autonomous Driving Systems

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) are closely connected in the Cooperative Intelligent Transportation System (C-ITS). They are equipped with various sensors and controlled by Autonomous Driving Systems (ADSs) to provide high-level autonomy. The vehicles exchange different types of real-time data with each other, which can help reduce traffic accidents and congestion, and improve the efficiency of transportation systems. However, when interacting with the environment, AVs suffer from a broad attack surface, and the sensory data are susceptible to anomalies caused by faults, sensor malfunctions, or attacks, which may jeopardize traffic safety and result in serious accidents. In this paper, we propose ADS-Lead, an efficient collaborative anomaly detection methodology to protect the lane-following mechanism of ADSs. ADS-Lead is equipped with a novel transformer-based one-class classification model to identify time series anomalies (GPS spoofing threat) and adversarial image examples (traffic sign and lane recognition attacks). Besides, AVs inside the C-ITS form a cognitive network, enabling us to apply the federated learning technology to our anomaly detection method, where the vehicles in the C-ITS jointly update the detection model with higher model generalization and data privacy. Experiments on Baidu Apollo and two public data sets (GTSRB and Tumsimple) indicate that our method can not only detect sensor anomalies effectively and efficiently but also outperform state-of-the-art anomaly detection methods.
Dual-Resistive Feedback Wideband LNA for Noise Cancellation and Robust Linearization

Input-matching, gain, noise figure (NF), linearity, and power consumption are crucial performance metrics that are tightly coupled in a typical low-noise amplifier (LNA). In this article, a self-forward-body-bias (SFBB) inverter-based dual-resistive feedback structure incorporating a linearity feedback-bias scheme with optimal transistor size is proposed to address the performance trade-offs for improving gain, NF, and linearity with minor impacts on other performance characteristics. The proposed structure cancels the noise and nonlinearity of the input stage simultaneously, and partially improves the noise and nonlinearity of the output stage, as shown in theoretical analyses and simulations. In contrast to the conventional linearization technique, the resulting linearity improvement is robust against process, voltage, and temperature variations. Fabricated in a 65 nm triple-well RF complementary MOS (CMOS) process, the proposed LNA achieves a minimum NF of 1.56 dB and power gain of 12.8 dB over a 3 dB bandwidth of 0.02–2.6 GHz while consuming 6 mW from a low supply voltage of 0.9 V. The measured input second- and third-order intercept points (IIP2 and IIP3) are 29.5 and 2 dBm at 1 GHz, respectively.
A Multimodal Deep Learning Model for Predicting Future Visual Field in Glaucoma Patients

Glaucoma is one of the most common reasons for blindness worldwide, especially in elderly people. Glaucoma can be monitored and treated using visual field (VF) tests. Therefore, predicting the future VF to monitor progression of glaucoma is important. In this paper, we proposed a deep learning model to predict future VF based on previous VF and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images (including thickness map, vertical tomogram, and horizontal tomogram). The image data were analyzed using a ResNet-50 model. Image features and previous VFs were combined, and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network was used to predict future VF. A weighted method was used to detect noisy data. The proposed method was improved when applying weighted loss. The mean absolute error (MAE) was 3.31 ± 1.37, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 4.58 ± 1.77. The model showed high performance when combining VF data and OCT image data. Furthermore, the model was useful for detecting and re-weighting noisy data.
On taming the effect of transcript level intra-condition count variation during differential expression analysis: A story of dogs, foxes and wolves

The evolution of RNA-seq technologies has yielded datasets of high scientific value that are often generated as condition associated biological replicates within differential expression studies. As the number of replicates increase, so to does confidence in identifying differentially expressed transcripts. With rapidly expanding RNA-seq data archives there is opportunity to augment replicate numbers when conditions of interest overlap at an inter-study level. Despite correction procedures for estimating transcript abundance, a remaining source of error is transcript level intra-condition count variation; as partially indicated by the disjointed results between differential expression analysis tools. Such variation is amplified at an inter-study level. Here, we present TVscript, a tool that removes reference-based transcripts associated with intra-condition variation above specified thresholds. With this tool we explore the effects of removing transcripts associated with varying degrees of intra-condition variation on differential expression analysis. This is done in relation to inter- and intra-study datasets representing brain samples of dogs, wolves and foxes (wolves vs. dogs and aggressive vs. tame foxes). We demonstrate that 20% of the transcripts identified as being differentially expressed are associated with high levels of intra-condition variation. This is an over-representation relative to the reference set. As transcripts harbouring such variation are removed from the reference prior to differential expression analysis a discordance from 26 to 40% in the lists of differentially expressed transcripts is observed when compared to those obtained using the non-filtered reference. For our data, the removal of transcripts possessing intra-condition variation values within (and above) the 97th and 95th percentiles, for wolves vs. dogs and aggressive vs. tame foxes, maximized the detection of differentially expressed transcripts as a result of alterations within gene-wise dispersion estimates. Through this analysis the support for seven genes with potential for being involved with selection for tameness is provided. TVscript is available at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/tvscript/.
The effect of e-WOM through intention to use technology and social media community for mobile payments during the COVID-19

The use of mobile payments has become a public interest during the current spread of the coronavirus. The use of mobile payments prevents society from touching the payment media. This study examines the effect of ease of use on e-WOM through the intention to use and social media community on the mobile payment method. This research was conducted by taking data through closed questionnaires designed with a five-point Likert scale. This study distributed two hundred fifty questionnaires, and 202 returned to be processed using the partial least square (PLS) technique. The results of data processing show that the ease of use of technology applications had a positive effect on the intention to use an e-WOM. Ease of use of technology has a positive effect on the social media community because of the ease of operation and understanding of the steps for using technology to access and join as members of the social media community. Intention to use in the operation of technology and relatively low cost does not directly affect e-WOM but must go through a community on social media that provides an exciting atmosphere. The social media community has a significant effect on e-WOM. The social media community can share information on social media and share reviews between members so that it creates a sense of trust and mutual concern among members. This study provides an insight into the mobile payment provider to consider the ease of use of their design. This research contributes to the ongoing research in the online payment application study in the pandemic era.
Detection of Two Copies of a blaNDM-1-Encoding Plasmid in Escherichia coli Isolates from a Pediatric Patient with Diarrhea

Purpose To elucidate the contribution of a transferable plasmid harboring the blaNDM-1 gene in an Escherichia coli clinical isolate to the spread of resistance determinants. Methods Nine extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli were collected from diarrhea samples from a pediatric patient and genetic linkage was investigated through enterobacteriaceae repetitive intragenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bacterial species were identified by 16s rRNA sequencing, susceptibility testing with the use of a BD PhoenixTM-100 Automated Microbiology System, and assessment of virulence genes by PCR. The transferability of blaNDM-1 in E. coli strain TCM3e1 was confirmed by conjugation experiments. Complete sequencing of E. coli strain TCM3e1 was determined with the PacBio and Illumina NovaSeq platforms and the characteristics were analyzed with bioinformatics software. Results The results showed that all nine E. coli strains were the same clone. E. coli strain TCM3e1 was resistant to 12 antimicrobial agents and carried the virulence gene EAST-1. Conjugation transfer analysis showed that blaNDM-1 was carried on a self-transmissible plasmid. Two copies of the blaNDM-1 gene were present on an IncC plasmid and some resistance genes with two or three copies were located downstream of the blaNDM-1 gene and formed a tandem repeat fragment (blaDNM-1-bleo-sul1- aadA17- dfrA12). Conclusion A transmissible plasmid harboring two copies of the blaNDM-1 gene, including clonal dispersions of the blaNDM-1 gene, was identified in clinical isolates. These findings emphasized the necessity of surveillance of the plasmid-borne blaNDM-1 to prevent dissemination.
Business Response to Natural Disaster Mitigation (Covid-19): A Case From Pakistan

A company’s CSR attitude depends on the ethical values embraced and formally espoused by its Board and/or senior management. The response of corporates to natural disasters has proved to be beneficial for both for-profit organizations as well as society. There are several instances in the developed world where businesses played a leading role in both attempts to curb natural disasters as well as in helping people who suffered due to such disasters. However, in the developing world, the need for corporate participation in natural disaster mitigation is enhanced by the scarce resources of the relevant governmental agencies. Corporates can offer a helping hand in several ways, but perhaps one of the more effective steps is to spread awareness and knowledge about handling the various aspects of the disaster. Drawing from the available literature and underpinning the business ethics theories, this study aimed to explore business responses in Pakistan to constraint the Covid-19 pandemic. The study employs a two-step quantitative content analysis on Facebook as a research method. The findings are that the three selected industries (finance, telecommunication, and petroleum) remain more committed to their marketing efforts than paying due regard to the genuine need of spreading awareness and educating masses on protection against and/or handling Covid-19 pandemic. The public reaction to such less than adequate steps taken by the corporates provides a potent reminder of what people truly expect from corporates and how firms need to be more proactive toward response to a natural disaster.
Comparison of stereotactic body radiotherapy and radiofrequency ablation for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are recommended for patients with inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with both offering promising results. However, it is largely unknown which of these two treatment modalities provides superior benefits for patients. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis compared clinical outcomes and safety between SBRT and RFA in patients with inoperable early-stage NSCLC. Methods Eligible studies published between 2001 and 2020 were obtained through a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Original English-language studies on the treatment of early-stage NSCLC with SBRT or RFA were included. Local control (LC) rates, overall survival (OS) rates, and adverse events were obtained by pooled analyses. Results Eighty-seven SBRT studies (12,811 patients) and 18 RFA studies (1,535 patients) met the eligibility criteria. For SBRT, the LC rates (with 95% confidence intervals) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 98% (97–98%), 95% (95–96%), 92% (91–93%), and 92% (91–93%), respectively, which were significantly higher than those for RFA [75% (69–82%), 31% (22–39%), 67% (58–76%), and 41% (30–52%), respectively] (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in short-term OS between SBRT and RFA [1-year OS rate: 87% (86–88%) versus 89% (88–91%), P=0.07; 2-year OS rate: 71% (69–72%) versus 69% (64–74%), P=0.42]. Regarding long-term OS, the 3- and 5-year OS rates for SBRT were 58% (56–59%) and 39% (37–40%), respectively, which were significantly (P<0.01) superior to those for RFA [48% (45–51%) and 21% (19–23%), respectively]. The most common complication of SBRT was radiation pneumonitis (grade ≥2), making up 9.1% of patients treated with SBRT, while pneumothorax was the most common complication of RFA, making up 27.2% of patients treated with RFA. Discussion Compared with RFA, SBRT has superior LC and long-term OS rates but similar short-term OS rates. Prospective randomized trials with large sample sizes comparing the efficacy of SBRT and RFA are warranted.
The Impact of Urbanization on Energy Demand: An Empirical Evidence from Somalia

Somalia is recovering from a long-period of civil unrest and political instability. The urbanized population are growing at unprecedented growth rate which ultimately results in an increase in energy demand. To this end, this study assesses the effect of urbanization on energy demand in Somalia while controlling the effects of economic growth and population growth. To achieve the aim, the study employs fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), canonical cointegration regression (CCR) and impulse response function (IRF) with time series data spanning from 1990 to 2018. Before the long-run model estimation, the study utilizes Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Philips’s Perron (PP) tests to check the unit root problem, and they demonstrate that all the variables are stationary at first difference I (1). Furthermore, the empirical results indicate that urbanization impedes energy consumption, whereas economic growth and population growth increase energy demand in the long-run. Besides, the result of IRF demonstrate that one standard deviation shock in urbanization (lnUB) results in energy consumption to decrease (lnEC) in the whole 10 periods. This calls for the Somali policy makers to consider urbanization as an effective determinant while targeting energy conservation policy in order to mitigate the fossil fuel energy use.
Real World Outcomes versus Clinical Trial Results of Durvalumab Maintenance in Veterans with Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Simple Summary The standard of care for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer is concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by maintenance durvalumab based on outcomes from the PACIFIC trial. The efficacy of this regimen in a real-world population has not been extensively studied. We found that the addition of durvalumab has significantly improved both progression-free and overall survival in veterans with stage III non-small cell lung cancer as compared to veterans who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone, but overall survival of veterans is reduced compared to patients in the PACIFIC trial. Additional studies will need to be performed to understand this efficacy-effectiveness gap. Abstract One year of durvalumab following concurrent chemoradiotherapy improves progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the real-world efficacy of durvalumab has not been determined. We conducted a multi-center observational cohort study across the Veterans Health Administration, including patients with stage III NSCLC who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and durvalumab, compared to patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression approaches were used to identify factors associated with PFS and OS. We calculated a hazard ratio and efficacy-effectiveness factor to compare OS of veterans to the referenced clinical trial population. A total of 1006 patients with stage III NSCLC who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and at least one dose of durvalumab from November 2017 to April 2021 were compared to 989 patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone from January 2015 to December 2016. Adjuvant durvalumab was associated with higher PFS (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.55–0.70, p < 0.001) and OS (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.50–0.66, p < 0.001). OS was shorter in veterans compared to PACIFIC (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03–1.48, p = 0.02: EE gap 0.73). OS of veterans with stage III NSCLC treated with adjuvant durvalumab is improved compared to a modern comparator but is reduced compared to the PACIFIC population.
Inertial Support by Virtual Synchronous Machine Control of a MMC-based VSC HVDC Link

The transition towards converter-interfaced generation replacing synchronous units is causing concerns over the frequency stability of the power system. Control strategies, recreating synchronous machines stabilising effects, can be implemented in static converters to provide an inertial response after a disturbance. This paper assesses the inertial support that can be supplied by Modular Multilevel Converters (MMCs) with a Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) control strategy in a Voltage Source Converter (VSC) High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) point-to-point link. To evaluate the inertial support and the resulting influence on the ac grid dynamics, the active power flowing in the link, the rate of change of frequency, and the frequency nadir of the ac grid are analysed. A time-domain sensitivity analysis is carried to show the effect of the VSM parameters on the power, frequency support and impact of converter saturation limits. The results demonstrate an improvement in the frequency behaviour of the ac grid dependent on the selection of the VSM parameters.
Plasminogen-Loaded Fibrin Scaffold as Drug Delivery System for Wound Healing Applications

Plasminogen is a protein involved in intravascular and extravascular fibrinolysis, as well as in wound healing, cell migration, tissue formation and angiogenesis. In recent years its role in healing of tympanic perforations has been demonstrated in plasminogen deficient mice. The aim of this work was to fabricate a fibrin-based drug delivery system able to provide a local and sustained release of plasminogen at the wound site. Initially, the biological activity of plasminogen was evaluated by in vitro experiments on cell cultures. A metabolic assay (MTT) was carried out on L929 mouse fibroblast to determine the concentration that does not affect cell viability, which turned out to be 64 nM. The effect of plasminogen on cell migration was evaluated through a scratch test on human keratinocytes: cells treated with 64 nM plasminogen showed faster scratch closure than in complete medium. Fibrin scaffold loaded with plasminogen was fabricated by a spray process. SEM analysis showed the typical nano-fibrillar structure of a fibrin scaffold. Tensile tests highlighted significantly higher value of the ultimate stress and strain of fibrin scaffold with respect to fibrin clot. The in-vitro release kinetic showed an initial plasminogen burst, after that the release slowed, reaching a plateau at 7 days. Plasminogen-loaded fibrin scaffold applied in full-thickness diabetic mouse lesions showed a significantly higher closure rate at 14 days than scaffold used as a reference material. Histological analysis demonstrated an improved reepithelization and collagen deposition in granulation tissue in mouse treated with plasminogen-loaded fibrin scaffold in comparison to unloaded fibrin scaffold. The obtained results demonstrated the suitability of the fibrin scaffold loaded with plasminogen as drug delivery system and suggest its use in wound healing applications, such as for the treatment of chronic diabeticulcers.
Display Optimization for ICG Medical Imaging

A medical imaging technique known as Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence cholangiography can potentially improve safety and reduce cost in minimally invasive surgery, but is not widely used. Refinement of existing ICG imaging prototypes would facilitate more widespread use of the technology. The goal of this research was to optimize the display of an ICG imaging prototype, post-hoc. Images produced by the prototype were systematically manipulated by altering brightness and contrast levels, and corresponding changes in perceived image quality were measured. Results showed that perceived image quality increased when either brightness or contrast of the original image was increased by 10% and 20%, respectively. With high quality images, similar manipulations of brightness or contrast did not improve the perceived image quality, nor did they degrade the perceived image quality significantly. These adjustments are expected to increase the overall clinical utility of the prototype as the perceived quality of the images most in need of improvement was enhanced.
Planar Phased-Array Antenna Systems forW-Band Automotive Radar Sensors with Beam Steering Based on RF MEMS

Future automotive radar systems can be realized using planar array antennas, which offer a flexible design and control of radar beams. In addition, the complexity and cost of the automotive radar front-end antenna system can be reduced. RF-MEMS subsystems are employed for beam steering in phased array systems due to their excellent RF properties and potential low-cost manufacturability. We present design considerations for prototypical automotive applications of RF-MEMS based automotive radar front-end systems using phased array antennas based on phase shifters or a Rotman lens. The design of a planar antenna using series-fed antenna columns is described, in which analytical models for the patches and also full 3D EM simulations are used. An optimization procedure of the elevation pattern is proposed. In azimuth, the beam forming is either based on phase shifters or on a Rotman lens. We present designs for shortto-medium and long-range applications. Beam steering in a phased array antenna is realized with RF-MEMS systems, which are based on membrane shunt switches. The single RF-MEMS switches are optimized with respect to their RF and thermomechanical behaviour taking into account automotive requirements. Further, coplanar passive components, such as 90° bends and T-junctions are optimized separately. Using these switches and passive components, single-bit stub-loaded-line and switched-line phase shifters for 45° and, respectively, 90° or 180° phase shift are demonstrated with very good phase accuracy. For beam switching of a Rotman lens, we further present single-polemultiple-throw RF-MEMS switching networks. We evaluate two different packaging technologies using glass-frit sealing or polymer sealing. We finally demonstrate functional packaged devices: a glass-frit-sealed and flipchip-mounted RF-MEMS switch and a BCB-packagd SP4T switching network. Index Terms – RF-MEMS Switches, Phase Shifters, Packaging, Phased-Array Antennas, Beam-Steering, W-Band Radar Planar Phased-Array Antenna Systems for W-Band Automotive Radar Sensors with Beam Steering Based on RF MEMS Fig. 1: Concepts for beam steering with RF-MEMS-based planar