Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pineal gland transcriptomic profiling reveals the differential regulation of lncRNA and mRNA related to prolificacy in STH sheep with two FecB genotypes

Background Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been identified as important regulator in hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis associated with sheep prolificacy. However, little is known of their expression pattern and potential roles in the pineal gland of sheep. Herein, RNA-Seq was used to detect transcriptome expression pattern in pineal gland between follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) in FecB BB (MM) and FecB ++ (ww) STH sheep, respectively, and differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with reproduction were identified. Results Overall, 135 DE lncRNAs and 1360 DE mRNAs in pineal gland between MM and ww sheep were screened. Wherein, 39 DE lncRNAs and 764 DE mRNAs were identified (FP vs LP) in MM sheep, 96 DE lncRNAs and 596 DE mRNAs were identified (FP vs LP) in ww sheep. Moreover, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the targets of DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were annotated to multiple biological processes such as phototransduction, circadian rhythm, melanogenesis, GSH metabolism and steroid biosynthesis, which directly or indirectly participate in hormone activities to affect sheep reproductive performance. Additionally, co-expression of lncRNAs-mRNAs and the network construction were performed based on correlation analysis, DE lncRNAs can modulate target genes involved in related pathways to affect sheep fecundity. Specifically, XLOC_466330 , XLOC_532771 , XLOC_028449 targeting RRM2B and GSTK1 , XLOC_391199 targeting STMN1 , XLOC_503926 targeting RAG2 , XLOC_187711 targeting DLG4 were included. Conclusion All of these differential lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in pineal gland provide a novel resource for elucidating regulatory mechanism underlying STH sheep prolificacy.
Combined Economic Emission Dispatch with Environment-Based Demand Response Using WU-ABC Algorithm

Owing to the growing interest in environmental problems worldwide, it is essential to schedule power generation considering the effects of pollutants. To address this, we propose an optimal approach that solves the combined economic emission dispatch (CEED) with maximum emission constraints by considering demand response (DR) program. The CEED consists of the sum of operation costs for each generator and the pollutant emissions. An environment-based demand response (EBDR) program is used to implement pollutant emission reduction and facilitate economic improvement. Through the weighting update artificial bee colony (WU-ABC) algorithm, the penalty factor that determines the weighting of the two objective functions is adjusted, and an optimal operation solution for a microgrid (MG) is then determined to resolve the CEED problem. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach are demonstrated via comparative analyses at a modified grid-connected MG test system. The results confirm that the proposed approach not only satisfies emission constraints but also ensures an economically superior performance compared to other approaches. These results present a useful solution for microgrid operators considered environment issues.
Modeling and Control of Four-bar Mechanism with Series Elastic Actuators

A new generation of robots that work in cooperation with humans (called collaborative robots) needs some flexibility to adapt to the environment and activities with people. That is why the Series Elastic Actuator (SEA) has been a breakthrough in actuator technologies. The idea of inserting an elastic element in series with a motor allows a lower output impedance, consequently a flexible behavior in the manipulator, in addition to providing torque feedback to better compensate disturbances caused e.g. by friction losses. This article presents a four-bar mechanism with SEA for the purpose of robotic manipulation. Its kinematics and dynamicsare studied, as well as its regulation and trajectory control. The behavior of the decoupled four-bar mechanism and the characteristics of the SEA are also analyzed. Then the regulation control of the complete system is carried out using LQR control. Finally, a circular trajectory is controlled in a simulation to validate the proposed control strategy. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed controller for the mechanism in the presence of SEAs estimating torque and providing the desired compliance for human interaction.
On improving the memorability of system-assigned recognition-based passwords

ABSTRACT User-chosen passwords reflecting common strategies and patterns ease memorisation but offer uncertain and often weak security, while system-assigned passwords provide higher security guarantee but suffer from poor memorability. We thus examine the technique to enhance password memorability that incorporates a scientific understanding of long-term memory. In particular, we examine the efficacy of providing users with verbal cues—real-life facts corresponding to system-assigned keywords. We also explore the usability gain of including images related to the keywords along with verbal cues. In our multi-session lab study with 52 participants, textual recognition-based scheme offering verbal cues had a significantly higher login success rate (94.23%) compared to the control condition, i.e. textual recognition without verbal cues (61.54%). When users were provided with verbal cues, adding images contributed to faster recognition of the assigned keywords, and thus had an overall improvement in usability. So, we conducted a field study with 54 participants to further examine the usability of graphical recognition-based scheme offering verbal cues, which showed an average login success rate of 98% in a real-life setting and an overall improvement in login performance with more login sessions. These findings show a promising research direction to gain high memorability for system-assigned passwords.
Interstitial Atom Engineering in Magnetic Materials

Interstitial light elements play an important role in magnetic materials by improving the magnetic properties through changes of the unit cell volume or through orbital hybridization between the magnetic and interstitial atoms. In this review focusing on the effects of interstitial atoms in Mn-based compounds, which are not well researched, the studies of interstitial atoms in three kinds of magnetic materials (rare-earth Fe-, Mn-, and rare-earth-based compounds) are surveyed. The prominent features of Mn-based compounds are interstitial-atom-induced changes or additional formation of magnetism—either a change from antiferromagnetism (paramagnetism) to ferromagnetism or an additional formation of ferromagnetism. It is noted that in some cases, ferromagnetic coupling can be abruptly caused by a small number of interstitial atoms, which has been overlooked in previous research on rare-earth Fe-based compounds. We also present candidates of Mn compounds, which enable changes of the magnetic state. The Mn-based compounds are particularly important for the easy fabrication of highly functional magnetic devices, as they allow on-demand control of magnetism without causing a large lattice mismatch, among other advantages.
Adsorption of an O Atom on the Cu (311) Step Defective Surface

The adsorption of an O atom on the Cu (311) surface was studied with use of the five-parameter Morse potential (5-MP for short) of interaction between an adatom and metal surface cluster. For the first time, the data of adsorption sites, adsorption geometry, binding energy and eigenvibration, etc. for an O atom adsorbed on the Cu (311) surface are obtained in our calculation, and agree well with experimental results. An interesting competition between high coordinated adsorption sites is observed and the experimental argument that there are two types of adsorption sites for an O atom on the Cu (311) surface is confirmed by our calculation.
On-line separation and preconcentration of trace cadmium in environmental water samples by micro column filled with modified nanometer Si-HAP prior to FAAS determination

A novel method of on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) preconcentration has been established for the determination of cadmium in environmental water samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The method is based on the on-line retention of cadmium on a micro column of nanometer Silicon Hydroxyapatite (Si-HAP) modified with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-bonzoil-5-pyrazone (PMBP) and subsequent elution with 1.0 M thiourea and determination by FAAS. The effect of various parameters that could affect the performance of the system was investigated. The enrichment factor (EF) for cadmium (II) was 250. The limit of detection (LOD) obtained under optimum conditions was 0.28 µg L−1 and the relative standard deviation (RSD) for seven replicates at 100 µg L−1 Cd2+ concentration level was 1.4%. The method was applied to water samples and standard reference materials. The accuracy was assessed through recovery experiments and comparing the results with the accepted values of standard reference material.
Factors Correlated with Practices Regarding Care of Dengue Patients Among Nurses from 94 Primary Care Units in a High- Risk Province in Southern Thailand

Background In Thailand, primary care units (PCUs) play a part in the health assessment, diagnosis, care, basic treatment and referral of patients suffering from dengue. Methods In Nakhon Si Thammarat province in Thailand, we (i) undertook assessment of the personal information, experience, knowledge, attitudes, preparation of equipment and use of medical supplies of nurses in PCUs with regard to dengue patient care (DPC); (ii) analyzed the factors and practices of nurses regarding DPC; (iii) explored nurses’ opinions regarding DPC in PCUs. A cross-sectional mixed methods of collecting data consisted of quantitative and qualitative methods. The study cohort was 94 nurses from 94 PCUs in an area of high risk of dengue outbreaks. The quantitative component involved questionnaires. The qualitative component consisted of nurses’ discussions in focus groups. Spearman’s test was employed to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analyses were employed for qualitative data. Results Of 94 nurses from 94 PCUs, 77.7% (n = 73) had a poor knowledge level of DPC and negative attitude, preparation of equipment was carried out by 60.6% (n = 58), and 1 to 6 aspects of DPC were at good practice level: 88.3% (n = 83), 87.2% (n = 82), 85.1% (n = 80), 50.0% (n = 47), 51.1% (n = 48) and 77.7% (n = 73). There was no significant correlation (i) between the knowledge, attitudes and practices with regard to DPC (P > 0.05); (ii) with practice guidelines for dengue prevention (P > 0.05). The quantitative results were related to the four main themes of the qualitative study. Conclusion There was a few who had good knowledge and positive attitude levels among participants, and >90% of all nurses had good practices regarding DPC. PCU nurses need training and supporting equipment to carry out a DPC program.
A study on the psychological and emotional aspects in elderly- a clinical study

Memory disturbance in elderly is generally considered as a sign of cognitive decline. The aim of the study is to find out whether there is any association between cognitive functions- Memory, Intelligence, Attention and Concentration with emotional factors like anxiety and anger in elderly to plan behavioral intervention. In this clinic-based study, 16 cases aged above 60 years were referred for neuropsychological assessment for memory disturbance, difficulty in concentration, forgetfulness, etc. (male 10, female 6). They were assessed on Wechsler Memory Scale, Bhatia’s Battery of Performance test of Intelligence, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale and Anger Expression Scale. Personality factors like state anxiety, trait anxiety, overall anger expression, anger in and anger out were compared with the memory and IQ scores of individuals who had complaints of memory disturbances. Results showed that there is an association between emotional factors like state anxiety, trait anxiety and anger expression with memory disturbance. In almost all the patients, Memory Quotient was average and above, but these elderly people complaining of forgetfulness, memory disturbance, etc. All the patients have no memory disturbance on quantitative assessment but reported memory disturbances. These patients have high anxiety and emotional disturbances which seemed to have an impact on memory function, a subjective memory loss.
Impact of Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression in Advanced Non-Small–Cell Lung Cancer Patients, Treated by Chemotherapy (GFPC 06-2015 Study)

Background Few data have been published on the clinical and histopathological characteristics of advanced non-small–cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with high PD-L1 expression versus intermediate or none and the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression for patients treated with chemotherapy is unknown. This study was undertaken to prospectively assess the prognostic value of tumor-cell (TC) and immune-cell (IC) PD-L1 expressions for advanced NSCLC patients. Methods It was a prospective, multicenter study on advanced NSCLC patients, with performance status 0/1, scheduled, consecutively, to receive first-line platin-based chemotherapy. PD-L1 expression was determined immunochemically (Dako Autostainer and monoclonal antibody 22C3) and its impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) assessed. Results Among 198 patients screened in 19 centers, 140 were included median age: 66.5 ± 10 years; 76.4% men; 79.3% Caucasians; 10.7% nonsmokers; 63.6% adenocarcinomas; <1%, 1–50% and ≥50% TC PD-L1–expression rates were 47.1%, 25.7% and 27.2% of patients, respectively; respective null, intermediate and high rates on ICs were 35.7%, 38.6% and 25.7%. Second- and third-line chemotherapies were administered to 58.6% and 26.4% of the patients, respectively. None received immunotherapy. First-, second- and third-line median (95% CI) PFS lasted 4.6 (3.6–5.2), 3.7 (2.3–4.7) and 2.2 (1.5–4.3) months, respectively; median OS was 16.9 (11.4–19.9) months. No significant PFS and OS differences were observed according to TC or IC PD-L1 expression. Conclusion According to the results of this prospective, multicenter study, neither TC nor IC PD-L1 expression appears to be prognostic for chemotherapy-managed advanced NSCLC patients.
Fast and improved PSO (FIPSO)‐based deterministic and adaptive MPPT technique under partial shading conditions

: Partial shading in photovoltaic (PV) power generating systems is practically unavoidable and is a menace to the PV system. Non-uniform shading can be caused due to clouds, tree branches, buildings or other nearby items. The non-linear output characteristics of a PV source varies with temperature and solar insolation. During partial shading condition, the conventional hill-climbing methods of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) prove to be inefficient. In partial shading, the power–voltage curve exhibits multiple peaks. Conventional MPPT methods get stuck on one of the local maxima and fail to attain the global maximum power point (GMPP). Particle swarm optimisation (PSO) has proved to be a very accurate and powerful technique to find GMPP. In this study, the authors improved the conventional PSO by reducing swarm size, as well as, the number of iterations to achieve MPP at a fast pace with remarkable accuracy, thus making the system more efficient with less computational effort. Simulation and hardware implementation for performance evaluation of the proposed technique is carried out to verify various qualities under different partial shading conditions, such as flexibility, reliability, system- independence and high accuracy in tracking the GMPP under non-uniform insolations.
Effects of Logistics Performance as Non-discriminatory Trade Policies on Indonesia’s Textile Products Exports

ABSTRACT This study discusses the importance of trade facilitation in logistic performance to boost Indonesia’s export. This work uses a structural gravity model to analyze the effect of logistics performance with respect to the export magnitude of textile products from Indonesia to its trading partner countries worldwide. This paper uses interval panel data for 2010, 2012, and 2014. In particular, it employs the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) as a proxy for trade facilitation and as a non-discriminatory trade policy of the origin country. Further, this study considers intranational trade in the structural gravity equation to ensure that the estimation effects for the non-discriminatory export policy in logistics can be identified in the presence of the fixed effect. The estimation results reveal that the LPI could play a role in expanding the export of textile products from Indonesia. Keywords: Logistics Performance Index (LPI), trade facilitation, non-discriminatory trade policy, structural gravity equation, export, textile, Indonesia ABSTRAK Studi ini membahas pentingnya fasilitasi perdagangan dalam kinerja logistik untuk mendorong ekspor Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan model gravitasi struktural untuk menganalisis pengaruh kinerja logistik terhadap besarnya ekspor produk tekstil dari Indonesia ke negara-negara mitra dagangnya di seluruh dunia. Tulisan ini menggunakan data panel dengan interval untuk 2010, 2012 dan 2014. Secara khusus, studi ini menggunakan Logistics Performance Index (LPI) sebagai proksi untuk fasilitasi perdagangan dan LPI sebagai cerminan kebijakan perdagangan non-diskriminatif dari negara asal. Selanjutnya, penelitian ini juga menggunakan data perdagangan intranasional dalam persamaan gravitasi struktural untuk memastikan bahwa efek estimasi untuk kebijakan ekspor non-diskriminatif dalam logistik dapat diidentifikasi walau dengan adanya fixed effect. Hasil estimasi menunjukkan bahwa LPI dapat berperan dalam memperluas ekspor produk tekstil dari Indonesia. Keywords Kata Kunci: Logistics Performance Index (LPI), fasilitasi perdagangan, kebijakan perdagangan non-diskriminatif, persamaan gravitasi struktural, ekspor, tekstil, Indonesia
On-line monitoring of mine tunnel deformation using laser radar

Mine tunnel deformation blocks underground coal mine traffic, or even cause serious security incidents. Aiming at the problem of lack of monitoring method of tunnel deformation, this paper presents a method of tunnel deformation measurement based on laser-radar technology. The measurement method is a non-contact and on-line measurement method. The system is mainly composed of two parts, the host part is composed of computer, ZigBee module and processing software system based on Processing, the slave part is composed of four-rotor craft, STM32 microprocessor, laser radar, ZigBee wireless communication module and power supply module. The new tunnel deformation measurement method based on radar proposed in this paper has the advantage of smaller measurement data error, the data communication and processing speed is qualified and suitable for on-line monitoring.
Plug-and-Train Robot (PLUTO) for Hand Rehabilitation: Design and Preliminary Evaluation

Hand neurorehabilitation involves training movements at the forearm, wrist, fingers, and thumb joints. Assisted training of all these joints requires either one complex multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot or a set of simple robots with one or two DOF. Neither of these is economic or clinically viable. This paper addresses this problem with the PLUg and train rObot (PLUTO)- a single DOF robot that can train multiple joints one at a time. PLUTO has a single actuator with a set of passive attachments/mechanisms that can be easily attached/detached to train for wrist flexion-extension, wrist ulnar-radial deviation, forearm pronation-supination, and gross hand opening-closing. The robot can provide training in active and assisted regimes. PLUTO is linked to performance adaptive computer games to provide feedback to the patients and motivate them during training. As the first step towards clinical validation, the device usability was evaluated by 45 potential stakeholders/end-users of the device, including 15 patients, 15 caregivers, and 15 clinicians with standardized questionnaires: System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Patients and caregivers were administered the questionnaire after a two-session training with the robot. Clinicians, on the other hand, had a single session demo, after which feedback was obtained. The total SUS score obtained from patients, clinicians, and caregivers was 73.3 ± 14.6 (n = 45), indicating good usability. The UEQ score was rated positively in all subscales by both patients and clinicians, indicating that the features of PLUTO match their expectations. The positive response from the preliminary testing and the feedback from the stakeholders indicate that with additional passive mechanisms, assessment features, and optimized ergonomics, PLUTO will be a versatile, affordable, and useful system for hand rehabilitation.
Viscoelastic properties of adsorbed bottle-brush polymer layers studied by quartz crystal microbalance : Dissipation measurements

Adsorbed layers of a series of bottle-brush polyelectrolytes with 45 units long poly(ethylene oxide) [PEO], side chains have been investigated by the quartz crystal microbalance technique with dissipation monitoring. The data have been evaluated with three different models, the Sauerbrey model, the Johannsmann model, and the Voigt model. It is found that all three models predict the same trend in the variations of sensed mass and hydrodynamic layer thickness with polymer architecture, that is, with the backbone charge to side chain density ratio. However, the simple Sauerbrey model underestimates the sensed mass by a factor of 1.15−1.45 compared to the more accurate Voigt model. By following the evolution of the layer dissipation, elasticity, and viscosity with increasing surface coverage it was concluded that the layers formed by brush polymers with intermediate charge densities undergo a structural change as the coverage is increased. Initially, the polymers are anchored to the surface via the PEO side .
Validity and reliability of Turkish version of the craving experience questionnaire in the assessment of cigarette smoking

ABSTRACT Background: Intense desire (craving) for smoking is an essential feature of a tobacco use disorder. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally translate and validate the Turkish version of Craving Experience Questionnaire (CEQ-T). Methods: Forward-backward-forward translation method was used to translate. The methodological study sample included 744 current daily tobacco smokers. The validity of the scale was tested with construct (through exploratory factor analysis) validity and criterion-related validity. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Addiction (FTND) and Substance Craving Scale (SCS) were used for criterion-related validity. Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and independent samples t-test were used to evaluate the reliability of the scale by internal consistency and test–retest method.Results: The construct validity showed three factors in each form that explain 77.4% of total variance for CEQ-T-Strength and, 78.4% for CEQ-T-Frequency. There was a significant positive correlation between CEQ-T and FTND and SCS. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient was 0.87 for CEQ-T-Strength, and 0.83 for CEQ-T-Frequency. In test–retest reliability, the correlation coefficient was 0.88 for CEQ-T-Strength and 0.89 for CEQ-T-Frequency.Conclusion: The Turkish version of CEQ is a valid and reliable measuring tool that can be used to assess the craving in Turkish smokers.