Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lidars for vehicles: from the requirements to the technical evaluation

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is a collective term of vehicle mounted sensors and devices aiming to improve traffic safety and realize high-level autonomous driving. Lidar systems are considered an indispensable part of ADAS to complement the other sensors like cameras and Radar. They realize these complements by providing a real-time high-resolution 3D representation of the environment of the vehicle, in which the positional information of each object area is included so that obstacles and potential hazards can be detected in advance by the ADAS. For this purpose, a Lidar must have the reliability of continuous work and provide the information accurately. In this paper, the requirements of Lidar systems in ADAS are firstly figured out by comparing them with other sensors applied in vehicles. Afterward, different types of Lidar systems regarding traffic safety and driver assistance are presented according to the stated Lidar function and driving condition on the road. Apart from the requirements, different working principles of Lidar products on the market are reviewed according to their scanning methods. Furthermore the results of this review are summed up in a technical evaluation to show the applicability of specific Lidar designs with respect to the requirements of vehicle applications.
Surface deposition of marine fog and its treatment in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model

Abstract. There have been many studies of marine fog, some using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and other models. Several model studies report overpredictions of near-surface liquid water content (Qc), leading to visibility estimates that are too low. This study has found the same. One possible cause of this overestimation could be the treatment of a surface deposition rate of fog droplets at the underlying water surface. Most models, including the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) Model, available from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), take account of gravitational settling of cloud droplets throughout the domain and at the surface. However, there should be an additional deposition as turbulence causes fog droplets to collide and coalesce with the water surface. A water surface, or any wet surface, can then be an effective sink for fog water droplets. This process can be parameterized as an additional deposition velocity with a model that could be based on a roughness length for water droplets, z0c, that may be significantly larger than the roughness length for water vapour, z0q. This can be implemented in WRF either as a variant of the Katata scheme for deposition to vegetation or via direct modifications in boundary-layer modules.
The rise of the post-religious right: Christianism and secularism in the French Rassemblement National

This article investigates Western European right-wing populists’ ambiguous relationship with religion and secularism using the example of the French Rassemblement National (RN). Drawing on social cleavage theory, survey data and elite interviews with RN leaders, French mainstream politicians and Church authorities, it finds that the RN employs Catholicism and laïcité as cultural identity markers against Islam to mobilise voters around a new identity cleavage between liberal-cosmopolitans and populist-communitarians. However, instead of a rapprochement with Christian policy positions, ethics and institutions, this article finds that the RN is becoming increasingly secularist in its policies, personnel and electorate. This finding is of significant relevance for the broader populism and religion literature not only because it suggests the centrality of right-wing identity politics for populist parties, but also because it challenges traditional assumptions about the relationship between right-wing populism and religion by providing evidence that in Western Europe the former is increasingly dominated by its ‘post-religious’ wing.
Water‐based Cu nanofluid as lubricant for steel hot rolling: Experimental investigation and molecular dynamics simulation

The lubrication performance of Cu nanofluid was studied through hot rolling tests and non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. Results showed that nanofluid with 0.5 wt% Cu nanoparticles possessed the optimal effect in reducing the rolling force, finish rolling thickness and rolled surface roughness. The superior lubrication performance was attributed to the formation of protective tribofilm made of Fe/Cu debris, iron and copper oxides as well as amorphous substances with a thickness of about 24 nm, which avoided the direct contact of steel strip and the roll, thus inhibiting the adhesion wear. Molecular dynamics simulation disclosed that the rolling‐dominated motion pattern of Cu nanoparticles with 74.1% rolling and 25.9% sliding motion contributed to a significant decrease in the friction force. Besides, surface defects including the peaks and valleys were polished and repaired by nanoparticles respectively, thus developing the surface quality of hot rolled products.
Diagnostic Performance of International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Logistic Regression Model LR2 for Adnexal Masses Classification at a Tertiary Gynecology Center in Singapore

Background: The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) LR2 model has been shown to provide a reasonably accurate preoperative classification of ovarian tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the IOTA LR2 model in distinguishing benign and malignant adnexal masses in the Singapore population. Methods: This was a retrospective study in a tertiary referral center. Women who attended the Gynecology Unit at Singapore General Hospital with evidence of adnexal tumor on ultrasound examination were evaluated using the IOTA LR2 protocol. The LR2 model was then used to calculate the probability of malignancy. Likelihood ratio of malignancy greater than 10% classifies the mass as malignant. The preoperative diagnosis of women who underwent surgery within 120 days of ultrasound examination was correlated with the final histopathological result. Results: Of the 353 women included in the final study population, 223 had benign disease, 29 had borderline malignant, and 101 had invasive cancer. The IOTA LR2 model had a sensitivity of 79.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 71.2-85.8%) and a specificity of 79.4% (95% CI, 73.5-84.5%). The area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.80 - 0.89). Conclusions: The IOTA LR2 model maintained its overall diagnostic accuracy when used in our local population. Although it is useful as a first-step test for triaging women with ovarian masses for surgery, a second-stage test would be required to minimize the number of women with benign disease being offered surgery for suspected ovarian malignancy. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2021;10(3):67-72 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo758
Diurnal UT Variation of Low Latitude Geomagnetic Storms Using Six Indices

A quasi‐semidiurnal type pattern was observed earlier in the diurnal UT variation of the geomagnetic storms studied using mainly Kyoto Dst (disturbance storm‐time) index. However, the pattern has been argued as apparent due to uneven longitude distribution of the four Dst observatories. Unlike earlier studies, this paper investigates the diurnal UT variation of the storms automatically identified in six available indices including Kyoto Dst, USGS (United States Geological Survey) Dst, SymH (symmetric‐H), RC (ring current), Dcx (corrected extended Dst), and AER (Atmospheric and Environmental Research) in 50, 50, 36, 21, 5, and 7 years, respectively. The indices are derived using 4, 4, 12, 14, and 15 ground observatories (with maximum longitude separations of ∼120°, 120°, 70°, 110°, and 50°) and four DMSP (Defense Meteorology Satellite Program) satellites, respectively. The UT distribution of the storm intensity (minimum value of an index during the storm main phase) in all indices shows a striking quasi‐semidiurnal type variation with maxima around 06–08 UT and 21–23 UT and minima around 03–05 UT and 13–15 UT. Similar quasi‐semidiurnal variation is also observed in the computed values of the main energy input in the ring current. The variation correlates well with the variations of the dipole tilt angles μ and θ involved in the equinoctial hypothesis and Russell‐McPherron (RM) effect, respectively. These observations indicate that the quasi‐semidiurnal variation is real.
Development of prediction technique for cooling performance of finned heat sink in uniform flow

Numerical simulation was carried out on the flow and the temperature fields around a plate fin array subjected to a uniform flow, varying the ratio of fin length L to the half-pitch of fins s. As Re/sub 0/s/L decreased, the flow approaching the fin array had a tendency to bypass it and thus the average flow velocity through fins U/sub f/ became lower, where Re/sub 0/ is the Reynolds number defined by uniform flow velocity and s. It was also found that frictional resistance and heat transfer of the fins showed excellent agreement with those for the developing flow between parallel plates with uniform inlet flow velocity equal to U/sub f/. A prediction technique for the cooling performance of the array was developed in which U/sub f/ was estimated under the condition of constant pressure distribution at its downstream edge. The present technique can predict the heat transfer of the fin array with an error level below 30% under practical conditions of electronics design, although it underestimates U/sub f/ in the region of small Re/sub 0/s/L.
Preparation and Evaluation of Captopril Oral Floating Controlled Release Formulations

Aim: Dosing frequency is a major hurdle in geriatrics with frequent drug administration. In such cases, oral controlled release floating formulations are helpful which causes reduction in dosing frequency and fluctuation of drug levels in plasma. The main aim of the current research was to prepare Captopril floating controlled release formulations in order to achieve extended gastric retention in the upper GIT. Methodology: Captopril tablets were prepared using different concentrations of poly ethylene oxide water soluble resin (PEO WSR) 303 (5% to 30%) by direct compression technique. Captopril formulations CSP1 and CSP6 were formulated using PEO WSR 303. Pre and post compression parameters were evaluated. Dissolution studies were performed for the prepared tablets using 0.1N hydrochloric acid as dissolution medium. Results: The dissolution studies showed controlled drug release up to 12h. The formulation CSP5 prepared using 25% w/w of PEO WSR 303 showed maximum drug release of 97.97% at 12h. Almost similar drug release profile was also observed for CSP6 which was prepared using 30%w/w PEO WSR 303. These two formulations were further added with various concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (5% to 15%) and citric acid (2.5% to 10%) which enhanced floating of drug in Gastro intestinal tract (GIT). Formulation CSP8 containing 10% of sodium bicarbonate with 25% PEO WSR 303 showed less buoyancy lag time and prolonged drug release. Formulation CSP15 showed very less buoyancy lag time of 5sec. Characterization studies like Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were also carried out. Conclusion: The prepared Captopril floating tablets could be an alternative formulation for prolonged drug release.
Genetic Variability and Structure of Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlecht. Germplasm in Sichuan Province

Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlecht. (wild strawberry) is widely distributed in Southwest China, characterized by stress tolerance and the fruits of a notable peach aroma. So far there is only limited knowledge of variability and genetic structure in this species. Using AFLP markers, we investigated the genetic variability of 37 plants of F. nilgerrensis sampled in six main mountain areas of Sichuan Province and analyzed their genetic structure. Genetic similarity according to Nei and Li was used for cluster analysis based on UPGMA method and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering. Stratification of plants into more distinctive genetic groups was determined using Bayesian structure analysis. Six primer combinations produced a total of 1302 fragments of which 818 (62.8%) were polymorphic. Bayesian analysis showed the 37 plants of F. nilgerrensis grouped into five distinctive genetic groups. Most of the plants from the same mountain area clustered into the same genetic group, indicating each area as an area with the unique genetic profile. The genetic parameters analyzed here indicate a huge genetic variability of F. nilgerrensis in Sichuan Province. Our results provide reference data for surveying and protecting the germplasm resources of F. nilgerrensis that could be used in strawberry breeding programs.
Simultaneous extraction of thermal and emitter series resistances in bipolar transistors

This paper describes a new method for simultaneous extraction of emitter and thermal resistance in bipolar transistors. The approach is verified using data generated by a compact model including self-heating and numerical simulation with lattice heating. Measured results are presented for the emitter and thermal resistances of self-aligned polysilicon devices and SiGe heterojunction devices.
H_/H ∞ Sensor Fault Detection and Isolation of Uncertain Time-Delay Systems

Sensor fault detection and isolation problems subject to H_IH ∞ performance are concerned for linear time-invariant systems with time delay in a state and parametric uncertainties. To that end, a model-based observer bank approach is pursued. The design conditions for both continuous- and discrete-time cases are formulated in terms of matrix inequalities, which are then converted to the problems solvable via an algorithm involving convex optimization.
Non-invasive tools for detection of liver disease in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-organ genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene which encodes the CFTR protein. CF-associated liver disease (CFLD) is a common complication; diagnosis is based on clinical, laboratory findings and abdominal imaging. However, non-invasive diagnostic approaches are needed to early detect CFLD, its progression and severity. Recent studies demonstrate a possible role of point shear wave elastography (p-SWE) with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) as a tool for CFLD diagnosis also in children. This non-invasive technique measures liver stiffness to assess liver fibrosis and is suggested to be less operator-dependent compared to ultrasonography. Aim of our prospective observational study is to investigate the role of p-SWE with LSM for CFLD diagnosis in children and adolescents with CF and to compare this finding with aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4) and gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase to platelet ratio (GPR) indices. Methods Fifty-nine children with CF, who had routinely undergone abdominal imaging, were consecutively enrolled. Laboratory findings and clinical data were recorded, as abdominal ultrasound and shear wave elastography at baseline. The cases were divided into two groups based on collected data and classified as CFLD and CFnoLD (without liver disease) according to Debray criteria. APRI, FIB-4 and GPR fibrosis indices were also evaluated. Results Twenty-four/59 (40.7%) were defined as CFLD. LSM test is superior to the APRI (P<0.001), the FIB-4 test (P=0.001) and the GPR test for early detection of liver fibrosis. LSM had an area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve =0.818 (95% CI: 0.702–0.934) compared with APRI (0.571, 95% CI: 0.421–0.722), FIB-4 (0.656, 95% CI: 0.511–0.801) and GPR (0.632, 95% CI: 0.485–0.779). At a cut-off of ≥6.2 LSM show a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 88.6%. Conclusions LSM by transient p-SWE is a non-invasive, highly accessible, reliable, and reproducible test that can be used to assess early detection of liver fibrosis and its severity in children and adolescents with CF, limiting the use of liver biopsy. These preliminary observations point to the need of larger study population to confirm our data.
Three factors for contextmapping in East Asia: Trust, control and nunchi

Contextmapping techniques have been tried and tuned for participants in Western cultures and are known to provide inspiration in the conceptual phase of design. Because these techniques rely heavily on activities such as expressing feelings in public and discussing in groups, they are less attuned to participants from more ‘reserved’ cultures, e.g. East Asia. In this project we adapted the techniques for use with East Asian participants. Our findings indicate that, when conducted in appropriate forms, contextmapping techniques can work in East Asia. However, more than in the West, a well-demarcated script is needed. By ‘script’ we mean a construct that frames the roles of the participants and the researcher, and provides a clear stage on which the participant plays the role of ‘expert of his experience’ and outside of which he/she is free from the burden of expressing him- or herself. The importance of a script in East Asia led us to review the value of scripting and staging as design parameter for the techniques in general.
Television commentary on women's and men's Australian Rules football: A thematic analysis

Commentators are reported to describe male and female players in different ways across a range of sports. The present study examines televised commentary on men's and women's games in the Australian Football League during the inaugural season of the women's professional competition. A two-phase thematic analysis was applied to television commentary on 10 men's and 10 women's Australian Rules football games. Semantic thematic analysis of the broad descriptive categories used by commentators for men's and women's matches indicated greater similarity than had been reported for televised commentary of other sports like tennis, in line with recent reports of progress towards greater gender equality in sports media reporting. Although technical descriptors were used slightly more frequently in describing men's play, there were no major differences in frequency for a number of other descriptive categories (mental, physical, personal or tactical) that have previously been observed as discriminating commentary on men's and women's sport. More in-depth, discursive thematic analysis did indicate some specific patterns of difference: terms, features and details used in commentary resulted in a greater focus on women's athletic weaknesses, and negative aspects of their skills and mentality. Identification of subtle linguistic features that minimise the athleticism and accomplishments of female players suggests that continued examination of media reporting on women's increasing involvement in traditional male sports can contribute important insights for promoting gender equality.
Functional brain networks assessed with surface electroencephalography for predicting motor recovery in a neural guided intervention for chronic stroke

Abstract Predicting whether a chronic stroke patient is likely to benefit from a specific intervention can help patients establish reasonable expectations. It also provides the basis for candidates selecting for the intervention. Recent convergent evidence supports the value of network-based approach for understanding the relationship between dysfunctional neural activity and motor deficits after stroke. In this study, we applied resting-state brain connectivity networks to investigate intervention-specific predictive biomarkers of motor improvement in 22 chronic stroke participants who received either combined action observation with EEG-guided robot-hand training (Neural Guided-Action Observation Group, n = 12, age: 34–68 years) or robot-hand training without action observation and EEG guidance (non-Neural Guided-text group, n = 10, age: 42–57 years). The robot hand in Neural Guided-Action Observation training was activated only when significant mu suppression (8–12 Hz) was detected from participant’s EEG signals in ipsilesional hemisphere while it was randomly activated in non-Neural Guided-text training. Only the Neural Guided-Action Observation group showed a significant long-term improvement in their upper-limb motor functions (P < 0.5). In contrast, no significant training effect on the paretic motor functions was found in the non-Neural Guided-text group (P > 0.5). The results of brain connectivity estimated via EEG coherence showed that the pre-training interhemispheric connectivity of delta, theta, alpha and contralesional connectivity of beta were motor improvement related in the Neural Guided-Action Observation group. They can not only differentiate participants with good and poor recovery (interhemispheric delta: P = 0.047, Hedges’ g = 1.409; interhemispheric theta: P = 0.046, Hedges’ g = 1.333; interhemispheric alpha: P = 0.038, Hedges’ g = 1.536; contralesional beta: P = 0.027, Hedges’ g = 1.613) but also significantly correlated with post-training intervention gains (interhemispheric delta: r = −0.901, P < 0.05; interhemispheric theta: r = −0.702, P < 0.05; interhemispheric alpha: r = −0.641, P < 0.05; contralesional beta: r = −0.729, P < 0.05). In contrast, no EEG coherence was significantly correlated with intervention gains in the non-Neural Guided-text group (all Ps>0.05). Partial least square regression showed that the combination of pre-training interhemispheric and contralesional local connectivity could precisely predict intervention gains in the Neural Guided-Action Observation group with a strong correlation between predicted and observed intervention gains (r = 0.82r=0.82) and between predicted and observed intervention outcomes (r = 0.90r=0.90). In summary, EEG-based resting-state brain connectivity networks may serve clinical decision-making by offering an approach to predicting Neural Guided-Action Observation training-induced motor improvement.