Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of round-the-clock illumination on blood hemoglobin level, body composition and endurance of C57Bl/6 mice

We assessed the influence of 24-hour lighting (24hL) on blood hemoglobin content, component body composition (fat, lean mass and total mass of water) and physical endurance of C57BL/6 mice male. The body weight of C57Bl/6 mice male, keeping under 24hL for 14 days (24 hours light/0 hours dark), increased at the end of the experiment in comparison with intact animals (14 hours light /10 hours dark). The non-invasive research of mice component body composition showed an increase in body lean and total water content in the body on the 14th day of 24hL. A decrease in blood hemoglobin level was detected, that indicates the development of anemia. The study of the influence of 24hL on mice endurance established a decrease in the total hanging state time and a decline of the Kav coefficient (it is equal to the ratio of the average time for three approaches to the animal weight) on the 14th day of the experiment, that indicates a decrease in endurance and muscle strength in mice in comparison with intact animals.
Observer Design for Lipschitz Nonlinear Parabolic PDE Systems With Unknown Input

In this article, a novel method to design the observer for a class of uncertain Lipschitz nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations (PDE) systems is investigated. First, the observer and the dynamic errors with undetermined parameters for the parabolic PDE systems subject to appropriate boundary conditions are presented. The conditions of the designed observer are involved. Then the analysis of asymptotic stability and $\mathcal {H}_\infty $ performance conditions for the observer design of uncertain nonlinear parabolic PDE systems are studied and presented in terms of matrix inequalities based on the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by a numerical parabolic PDE system.
Clock Synchronization in Integrated TSN-EtherCAT Networks

Moving towards new technologies, such as Time Sensitive Networking (TSN), in industries should be gradual with a proper integration process instead of replacing the existing ones to make it beneficial in terms of cost and performance. Within this context, this paper identifies the challenges of integrating a legacy EtherCAT network, as a commonly used technology in the automation domain, into a TSN network. We show that clock synchronization plays an essential role when it comes to EtherCAT-TSN network integration with important requirements. We propose a clock synchronization mechanism based on the TSN standards to obtain a precise synchronization among EtherCAT nodes, resulting to an efficient data transmission. Based on a formal verification framework using UPPAAL tool we show that the integrated EtherCAT-TSN network with the proposed clock synchronization mechanism achieves at least 3 times higher synchronization precision compared to not using any synchronization.
A Framework for Virtualizing Time-aware Shaper Using High Performance NFV

In this work, we discover the feasible methods of using Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to reduce the complexity and cost of implementing and deploying the Time- aware Shaper (TAS). TAS is one of the traffic shapers presented in the recent IEEE Time Sensitive Networks (TSN) standard for industrial Ethernet. Virtualizing network functions decouples them from proprietary hardware but imposes performance challenges. We research high performance NFV techniques and use Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) to implement a virtual TAS with a feasible performance for factory level industrial applications. Furthermore, we design a complete framework that provides preliminary schedule calculation, transmission selection, TAS controller, and time synchronization. Additionally, the framework includes evaluation tools; traffic generation and performance measurement. We evaluate our virtual TAS using delay and frame loss metrics, and a small Service Function Chain (SFC). The evaluation considers different loads of Best Effort Traffic (BET) and external disturbance, and varied Time-critical Traffic (TCT) specifications.
From PISA 2009 to PISA 2018: Equity in Hong Kong Secondary Mathematics and Science Education

This study examines equity in mathematics and science education among secondary students in Hong Kong, focusing on the differences of gender, immigration, and family's social-economic status in mathematics and science performance. The analysis involved the datasets extracted from the recent four cycles of Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA): 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018. Independent sample T-tests and linear regression analyses were conducted. The results showed that: (i) the gender gap was reversed in favour of girls in both mathematics and science in 2018 for the first time since 2009; (ii) native-born students significantly outperformed their immigrant peers in both mathematics and science, but the magnitudes of the differences were small; and (iii) social-economically status had a positive yet modest effect on mathematics and science performance. In a nutshell, Hong Kong secondary students, in general, regardless of immigration status and family's social-economic background, have enjoyed a quality education in mathematics and science, and girls have begun to outperform boys in these two areas.
Flexible Power-Sharing Control for Inverters-Based Microgrid Systems

This paper proposes a flexible method for power-sharing control of single-phase AC Microgrid or sub-system that operate inverters in parallel to supply the demand. The Photovoltaic (PV) system, coupled with batteries, energized each inverter. Solar power data from the equator city area were included in the PV system for simulation with its dynamics due to weather fluctuation. The proposed power-sharing control approach combined with integral action to improve the power quality and power-sharing accuracy. It conveys three considerations for flexible power-sharing: using virtual load voltage and the frequency at grid connection terminal (i.e., point of common coupling) in the controller without direct measurement to avoid using external communication, applying those virtual values to calculate the required parameters for an accurate power-sharing and proposing a concept of extended traditional droop control coefficient to be able to apply for various line impedances. The presented case study had two inverters supported by dynamics coupled sources from a PV system installed in an equatorial city used in the MATLAB experiment and batteries function block connected in parallel. Those inverters, located in different sub-systems, supplied two sub-systems (i.e., Microgrids) with different line impedance. The presented approach can also work for more than two or multiple sub-system scenarios by replicating the same control mechanism for the new sub-system.
Robust Adaptive Null Broadening Method Based on FDA-MIMO Radar

Beamforming plays an important role in the array radar anti-interference. However, the interference targets with fast speed may move out of the narrow null area of the beampattern. A null broadening method with robust adaptive beamforming for frequency diverse array (FDA)-multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) systems is proposed in this paper. The projection preprocessing and windowing functions are applied to obtain stable beampatterns. Then, a novel null broadening method based on the covariance matrix reconstruction is realized by setting artificial fluctuations around each actual jammer. Finally, a new convex optimization model is established and solved to estimate the desired steering vector. Numerical simulations results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Seasonal influence on biochemical blood parameters in males of Californian rabbit breed

Biochemical parameters of rabbit blood are important for the control of animal diseases and the impact on meat productivity of diets and various supplements. The biochemical profile of blood changes under the influence of various factors, including temperature and humidity, which are associated with seasonality. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of seasonality on the biochemical analysis of blood of meat rabbits.The average annual temperature in the rabbitry was 15.9±1.10 °С during the observation period, with minimum values in winter +5.30 °С, maximum values in summer +27.70 °С and an average relative humidity of 68.3±1.2%. The seasonal fluctuations (within physiological values) of some serum indicators of protein-nitrogen metabolism in males of Californian rabbits breed have been established. In spring, we observed a significant increase in the concentration of total protein by 7.0-12.0% and albumin – by 9.7-9.8%. At the same time, the lowest values of urea, creatinine and uric acid were equal or less than the average annual physiological indicators. Deviations of temperature from comfortable indicators in winter and summer led to the adaptive changes in rabbit organisms. We revealed the changes in the creatinine econtent in summer, uric acid content in summer and winter and increased activity of ALAT enzyme in winter and summer. We suggested that in case of rabbit keeping in rooms without artificial regulation of the microclimate, it is necessary to consider the influence of seasonal temperatures on blood serum biochemical parameters.
Role of air bubbles in the breakdown of flowing transformer oil

In this paper, a liquid circulation system is constructed whereby gas bubble dynamics and electrical signal evolution preceding the oil gap breakdown are registered in stationary and flowing transformer oil. Based on a number of repetitive tests, two types of breakdown are classified: one takes place after bubble growth and originates in the bubble or the mixture of liquid and gas when the applied voltage is in the negative half-cycle; the other follows streamers resulting from the protrusion of bubble tip in the positive half-cycle. For each type of breakdown, partial discharge (PD) pulse is captured preceding the breakdown. As the oil flow rate varies, bubble dynamics change but the characteristics of each breakdown remain. In addition, it is found that oil breakdown voltage is improved as the flow rate increases. In terms of PD occurrence and bubble growth, the role of gas bubble in oil breakdown initiation, as well as the effect of oil flow on breakdown, is discussed.
Real Vulnerabilities in Partial Reconfigurable Design Cycles; Case Study for Implementation of Hardware Security Modules

In this paper, the security of existing DPR design flows are analyzed, and some practical vulnerabilities are introduced by an attack scenario in which the adversary exploits the remote DPR capability of the FPGA to launch Hardware Trojan Horse (HTH) attacks on FPGA-based Hardware Security Module (HSM). Our analyses show that there are serious potential vulnerabilities in current reconfigurable FPGA design flows, which should address in architecture level instead of the design flow. The result of this analysis can help FPGA vendors or designers to protect the FPGA-based IPs against dynamic Trojan insertion.
Experimental Analysis of Transition Metal (Ni-V) Codoped ZnO Nanorods for Piezoelectric Accelerometer Application

Growth of Nickel (Ni) and Vanadium (V) codoped Zinc Oxide (ZVN) nanorods (NRs) using the hydrothermal method, and its application in low-frequency accelerometer have been explored in this study. Poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is spin-coated on ZVN NRs grown on a rigid substrate to establish p-n junction. Structural analysis exhibited dominant (002) plane revealing the c-axis orientation and improved quality of ZVN NRs. Morphological examination showed growth of NRs with the hexagonal top surface. Study about the optical properties evinced a bandgap of ∼3.03 eV with decreased defects. Electrical properties evidenced a typical p-n junction rectifying behavior with less turn-on voltage and internal resistance of 0.1 V and ∼158 Ω respectively depicting increased conductivity. Experimental accelerometer performance evaluation manifested a maximum output voltage of 2.9 V and 3.6 V at resonant frequency 7 Hz and 1 g acceleration respectively. The sensitivity calculated is ∼6.9 V/g which is considerable in comparison with the literature reported. The fabricated ZNV accelerometer has been reported to have satisfactory linearity.
A new design of an air core transformer for Electric Vehicle On-Board Charger

This paper compares two geometries of air core transformer, relevant for high frequency converters and high power densities: One logical toroidal, one innovative cylindrical. The manufacturing, the coupling parameter, the volume, and the flux leakage are examined in these topologies. The efficiency symbolizes a crucial parameter on power electronics, and a trade-off must ever be optimized between size and power. The proposed innovative structure permits to strongly increase the converter power density for an identical efficiency
Molecular characterization of OsPRP1 from rice, which is expressed preferentially in anthers

A proline-rich protein-encoding cDNA encoded by a rice gene, OsPRP1, was isolated by PCR-mediated RNA subtraction hybridization strategy and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The deduced protein consists of 224 amino acids with the highest level of proline residue (14.29%). Following the putative signal peptide, OsPRP1 contains two structural domains, of which the N-terminal domain lacks Pro-rich repetitive sequences, and the C-terminal domain has two repetitive proline-rich sequences of 18 amino acid residues with PEPK motifs. Southern blot and sequence analysis show that OsPRP1 exists as four copies in rice genome and is localized in rice chromosome 10. RT-PCR experiments reveal that OsPRP1 is expressed preferentially in spikelets and buds with lower levels in roots and leaves. In situ hybridization indicates that OsPRP1 transcripts are present at high levels in pollen mother cells (PMCs), meiotic PMCs, tapetal cells and vascular bundle cells of flower organs. The expression of OsPRP1 in anthers has temporal specificity. The transcripts are accumulated at high levels in PMCs, at the highest levels in meiotic PMCs and at undetectable levels in uninucleate pollen. In buds the transcripts are only detected in the epidermal cells of coleoptiles and leaf primordial.
Towards Robust Loop Closure Detection in Weakly Textured Environments using Points and Lines

SLAM approaches rely on loop closure strategies to correct the inconsistencies of the generated map. These inconsistencies are mainly caused by the effect of sensor noise in odometry sources. For the case of visual SLAM, loop detection typically rely on the repetitive detection and matching of texture-based keypoints. Weakly textured environments, however, can lead to scenes lacking these kind of points and, hence, poor-performing loop detectors. An alternative for these environments is the use of geometrical cues such as line segments, which are frequently present within human-made, structured environments. Under this context, in this work, we introduce a novel appearance-based loop closure detection method that integrates lines and points to enhance performance in these scenarios. For this purpose, we build an incremental Bag-of-Binary-Words scheme for each visual cue to retrieve previously seen images from the two complementary perspectives. Furthermore, we rely on a late fusion strategy to combine the image candidates resulting for both visual vocabularies. An effective mechanism to group similar images close in time is applied next to reduce the effort of the image candidate search. Finally, we propose a novel scheme to validate geometrically the loop candidates, integrating lines into the procedure. The proposed approach compares favourably with other state-of-the-art methods for several datasets.
Frequency-Selective Surface-Based Compact Single Substrate Layer Dual-Band Transmission-Type Linear-to-Circular Polarization Converter

In this article, a compact dual-band linear-to-circular polarization converter designed on a single-layer substrate is proposed. The unit cell of the converter has a size of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3.72\times 3.90\times 1.52\,\,\text {mm}^{3}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.0072\lambda ^{3}_{o} $ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{o}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is calculated with respect to 20.67 GHz). The converter consists of split rings and a pair of metallic strips printed on both sides of a single-layer substrate for dual-band operation. The proposed converter has a measured 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth of 5.56% (20.10–21.25 GHz) in the lower band and 3.97% (29.12–30.30 GHz) at the upper band. The converter transmits a right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) wave at the lower band and left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) wave at the upper band for a linearly polarized (LP) incident wave. The characteristics of the polarization converter are validated by integrating an array of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$7 \times 7$ </tex-math></inline-formula> elements of its unit cell in the endfire direction of a dual-band LP dipole antenna operating in the same frequency bands such as that of the polarization converter. The antenna integrated with the polarization converter exhibits measured circularly polarized (CP) bandwidths of 7.80% and 6.57% in the lower frequency band: 20.10–21.75 GHz and the upper frequency band: 29.4–31.4 GHz, respectively. The integrated antenna can act as a feed source of a high-gain dual-band transmit array for uplink (30.0–31.0 GHz) and downlink (20.2–21.2 GHz) of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Ka-$ </tex-math></inline-formula>band military satellite communication.
Pointcloud-based Identification of Optimal Grasping Poses for Cloth-like Deformable Objects

In this paper, the problem of identifying optimal grasping poses for cloth-like deformable objects is addressed by means of a four-steps algorithm performing the processing of the data coming from a 3D camera. The first step segments the source pointcloud, while the second step implements a wrinkledness measure able to robustly detect graspable regions of a cloth. In the third step the identification of each individual wrinkle is accomplished by fitting a piecewise curve. Finally, in the fourth step, a target grasping pose for each detected wrinkle is estimated. Compared to deep learning approaches where the availability of a good quality dataset or trained model is necessary, our general algorithm can find employment in very different scenarios with minor parameters tweaking. Results showing the application of our method to the clothes bin picking task are presented.
Free space Dual Antenna Communication in Flying Ad Hoc Networks Routing

Flying Ad hoc Networks have been recently utilized in the territory where fixed system frameworks are not accessible or wireless ad hoc connection may be required. FANET correspondence equipment must be deployed on the UAV platform and this circumstance forces certain constraints. Routing mechanism will adaptively choose route utilizing least cost routing and reputation routing schemes dependent on network condition to keep the ratio of successfully delivered packets and better network performance. The multiple antennas are improving the efficiency of communication of UAV. The free-space dual antenna communication in FANET is proposed in this research. lightweight peripheral devices can be deployed when total load implicit is constant and the communication hardware is a more advanced sensor. There is no confusion the performance of the dual antenna is better and reduces overhead but if the location is not knowing then communication is possible through the proposed dual antenna scheme. The propose communication between the nodes in the air is possible to handle by using omnidirectional antennas. Likewise, performance can additionally be improved with mutually planned versatile interchanges with a UAV mobility model. The performance of the proposed approach and the previous approach is measured through performance metrics.
Full Reference Image Quality Assessment by Considering Intra-Block Structure and Inter-Block Texture

The purpose of the image quality assessment is to evaluate image quality consistently with human’s subjective evaluation. In image quality assessment, many structural features have been used to measure the quality degradation of an image. However, most of the existing image quality assessment methods are block-based, which ignores the features among neighboring blocks. In this paper, we argue that the human visual system perceives distortions not only depends on local structural (intra-block structure) distortions, but also relates to the structural distortions of their neighborhoods (inter-block texture). Based on this insight, we propose a novel image quality assessment method, called the diffusion speed structure similarity (DSSIM), by considering both intra-block structure and inter-block texture. Specifically, to characterize the inter-block texture, we devise a novel visual feature based on the image diffusion speed. To measure the changes of the intra-block structure, we adopt the image gradient magnitude. Furthermore, to differentiate the importance of a local region, we devise a weighting function based on the image diffusion speed. Extensive experimental results on six benchmark databases demonstrate that our proposed method yields a better performance than the state-of-the-art methods.
HyperBSA: A High-Performance Consortium Blockchain Storage Architecture for Massive Data

With the considerable exploration of blockchain in various industrial fields, the storage architectures of mainstream consortium blockchains exhibit significant performance limitations, which can’t meet the requirements of efficient data access with massive data storage in enterprise-level business scenarios. In this paper, we creatively divided the underlying data of the consortium blockchain into two categories: continuous data and state data and proposed a new storage architecture to store and operate these two types of data efficiently. For continuous data, we designed a specialized index-based storage engine. For state data, we proposed a multi-level cache mechanism with a secure and integrated data persistence policy. In addition, a pluggable Client/Server mode is employed to achieve flexible distributed extension. A series of experiments are conducted to show the effectiveness of our architecture. Compared with mainstream consortium blockchain storage architecture based on LevelDB, the average time-consuming decreases 81.85%/82.47% for reading/writing continuous data and 22.21%/48.99% for reading/writing state data. Compared with the storage architecture based on distributed database TiKV, the time-consuming decreases more significantly. This storage architecture has been integrated into the enterprise-level consortium blockchain platform Hyperchain, which has supported the efficient running of dozens of large-scale commercial blockchain projects with massive data.