Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of selective broadcast algorithms for safety applications in vehicular ad hoc networks

Just as wireless communications develop further to achieve higher performance, new application areas emerge to challenge the limits. Vehicular ad hoc networks are one of these areas, and emergency situation warning is one of their most popular applications since traffic safety is a concern for everyone. Due to the life-critical nature of emergency applications, however, it is extremely important to ensure the solutions proposed meet the standards required, such as reliable and timely delivery of the safety warning in a situation like car collision avoidance. In order to put the candidate solutions to the test and evaluate their feasibility, we adopt the approach of computer simulation. We implement four different selective broadcast algorithms used for information dissemination in vehicular ad hoc networks, and compare their performance under identical realistic simulation conditions. Our goal is to provide an evaluation focussing on the performance with respect to safety, rather than to network aspects like throughput, loss, and delay. We define four new performance criteria to address the effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, and overhead of the broadcast algorithms in safety warning delivery. The results we obtain using these criteria help us to understand better the design requirements of a high-performance selective broadcast algorithm.
What comes first-RAMCAD or a new RAM methodology?

A practical methodology of a future reliability program is discussed. Seven major lessons learned from today's reliability methodology are also examined. These lessons are translated into requirements that can implement the projected computerized reliability programs. Draft revisions of two MIL-STD-785B tasks (204 and 205) are presented to exemplify the modernization of current reliability program requirements. <<ETX>>
Predictor-Based Neural Dynamic Surface Control for Strict-Feedback Nonlinear Systems With Unknown Control Gains

Neural dynamic surface control (NDSC) is an effective technique for the tracking control of nonlinear systems. The objective of this article is to improve closed-loop transient performance and reduce the number of learning parameters for a strict-feedback nonlinear system with unknown control gains. For this purpose, a predictor-based NDSC (PNDSC) approach is presented. It introduces Nussbaum functions and predictors into the traditional NDSC for nonlinear systems with unknown control gains. Unlike NDSC that uses surface errors to update the learning parameters of neural networks (NNs), the PNDSC employs prediction errors for the same purpose, leading to improved transient performance of closed-loop control systems. To reduce the number of learning parameters, the PNDSC is further embedded with the technique of the minimal number of learning parameters (MNLPs). This avoids the problem of the “explosion of learning parameters” as the order of the system increases. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis shows that all signals are bounded in the closed-loop systems under PNDSC embedded with MNLPs. Simulations are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PNDSC approach presented in this article.
Comparative Study of 2 Bone Anchors Using a Limited Open Procedure for the Management of Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

Background: Arthroscopic and open surgical procedures are commonly used to repair distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Both may result in patient dissatisfaction and recurrence of DRUJ instability. An alternative treatment that yields improved outcomes is a limited open approach using a bone anchor to support the DRUJ. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 58 patients (59 extremities) aged 18 to 60 years with type 1B Palmer rupture (3 months or more after injury) of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) without distal radius fracture was conducted. Inclusion criteria are: 3 to 12 months after injury, clinical DRUJ instability, and minimum of 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Operative fixation with Stryker Sonic or Depuy Mitek anchor was done by the same surgeon using a limited open procedure. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Brief Pain Inventory; Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale; Numeric Pain Scale; range of motion; and recurrence of instability. A multivariate analysis of variance model was fit to imputed data to assess the effect of both anchors. Results: Clinical and statistical differences were found in preoperative and postoperative assessments for either the Stryker Sonic or the Depuy Mitek anchor but not between anchor types. There was no recurrence after 3 years with either anchor. Conclusion: Patients requiring TFCC repair using the Stryker Sonic or Depuy Mitek anchor experienced: (1) significant clinical and statistical improvement in postoperative assessments; (2) patient satisfaction; and (3) corrected DRUJ instability. Consequently, major determinants in deciding which bone anchor to use may be based on cost or surgeon’s preference.
A splice site mutation in the TSEN2 causes a new syndrome with craniofacial and central nervous system malformations, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome

Recessive mutations in the genes encoding the four subunits of the tRNA splicing endonuclease complex (TSEN54, TSEN34, TSEN15, and TSEN2) cause various forms of pontocerebellar hypoplasia, a disorder characterized by hypoplasia of the cerebellum and the pons, microcephaly, dysmorphisms, and other variable clinical features. Here, we report an intronic recessive founder variant in the gene TSEN2 that results in abnormal splicing of the mRNA of this gene, in six individuals from four consanguineous families affected with microcephaly, multiple craniofacial malformations, radiological abnormalities of the central nervous system, and cognitive retardation of variable severity. Remarkably, unlike patients with previously described mutations in the components of the TSEN complex, all the individuals that we report developed atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) with thrombotic microangiopathy, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, proteinuria, severe hypertension, and end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) early in life. Bulk RNA sequencing of peripheral blood cells of four affected individuals revealed abnormal tRNA transcripts, indicating an alteration of the tRNA biogenesis. Morpholino‐mediated skipping of exon 10 of tsen2 in zebrafish produced phenotypes similar to human patients. Thus, we have identified a novel syndrome accompanied by aHUS suggesting the existence of a link between tRNA biology and vascular endothelium homeostasis, which we propose to name with the acronym TRACK syndrome (TSEN2 Related Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, Craniofacial malformations, Kidney failure).
Performance assessment of urban utilities: the case of water supply, wastewater and solid waste

The importance of performance assessment in the water industry is demonstrated by the increasing number of initiatives taking place around the world. Since the first initiatives, which started 15 years ago, the topic has evolved significantly although it still presents challenges to be tackled. Five years ago, a project on performance assessment of urban infrastructure services was submitted to the European Union under the COST programme. As a consequence, the COST C18 Action was created. This paper presents the main conclusions and future key research areas from the project. In the solid waste sector, existing practical experience is less advanced, but methodologies and conclusions will be equally applicable in performance assessment projects.
On-line estimation and compensation scheme for dead time and inverter nonlinearity independent of parameter variations in PMSM drive

A new on-line compensation scheme that can exactly estimate the dead time and inverter nonlinearity even under the parameter variations is proposed for a PWM inverter-fed permanent magnet synchronous motor drive. The proposed scheme is based on the fact that the sixth-order harmonic component in total disturbance estimated under the presence of various uncertainties is mainly caused by the dead time and inverter nonlinearity. The total disturbance due to the parameter variations as well as the dead time and inverter nonlinearity is estimated by the adaptive scheme. From this total disturbance, the sixth-order harmonic component is extracted through the harmonic analysis. The obtained sixth-order harmonic is processed by the PI controller to estimate the disturbance only caused by the dead time and inverter nonlinearity in the stationary reference frame. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified through the comparative simulations and experiments using DSP TMS320F28335. Without requiring an additional hardware, the proposed scheme can effectively compensate the dead time and inverter nonlinearity even under the parameter variations.
Implicit theories of body weight and engagement in healthy lifestyles among young adults: The mediating effect of self-control

Engaging in a healthy lifestyle could be helpful to decrease lifestyle-related health risks and bring long-term health benefits. This research investigated how implicit theories of body weight influence people’s engagement in healthy lifestyle among young adults in China. The results suggested that implicit theories of body weight significantly influence people’s engagement in heathy eating behaviors and physical activity. Self-control mediated the effect of implicit (incremental) theories of body weight on people’s engagement in healthy eating. Implications of the current research for understanding how to promote engagement in healthy lifestyle and directions for future research are discussed.
Quercus salicina Blume: Research Progress in Chemistry and Pharmacodynamics (1959–2021)

The crude extracts of different parts (leaves and shoots) of Quercus salicina Blume (QS) have shown considerable effect in urolithiasis. QS has been widely used in clinical practice and has attracted great research interest The relevant published literature, however, reveals only partial education of its chemical components and bio‐active mechanisms, and only two review articles have summarized the QS research progress. In this review, a comprehensive and systematic review of chemistry and pharmacodynamics of QS was carried out using the international authoritative databases (1959–2021), focusing on phenols and flavonoids, and their effect such as urinary stone dissolution, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetes, anti‐bacterial, antioxidant, and anti‐allergy activities as well as toxic effects. The aim of review is to provide the most recent and effective literature support for further basic research and application development.
Comparison of interpolation methods of predominant cardiomyocyte orientation from in vivo and ex vivo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging data

Cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac mechanics both depend on the average cardiomyocyte long‐axis orientation. In the realm of personalized medicine, knowledge of the patient‐specific changes in cardiac microstructure plays a crucial role. Patient‐specific computational modelling has emerged as a tool to better understand disease progression. In vivo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI) is a vital tool to non‐destructively measure the average cardiomyocyte long‐axis orientation in the heart. However, cDTI suffers from long scan times, rendering volumetric, high‐resolution acquisitions challenging. Consequently, interpolation techniques are needed to populate bio‐mechanical models with patient‐specific average cardiomyocyte long‐axis orientations. In this work, we compare five interpolation techniques applied to in vivo and ex vivo porcine input data. We compare two tensor interpolation approaches, one rule‐based approximation, and two data‐driven, low‐rank models. We demonstrate the advantage of tensor interpolation techniques, resulting in lower interpolation errors than do low‐rank models and rule‐based methods adapted to cDTI data. In an ex vivo comparison, we study the influence of three imaging parameters that can be traded off against acquisition time: in‐plane resolution, signal to noise ratio, and number of acquired short‐axis imaging slices.
Thoughts and experiences on leg amputation among patients with diabetic foot ulcers

ABSTRACT Background Although leg amputation is common among patients with diabetic foot ulcers, only few studies have examined the thoughts regarding leg amputation from the perspective of patients. Aim This study aims to explore the thoughts of patients with diabetic foot ulcers regarding leg amputation. Method A qualitative design using semi-structured interviews were used and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). In all five patients participated and the interview questions were focused on thoughts in relation to a possible leg amputation. Findings Four significant themes were revealed: 1) “Considered—not spoken”—reflections on being alone with one’s thoughts, 2) “What people think about me”—concerns about consequences on social relations, 3) “The tough ones and the ones who whine”—considerations about expected self-efficacy and 4) “Limitations and opportunities”—thoughts about physical consequences. Conclusion Even if an amputation is not yet planned, having a diabetic foot ulcer can result in divergent thoughts regarding leg amputation. The findings indicate that amputation is considered a taboo which makes it difficult for the patient to talk about it within either the health care context or with relatives. Health care professionals should therefore be aware of how they communicate regarding leg amputation.
Matching analysis of photovoltaic powered DC series motors and centrifugal pumps by varing motor constants

An analytical method for the direct coupling between a photovoltaic (PV) generator and a monoblock DC series motor driven centrifugal pump has been developed as a function of the no-flow motor-pump speed w0 and its working speed w.w0 is a function of the motor terminal voltage, and w is determined by the value of w0 and the working water head of the pump. The different parameters of a monoblock DC series motor and a centrifugal pump have been derived as variables of w0 and w. The optimum matching conditions at the maximum hydraulic efficiency are discussed. The mathematical approach to this study has been verified by experimental results from two different pump systems. The constants of a given motor-pump system are constrained by the requirements and design factors. Without alteration of these constants, better matching can be achieved only by changing the motor constant M0. Some reported results also compare well with those of this model.
Novel Co-crystals and Eutectics of Febuxostat: Characterization, Mechanism of Formation, and Improved Dissolution

Co-crystallization studies were undertaken to improve the solubility of a highly water-insoluble drug febuxostat (FXT), used in the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia. The selection of co-crystal former (CCF) molecules such as 1-hydroxy 2-naphthoic acid (1H-2NPH), 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (4-HBA), salicylic acid (SAC), 5-nitro isophthalic acid (5-NPH), isonicotinamide (ISNCT), and picolinamide (PICO) was based on the presence of complementary functional groups capable of forming hydrogen bond and the ΔpKa difference between FXT and CCF. A liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) method was successfully employed for the rapid screening of various pharmaceutical adducts. These adducts were characterized based on their unique thermal (differential scanning calorimetry) and spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy) profiles. Binary phase diagrams (BPD) were plotted to establish a relationship between the thermal events and adduct formed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies were carried out to confirm the formation of eutectic/co-crystal. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also performed for the novel co-crystals obtained. The propensity for strong homo-synthons over weak hetero-synthons and strong hetero-synthons over weak homo-synthons during supramolecular growth resulted in the formation of eutectics and co-crystals respectively. FXT:1H-2NPH (1), FXT:4-HBA (1), FXT:SAC (1, 2), and FXT:5-NPH (2-1) gave rise to pure eutectic systems, while FXT:ISNCT (2-1) and FXT:PICO (1) gave rise to novel co-crystals with characteristic DSC heating curves and PXRD pattern. Additionally, the impact of microenvironmental pH and microspeciation profile on the improved dissolution profile of the co-crystals was discussed. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract
Comparisons of α2-Adrenergic Agents, Medetomidine and Xylazine, with Pentobarbital for Anesthesia: Important Pitfalls in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Rats

Purpose: Anesthesia is necessary to conduct rodent electroretinograms (ERGs). We evaluated utility of the α2-agonist medetomidine versus xylazine for ERG studies in nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Pentobarbital was included as a comparator. Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats, with and without streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, were anesthetized with medetomidine (1 mg/kg), xylazine (10 mg/kg) (both with ketamine 75 mg/kg), or pentobarbital (70 mg/kg). The depth of anesthesia was assessed, and if adequate, scotopic ERGs were recorded. Blood glucose was monitored. Results: In nondiabetic rats, all three agents induced satisfactory anesthesia, but with differing durations: medetomidine > pentobarbital > xylazine. ERG responses were similar under medetomidine and xylazine, but relatively reduced under pentobarbital. Both α2-agonists (but not pentobarbital) elicited marked hyperglycemia (peak values 316.1 ± 42.6 and 300.3 ± 29.5 mg/dL, respectively), persisting for 12 h. In diabetic rats, elevated blood glucose concentrations were not affected by any of the agents, but the depth of anesthesia under medetomidine and xylazine was inadequate for ERG recording. Conclusions: In nondiabetic rats, medetomidine and xylazine elicited comparable effects on ERGs that differ from pentobarbital, but both perturbed glucose metabolism, potentially confounding experimental outcomes. In STZ-diabetic rats, neither α2-agent provided adequate anesthesia, while pentobarbital did so. Problems with α2-anesthetic agents, including medetomidine, must be recognized to ensure meaningful interpretation of experimental results.
Computational fluid dynamics modelling of an entire synchronous generator for improved thermal management

This study is the first in a series dedicated to investigating the airflow and thermal management of electrical machines. Owing to the temperature dependent resistive losses in the machine's windings, any improvement in cooling provides a direct reduction in losses and an increase in efficiency. This study focuses on the airflow which is intrinsically linked to the thermal behaviour of the machine as well as the windage power consumed to drive the air through the machine. A full computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been used to analyse the airflow around all major components of the machine. Results have been experimentally validated and investigated. At synchronous speed the experimentally tested mass flow rate and windage torque were under predicted by 4% and 7%, respectively, by the CFD. A break-down of torque by component shows that the fan consumes approximately 87% of the windage torque.
Relationships between motor skills and executive functions in developmental coordination disorder (DCD): A systematic review

Abstract Background Individuals with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) experience motor skill and executive function (EF) difficulties that challenge their daily activities. Aim/Objective This systematic review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the relationships between motor skills and EFs in studies among individuals with DCD. Material and methods We conducted a systematic search of eight electronic databases for articles (published 1994–2021) reporting on quantitative studies that estimated relationships between motor skills and EFs when assessing children, adolescents and adults with DCD. Motor skills and EFs were assessed via reliable and validated assessment tools. Two reviewers independently screened the articles. We evaluated the quality of the selected articles according to EPHPP guidelines and the methodological quality of the assessments from these studies using the COSMIN checklist and reported results following the PRISMA-P checklist. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019124578). Results A total of 30,808 articles were screened. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Findings from nine studies demonstrated weak to strong correlations between aspects of motor skills and EFs. Conclusions and significance Limited evidence supports the relationships between motor skills and EFs among individuals with DCD. Occupational therapists should consider the possibility of this relationship and give more consideration to these components when planning intervention for individuals with DCD.
Monitoring Australian parents’ shifting receptiveness to digital mental health interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Nascent evidence indicates that the mental health of parents and children has markedly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering disruptions to traditional face-to-face mental health services resultant from stay-at-home orders, the potential value of digital mental health interventions has become extremely apparent. Despite this, uptake of digital interventions remains poor, indicating that a better understanding is needed of factors that determine a willingness to use digital platforms. Method: The present multi-wave, longitudinal study of 2365 Australian parents explored between-person and within-person predictors of intentions to use digital interventions during the pandemic. Results: More than one-third of parents reported likely use of a self-guided and therapist-guided digital intervention, with the most endorsed reason for use being to support their child’s mental health. Between-person baseline predictors of higher intention ratings were parent’s prior mental illness, not living with a partner and recent environmental stressors. Within-person predictors of higher intention ratings were endorsement of mindful parenting strategies, child access to the Internet, better perceived management of child’s education, lower social support and financial hardship. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that willingness to engage in digital interventions fluctuates in response to changing circumstances. Identifying novel ways to increase acceptance and uptake of digital interventions based on modifiable predictors established here is needed to realize the full potential of these modes of care in times of need.