Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual information and perceptual style in time-to-collision estimation

The aim of this experiment was to determine the kind of visual information used in anticipating rear-end collisions according to the visual information available in the road environment and the perceptual style of the driver. Nine field independent and seven field dependent subjects had to judge time-to-collision under various visual and spatio-temporal conditions. Results showed that only under poor visual conditions (presence of the obstacle alone) were temporal estimates affected by approach speed, obstacle distance and actual time-to-collision. Under these conditions the estimates appeared to be mainly based on static depth cues (angular size). The enrichment of the visual scene (texture) allowed the processing of motion-based information (optical flow) and made the estimates independent of spatio-temporal conditions; variability, overshoots and subjective difficulty were reduced. Whereas both field-dependent and independent observers took global visual changes into account, only field-independent subjects were able to use local motion as well. The findings suggest that multiple sources of information play a part in time-to-collision judgements. For the covering abstract see IRRD E102207.
Mechanically Reinforced Gelatin Hydrogels by Introducing Slidable Supramolecular Cross-Linkers

Tough mechanical properties are generally required for tissue substitutes used in regeneration of damaged tissue, as these substitutes must be able to withstand the external physical force caused by stretching. Gelatin, a biopolymer derived from collagen, is a biocompatible and cell adhesive material, and is thus widely utilized as a component of biomaterials. However, the application of gelatin hydrogels as a tissue substitute is limited owing to their insufficient mechanical properties. Chemical cross-linking is a promising method to improve the mechanical properties of hydrogels. We examined the potential of the chemical cross-linking of gelatin hydrogels with carboxy-group-modified polyrotaxanes (PRXs), a supramolecular polymer comprising a poly(ethylene glycol) chain threaded into the cavity of α-cyclodextrins (α-CDs), to improve mechanical properties such as stretchability and toughness. Cross-linking gelatin hydrogels with threading α-CDs in PRXs could allow for freely mobile cross-linking points to potentially improve the mechanical properties. Indeed, the stretchability and toughness of gelatin hydrogels cross-linked with PRXs were slightly higher than those of the hydrogels with the conventional chemical cross-linkers 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). In addition, the hysteresis loss of gelatin hydrogels cross-linked with PRXs after repeated stretching and relaxation cycles in a hydrated state was remarkably improved in comparison with that of conventional cross-linked hydrogels. It is considered that the freely mobile cross-linking points of gelatin hydrogels cross-linked with PRXs attenuates the stress concentration. Accordingly, gelatin hydrogels cross-linked with PRXs would provide excellent mechanical properties as biocompatible tissue substitutes exposed to a continuous external physical force.
Settlement of shallow foundations on cohesionless soils : design and performance : proceedings of a session sponsored by the Geotechnical Engineering Division in conjunction with the ASCE Convention in Seattle, Washington, April 10, 1986

The main objectives of this book are to present some of the available techniques for estimating the settlement of shallow foundations on cohesionless soils, and to compare predicted and observed structure settlements. The techniques for estimating settlements that are addressed include: methods based on penetration tests; methods based on pressuremeter tests; and methods based on elastic theory using compression moduli derived from pressuremeter tests, seismic wave velocities, and the Hardin and Black equation. These are representative of the techniques available to the geotechnical engineer, although they are not the only ones. Each of the methods described has its advantages and disadvantages. The simpler techniques, such as methods based on penetration tests, are inexpensive to apply but are very approximate. The more complex techniques allow the engineer to make a better estimate of the compressibility of the soil and to account for changes in compressibility due to stress changes caused by excavation, backfill, and structure loads; their disadvantage is that they require more detailed (and therefore more expensive) subsurface investigations and analysis. The geotechnical engineer has to balance these considerations in selecting the method or methods to be used on a particular project.
EFFECT OF ADVERTISED POLYHERBAL (AYURVEDIC) APHRODISIAC FORMULATIONS ON POTENT MALE ALBINO RATS

Objective: The objective of the study was to study aphrodisiac activity of polyherbals on albino Wistar rats. Methods: Play Win and Ayurex are examples of the already marketed polyherbal formulations (PHFs), which are used in this study to determine their mating behavior and mating performance test activities in albino Wistar rats. Results: Both the test drugs Play Win and Ayurex created noteworthy increase in the mounting behavior of animals. It was also observed that mounting behavior activity (number of mounts) in Play Win, in the 1st h and the 3rd h, was greater than Ayurex. Administration of suspension of a single dose of Play Win, Ayurex, and sildenafil citrate concluded in the increase in the mating performance of the rats. The result of Play Win was found to be less than that of Ayurex and nearly the same as that of sildenafil citrate. Conclusion: From the research of the above-mentioned formulations with comparison to the standard drug (sildenafil), it is concluded that the PHFs are capable of producing aphrodisiac activity.
Numerical Fluid-Structure Interaction Model for the Connection of Outflow Cannula of LVAD to the Aorta

Purpose: Connecting outflow cannula of LVAD to the aorta is an underexplored issue but may have considerable impact. In fact the hemodynamic modifications due to implantation in this region can cause thromboembolic events. It is therefore important to understand the flow pattern in this region and the way device interacts with the cardiovascular system. We present here the mathematical settings and results of a numerical model of the anastomosis between the outflow cannula of LVAD and the aorta. Methods: The geometry of the aorta and that of nearby large arteries is obtained from MRI and CT-scan data. The geometry of the arterial wall and that of the cannula is obtained by extruding the fluid surface based on a relation between wall thickness and local radius. Simulations are run using the parallel Finite Element library LifeV, which can address 3D Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI). The interaction with the entire cardiovascular system is modeled by using a multiscale model. The latter allows the coupling between the 3D model and a 1D tree model of the rest of the cardiovascular system. Results: Our numerical model allows the understanding of the behavior of the blood flow near the anastomosis and the interaction between LVAD and the cardiovascular system. Besides, relevant parameters from the haemodynamical standpoint are identified in order to propose a general mathematical approach to identify an optimal configuration of the anastomosis between LVAD and aorta. Summary: Mathematical settings and results of a numerical model of the anastomosis between the outflow cannula of LVAD and the aorta.
Open-source microscopic solution for classification of biological samples

Open-source technologies and solutions have paved the way for making science accessible the world over. Motivated to contribute to the direction of open-source methods, our current research presents a complete workflow of building a microscope using 3D printing and easily accessible optical components to collect images of biological samples. Further, these images are classified using machine learning algorithms to illustrate both the effectiveness of this method and show the disadvantages of classifying images that are visually similar. The second outcome of this research is an openly accessible dataset of the images collected, OPEN-BIOset, and made available to the machine learning community for future research. The research adopts the OpenFlexure Delta Stage microscope (https://openflexure.org/) that allows motorised control and maximum stability of the samples when imaging. A Raspberry Pi camera is used for imaging the samples in a transmission-based illumination setup. The imaging data collected is catalogued and organised for classification using TensorFlow. Using visual interpretation, we have created subsets from amongst the samples to experiment for the best classification results. We found that by removing similar samples, the categorical accuracy achieved was 99.9% and 99.59% for the training and testing sets. Our research shows evidence of the efficacy of open source tools and methods. Future approaches will use improved resolution images for classification and other modalities of microscopy will be realised based on the OpenFlexure microscope.
A Review of the Use of Telemedicine in Dermatologic Surgery.

BACKGROUND Telemedicine is an emerging field with numerous applications within medicine. Previous review articles describe its use within plastic surgery and otolaryngology but none, to the authors' knowledge, within dermatologic surgery. OBJECTIVE To provide a review of the applications of telemedicine within dermatologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A PubMed search of articles published on teledermatology was conducted in July 2018. Articles were selected based on their relevance to dermatologic surgery and reviewed for their discussion of the applications of telemedicine in surgical and cosmetic dermatology. RESULTS The initial search resulted in 156 articles. Eleven ultimately met inclusion criteria: 2 in referral and consultation, 5 in telepathology, 2 in intraoperative uses, and 2 in postprocedural care. CONCLUSION For preoperative consultation, teledermatology enables the surgeon to plan ahead and increases access to care by reducing the number of clinic visits. Telepathology has the potential to allow intraoperative consultation with a dermatopathologist to achieve accurate tumor clearance without delay. Smartglasses represent a promising technology for greater care coordination and a teaching tool. Postprocedural monitoring via text messaging provides convenient access to expert advice and early detection of postoperative complications. With increasing technologic advancements, telemedicine holds great potential to augment the dermatologic surgeon's daily practice.
Effect of Nanosilica on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of PVA Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Composite (PVA-FRGC)

This paper presents the effects of various nanosilica (NS) contents on the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber-reinforced geopolymer composites (PVA-FRGC). Microstructure analysis with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the geopolymer composites. The results showed that the mechanical properties in terms of compressive strength, impact strength, and flexural behavior were improved due to the addition of NS to the PVA-FRGC. The optimum NS content was 1.0 to 2.0 wt%, which exhibited highest improvement in the above mechanical properties. Microstructure analysis showed that the addition of NS up to an optimum level densified the microstructure of the matrix as well as the PVA fiber–geopolymer matrix interface.
A comprehensive study of vehicle routing problem with time windows using an improved multi-objective evolutionary algorithms

The vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW) which has both capacity and time constraints is an extension of vehicle routing problem (VRP). The problem is solved by optimizing routes for the vehicles so as to meet all given constraints as well as to minimize travelling distance and number of vehicles. This paper proposes to analyze a multi objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) that incorporates Various heuristics for local exploitation in the evolutionary search and the concept of pareto’s optimality to solve multi objective optimization in VRPTW. In this paper we model VRPTW as a modified version specialized for a multi objective context, using Evolutionary Algorithm to get a set of pareto optimal solutions considering three objectives, the number of vehicles, the total travel distance and the total delivery time at the same time. This new approach is validated with very good results and the comparison is performed on a standard benchmark problems showing that the algorithm outperforms highly competitive results compared with previously published studies.
Cryogenic Abrasive Jet Machining of Polydimethylsiloxane and Polytetrafluoroethylene at Different Temperatures

The temperature dependence of the solid particle erosion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and high carbon steel using aluminum oxide particles was investigated. The most efficient machining of PDMS occurred at approximately -178°C, at angles of attack between 30° and 60°. Although it was demonstrated that PDMS could be machined at temperatures above its glass transition, the erosion rate increased by a factor of more than 10 when the machining temperature was below this point. The maximum erosion in PTFE occurred at the coldest temperature of -177°C between the angles of 30 and 90°. This scenario improved the erosion rate by more than a factor of five. The erosion rate in high carbon steel was increased approximately twofold when lowering the temperature from 17°C to -177°C. The surface evolution results presented can be used to predict feature shapes both polymers while minimizing cooling costs, minimizing mask wear or maximizing substrate erosion.
Real-time optimization of passenger collection for commuter rail systems.

Commuter rail systems are being introduced into many urban areas as an alternative mode to automobiles for commuting trips. The shift from the auto mode to rail mode is anticipated to greatly help alleviate traffic congestion in urban road networks. However, the right-of-way of many existing commuter rail systems is usually not ideally located. Since the locations of rail systems were typically chosen long ago to serve the needs of freight customers, the majority of current commuter rail passengers have to take a non-walkable connecting trip to reach their final destinations after departing even the most conveniently located rail stations. To make rail a more viable, competitive commuting option, a bus feeder or circulator system is proposed for seamlessly transporting passengers from their departing rail stations to final work destinations. The primary research challenge in modeling such a bus circulator system is to optimally determine a bus route and stop sequence for each circulating tour using the real-time demand information. In this paper, the authors termed this joint routing and stop optimization problem the circulator service network design problem, the objective of which is to minimize the total tour cost incurred by bus passengers and operators while minimizing the walk time of each individual bus passenger. A bi-level nonlinear mixed integer programming model was constructed and a tabu search method with different local search strategies and neighborhood evaluation methods was then developed to tackle the circulator service network design problem.
Modelling Antarctica’s lithospheric structure and testing the West Antarctic mantle plume hypothesis

<p>Numerous unresolved issues exist regarding the lithosphere of Antarctica, especially in terms of its fundamental density, temperature, and compositional structure. Estimates of total lithospheric thickness typically involve assumptions on the depth of the Moho discontinuity, which remains ill-constrained in several parts of Antarctica. Recent estimates of the Moho depth from different geophysical methods show significant discrepancies of 10-20 km in large sectors of the continent. While seismological methods suffer from a limited station coverage and ice reverberation, potential field methods, such as gravity studies, are inherently non-unique. By modelling multiple geophysical parameters in a consistent way and accounting for thermodynamically stable mineral phases of rocks as a function of pressure and temperature conditions, we were able to mitigate the detrimental effects of data sparseness while also reducing geophysical inconsistencies and ambiguities. Gravity gradient data from ESA&#8217;s satellite mission &#8216;GOCE&#8217; are used here to constrain the density distribution within the lithosphere in an integrated 3D model of the Antarctic continent. Independent seismic estimates serve as a benchmark for the robustness of our results. Our model derives new estimates of the crustal and the total lithospheric thickness of Antarctica. <br>Based on our new 3D lithospheric model, we investigate the feasibility of a mantle plume beneath parts of West Antarctica, which has been inferred from previous geochemistry, seismology, and glacial isostatic adjustment studies. The impact of thermal anomalies, simulating ponded plume material, on different geophysical parameters, such as geothermal heat flux, seismic velocities, mineral phase transition changes, gravity, and topographic elevation are modelled for both Marie Byrd Land and Ross Island, two key candidate sites for putative plumes. Combined interpretation of the results is performed together with current understanding of geodynamic processes, such as locations of the LLVPs at the core-mantle boundary, representing potential &#8216;cradles&#8217; for plumes. <br>Our results suggest that a deep-rooted mantle plume is unlikely beneath West Antarctica. However, the observed low seismic velocity zones could still correspond to proposed hot upper mantle zones characterised by lower viscosity. Alternative/additional explanations, such compositional effects and water content as causes for the seismic anomalies must also be further evaluated to better assess their effects on mantle viscosities. This is particularly important beneath regions of recent ice mass loss and recently observed remarkably high rates of GIA-induced bedrock uplift, such as the Amundsen Sea Embayment. </p>
Acceptability of the intelligent speed adaptation and following distance warning systems in the Australian TAC SafeCar On-Road Study

In addition to examining the effects on drivers' performance of several in-vehicle intelligent transport systems in combination, the Australian TAC SafeCar study is examining the acceptability of these systems to drivers. Fifteen vehicles have been equipped with: Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), Following Distance Warning (FDW), Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) and Reverse Collision Warning (RCW). System acceptability is assessed in the study through several means, including questionnaires administered to participants at several times during the study. The purpose of this paper is to report some of the questionnaire data gathered to date on drivers' acceptability of the ISA and FDW systems. Comparisons are made between baseline data and data collected following exposure to ISA and FDW to provide insights into the effect of system exposure on the acceptability of these systems.
Efficient Deep-Learning-Based Autoencoder Denoising Approach for Medical Image Diagnosis

Effective medical diagnosis is dramatically expensive, especially in third-world countries. One of the common diseases is pneumonia, and because of the remarkable similarity between its types and the limited number of medical images for recent diseases related to pneumonia, themedical diagnosis of these diseases is a significant challenge. Hence, transfer learning represents a promising solution in transferring knowledge from generic tasks to specific tasks. Unfortunately, experimentation and utilization of different models of transfer learning do not achieve satisfactory results. In this study, we suggest the implementationof an automatic detectionmodel, namely CADTra, to efficiently diagnose pneumonia-related diseases. This model is based on classification, denoising autoencoder, and transfer learning. Firstly, pre-processing is employed to prepare themedical images. It depends on an autoencoder denoising (AD) algorithm with a modified loss function depending on a Gaussian distribution for decoder output to maximize the chances for recovering inputs and clearly demonstrate their features, in order to improve the diagnosis process. Then, classification is performed using a transfer learning model and a four-layer convolution neural network (FCNN) to detect pneumonia. The proposed model supports binary classification of chest computed tomography (CT) images and multi-class classification of chest X-ray images. Finally, a comparative study is introduced for the classification performance with and without the denoising process. The proposedmodel achieves precisions of 98% and 99% for binary classification and multi-class classification, respectively, with the different ratios for training and testing. To demonstrate the efficiency and superiority of the proposed CADTra model, it is compared with some recent state-of-the-art CNN models. The achieved outcomes prove that the suggested model can help radiologists to detect pneumonia-related diseases This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 6108 CMC, 2022, vol.70, no.3 and improve the diagnostic efficiency compared to the existing diagnosis models.
Investigation of construction concepts for pavements across soft ground: final report

This study was a follow-up of a bridge approach study entitled "Investigation of Construction Techniques for Tactical Bridge Approach Roads Across Soft Ground. " The objective of this study were (a) to conduct additional tests on the aggregate-membrane concept, (b) to investigate the use of sand-filled confinement grids as an expedient wet weather concent for base course layers, and (c) to analyze and combine the results of this study with those of the Bridge Approach Study. To accomplish these objectives, a test section containing six items was construced and subjected to accelerated traffic using two different loads on a 5-ton military cargo truck. Items 1 through 4 contained sand-confinement grids (sand filled) placed as a base layer over a 1 CBR clay subgrade. It was concluded that collapsible-type sand confinement grids could be developed that would offer an expedient wet weather base course construction technique. A sand-grid base layer for roads and storage areas over soft subgrades would allow design thickness reductions of one third or more. Two membrane aggregate test items were included. Item 5 consisted of a wire-reinforced polyester fabric, and item 6 consisted of a T-16 membrane. Performance of these two items was outstanding. It was concluded that placement of materials such as T-16 membrane or wire-reinforced polyester fabric under even ralatively thin layers of aggregate bases could offer expedient rehabilitation for roads severely damaged by heavy military traffic during wet periods. Performance of a membrane-rehabilitated base layer could equal that of a conventional base layer up to twice as thick.