Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Pilot Design for Multicast in the Internet of Vehicles Running at Different Speeds

High mobility of vehicles causes time-frequency selective fading over physical channels within the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). To improve the resource utilization efficiency, a novel transmission strategy, based on dynamic pilot design, is proposed, in this article, to reduce the pilot consumption in doubly selective channel estimation for the multicast to vehicles running at different speeds. As the channel coherence time is mainly influenced by the receiver mobility in the multicast from a base station to vehicles, we define a multicast block as the channel coherence time of the slowest vehicle in the multicast group, where common pilot symbols are shared. Then, the multicast data destined for different vehicles are loaded into the block according to their own channel coherence times. To evaluate the performance and resource utilization of our dynamic pilot design, the metrics of overhead rate, spectral efficiency, and energy efficiency are formulated for the IoV multicast using multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) transmissions. In terms of these three metrics, illustrative numerical results on the comparisons between our dynamic pilot design and the conventional counterpart are provided, which not only substantiate that the former outperforms the latter but also present useful tools and specifications for the pilot design in the IoV multicast using MIMO–OFDM transmissions over doubly selective channels.
Smartphone-Based Quantitative Detection of Ochratoxin A in Wheat via a Lateral Flow Assay

Ochratoxin A (OTA) poses a severe health risk to livestock along the food chain. Moreover, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, it is also categorized as being possibly carcinogenic to humans. The lack of intelligent point-of-care test (POCT) methods restricts its early detection and prevention. This work establishes a smartphone-enabled point-of-care test for OTA detection via a fluorescent lateral flow assay within 6 min. By using a smartphone and portable reader, the assay allows for the recording and sharing of the detection results in a cloud database. This intelligent POCT provided (iPOCT) a linearity range of 0.1–3.0 ng/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 ng/mL (0.32 µg/kg in wheat). By spiking OTA in blank wheat samples, the recoveries were 89.1–120.4%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) between 3.9–9.1%. The repeatability and reproducibility were 94.2–101.7% and 94.6–103.4%, respectively. This work provides a promising intelligent POCT method for food safety.
Microshear Bond Strength of Composite to Superficial Dentin by Use of Universal Adhesives with Different pH Values in Self-Etch and Etch & Rinse Modes

ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to assess the microshear bond strength (micro-SBS) of two universal adhesives with different pH values in etch-and-rinse (E and R) and self-etch (SE) modes to superficial dentin. Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study evaluated 75 extracted sound human third molars. Superficial dentin was exposed by trimming the enamel and removing 0.5–1 mm of tooth structure beyond the dentinoenamel junction. A 600-grit abrasive paper was used to create smear layer. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 15). All-Bond Universal and G-Premio Bond were applied in E and R and SE modes in four groups. Clearfil SE Bond was used in the control group. Z350XT composite cylinders (0.9 mm diameter and 1.5 mm height) were then bonded to the prepared surface. The teeth were incubated at 37°C and 100% humidity for 24 h. Micro-SBS was measured by a universal testing machine, and the mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Bonferroni test, and Fisher's exact test (alpha = 0.05). Results: The micro-SBS of Clearfil SE Bond was significantly lower than all other groups (P < 0.05). All-Bond Universal yielded the maximum micro-SBS in SE and minimum micro-SBS in E and R mode. All-Bond Universal showed significantly lower micro-SBS in E and R mode than SE mode (P < 0.05). No other significant differences were noted. The mode of failure was also significantly different among the groups (P < 0.05). Mixed failure had the highest frequency in G-Premio in E and R mode. Conclusion: Type of adhesive and application mode affected the micro-shear bond strength to superficial dentin.
Acoustic radiation from an insonified elastic plate with a line discontinuity

This paper deals with the development of analytic models for the prediction of the acoustic radiated field from an infinite elastic plate with a single line force and line moment impedance discontinuity due to an incident plane acoustic wave. The solution is in the form of a Fourier integral with a kernel having ten poles. The integral is evaluated by three methods. The first uses the steepest descent path (SDP) method, leading to a solution that decays as 1/(k0r)1/2. The second method used conformal transformations and the modified saddle point (MSP) method, where all ten poles of the integrand are factored out. This second method yields a solution that has complementary error functions and an asymptotic series in (k0r). The third method employs a transformation of the integrand to effect an efficient and fastly convergent numerical integration algorithm. In general, the MSP asymptotic series solution and the numerical integration yielded numerically identical results. However, while the SDP solution pre.
Real-Time Scan-to-Map Matching Localization System Based on Lightweight Pre-Built Occupancy High-Definition Map

High-precision and robust localization in GNSS-denied areas is crucial for autonomous vehicles and robots. Most state-of-the-art localization methods are based on simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) with a camera or light detection and ranging (LiDAR). However, SLAM will suffer from drift during long-term running without loop closure or prior constraints. Lightweight, high-precision environmental maps have gradually become an indispensable part of future autonomous driving. In order to solve the problem of real-time global localization for autonomous vehicles and robots, we propose a precise and robust LiDAR localization system based on a pre-built, occupied high-definition (HD) map called the Extended QuadTree (EQT) map. It makes use of a planar quadtree for block division and a Z-sequence index structure within the block cells. Then, a four-level occupancy probability cell value model is adopted. It will save about eight times the storage space compared with Google Cartographer, and the EQT map can be extended to store other information. For efficient scan-to-map matching with our specialized EQT map, the Bursa linearized model is used in the Gauss–Newton iteration of our algorithm, which makes the calculation of partial derivatives fast. All the above improvements lead to optimal storage and efficient querying for real-time scan-to-map matching localization. Field tests in an industrial park and road environment prove that positioning accuracy of about 6–13 cm and attitude accuracy of about 0.15° were achieved using a VLP-16 LiDAR. They also show that the method proposed in this paper is significantly better than the NDT method. For the long and narrow environment of an underground mine tunnel, high-resolution maps are also helpful for accurate and robust localization.
Multiresolution 2-dimensional edge analysis using wavelets

The authors show that wavelet transforms can be used in an empirical way to improve edge-detected pictures. Specifically, the first derivative of a Gaussian distribution function is used as the wavelet for detecting edges. The wavelet transforms are calculated using integer scales instead of dyadic scales. This empirical approach is justified by comparing the method with an exact reconstruction process that uses wavelet transforms of the original image. The approach was demonstrated in an experiment that used a magnetic resonance image of a brain. <<ETX>>
Conductance and its fluctuations of mesoscopic wires in contact with a superconductor

The conductance and its fluctuations in mesoscopic NS (N is a normal metal and S is a superconductor) wires are studied numerically. It is shown that the conductance fluctuations in the NS wire is enhanced as compared with an ordinary normal metal wire (N wire) by about a factor two. For the conductance itself, an enhancement which has been expected is found to vanish when the length of the normal segment is longer than the mean free path.
Barrier Lyapunov Function-Based Adaptive Output Feedback Prescribed Performance Controller for Hydraulic Systems With Uncertainties Compensation

In this article, an adaptive output feedback prescribed performance controller is proposed for a hydraulic system with matched and mismatched uncertainties (including parametric uncertainties and uncertain nonlinearities), which always exist in physical hydraulic systems, and degrade the internal state stability and tracking response performance. By integrating the adaptive control and disturbance observer into the extended state observer, the matched and mismatched uncertainties can be feedforward compensated in the output feedback control. Then, based on the fusion of prescribed performance function and barrier Lyapunov function, the proposed practical method is designed via backstepping method for hydraulic systems, all states are maintained within a preset range by constraining the upper bound of the control errors and the output tracking error is kept within a predetermined boundary that decreases with time. Moreover, the stability of closed-loop system is analyzed by Lyapunov theory. Finally, comparative experimental results are obtained to verify the control performance of the proposed control strategy.
Supervision Effects on Negative Affect and Psychological Distress: Evidence from Social Workers in China

Supervision is an imperative practice within the social work field. It provides social workers with support systems, ensures that social workers are adhering to professional standards, and protects clients. Research has also shown that quality supervision can improve social workers’ professional capacity and reduce work stress. However, most of this research has been confined to social workers’ experiences within Western countries and has been largely qualitative in nature. Thus, this study aims to examine the experience of 489 social workers based in Guangzhou, China to understand how supervision affects their negative affect and psychological distress. The findings indicate that supervision not only reduces negative affect and psychological distress amongst Chinese social workers, but also is especially effective for social workers with high job demands. When job demands are high, social workers who receive both individual and group supervision also appear to have lower negative affect and psychological distress as compared to social workers who only receive individual supervision. These findings emphasize the significance of supervision as a buffer factor to reduce negative affect and psychological distress amongst Chinese social workers who face high job demands.
W-Band Beam-Tilted H-Plane Horn Array Antenna with Wideband Integrated Waveguide Feed Network Based on MMPTE

A W-band H-plane horn array antenna with tilted radiation beam based on waveguide structure is proposed in this paper. The designed antenna array consists of four H-plane antenna elements and a broadband feed network. The distribution of excitations is determined by the theory of maximum power transmission efficiency (MMPTE). A multiple branch coupler, two T-junctions and three fixed phase shifters are employed to construct the feed network, which can generate the required amplitude and phase in broadband frequency range from 80 GHz to 100 GHz. The computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines technology is employed to machine the feed network and antenna. All measured and simulated results are in good agreement, which verify the feasibility of the theory of MMPTE to generate a radiation beam directed to any angle from −35° to 35° with suitable excitation provided by the proposed feed network in this paper.
Mathematical Modeling and Control Architecture of the Autonomous Lower Body of a Humanoid Robot

Joint controlling is n issues in humanoid robotics. Due to large number of joint present in the humanoid robot, nonlinearity causes the problem for a smooth walk. Processor has to do a lot of computation before the execution of the operation. Due to Serial and parallel linkages of Human manipulator structure, controlling is done with the mixed mode of the operation. The Central pattern generator (CPG) controller architecture were adopted for the such type of operation. CPG controller system interact with the environment and generates the task for the joint using the trajectory control. A simple master-slave control architecture was implemented for the controlling of the lower body of a humanoid robot trajectory. The nonlinearity was minimized by selecting the popper gear ratio. The stiffness and damping designed based on the natural frequency of the system. The controller design was optimized at damping factor 1. The structur
Why International Conciliation Can Resolve Maritime Disputes: A Study Based on the Jan Mayen Case

The settlement of maritime disputes is an important issue faced by many countries. Choosing an appropriate settlement method is the primary task of policy makers. International conciliation, which results from careful and systematic evaluation, could become the primary choice of dispute settlement. During conciliation, parties have dominant and final decision-making power over the settlement of disputes, and there is flexibility in the application of law and procedural rules. The Conciliation Commission provides independent third-party advice, and the political and time costs of dispute settlements are relatively low. These are core advantages of conciliation that attract the attention of decision makers. The willingness and diplomatic relations of disputing parties, existence of external pressure, economization of delimitation, and capacity of the Commission are key factors that affect the success of conciliation. The roles these factors play depend on their controllability and the strength of the disputing parties. The effects of dispute settlement with the assistance of the Conciliation Commission are systemic. The successful settlement of maritime disputes between Norway and Iceland in the context of the Cold War not only demonstrated that conciliation is of great value in resolving maritime disputes and promoting inter-state relations but also had considerable uniqueness. Many questions regarding international conciliation cannot be clearly answered by the Jan Mayen Case. Increased state practice and further in-depth research are needed.
MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of High-Grade Gliomas: A Review of Recent Progress and Future Perspective

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignancy of the brain with a relatively short median survival and high mortality. Advanced age, high socioeconomic status, exposure to ionizing radiation, and other factors have been correlated with an increased incidence of GBM, while female sex hormones, history of allergies, and frequent use of specific drugs might exert protective effects against this disease. However, none of these explain the pathogenesis of GBM. The most recent WHO classification of CNS tumors classifies neoplasms based on their histopathological and molecular characteristics. Modern laboratory techniques, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry, enable the comprehensive metabolic analysis of the tissue sample. MALDI imaging is able to characterize the spatial distribution of a wide array of biomolecules in a sample, in combination with histological features, without sacrificing the tissue integrity. In this review, we first provide an overview of GBM epidemiology, risk, and protective factors, as well as the recent WHO classification of CNS tumors. We then provide an overview of mass spectrometry workflow, with a focus on MALDI imaging, and recent advances in cancer research. Finally, we conclude the review with studies of GBM that utilized MALDI imaging and offer our perspective on future research.
Investigation of Advanced Oxidation Process in the Presence of TiO2 Semiconductor as Photocatalyst: Property, Principle, Kinetic Analysis, and Photocatalytic Activity

Water pollution is considered a serious threat to human life. An advanced oxidation process in the presence of semiconductor photocatalysts is a popular method for the effective decomposition of organic pollutants from wastewater. TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used as photocatalysts due to their low cost, chemical stability, environmental compatibility and significant efficiency. The aim of this study is to review the photocatalytic processes and their mechanism, reaction kinetics, optical and electrical properties of semiconductors and unique characteristics of titanium as the most widely used photocatalyst; and to compare the photocatalytic activity between different titania phases (anatase, rutile, and brookite) and between colorful and white TiO2 nanoparticles. Photocatalytic processes are based on the creation of electron–hole pairs. Therefore, increasing stability and separation of charge carriers could improve the photocatalytic activity. The synthesis method has a significant effect on the intensity of photocatalytic activity. The increase in the density of surface hydroxyls as well as the significant mobility of the electron–hole pairs in the anatase phase increases its photocatalytic activity compared to other phases. Electronic and structural changes lead to the synthesis of colored titania with different photocatalytic properties. Among colored titania materials, black TiO2 showed promising photocatalytic activity due to the formation of surface defects including oxygen vacancies, increasing the interaction with the light irradiation and the lifetime of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Among non-metal elements, nitrogen doping could be effectively used to drive visible light-activated TiO2.
Turbulent flow over a backward-facing step. Part 1. Effects of anti-cyclonic system rotation

The effects of rotation on turbulent flow with separation and reattachment are investigated by means of direct numerical simulations. The backward-facing step configuration is rotated about a spanwise axis such that the sudden expansion of the channel is on the pressure side. The upstream flow is a fully developed plane Poiseuille flow subjected to orthogonal-mode rotation, which subsequently detaches from the step corner and eventually reattaches further downstream. The size of the resulting separation bubble with recirculating flow diminishes monotonically with increasing rotation rates and the reattachment distance is reduced from about 7 to 3 step heights. This is ascribed to the augmentation of the cross-stream turbulence intensity in the anti-cyclonic shear layer formed between the bulk flow and the recirculating eddy due to the destabilizing influence of the Coriolis force. The spanwise-oriented vortex cells or roller eddies found in non-rotating shear layers were disrupted by the enhanced turbulence. The flow along the planar wall is subjected to an adverse pressure gradient induced by the sudden expansion. The stabilizing influence of the system rotation in this cyclonic shear layer tends to damp the turbulence, the flow becomes susceptible to flow separation, and a substantial cyclonic recirculation bubble is observed at the highest rotation rates. The resulting meandering of the bulk flow is associated with interactions between the anti-cyclonic shear layer at the stepped side and the cyclonic shear flow along the planar surface. These give rise to enhanced turbulence levels at the cyclonic side in spite of the otherwise stabilizing influence of the Coriolis force. Exceptionally high velocity fluctuations in the spanwise direction are observed in the vicinity of flow reattachment behind the step and ascribed to longitudinal Taylor–Görtler-like roll cells which extend into the backflow region. These roll cells arise from a centrifugal instability mechanism associated with the convex streamline curvature in the reattachment zone.
Influence of anti-hyperlipidemic activity by co-administration of polyamines and rutin with simvastatin

Introduction: Natural polyphenols, rutin, endogenous polycations, and polyamines (spermine and spermidine) are reported to have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The present study attempts to evaluate the combined effects of polyamines or rutin and simvastatin on hyperlipidemic rats. Methods: Wistar rats were maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 60 days. The HFD rats were administered from the 31st day onward with polyamines (PAs), rutin, and simvastatin for the next 30 days. The body weight, serum lipid profile, biomarkers, liver cholesterol, triglycerides, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity, antioxidants, and marker enzymes in HFD rats were estimated along with the liver histoarchitecture of the rats. Results: The experimental findings demonstrated abnormal alterations in body weight, serum lipid profile, hepatic lipid, and HMG-CoA reductase activity, hepatic antioxidants, serum marker enzymes, blood glucose, total protein, and histoarchitecture of the liver in HFD rats. The aforementioned treatment elicited a significant reduction in the biochemical parameters, biomarkers, and the evaluated enzymes in the present study. Furthermore, an improvement in the histoarchitecture of the liver was observed. Conclusion: The experimental results point out the positive role of antioxidant polyamines along with rutin on different parameters in HFD rats. Thus the combinatorial effect of polyamines and rutin with simvastatin (5 mg/kg) was found to be greater than simvastatin (10 mg/kg) alone. The enhancement in the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of simvastatin may be due to the intrinsic antioxidant property of polyamines and rutin.
Protective Effect of Red Rice Extract Rich in Proanthocyanidins in a Murine Colitis Model

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a global concern. Proanthocyanidin-rich red rice extract (PRRE) has been shown to suppress the inflammatory response in cellular cultures. However, the anti-colitis effect of PRRE has never been investigated in animals. This study aimed to examine the protective effect of the PRRE against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Male mice were orally administrated with PRRE of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day for 21 days. Acute colitis was subsequently induced by administrated 2.5% DSS in drinking water for the final seven days. Sulfasalazine-treated mice were the positive group. All doses of PRRE and sulfasalazine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced severity of colitis, as indicated by decreasing daily activity index and restoring colon shortening. Treatments with PRRE, but not sulfasalazine, significantly reduced the histopathological index and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, the PRRE treatments effectively improved mucous in colonic goblet cells using PAS staining, and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 induced by DSS, while sulfasalazine reduced only IL-1β and IL-6. This study suggested that PRRE had a greater anti-colitis effect than sulfasalazine. Thus, PRRE has a potential anti-colitis effect, and should be developed in a clinical trial as a natural active pharmaceutical ingredient for IBD.