Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A polycyclic presentation for the 𝑞-tensor square of a polycyclic group

Abstract Let G be a group and q a non-negative integer. We denote by νq⁢(G){\nu^{q}(G)} a certain extension of the q-tensor square G⊗qG{G\otimes^{q}G} by G×G{G\times G}. In this paper, we describe an algorithm for deriving a polycyclic presentation for G⊗qG{G\otimes^{q}G} when G is polycyclic, via its embedding into νq⁢(G){\nu^{q}(G)}. Furthermore, we derive polycyclic presentations for the q-exterior square G∧qG{G\wedge^{q}G} and for the second homology group H2⁢(G,ℤq){H_{2}(G,\mathbb{Z}_{q})}. Additionally, we establish a criterion for computing the q-exterior center Zq∧⁢(G){Z_{q}^{\wedge}(G)} of a polycyclic group G, which is helpful for deciding whether or not G is capable modulo q. These results extend to all q≥0{q\geq 0} generalizing methods due to Eick and Nickel for the case q=0{q=0}.
A Probabilistic Framework for the Reference Dose (Probabilistic RfD)

Determining the probabilistic limits for the uncertainty factors used in the derivation of the Reference Dose (RfD) is an important step toward the goal of characterizing the risk of noncarcinogenic effects from exposure to environmental pollutants. If uncertainty factors are seen, individually, as “upper bounds” on the dose‐scaling factor for sources of uncertainty, then determining comparable upper bounds for combinations of uncertainty factors can be accomplished by treating uncertainty factors as distributions, which can be combined by probabilistic techniques. This paper presents a conceptual approach to probabilistic uncertainty factors based on the definition and use of RfDs by the US. EPA. The approach does not attempt to distinguish one uncertainty factor from another based on empirical data or biological mechanisms but rather uses a simple displaced lognormal distribution as a generic representation of all uncertainty factors. Monte Carlo analyses show that the upper bounds for combinations of this distribution can vary by factors of two to four when compared to the fixed‐value uncertainty factor approach. The probabilistic approach is demonstrated in the comparison of Hazard Quotients based on RfDs with differing number of uncertainty factors.
Infection spread for the frog model on trees

The frog model is an infection process in which dormant particles begin moving and infecting others once they become infected. We show that on the rooted $d$-ary tree with particle density $\Omega(d^2)$, the set of visited sites contains a linearly expanding ball and the number of visits to the root grows linearly with high probability.
Elliptic fibrations on K3 surfaces with a non-symplectic involution fixing rational curves and a curve of positive genus

In this paper we complete the classification of the elliptic fibrations on K3 surfaces which admit a non-symplectic involution acting trivially on the N\'eron--Severi group. We use the geometric method introduced by Oguiso and moreover we provide a geometric construction of the fibrations classified. If the non-symplectic involution fixes at least one curve of genus 1, we relate all the elliptic fibrations on the K3 surface with either elliptic fibrations or generalized conic bundles on rational elliptic surfaces. This description allows us to write the Weierstrass equations of the elliptic fibrations on the K3 surfaces explicitly and to study their specializations.
Connecting the Random Connection Model

Consider the random graph $G({\mathcal P}_{n},r)$ whose vertex set ${\mathcal P}_{n}$ is a Poisson point process of intensity $n$ on $(- \frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{2}]^d$, $d \geq 2$. Any two vertices $X_i,X_j \in {\mathcal P}_{n}$ are connected by an edge with probability $g\left( \frac{d(X_i,X_j)}{r} \right)$, independently of all other edges, and independent of the other points of ${\mathcal P}_{n}$. $d$ is the toroidal metric, $r > 0$ and $g:[0,\infty) \to [0,1]$ is non-increasing and $\alpha = \int_{\mathbb{R}^d} g(|x|) dx 0: x g\left( \frac{\alpha}{x \theta} \right) > 1 \}$, and $\theta$ be the volume of the unit ball in $\mathbb{R}^d$. Then for all $\gamma > \beta$, $G\left({\mathcal P}_{n}, \left( \frac{\gamma \log n}{\alpha n} \right)^{\frac{1}{d}}\right)$ is connected with probability approaching one as $n \to \infty$. The bound can be seen to be tight for the usual random geometric graph obtained by setting $g = 1_{[0,1]}$. We also prove some useful results on the asymptotic behaviour of the length of the edges and the degree distribution in the {\it connectivity regime}.
Experimental Verification and Comparison of Mode Shape-Based Damage Detection Methods

This paper presents experimental verification and comparison of damage detection methods based on changes in mode shapes such as: mode shape curvature (MSC), modal assurance criterion (MAC), strain energy (SE), modified Laplacian operator (MLO), generalized fractal dimension (GFD) and Wavelets Transform (WT). The object of the investigation is to determine benefits and drawbacks of the aforementioned methods and to develop data preprocessing algorithms for increasing damage assessment effectiveness by using signal processing techniques such as interpolation and extrapolation measured points. Noise reduction algorithms based on moving average, median filter and wavelet decomposition are also tested. The experiments were performed on a 1m long steal cantilever beam. Damage was introduced in form of 10% and 20% deep saw cut, placed in 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% beam length. Measurements were made using non-contact Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer at 125 points equally spaced along beam length.
Matrix pencil of closed-loop descriptor systems: infinite-eigenvalue assignment

Abstract The regular matrix pencil [sE – A – BK] is considered that characterizes a closed-loop descriptor system , u(t) = Kx(t) + ũ(t). A carefully contrived and efficient method is given for the determination of a set of matrices K such that the determinant ∣sE – A – BK∣ is a constant value independent of s. The problem is formulated as an infinite-eigenvalue assignment by finite-gain descriptor-variable feedback via a singular value decomposition of the matrix E. The result is interesting in its own right and finds application in controller and observer design.
On the Distribution of Extrema for a Class of Lévy Processes

Suppose Xt is either a regular exponential type Levy process or a Levy process with a bounded variation jumps measure. The distribution of the extrema of Xt play a crucial role in many financial and actuarial problems. This article employs the well known and powerful Riemann-Hilbert technique to derive the characteristic functions of the extrema for such Levy processes. An approximation technique along with several examples is given.
Robust Control Design for Vibration Isolation of an Electron Beam Projection Lithography System

This paper describes vibration control for an electron beam projection lithography (EPL) system. Two kinds of disturbances should be considered for an EPL: load disturbances from the machine and ground disturbances from the environment. However, the suspension settings for insulating these two disturbances conflict with each other. Therefore, we propose a double-layer optical table and apply disturbance response decomposing (DRD) techniques to independently control the disturbances. We use a passive control structure to isolate the ground disturbances, and an active control structure to suppress load disturbances. In addition, symmetric transformation is applied to decouple a full optical table into bounce/pitch and roll/warp half-table models, which can be further decoupled into quarter-table models to simplify controller design. Finally, we apply robust control techniques to design active controllers. From both simulation and experimental results, the designed H∞ robust controllers are proven effective in reducing EPL system vibrations.
Phylogenetic relationship, virulence factors, and biofilm formation ability of human, pet animals, and raw milk Staphylococcus aureus isolates

Background: Identification of genotypic characteristics and pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus isolates is very important in the epidemiological study of its related diseases. Aims: The present study was done to compare the S. aureus isolates from different sources on the basis of virulence gene properties, biofilm production ability, and phylogenetic variations. Methods: Seventy S. aureus isolates (including 25 human, 25 raw milk, and 20 pet animal isolates) were subjected to slime production ability testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of 14 different virulence genes, and DNA fingerprinting using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of coa gene PCR products. Results: Among 70 S. aureus, 64 (91.4%) isolates were slime producers on Congo red agar (CRA) medium. The spa and icaD virulence genes were present in all isolates and the seD and etaA genes were not detected in any of the isolates. In total, 22 different virulence gene patterns and nine distinct clusters of coa-PCR-RFLP were identified among isolates. Conclusion: According to the results, S. aureus strains of human origin showed a significant association with specific virulence gene profiles and genotypes. seB and seC were the most responsible genes for S. aureus enterotoxin among human and animal isolates, respectively. Coa-RFLP showed partially appropriate results in the classification and source detection of S. aureus isolates.
The effects of cysteine and L-carnitine on the DNA integrity of post-thaw sperm of frozen buck semen

Background: The addition of antioxidants to semen extenders is fundamental to limit oxidative changes resulting from cryopreservation. Aims: This experiment was designed to clarify the effects of cysteine and L-carnitine (LC) on post-thaw sperm criteria. Methods: Semen samples were collected once weekly from five mature Zaraibi bucks for 10 successive weeks. Fresh semen samples were evaluated for basic semen characteristics, and the accepted samples were pooled and divided into seven aliquots: control (Tris egg yolk extender), cysteine (2.5, 5 and 10 mM) and LC (2.5, 5 and 7.5 mM). Aliquots were diluted and subjected to cryopreservation procedures. After thawing, sperm criteria were evaluated regarding motility, viability, plasma membrane (hypo-osmotic swelling test, HOST) and acrosome integrity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and DNA comet assay. Results: Addition of both 10 mM cysteine and 7.5 mM LC significantly increased post-thaw sperm motility, viability, HOST, and acrosome integrity. Comet assay revealed significant decreases in DNA damage with best results at 2.5 mM cysteine and 7.5 mM LC. Besides, 10 mM cysteine and 7.5 mM LC exhibited significant diminish in MDA levels. Cysteine was positively correlated with sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and comet, but negatively correlated with MDA and tail length. Positive correlations were declared between LC and progressive motility, viability, HOST and TAC, while negative correlations were found with MDA, comet, tail DNA, tail moment, and olive tail moment. Conclusion: Supplementing cysteine and LC to frozen buck semen improved sperm criteria and decreased DNA damage, possibly due to their effectiveness in the suppression of MDA formation.
Smoothing transition to dialysis to improve early outcomes after dialysis initiation among old and frail adults—a narrative review

ABSTRACT The number of patients ≥65 years of age suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease and transitioning to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is increasing. However, elderly patients often have poor outcomes once haemodialysis is initiated, including high mortality within the first year as well as fast cognitive and functional decline and diminished quality of life. The question is how we can smooth this transition to ESKD in older patients who also exhibit much higher proportions of frailty when compared with community-dwelling non-dialysis older adults and who are generally more vulnerable to invasive treatment such as kidney replacement therapy. To avoid early death and poor quality of life, a carefully prepared smooth transition should precede the initiation of treatment. This involves pre-dialysis physical and educational care, as well as mental and psychosocial preparedness of the patient to enable an informed and shared decision about the individual choice of treatment modality. Communication between a healthcare professional and patient plays a pivotal role but can be challenging given the high rate of cognitive impairment in this particular population. In order to practise patient-centred care, adapting treatment tailored to the individual patient should include comprehensive conservative care. However, structured treatment pathways including multidisciplinary teams for such conservative care are still rare and may be difficult to establish outside of large cities. Generally, geriatric nephrology misses data on the comparative effectiveness of different treatment modalities in this population of old and very old age on which to base recommendations and decisions.
Theta function solutions of the qKZB equation for a face model

We consider the quantum Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov-Bernard equation for a face model with elliptic weights, the SOS model. We provide explicit solutions as theta functions. On the so-called combinatorial line, in which the model is equivalent to the three-colour model, these solutions are shown to be eigenvectors of the transfer matrix with periodic boundary conditions.
Integrating isotopic and nutritional niches reveals multiple dimensions of individual diet specialisation in a marine apex predator

Abstract Dietary specialisations are important determinants of ecological structure, particularly in species with high per‐capita trophic influence like marine apex predators. These species are, however, among the most challenging in which to establish spatiotemporally integrated diets. We introduce a novel integration of stable isotopes with a multidimensional nutritional niche framework that addresses the challenges of establishing spatiotemporally integrated nutritional niches in wild populations, and apply the framework to explore individual diet specialisation in a marine apex predator, the white shark Carcharodon carcharias. Sequential tooth files were sampled from juvenile white sharks to establish individual isotopic (δ‐space; δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) niche specialisation. Bayesian mixing models were then used to reveal individual‐level prey (p‐space) specialisation, and further combined with nutritional geometry models to quantify the nutritional (N‐space) dimensions of individual specialisation, and their relationships to prey use. Isotopic and mixing model analyses indicated juvenile white sharks as individual specialists within a broader, generalist, population niche. Individual sharks differed in their consumption of several important mesopredator species, which suggested among‐individual variance in trophic roles in either pelagic or benthic food webs. However, variation in nutrient intakes was small and not consistently correlated with differences in prey use, suggesting white sharks as nutritional specialists and that individuals could use functionally and nutritionally different prey as complementary means to achieve a common nutritional goal. We identify how degrees of individual specialisation can differ between niche spaces (δ‐, p‐ or N‐space), the physiological and ecological implications of this, and argue that integrating nutrition can provide stronger, mechanistic links between diet specialisation and its intrinsic (fitness/performance) and extrinsic (ecological) outcomes. Our time‐integrated framework is adaptable for examining the nutritional consequences and drivers of food use variation at the individual, population or species level.
Mediterranean diet for the prevention of gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Introduction It is elusive that whether that Mediterranean diet helps prevent gestational diabetes. This meta-analysis aims to study the efficacy of Mediterranean diet for gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods We have systematically searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO and Cochrane library databases, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported the effect of Mediterranean diet on gestational diabetes. Results We included five eligible RCTs in this meta-analysis. Compared with control intervention for pregnant women, Mediterranean diet could substantially decrease the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.51 to 0.79; p < 0.0001), HOMA-IR (MD = −0.29; 95% CI = −0.50 to −0.09; p = 0.004), insulin treatment (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.68; p = 0.0009) and gestational weight gain (MD = −0.74; 95% CI = −1.21 to −0.28; p = 0.002), but demonstrated no obvious impact on the admission of neonatal unit (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.47 to 1.20; p = 0.24). Conclusions Mediterranean diet can effectively prevent gestational diabetes mellitus.
Probabilistic non-asymptotic analysis of distributed algorithms

We present a new probabilistic analysis of distributed algorithms. Our approach relies on the theory of quasi-stationary distributions (QSD) recently developped by the first and third authors [4, 5, 6]. We give properties on the deadlock time and the distribution of the model before deadlock, both for discrete and diffusion models. Our results are non-asymptotic since they apply to any finite values of the involved parameters (time, numbers of resources, number of processors, etc.) and reflect the real behavior of these algorithms, with potential applications to deadlock prevention, which are very important for real world applications in computer science.
Investigating mental rehearsal’s applicability in guiding independent E-learning (IMAGINE) of eye examination skills during the pandemic

Abstract Background COVID-19’s infection control policies have hindered the Deliberate Practice of clinical examinations. Guided Mental Rehearsal (GMR) may overcome this obstacle by facilitating independent, repetitive practice. Underpinned by the ‘Motor Simulation Theory,’ GMR reinforces similar neuro-circuit activations during physical practice and was proven effective in surgical training. Methods This prospective, randomized controlled study evaluated the efficacy of GMR versus ‘peer-learning’ of Confrontational Visual Field Examination (CVFE). Third-year medical-students without clinical Ophthalmology experience were recruited. Controls (n = 40) watched an e-learning instructional video (8-min CVFE tutorial) followed by 6-min of ‘peer-learning. ’ GMR-students (n = 40) had ‘peer-learning’ replaced by a 6-min GMR audio-recording (CVFE running commentary). Pre-test and post-test MCQs were administered to determine baseline knowledge and knowledge acquisition, respectively. 28 controls and 26 GMR-students performed CVFE on simulated patients with right homonymous hemianopia. Four Ophthalmologists graded their performances using a checklist-based marking scheme. Results Both groups did not exhibit a significant difference in pre-test scores (8.550 vs. 7.947, p = 0.266); outcome of sub-group analysis of CVFE-performing candidates was similar (8.214 vs. 7.833, p = 0.561). Post-test scores were significantly higher than pre-test in both groups (all p < .001), without inter-group difference (14.000 vs. 15.000, p = 0.715). GMR-group had significantly higher scores on CVFE performance than controls (85.354 vs. 73.679%, p = .001). Conclusions GMR improved psychomotor but not cognitive aspect of learning CVFE. This may be attributable to GMR’s theoretical resemblance with physical practice, with additional expert guidance. By enabling independent learning, GMR may also reduce the demand for teaching manpower and thus education cost in the future.
Interior-exterior penalty approach for solving elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication problem: Part I

A new interior-exterior penalty method for solving quasi-variational inequality and pseudo-monotone operators arising in two-dimensional point contact problem has been analyzed and developed in discontinuous Galerkin finite volume method environment. In this article, we proved the existence of solution for the more realistic model problem without taking any constant assumption in viscosity or density of the lubricant. We have shown that optimal error estimate of $H^{1}$ and $L^{2}$ norm can be achieved under a light load non-dimensional parameter condition. In addition, we provided a complete algorithm to tackle all numerical complexities appear in the solution procedure. We obtained results for moderate loaded conditions which have been discussed at the end of the section. Furthermore, results give a hope for the further development of the scheme for highly loaded condition appeared in a more realistic operating situation which will be discussed in part II. This method is well suited for solving elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication line as well as point contact problems and can probably be treated as commercial software.
Synthesis and Characterization of Eugenia uniflora L. Silver Nanoparticles and L‐Cysteine Sensor Application

L‐Cysteine (Cys) is a non‐essential sulfur‐containing amino acid, crucial for protein synthesis, detoxification, and several metabolic functions. Cys is widely used in the agricultural, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. So, a suitable sensitive and selective sensing approach is of great interest, and a low‐cost sensor would be necessary. This article presents silver nanoparticles (EuAgNPs) synthesized by a green synthesis method using Eugenia uniflora L. extracts and photoreduction. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV/VIS, transmission electron microscopy, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), FTIR, and Zeta potential. With the addition of Cys in the EuAgNPs solution, the terminal thiol part of L‐cysteine binds on the surface of nanoparticles through Ag−S bond. The EuAgNPs and CysAgNPs coexist until flavonoids bound the amino group of Cys, enhancing the red color of solutions. The EuAgNPs provided selectivity to detect Cys among other amino acids, and its detection limit was found to be 3.8 nM. The sensor has the advantages of low‐cost synthesis, fast response, high selectivity, and sensitivity.
Fuzzy H∞ Control of Discrete-Time Nonlinear Markov Jump Systems via a Novel Hybrid Reinforcement Q-Learning Method

In this article, a novel hybrid reinforcement <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-learning control method is proposed to solve the adaptive fuzzy <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> control problem of discrete-time nonlinear Markov jump systems based on the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model. First, the core problem of adaptive fuzzy <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> control is converted to solving fuzzy game coupled algebraic Riccati equation, which can hardly be solved by mathematical methods directly. To solve this problem, an offline parallel hybrid learning algorithm is first designed, where system dynamics should be known as a prior. Furthermore, an online parallel <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-learning hybrid learning algorithm is developed. The main characteristics of the proposed online hybrid learning algorithms are threefold: 1) system dynamics are avoided during the learning process; 2) compared with the policy iteration method, the restriction of the initial stable control policy is removed; and 3) compared with the value iteration method, a faster convergence rate can be obtained. Finally, we provide a tunnel diode circuit system model to validate the effectiveness of the present learning algorithm.