Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving the feasibility of energy disaggregation in very high- and low-rate sampling scenarios

Given the world’s urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change, efforts must be made to reduce these emissions in every way possible. A large share of these emissions come from the energy consumption in buildings and there are significant opportunities to reduce this consumption through energy saving measures. Energy disaggregation or non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a useful tool that infers the energy consumption of individual appliances or equipment within a building from detailed measurements of the building’s total energy consumption. This method is very attractive for providing a detailed breakdown of building energy consumption because it is less expensive and more convenient than measuring the energy use of each appliance individually. A wide variety of NILM methods have been proposed and in this thesis we focus on improving the feasibility of two different classes of NILM methods. We first explore the use of random filtering and random demodulation, two methods closely related to the new and developing field of compressed sensing (CS), to acquire and manage very-high-rate electrical measurements used for NILM. We show that these methods allow us to reduce the required sampling rate and volume of data collected while retaining valuable signal information required for NILM. Second, we switch to the analysis of very-low-rate data for NILM and develop a method to detect interesting patterns in the very-low-rate aggregate consumption signal. These patterns are shown to be responsible for a significant share of the total energy consumption in some buildings and are also related to the outdoor air temperature in some cases. Taken together, the two parts of this thesis allow us to contribute to the field of NILM by improving its feasibility and helping to facilitate its widespread use.
Vinorelbine as First-Line Treatment in Stage IV Canine Primary Pulmonary Carcinoma

Simple Summary Primary lung tumours are relatively rare in dogs but when they present, surgical excision, with or without the use of chemotherapy, represents the first-line treatment option; however, when they present as advanced inoperable disease, options are limited. Vinorelbine (VRL) is a chemotherapy drug that has shown to reach 300-fold higher concentrations in the lungs compared to plasma, has proven anticancer activity and it has been approved for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer in humans. In this retrospective study, we have enrolled ten dogs with advanced primary lung cancer that were treated with vinorelbine as a first-line treatment strategy. Partial response was documented in eight dogs (80%). Median time to progression was 88 days (range: 7–112) and median survival time for all dogs was 100 days (range 7–635). VRL was well tolerated with an adequate toxicity profile and provided partial responses effective in the treatment of inoperable canine lung tumours. Abstract Vinorelbine (VRL), a semi-synthetic vinca alkaloid commonly used in humans with advanced lung cancer, reaches high concentrations in the lung tissue, has proven antineoplastic activity and a low toxicity profile in dogs. Treatment-naïve, client-owned dogs with a cyto/histological diagnosis of advanced pulmonary carcinoma, selected from a laboratory database and previously subjected to imaging, were enrolled in the study. Vinorelbine (15 mg/m2) was administered weekly for 4 weeks and then fortnightly until progressive disease was documented. Staging work-up was repeated by means of diagnostic imaging after the fourth VRL (i.e., 28 days) and monthly thereafter; response to treatment was evaluated according to the RECIST. Toxicity was graded following the VCOGC group. Ten dogs met the inclusion criteria. Partial response was documented in eight dogs. Median time to progression was 88 days (range: 7–112) and median survival time for all dogs was 100 days (range 7–635). The most common side effect was neutropenia. The main limitations of the study were the absence of histological diagnosis in eight cases and the limited number of treated dogs. VRL is well tolerated with an adequate toxicity profile and may be useful in the management of advanced lung tumours if used as a first-line treatment strategy.
Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and PET/CT in Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

(1) Background: In oral cancer staging, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) are routinely used in clinical practice. The present study is a retrospective examination of the diagnostic accuracy of cervical lymph node metastasis using US, CT, MRI, and PET/CT, with histopathological diagnosis as a reference, to compare the different diagnostic imaging modalities. (2) Methods: The participants included 16 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent US-, CT-, MRI-, and PET/CT-based preoperative diagnostic imaging and simultaneous primary lesion resection and neck dissection, including 82 level regions and 424 lymph nodes. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of each imaging modality based on the imaging results and the pathology results of metastasis. (3) Results: Of the four diagnostic imaging modalities, PET/CT exhibited the highest sensitivity but the lowest specificity and accuracy. US, CT, and MRI had high specificities. Comparing each level region and lymph node showed that differences were observed in PET/CT. (4) Conclusions: PET/CT to diagnose lymph node metastasis requires a comprehensive evaluation because it produces more false positives than other diagnostic imaging modalities. Using US, CT, and MRI, which have excellent spatial resolution, improves diagnostic accuracy at the lymph node level.
Relief Logistics Practices in Indonesia: A Survey

Indonesia is considered as a disaster-prone country. Many disasters, natural or man-made disasters, have occurred in Indonesia in the recent years, such as the earthquakes in West Java and West Sumatra provinces in 2009. Besides earthquake, many areas in Indonesia also hit by Tsunami, landslide, flood, forest fire and drought.Disaster management involves plans, structures, and arrangements established to engage the normal endeavors of governments, voluntary and private agencies in a comprehensive and coordinated way to respond to the whole spectrum of emergency needs. The disaster management cycle consists of four stages, namely mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation. Effective logistics management is one of the critical success factors in disaster management. Relief (humanitarian) logistics aims at rapidly providing the appropriate emergency supplies to disaster survivors and at minimizing human suffering and death. Logistics plays an important role in disaster management because it accounts for eighty percent of the relief operations.This research is concerned with a survey to understand the disaster survivors' perspectives on relief logistics activities and to study the relief logistics networks of parties involved in disaster relief operations in Indonesia, such as The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs). Based on the result of the survey, we determine the critical success factors of relief logistics activities in Indonesia.
The Effect of Contrast Water Therapy on Dehydration during Endurance Training Camps in Moderate-Altitude Environments

The effects of contrast water therapy (CWT) on dehydration at moderate altitudes during training camps remain unknown. We hypothesized that CWT reduces dehydration resulting from training at moderate altitudes and improves performance, akin to conditions at sea level. A 13-day endurance training camp was held at a moderate altitude of 1100 m and included 22 university athletes, who were divided into two groups (CWT group, n = 12; control (CON) group, n = 10). The sample size was calculated based on an α level of 0.05, power (1 β) of 0.8, and effect size of 0.25 based on two-way ANOVA. Longitudinal changes over 13 days were compared using a two-group comparison model. Additionally, 16 athletes participated in an additional performance verification analysis. Subjective fatigue, body mass, and water content (total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), and intracellular water) were measured using bioimpedance analysis every morning, and the titin N-terminal fragment in urine (UTF) was measured as an index of muscle damage. For performance verification, 10 consecutive jump performances (with the reactive strength index (RSI) as an indicator) were evaluated as neuromuscular function indices. The results indicated that the UTF did not significantly differ between the two groups. Moreover, the ECW/TBW values, indicative of dehydration, on days 4 and 5 in the CWT group were significantly lower than those in the CON group. However, there was no significant difference in RSI between the two groups. Therefore, although CWT reduces dehydration in the early stages of the training camp, it may not affect performance.
Multi-methodological study of palaeo-Christian glass mosaic tesserae of St. Maria Mater Domini (Vicenza, Italy)

This study focuses on polychrome glass tesserae from the palaeo-Christian mosaic, still in situ , which decorates the vaults of the votive chapel of St. Maria Mater Domini in Vicenza (Veneto region, NE Italy). Aims are characterisation of the “base composition” of the glassy matrix and identification of opacifiers and colourants and these are performed by means of a multi-methodological approach (SEM-EDS, EMPA, XRPD, IS). Systematic comparisons between the Vicenza tesserae and those from the votive chapel of St. Prosdocimus in Padova, part of the remains of the only other palaeo-Christian mosaic located in the Veneto, coeval in age and with comparable colour palettes, are also carried out in order to improve our knowledge of production technologies of these materials during the 6th century AD in the Northern Adriatic area. Textural, chemical, diffractometric and spectroscopic data indicate multiple production technologies in the Vicenza tesserae , with evidence of several glassy matrices, opacifiers/pigments and/or ionic colourants/decolourants, all variously mixed in order to obtain the desired shades. In particular, the matrices of the Vicenza tesserae , mostly comparable with compositional reference groups typical of both Roman and Late Roman times, and opacifiers/pigments mainly composed of antimony-based compounds typical of Roman tradition, indicate the extensive availability of older glass for re-use and/or a preference for recycling, rather than the preparation of new batches. Peculiar is also the finding, in one Vicenza Aquamarine sample, of an opacifier composed of sodium antimonate, never found in ancient glass tesserae until now. Comparisons between the Vicenza and Padova mosaics indicate technological connections between the sites, as testified by the many chromatic groups with high degree of comparability. However, when differences are observed into chromatic groups compared, the Vicenza tesserae generally show older technological features than those of Padova. The hypothesis advanced here, related to the different geographical location of the two sites, explains such experimental evidence in terms of the different speeds at which innovative technologies spread in north-eastern Italy.
Observations on the "Body" in the Study of Fashion History: A Discussion on the Emergence of the Stand-up Collar in Late Ming

The study of fashion history is an important category in the research of everyday life history. From a historical perspective, the study of fashion focuses more on the relationship between clothing, people, and life. Based on a view of the body, this article takes the popularity of the "stand-up collar" in women's clothing during the Late Ming period as an example and rethinks the changes in fashion. This paper believes that the popularity of the stand-up collar in Late Ming was mainly related to keeping warm. The "protective collar" on the crossover neckline and the combination of buttons formed the prototype of the stand-up collar. Subsequently, the stand-up collar was combined with both the large lapel and double-breasted cutting methods, constituting the main popular style of women's clothing in the middle and late Ming periods, and having a profound impact on later generations.
Effect of biodiesel fuel properties and formation of NOx emissions: a review

Abstract Biodiesel is revealed as an environmentally friendly alternative fuel for a CI engine and it can palliate regulated and unregulated emissions. Biodiesel is substantially found to reduce the emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, but increasing (10–15%) oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions compared with conventional diesel fuel. The accurate cause for NOx emission is still vague. This paper reviews the effect of biodiesel properties and formation of NOx emissions and it is classified in three sections. The first section bestows the NOx formation mechanisms. The second edition deals with the influence of formation and biodiesel properties on NOx emissions. Finally, a few prevailing conclusions are epitomised, and more researches are pointed out.
Application of ImageJ in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A): A Literature Review

Background This study aimed to review the literature on the application of ImageJ in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) images. Methods A general search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The authors evaluated each of the selected articles in order to assess the implementation of ImageJ in OCT-A images. Results ImageJ can aid in reducing artifacts, enhancing image quality to increase the accuracy of the process and analysis, processing and analyzing images, generating comparable parameters such as the parameters that assess perfusion of the layers (vessel density (VD), skeletonized density (SD), and vessel length density (VLD)) and the parameters that evaluate the structure of the layers (fractal dimension (FD), vessel density index (VDI), and lacunarity (LAC)), and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) that are used widely in the retinal and choroidal studies), and establishing diagnostic criteria. It can help to save time when the dataset is huge with numerous plugins and options for image processing and analysis with reliable results. Diverse studies implemented distinct binarization and thresholding techniques, resulting in disparate outcomes and incomparable parameters. Uniformity in methodology is required to acquire comparable data from studies employing diverse processing and analysis techniques that yield varied outcomes. Conclusion Researchers and professionals might benefit from using ImageJ because of how quickly and correctly it processes and analyzes images. It is highly adaptable and potent software, allowing users to evaluate images in a variety of ways. There exists a diverse range of methodologies for analyzing OCTA images through the utilization of ImageJ. However, it is imperative to establish a standardized strategy to ensure the reliability and consistency of the method for research purposes.
Single Image 3D Reconstruction Algorithm Based on Parallel Double-Branch Pyramid Stacking Network

Limited visual information contained in single images and complex motion models of objects may lead to severe fragmentation and confusion of model backbone in the 3D reconstruction of objects. In order to fully extract feature information in a single image and reduce noise interference caused by environmental factors in 3D reconstruction, a Parallel Dual-Branch Pyramid Stacking Network (PDB-PSN) model is proposed. A parallel dual-branch network model is used to construct an encoder-decoder framework based on cascaded feature extraction, encode/decode high and low-resolution features in a single image, and then convert from 2D to 3D through implicit functions to achieve the 3D reconstruction of target objects in a single image. A cascaded feature extraction network is used as a low-resolution feature extraction network to extract global features of objects. In the high-resolution feature extraction branch, three concatenated hourglass networks and dilated convolutions are used in the hourglass network to increase the receptive field and obtain more global information in order to maintain the integrity of the reconstructed object limbs. A threshold processing module is set to remove irrelevant information and ensure the integrity of global information, and meanwhile, to reduce the interference of irrelevant noise information. Simulation experiments on a self-built terracotta dataset show that the PDB-PSN model can completely reconstruct the 3D model in a single image and effectively eliminate model fragmentation in the reconstruction results.
Advances in Virtual Cutting Guide and Stereotactic Navigation for Complex Tumor Resections of the Sacrum and Pelvis: Case Series with Short-Term Follow-Up

Primary malignancies of the sacrum and pelvis are aggressive in nature, and achieving negative margins is essential for preventing recurrence and improving survival after en bloc resections. However, these are particularly challenging interventions due to the complex anatomy and proximity to vital structures. Using virtual cutting guides to perform navigated osteotomies may be a reliable method for safely obtaining negative margins in complex tumor resections of the sacrum and pelvis. This study details the technique and presents short-term outcomes. Patients who underwent an en bloc tumor resection of the sacrum and/or pelvis using virtual cutting guides with a minimum follow-up of two years were retrospectively analyzed and included in this study. Preoperative computer-assisted design (CAD) was used to design osteotomies in each case. Segmentation, delineating the tumor from normal tissue, was performed by the senior author using preoperative CT scans and MRI. Working with a team of biomedical engineers, virtual surgical planning was performed to create osteotomy lines on the preoperative CT and overlaid onto the intraoperative CT. The pre-planned osteotomy lines were visualized as “virtual cutting guides” providing real-time stereotactic navigation. A precision ultrasound-powered cutting tool was then integrated into the navigation system and used to perform the osteotomies in each case. Six patients (mean age 52.2 ± 17.7 years, 2 males, 4 females) were included in this study. Negative margins were achieved in all patients with no intraoperative complications. Mean follow-up was 38.0 ± 6.5 months (range, 24.8–42.2). Mean operative time was 1229 min (range, 522–2063). Mean length of stay (LOS) was 18.7 ± 14.5 days. There were no cases of 30-day readmissions, 30-day reoperations, or 2-year mortality. One patient was complicated by flap necrosis, which was successfully treated with irrigation and debridement and primary closure. One patient had local tumor recurrence at final follow-up and two patients are currently undergoing treatment for metastatic disease. Using virtual cutting guides to perform navigated osteotomies is a safe technique that can facilitate complex tumor resections of the sacrum and pelvis.
Navigation Shape and Surface Topography Model of Itokawa

[Abstract] This paper describes the process of creating Itokawa shape and surface topography model during the Hayabusa's proximity observation. It can be divided into two processes. First half is to estimate camera motion relative to Itokawa and determining its spin axis. Latter half is to estimate 3D shape of Itokawa and to analyze the topography. The authors employed two kinds of methods for shape modeling: a limb profile method and a stereo image analysis method. The combination of the two methods yielded a precise Itokawa model for both rough and smooth surfaces of Itokawa. This paper also describes the process of analyzing surface topography and creating a surface gradient map of Itokawa. The map built by the proposed method was actually used to determine the landing and sampling sites.
ON A NEW PYGASTERID (ECHINOIDEA) FROM THE JURASSIC (MIDDLE LIAS) OF NEVADA, U. S. A.

Plesiechinus hawkinsi n. sp. from the Middle Lias of Nevada, U. S. A. , the oldest and most primitive representative of an irregular echinoid family of the Pygasteridae Lambert, 1900, displays a "regular" apical system with genital 5 perfo­ rate. Crenulate tUbercles in the new species contest earlier opinions on the deriva­ tion of pygasterids from echinoids with smooth tubercles.
Molecular detection and internal transcribed spacer-1 sequence diversity of Trypanosoma evansi in goats from Cavite, Philippines

Goat production is an important source of livelihood and food. Goats may serve as reservoir of surra affecting livestock production. Here, forty-two free-roaming goats from Cavite, Philippines were screened using two primer sets, Trypanosoma brucei minisatellite chromosome for initial detection and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) to determine phylogeny. Initial PCR detection showed that 19/42 (45%) goats were positive, much higher than the rate previously reported in goats from Cebu (34%). The infectivity rate was higher in male (56%) than in female (42%) and the rate was higher in young ≤1 year old (100%) than in adult >1 year old (43%). Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS-1 sequences between T. evansi goat samples and other isolates indicate potential interspecies transmission.
Software Complex for Sensorless Control of an Electrical Submersible Pump

The article describes design principles of sensorless observing and control system of electrical submersible pump (ESP)’s induction motor based on dynamic state estimation using an unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The artificial lift method with electrical submersible pumps in the oil industry is associated with measurements of technological parameters from which oil fluid flow rate is one of the most important. To develop sensorless control and parameters observing system, the design principles of flow rate observers were proposed. The main possible scenarios for flow rate observation are considered, including those using surface-mounted sensors. This article also considers issues relating to the limitations in flow rate observation by usage pump catalog characteristics, involving control electric drive test signals changing the pump rotational speed. Overcoming these problems is proposed for the electrical submersible pump’s flow rate observing system based on a machine-learning model. The simulation results using a complex electrical submersible pump model confirming the efficiency of the proposed methods are provided.