Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximation of Shortest Path using Travelling Salesman Problem

The Travelling Salesman problem (TSP) is one of the most popular problems from the NP set; it is also one of the hardest too. The solution to this problem enjoys wide applicability in a variety of practical fields. Thus it highly raises the need for an efficient solution for this NP Hard problem. However even the most common deterministic solutions to the problem are known to possess an exponential time complexity. There have been many efforts in the past to provide time efficient solutions for the problem, both exact and approximate. This paper surveys on some of these deterministic and nondeterministic efforts. It also presents and analyzes a greedy non−deterministic algorithm to solve the travelling salesman problem. The paper relates the Travelling Salesman problem with the Hamiltonian circuit problem in order to demonstrate the existing property of reducibility between the two problems and its advantages in providing a Shortest Path to the TSP.
Analysis of the Presence of the Virulence and Regulation Genes from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in Coagulase Negative Staphylococci and the Influence of the Staphylococcal Cross-Talk on Their Functions

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are increasingly becoming a public health issue worldwide due to their growing resistance to antibiotics and common involvement in complications related to invasive surgical procedures, and nosocomial and urinary tract infections. Their behavior either as a commensal or a pathogen is a result of strict regulation of colonization and virulence factors. Although functionality of virulence factors and processes involved in their regulation are quite well understood in S. aureus, little is known about them in CoNS species. Therefore, the aim of our studies was to check if clinical CoNS strains may contain virulence factors and genes involved in resistance to methicillin, that are homologous to S. aureus. Moreover, we checked the presence of elements responsible for regulation of genes that encode virulence factors typical for S. aureus in tested isolates. We also investigated whether the regulation factors produced by one CoNS isolate can affect virulence activity of other strains by co-incubation of tested isolates with supernatant from other isolates. Our studies confirmed the presence of virulence factor and regulatory genes attributed to S. aureus in CoNS isolates and indicated that one strain with an active agr gene is able to affect biofilm formation and δ-toxin activity of strains with inactive agr genes. The cognition of prevalence and regulation of virulence factors as well as antibiotic resistance of CoNS isolates is important for better control and treatment of CoNS infections.
Effects of lower-extremity explosive strength on youth judo athletes adopting different types of power-based resistance training

Objective: The present study compared the effects of two different resistance types (pneumatic resistance and free weight) of 6-week squat training on the performance for young female judo athletes in linear speed and vertical jump by utilizing the maximum power of each set of squats in each training session as the monitoring vehicle. Monitoring data were used to assess the effects and trends of the two resistance types on 70% 1RM weight-bearing during the 6-week intervention training. Methods: In a 6 weeks squat training (2 reps/week with a constant load), 23 adolescent female judo athletes (Age span: 13–16 years, 14.58 ± 0.96) were randomly selected and then divided into the traditional barbell (FW) group (n = 12) and the pneumatic resistance (PN) (n = 11) group according to different resistance types (free weight and pneumatic resistance), with 10 in FW group and 9 in PN group actually completed the study. Before and after training, the 30-m Sprint time (T-30M), vertical jump height and relative power (countermovement jump, static-squat jump, and drop jump), reactive strength index (DJ-RSI), and maximal strength were assessed. One-Way ANOVA was used to examine the pre-test differences of groups (FW and PN). A 2-factor mixed-model analysis of variance was used to examine the independent effects of group (FW and PN) and time (pre and post) on each dependent measure. Scheffe post hoc comparisons were used to examine the differences. Pre- and post-experimental differences between the two groups were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and magnitude-based inferences (MBI) derived from their p values, and effect statistics were applied to compare the pre- and post-changes exhibited by each group to identify the potential beneficiary groups. Results: The PN group outperformed the FW group in terms of maximal power output per training session (822.5 ± 55.22 vs. 927.42 ± 48.15, conventional vs. pneumatic, p < 0.001, effect size = −2.02). After 6 weeks of training, the FW group showed significant increases in vertical jump height and relative strength (CMJ, SJ, DJ), with no significant gains observed in T-30 and maximal strength. The PN group showed significant improvements in maximal strength; however, no significant improvements were observed in the other tests. In addition, there was no significant difference in DJ-RSI between the two groups before and after training. Discussion: At 70% weight bearing, free weight resistance appears to be more conducive to vertical jump growth, while pneumatic resistance appears to be more conducive to maximal strength gains; however, the maximal strength gains from pneumatic resistance may not be well applied to athletic performance. In addition, the body adapts more quickly to pneumatic resistance than to free weight resistance.
Modeling of Aeroservoelastic Systems with Structural and Aerodynamic Variations

A procedure for modeling of aeroservoelastic systems with structural and aerodynamic variations and uncertainties is presented. The structural variations are associated with deviations in stiffness, mass, and damping structural parameters, whereas the aerodynamic variations are defined by the deviations in aerodynamic influence coefficients. A model of the perturbed system is constructed in the form of a linear fractional transformation relating the nominal system dynamics with the variations of its structural and aerodynamic properties. The developed technique enables modeling of perturbed aeroservoelastic systems in both frequency and time domains. The models are compatible with standard robust analysis and control design procedures such as μ technique used in the numerical example. The structural and aerodynamic variations are expressed in discrete coordinates that can also be transformed into modal coordinates. The discrete-coordinate representation enables size reduction of the uncertainty matrices for local structural and aerodynamic variations with respect to the modal representation. This is important for robust analysis and control design. A numerical application for an uncrewed aerial vehicle is used to demonstrate the modeling process. Models of the open- and closed-loop aeroservoelastic systems augmented with inertial and aerodynamic uncertainties of the control surface are constructed and applied for robust stability analysis.
Silurian inverted Barrovian-type metamorphism in the Western Sierras Pampeanas (Argentina): a case of top to bottom heating?

Abstract This paper focuses on one orogenic belt that formed during the Rinconada phase on the final stage of the Famatinian orogeny, between 445 and 410 Ma, which is well exposed at Sierra de Ramaditas and neighbouring ranges in western Argentina. The Ramaditas Complex is formed by metasedimentary and meta-ultrabasic rocks and amphibolites. This complex forms the upper nappe of a thrust stack resulting from westward thrusting. Deformation consists of an early high-temperature S1 foliation (stromatic migmatites), coeval with thrusting and metamorphism. Metamorphism attained peak P–T conditions of 6.0–6.9 kbar and 795–810 °C, at c. 440 Ma, i.e. coincident with the Rinconada orogenic phase. The lower unit and intermediate nappes crop out in the nearby sierras of Maz and Espinal and underwent low- to medium-grade Silurian metamorphism, respectively, together with the upper nappe, defining an inverted Barrovian-type metamorphism with T decreasing and P increasing downwards across the thrust stack (i.e. westward). We argue that the Rinconada orogenic phase developed near the continental margin of SW Gondwana, during a magmatic lull following accretion of the Precordillera terrane to the continental margin at c. 470 Ma. The active margin jumped to the west after accretion, and flat-slab subduction resumed in the early Silurian, provoking thrusting and imbrication of nappe stack under the still hot root (800–900 °C) of the older Famatinian magmatic arc. This ‘hot-iron’ process explains both the inverted Barrovian-type metamorphism and the missing overburden of 21 to 24 km implied by the P estimate.
Converting South African sign language to verbal

1 Abstract —There is a significant population of hearing-impaired people who reside in South Africa; however, South African Sign Language (SASL) has not yet been recognized as South Africa’s 12 th official language, resulting in slow uptake of this important language. Since most people do not know SASL, there is a need for gesture recognition systems that convert Sign Language (SL) to verbal and/or text to reduce the communication barriers between the hearing and the hearing-impaired. This study presents an application for gesture recognition in converting SASL to both a verbal format and a textual format. By using gesture recognition from a single wearable glove, hand gestures were quantified, categorized, and then converted into an auditory format and played on a speaker, as well as the equivalent textual information displayed on an LCD screen. The complete prototype consists of a wearable glove with a transmitter and an associated receiver box which were all designed to cost less than $150. The glove consists of five flex sensors that measure the handshape and an inertial measurement unit which measures the hand motion. The handshape and motion data are processed and wirelessly transmitted to a receiver box. This then displays the associated English character on an LCD while also playing the audio on a speaker. The SL converter can convert the 26 letters of the SASL manual alphabet with an overall accuracy of 69%, It can also convert common words and phrases, as well as proper names when fingerspelled.
Stokes flow solutions in infinite and semi‐infinite porous channels

We derive a class of exact solutions for Stokes flow in infinite and semi‐infinite channel geometries with permeable walls. These simple, explicit, series expressions for both pressure and Stokes flow are valid for all permeability values. At the channel walls, we impose a no‐slip condition for the tangential fluid velocity and a condition based on Darcy's law for the normal fluid velocity. Fluid flow across the channel boundaries is driven by the pressure drop between the channel interior and exterior; we assume the exterior pressure to be constant. We show how the ground state is an exact solution in the infinite channel case. For the semi‐infinite channel domain, the ground‐state solutions approximate well the full exact solution in the bulk and we derive a method to improve their accuracy at the transverse wall. This study is motivated by the need to quantitatively understand the detailed fluid dynamics applicable in a variety of engineering applications including membrane‐based water purification, heat and mass transfer, and fuel cells.
Status of the RFX experiment

The first results obtained in the RFX reversed field pinch experiment after the 1995 machine modifications are reported. The confinement, for fully stationary discharges at 0.6 MA, has now reached the expected values, even in the presence of MHD wall locked modes. Studies on locked mode effects have evidenced currents flowing from the plasma into the vessel in the region of locking. Measurements on plasma rotation and radial electric field have shown a perpendicular velocity shear at the edge similar to what is found in tokamaks and stellarators. New measurements on edge superthermal electrons and some evidence of their correlation with plasma core characteristics are included.
Detecting Digital Micromirror Device Malfunctions in High-throughput Maskless Lithography

Recently, maskless lithography (ML) systems have become popular in digital manufacturing technologies. To achieve high-throughput manufacturing processes, digital micromirror devices (DMD) in ML systems must be driven to their operational limits, often in harsh conditions. We propose an instrument and algorithm to detect DMD malfunctions to ensure perfect mask image transfer to the photoresist in ML systems. DMD malfunctions are caused by either bad DMD pixels or data transfer errors. We detect bad DMD pixels with $20{\times}20$ pixel by white and black image tests. To analyze data transfer errors at high frame rates, we monitor changes in the frame rate of a target DMD pixel driven by the input data with a set frame rate of up to 28000 frames per second (fps). For our data transfer error detection method, we verified that there are no data transfer errors in the test by confirming the agreement between the input frame rate and the output frame rate within the measurement accuracy of 1 fps.
Feature-Based Occupancy Map-Merging for Collaborative SLAM

One of the most frequently used approaches to represent collaborative mapping are probabilistic occupancy grid maps. These maps can be exchanged and integrated among robots to reduce the overall exploration time, which is the main advantage of the collaborative systems. Such map fusion requires solving the unknown initial correspondence problem. This article presents an effective feature-based map fusion approach that includes processing the spatial occupancy probabilities and detecting features based on locally adaptive nonlinear diffusion filtering. We also present a procedure to verify and accept the correct transformation to avoid ambiguous map merging. Further, a global grid fusion strategy based on the Bayesian inference, which is independent of the order of merging, is also provided. It is shown that the presented method is suitable for identifying geometrically consistent features across various mapping conditions, such as low overlapping and different grid resolutions. We also present the results based on hierarchical map fusion to merge six individual maps at once in order to constrict a consistent global map for SLAM.
Consensus in Data Management: From Distributed Commit to Blockchain

The problem of distributed consensus has played a major role in the development of distributed data management systems. This includes the development of distributed atomic commit and replication protocols. In this monograph, we present foundations of consensus protocols and the ways they were utilized to solve distributed data management problems. Also, we discuss how distributed consensus contributes to the development of emerging blockchain systems. This includes an exploration of consensus protocols and their use in systems with malicious actors and arbitrary faults. Our approach is to start with the basics of representative consensus protocols where we start from classic consensus protocols and show how they can be extended to support better performance, extended features, and/or adapt to different system models. Then, we show how consensus can be utilized as a tool in the development of distributed data management. For each data management problem, we start by showing a basic solution to the problem and highlighting its shortcomings that invites the utilization of consensus. Then,
Parameter selection and optical design of all-day star sensor

detecting a 4.5 magnitude star in the observation height of 10 km, the radiance of stars between 600~1100 nm was analyzed, the radiance of sky background and the optical transmission of atmosphere were calculated by using modtran. when the threshold of snr is 5, typical parameters are selected. with a plane mirror and a silicon material sphere lens, a lighter miniature optical system was designed. the result shows that the optical system spot shape approaches a circle between 600~1100 nm of full field of view, modulation transfer function approaches perfection and have outstanding image of quality. the ground-based daytime and nighttime detection snr of the star tracter is calculated and the detection ability limit is estimated in the threshold 5 of snr, which is 2.5 stellar magnitude g star in daytime on the ground and 6 at night. © 2016, science press. all right reserved.
Investigation of Ways to Handle Sampling Weights for Multilevel Model Analyses

When analysts estimate a multilevel model using survey data, they often use weighted procedures using multilevel sampling weights to correct the effect of unequal probabilities of selection. This study addresses the impacts of including sampling weights and the consequences of ignoring them by assessing the performance of four approaches: the multilevel pseudo–maximum likelihood (MPML), the probability-weighted iterative generalized least squares (PWIGLS), the naive (ignoring sampling weights), and the sample distribution methods for a linear random-intercept model under a two-stage clustering sampling design. When inclusion probabilities are correlated with the values of outcome variable conditioning on the model covariates, the sampling design becomes informative. The results show that whether a sampling design is informative and at which stage of the sampling design it is informative have substantial impacts on the estimation. The results also show that the level of variation of sampling weights is correlated with the bias of estimates. A higher level of variation of sampling weights is associated with a higher level of bias when a sampling design is informative; however, under a noninformative design, the level of variation of sampling weights may not necessarily associate with biased results. Ignoring an informative sampling design at the first stage will result in biased estimates on the intercept and variance of random effect, whereas ignoring an informative sampling design at the second stage will lead to slightly underestimated fixed effects and residual variance, in addition to the biased estimates on the intercept and variance of random effect. Including the sampling weights as the hybrid methods (MPML and PWIGLS) may still produce biased estimates on the intercept and variance of random effect and slightly underestimated fixed effects and residual variance. The sample distribution method may give unbiased estimates, but it depends on the correct specification of the sampling process.
Boundary layer mechanisms in extratropical cyclones

This paper revisits the mechanism for the interaction of the boundary layer with extratropical cyclones. Two diagnostic approaches are compared: Ekman pumping and potential vorticity. Ekman pumping derives from the boundary layer stress which induces convergence and ascent. boundary layer potential vorticity contains in a single quantity both the vorticity and stratification. These quantities are compared for an idealized extratropical cyclone life cycle simulated with the Met Office Unified Model.
Volatilization and partitioning of residual electronic cigarette emissions to particulate matter

Abstract The growing prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) prompts investigation of their impact on indoor air quality. While the investigation of residual cigarette smoke, also known as third-hand smoke (THS), has been increasing, there is minimal literature on similar residue from e-cig emissions. Lab generated ammonium sulfate aerosol was introduced into a stainless-steel chamber which previously contained JUUL electronic cigarette vape. Aerosol composition was monitored using a high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer. This was performed in the same chamber 3 times over 5 days. Species from electronic cigarette residue (nicotine and vegetable glycerin) were found to partition to particles with decreasing concentration over the multiple experiments while maintaining a consistent chemical signature. This signature matches closely to that of the primary electronic cigarette vape with notable exclusions of propylene glycol, benzoic acid, and cadmium. Electronic cigarette vape can deposit onto surfaces and act as a long-term source of gas phase nicotine which can concentrate on aerosols and increase human exposure. The chemical processing of vape residue observed here is less substantial than has been previously presented for residual cigarette smoke. While our experiments were performed under controlled conditions, they highlight the importance of understanding indoor electronic cigarette use and unintended routes of exposure. Copyright © 2023 American Association for Aerosol Research
Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Al Nanocomposites Using GCNs as a Reinforcement Fabricated by Induction Sintering

High-energy ball milling is a process suitable for producing composite powders whose achieved microstructure can be controlled by the processing parameters. Through this technique, it is possible to obtain a homogeneous distribution of reinforced material into a ductile metal matrix. In this work, some Al/CGNs nanocomposites were fabricated through a high-energy ball mill to disperse nanostructured graphite reinforcements produced in situ in the Al matrix. To retain the dispersed CGNs in the Al matrix, avoiding the precipitation of the Al4C3 phase during sintering, the high-frequency induction sintering (HFIS) method was used, which allows rapid heating rates. For comparative purposes, samples in the green and sintered state processed in a conventional electric furnace (CFS) were used. Microhardness testing was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the reinforcement in samples under different processing conditions. Structural analyses were carried out through an X-ray diffractometer coupled with a convolutional multiple whole profile (CMWP) fitting program to determine the crystallite size and dislocation density; both strengthening contributions were calculated using the Langford–Cohen and Taylor equations. According to the results, the CGNs dispersed in the Al matrix played an important role in the reinforcement of the Al matrix, promoting the increase in the dislocation density during the milling process. The strengthening contribution of the dislocation density was ~50% of the total hardening value, while the contribution by dispersion of CGNs was ~22% in samples with 3 wt. % C and sintered by the HFIS method. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the morphology, size, and distribution of phases present in the Al matrix. From the analyses carried out in AFM (topography and phase images), the CGNs are located mainly around crystallites and present height profiles of 1.6 to 2 nm.