Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Twins Early Development Study (TEDS): A genetically sensitive investigation of mental health outcomes in the mid‐twenties

Abstract The Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) is a longitudinal study following a cohort of twins born 1994–1996 in England and Wales. Of the 13,759 families who originally consented to take part, over 10,000 families remain enrolled in the study. The current focus of TEDS is on mental health in the mid‐twenties. Making use of over 25 years of genetically sensitive data, TEDS is uniquely placed to explore the longitudinal genetic and environmental influences on common mental health disorders in early adulthood. This paper outlines recent data collection efforts supporting this work, including a cohort‐wide mental health assessment at age 26 and a multi‐phase Covid‐19 study. It will also provide an update on data linkage efforts and the Children of TEDS (CoTEDS) project.
Molecular Survey of Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. in Coatis (Nasua nasua) from Central-Western Brazil

Even though previous works showed molecular evidence of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (hemoplasmas) in ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) from Brazil, Bartonella sp. has not been reported in these mammals so far. The present study aimed to detect the above-mentioned agents in coatis’ blood and associated ectoparasites, assessing the association between these infections and red blood parameters. Between March 2018 and January 2019, coati (n = 97) blood samples, Amblyomma sp. ticks (2242 individual ticks, resulting in 265 pools), and Neotrichodectes pallidus louse (n = 59) were collected in forested urban areas from midwestern Brazil. DNA extracted from coatis’ blood, and ectoparasite samples were submitted to quantitative PCR (qPCR) (16S rRNA) and conventional PCR (cPCR) (16S rRNA and 23S rRNA) for hemoplasmas and qPCR (nuoG gene) and culturing (only blood) for Bartonella spp. Two different hemoplasma genotypes were detected in blood samples: 71% coatis positive for myc1 and 17% positive for myc2. While 10% of ticks were positive for hemoplasmas (myc1), no louse was positive. The estimated bacterial load of hemoplasmas showed no association with anemia indicators. All coatis were negative for Bartonella sp. in qPCR assay and culturing, albeit two Amblyomma sp. larvae pools, and 2 A. dubitatum nymph pools were positive in the qPCR. The present work showed a high occurrence of hemoplasmas, with two distinct hemoplasma genotypes, in coatis from forested urban areas in midwestern Brazil.
Identification of point sources in two-dimensional advection-diffusion-reaction equation: application to pollution sources in a river. Stationary case

We consider the problem of determining pollution sources in a river by using boundary measurements. The mathematical model is a two-dimensional advection-diffusion-reaction equation in the stationary case. Identifiability and a local Lipschitz stability results are established. A cost function transforming our inverse problem into an optimization one is proposed. This cost function represents the difference between the two solutions computed from the prescribed and measured data respectively. This representation is achieved by using values of these two solutions inside the domain. Numerical results are performed for a rectangular domain. These results are compared to those obtained by using a classical least squares regularized method.
A Wearable Upper Limb Exoskeleton for Intuitive Teleoperation of Anthropomorphic Manipulators

Teleoperation technology combines the strength and accuracy of robots with the perception and cognition abilities of human experts, allowing the robots to work as an avatar of the operator in dangerous environments. The motion compatibility and intuitiveness of the human–machine interface directly affect the quality of teleoperation. However, many motion capture methods require special working environments or need bulky mechanisms. In this research, we proposed a wearable, lightweight, and passive upper limb exoskeleton, which takes intuitiveness and human-machine compatibility as a major concern. The upper limb pose estimation and teleoperation mapping control methods based on the exoskeleton are also discussed. Experimental results showed that by the help of the upper limb exoskeleton, people can achieve most areas of the normal range of motion. The proposed mapping control methods were verified on a 14-DOF anthropomorphic manipulator and showed good performance in teleoperation tasks.
Development of deep-learning models for a hybrid simulation of auscultation training on standard patients using an ECG-based virtual pathology stethoscope

Cardiac auscultation (CA), the act of listening to the heart’s sound, is a critical skill that provides valuable information for identifying serious heart diseases. Proficiency in cardiac auscultation requires repeated stethoscope practice and experience in identifying abnormal or irregular cardiac rhythms. However, nowadays, most hospital admissions are short and intensely focused, with fewer opportunities for medical trainees to learn and practice bedside examination skills. It is common practice in many institutions to incorporate standardized patients (SPs) into CA training because these actors are able to represent the patient and convey the symptoms. However, SPs are typically healthy individuals, limiting the kinds of abnormalities that students can hear. In this work, we develop a novel real-time simulation-based method for virtual pathology stethoscope (VPS) detection. The VPS system uses augmented reality (AR) to teach medical students how to perform cardiac examinations by listening to abnormal heart sounds in SPs who are otherwise healthy. A digital stethoscope with two electrodes on the chest piece collects electrocardiogram (ECG) signal data sets from SPs at the four primary auscultation sites. Next, different deep-learning methods are evaluated for classifying the location of the stethoscope by taking advantage of subtle differences in the ECG signals. This study would significantly extend the simulation capabilities of SPs by allowing medical students and trainees to perform realistic CA and hear CA in a clinical environment.
Concurrent Design of Structures and Materials Based on the Bi-Directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization

Different from the independent optimization of macrostructures or materials, a two-scale topology optimization algorithm is developed in this paper based on the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method for concurrently designing a macrostructure and its composite microstructure. The objective is to minimize the mean compliance of the structure which is composed of a two-phase composite. The effective properties of the composite are calculated through the homogenization method and integrated into the finite element analysis of the structure. Sensitivity analysis for the structure and microstructure is conducted by the adjoint method. Based on the derived sensitivity numbers, the BESO approach is applied for iteratively updating the topologies for both the structure at the macro level and the microstructure of composite at the micro level. Numerical examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization algorithm.
Invertible Privacy-Preserving Adversarial Reconstruction for Image Compressed Sensing

Since the advent of compressed sensing (CS), many reconstruction algorithms have been proposed, most of which are devoted to reconstructing images with better visual quality. However, higher-quality images tend to reveal more sensitive information in machine recognition tasks. In this paper, we propose a novel invertible privacy-preserving adversarial reconstruction method for image CS. While optimizing the quality, the reconstructed images are made to be adversarial samples at the moment of generation. For semi-authorized users, they can only obtain the adversarial reconstructed images, which provide little information for machine recognition or training deep models. For authorized users, they can reverse adversarial reconstructed images to clean samples with an additional restoration network. Experimental results show that while keeping good visual quality for both types of reconstructed images, the proposed scheme can provide semi-authorized users with adversarial reconstructed images with a very low recognizable rate, and allow authorized users to further recover sanitized reconstructed images with recognition performance approximating that of the traditional CS.
Dim target enhancement algorithm for low-contrast image based on anisotropic diffusion

In a sensed image of long distance, the gray levels of target and background are hardly distinguishable, which results in a low-contrast image. Dim-target detection is always a difficult problem. The aim of this paper is to propose an anisotropic diffusion filtering algorithm based on partial differential equation to enhance the dim targets. The algorithm establishes a new filter model by improving the traditional P-M model based on the anisotropic diffusion theory. The proposed method adaptively performs the smoothing process in the faultless areas to make the background uniform, and performs the sharpening process in the variational areas to enhance dim targets. Simultaneously, we can select the smoothing and sharpening degree by adjusting the parameter K and w to satisfy different environments. Experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed diffusion scheme in dim-target enhancement with low-contrast.
Nonlinear stability analysis of a flexible rotor-bearing system by numerical continuation

A rotor supported by hydrodynamic bearings may undergo unstable motion and may exhibit several nonlinear phenomena in the vicinity of the critical stability speed. This paper presents a stability analysis of a flexible rotor supported by journal bearings using a nonlinear dynamic model and a short bearing approximation. Numerical continuation is applied to determine the boundaries of stability and the bifurcations of the limit cycles. Nonlinear phenomena such as jumping motion and bi-stability domain are predicted. An extended stability chart has also been determined including the domains of stable oscillatory motion. The investigation also includes the effect of rotor flexibility and bearing characteristics on the stability boundaries and on the safe operating speed range. For a selected range of bearing parameters, two Hopf bifurcation regions are found for high rotor stiffness, three regions for low stiffness and four bifurcation regions in transition between high and low stiffness. It has also been found that the stable operating speed range decreases with rotor flexibility and bearing parameter.
LDANet: A Lightweight Dynamic Addition Network for Rural Road Extraction from Remote Sensing Images

Automatic road extraction from remote sensing images has an important impact on road maintenance and land management. While significant deep-learning-based approaches have been developed in recent years, achieving a suitable trade-off between extraction accuracy, inference speed and model size remains a fundamental and challenging issue for real-time road extraction applications, especially for rural roads. For this purpose, we developed a lightweight dynamic addition network (LDANet) to exploit rural road extraction. Specifically, considering the narrow, complex and diverse nature of rural roads, we introduce an improved Asymmetric Convolution Block (ACB)-based Inception structure to extend the low-level features in the feature extraction layer. In the deep feature association module, the depth-wise separable convolution (DSC) is introduced to reduce the computational complexity of the model, and an adaptation-weighted overlay is designed to capture the salient features. Moreover, we utilize a dynamic weighted combined loss, which can better solve the sample imbalance and boosts segmentation accuracy. In addition, we constructed a typical remote sensing dataset of rural roads based on the Deep Globe Land Cover Classification Challenge dataset. Our experiments demonstrate that LDANet performs well in road extraction with fewer model parameters (<1 MB) and that the accuracy and the mean Intersection over Union reach 98.74% and 76.21% on the test dataset, respectively. Therefore, LDANet has potential to rapidly extract and monitor rural roads from remote sensing images.
FEM education in undergraduate studies: Industry‐informed research

Recent mechanical engineering graduates are expected to utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in structural and machine design activities. However, after decades of implementation in engineering schools, the Finite Element Method (FEM) still challenges instructors and course designers. To align learning outcomes with industrial requirements, this article analyzes the opinions of Mexican industrial and academic experts about four important aspects of FEM education. The results suggest that specialists agree on the importance of including a mixture of theoretical and applied topics in the syllabus but prefer practical skills over fundamental concepts. Besides learning from defeaturing to postprocessing a model, engineering students must know how to plan, verify, and validate their finite element studies. Experts expect early design engineers to be proficient with Computer‐Aided Design (CAD) and have relevant mathematical and programming skills. Instead of using specialized software, students' first exposure to FEM may be based on FEA tools embedded in CAD systems. Also, academic and industrial respondents request the incorporation of modal, thermal and nonlinear analysis procedures in the course timetable. Finally, the statistical analysis shows that the two types of respondents share one common vision about the importance of the aspects under study. The findings from this work are useful for the design of FEM‐related coursework and can be used to guide course instructors about the right balance of theory and practice, overall course contents, and the selection of the software utilized for the practical part of the program.
Neighbourhood Gangs, Crime Spillovers and Teenage Motherhood

Using an identification strategy based on random assignment of refugees to different municipalities in Denmark between 1986 and 1998, we find strong evidence that gang crime rates in the neighbourhood at assignment increase the probability of boys to commit crimes before the age of 19, and that gang crime (but not other crime) increases the likelihood of teenage motherhood for girls. Higher levels of gang crime also have detrimental and long-lasting effects, with men experiencing significantly higher levels of inactivity and women experiencing lower earnings and higher levels of welfare benefit claims at ages 19 to 28.
ALPPS versus portal vein embolization for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: a delicate balance between volume and morbidity

(7,8). Special mention should be made of the randomized controlled trial LIGRO which obtained a higher estimated median survival for patients randomized to ALPPS (46 months) compared to two staged hepatectomy (26 months) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (9). These results have allowed the use of ALPPS to be extended mainly in the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases, which are its main indication against primary malignant liver tumors and non-colorectal liver metastases.
Designing cellular neural networks for the evaluation of local Boolean functions

Describes general methods for designing a cellular neural network implementing an arbitrary Boolean function defined on the r-neighborhood. This is achieved by operating the network with time-variant templates as a cellular automaton that processes only binary inputs. These methods are suitable for solving local tasks. As an example, testing minimal distances is discussed. >
Conductance Formula for Mesoscopic Systems with a Superconducting Segment

Simple conductance formula for small systems with a single superconducting segment is derived through the linear response theory. It is an extension of the Landauer formula. The expression consists of the usual transmission and reflection coefficients as well as the off-diagonal elements which are given by the processes where an electron is reflected to a hole due to the Andreev reflection.
Investigating the Mobility of Touch N Go Smart Cards in Malaysia with the Tam Model

The purpose of this study is to analyze how consumers' expectations of the convenience and utility of Touch N Go Smart Cards affect their likelihood of adopting this payment option. The study's overarching goal is to learn how these two variables impact riders' decisions to carry Touch N Go Smart Cards for transit and other purchases. The Technological Acceptance Model will serve as the quantitative framework for our exploration of Touch N Go Smart Card use in Malaysia (TAM). Information is gathered using an online, pre-designed survey form. Participants were gathered from all throughout Malaysia using a convenience sampling strategy. All participants had to be over the age of 18 and have used a Touch N Go Smart Card to pay for transportation or a service at least once. A sample size of at least 450 participants is targeted to ensure adequate representation across different age, gender, and demographic groups. The data are gathered using a closed-ended online poll. Participants were asked to take part in the survey by email, social media, and discussion boards, and the poll itself is done using a reputable online survey platform.
Parents' Awareness and Knowledge of Testicular Torsion in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Introduction Testicular torsion (TT) is the most common urological emergency in children that requires immediate intervention. The prognosis of testicular torsion depends on the patient's time of presentation to the emergency department (ED), as well as on the time at which the diagnosis is established and treatment is initiated. Raising public awareness of testicular torsion, particularly among parents, plays a crucial role in preventing delay in presentation and reducing the frequency of orchiectomy. To this end, the study is designed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of testicular torsion, as well as the response of parents to the scrotal pain of their children. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected between the 23rd of November and the 22nd of December 2022. A simple random sampling technique was implemented. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 394 parents participated in this study. It showed that 13.5% of parents reported having a child with a previous experience of pain in the scrotum. Of them, only 25.4% previously heard about torsion of the testicles. Only 68.8% and 76.6% correctly reported that if the child complains of pain in the scrotum during working hours or over the weekend, they will drive him to the hospital immediately. Good knowledge about TT was significantly higher among children's fathers compared to mothers (66.7% vs. 33.3%) (p≤0.05). Conclusion Testicular torsion (TT) represents significant morbidity among male patients and early identification is crucial to avoid the need for orchiectomy and all its prominent physical and psychological consequences. To improve children's well-being, we need to raise parents' awareness of TT and the potential future implications of this critical condition as it is not widely known in our community. Further studies evaluating the knowledge regarding testicular torsion among preadolescent and adolescent boys are warranted.
Graphical visualization of vortical flows by means of helicity

Helicity density and normalized helicity are introduced as important tools for the graphical representation of three-dimensional flowfields that contain concentrated vortices. The use of these two quantities filters out the flowfield regions of low vorticity, as well as regions of high vorticity but low speed where the angle between the velocity and vorticity vectors is large (such as in the boundary layer). Their use permits the researcher to identify and accentuate the concentrated vortices, differentiate between primary and secondary vortices, and mark their separation and reattachment lines. The method also allows locating singular points in the flowfield and tracing the vortex-core streamlines that emanate from them. Nomenclature H = helicity Hd = helicity density Hn — normalized helicity MOO = freestream Mach number ReD = Reynolds number V = velocity a = angle of attack co = vorticity
Interaction of media and disease dynamics and its impact on emerging infection management

The 2002-2003 SARS outbreaks exhibited some distinct features such as rapid spatial spread, massive media reports, and fast self-control. These features were shared by the 2009 pandemic influenza and will be experienced by other emerging infectious diseases. We focus on the dynamic interaction of media reports, epidemic outbreak and behavior change in the population and formulate a compartmental model, that tracks the evolution of the human population. Such population is characterized by the disease progression (susceptible, infected, hospitalized, and recovered) and by the extent to which the media has impacted, so individuals have modified their behaviors to reduce their transmissibility and infectivity. The model also describes the dynamics of media reports by considering how media is influenced by the disease statistics (numbers of infected and hospitalized individuals, for example). We then conduct linear stability analysis and numerical simulations to study how interaction of media reports and disease progress affects the disease transmission dynamics, so as to shed light on what type of media will be the most effective for the control of an epidemic.
Plasma–surface interaction at sharp edges and corners during ion-assisted physical vapor deposition. Part I: Edge-related effects and their influence on coating morphology and composition

Ion-assisted physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a common industrial method for growing thin coatings of various interstitial nitride alloys. The interaction between the ions and three-dimensional nonflat samples during the deposition can, however, lead to unwanted local changes in the properties of the coating and thus its performance. We analyze the characteristics of the ion bombardment during ion-assisted PVD on sharp convex substrates and their effect on the growing coating. We show that the magnitude and the spatial extent of the edge-related changes are directly related to the characteristics of the plasma sheath around the biased edges. We examine the influence of the edge geometry and the deposition conditions. The edge-related effects are studied on the example of wedge-shaped samples coated with TiAlN/VN by closed-field unbalanced magnetron deposition process using high-flux low-energy Ar+-ion irradiation (Ji/Jme∼4, Ei=75−150 eV). The samples are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and ener.