Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Improved SVM Method for Movement Recognition of Lower Limbs by MIMU and sEMG

—Aiming at the problems that the movement recognition accuracy of lower limbs needs to be improved, the optimized SVM recognition method by using voting mechanism is proposed in this paper. First, CS algorithm is applied to optimize the kernel function parameter and the penalty factor for SVM model. And then, voting mechanism is used to ensure the recognition accuracy of SVM classification algorithm. Finally, the experiments have been implemented and different classification algorithms have been compared. The recognition results shows that the movement recognition accuracy for the lower limbs by the optimized SVM recognition algorithm using voting mechanism is about 98.78%, which is higher than other commonly used classification algorithm with or without voting mechanism. The recognition method for the lower limbs proposed in this paper can be used in the field of rehabilitation training, smart healthcare and so on
Growth Rates, Carcass Traits, Meat Yield, and Fatty Acid Composition in Growing Lambs under Different Feeding Regimes

A total of 75 male Awassi (mean BW 23.5 ± 2.0 kg; 3 months old) were used in an 84-day trial to investigate the effects of different feeding regimes on productive performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality, and the fatty acid profile of growing lambs. Animals were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 25 lambs each. The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) whole barley grain (60%) plus alfalfa hay (40%; GB-AH; the basal diet); (2) a concentrate pelleted diet plus alfalfa hay (CP-AH); and (3) a complete pelleted diet (CPD). Feed intake was measured weekly, and all lambs were weighed every two weeks for an evaluation of the productive parameters. Blood samples were collected from all lambs for the measurement of biochemical and enzymatic variables. At the end of the experiment, 13 lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid composition. The final body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed efficiency of lambs were lowest (p < 0.05) in lambs on the grain and alfalfa diet compared with the other groups. Feeding lambs either the CP-AH or CPD diets resulted (p < 0.05) in increases in slaughter weight, carcass weights (hot and cold), the percentage of liver and shoulder, carcass length, back fat thickness, and the area of longissimus thoracis muscle compared with those lambs on the GB-AF diet. The proportion of saturated fatty acids in meat was greater (p = 0.04) in lambs fed on the GA-AH diet than in those of lambs fed on the pelleted diets. Lambs on the CP-AH diet had (p < 0.05) the highest ratios of PUFA to SFA and omega 6 to omega 3, and the proportion of omega 6. The atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes were lower (p < 0.05) in the CP-AH group compared with the GB-AH group. In conclusion, the results indicate that feeding growing lambs on concentrate pellets instead of whole barley grain improves the growth rate, traits, meat quality, and fatty acid profile, which have important implications for productivity, efficiency, and profitability in the livestock industry.
Methyl jasmonate and type of fertilization affect growth, production and accumulation of sulforaphane in black radish taproot

ABSTRACT Arable areas frequently lack sufficient soil nutrients, necessitating use of fertilizers, whose excessive usage presents a threat to the environment, human health, and food safety. Natural plant-based growth regulators are inexpensive and favorable to the environment. Phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is important in improving quality, productivity, and resistance against various pests, diseases, and environmental challenges. The objectives of this study were to compare effects of fertilization and application of MeJA on taproot yield, leaf nutritive value, and accumulation of sulforaphane (SF) in black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger) taproots. Sulforaphane is a potent cytoprotective agent, promoting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiglycative, and antimicrobial effects. The treatments (T) were: T1 = 3 t∙ha−1 of poultry litter (PL); T2 = PL+2.5 ml∙L−1 foliar application of micro-sulfur (S); T3 = PL+S+3 g∙L−1foliar application of sorbitol (SO); T4 = 480 kg∙ha−1 of NPK 20,20,20; T5 = NPK+S; T6 = NPK+S+SO. The second experiment was foliar application of MeJA at 0, 50, or 100 mg∙L−1. Application of treatments and MeJA alone, and in combination, improved growth, leaf nutrient concentrations, taproot yield components, and accumulation of SF in black radish. The T3 treatment produced the highest relative chlorophyll content (SPAD index = 31.56), most leaf area (495.33 dm2), tallest plants and longest taproot (57.95 and 17.68 cm), highest dry matter of leaf and taproot (8.10 and 12.57%), heaviest fresh weight of leaves and taproots (249.15 and 360.40 g) and highest total taproot yield (120.13 t∙ha−1). Treatment T6 produced highest nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content in leaves, 3.57, 0.52 and 3.87 g 100 g, respectively, and highest SF content in taproots (8.5 mg/100 g). The 100 mg∙L−1 MeJA rate produced the largest leaf area (480.10 dm2), highest dry matter of leaf and taproot (7.31 and 11.65%), heaviest fresh weight of taproot (356.23 g), highest N, P, K and S content in leaves (3.45, 0.47, 3.69 and 0.375 g/100 g), most taproot yield (118.74 t∙ha−1) and highest FS content in taproot (9.62 g/100 g). The 100 mg∙L−1 foliar application of MeJA was effective in increasing and improving vegetative growth, taproot productivity, and FS accumulation in black radish.
Fusion of Wild-Type Mesoangioblasts with Myotubes of mtDNA Mutation Carriers Leads to a Proportional Reduction in mtDNA Mutation Load

In 25% of patients with mitochondrial myopathies, pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation are the cause. For heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations, symptoms manifest when the mutation load exceeds a tissue-specific threshold. Therefore, lowering the mutation load is expected to ameliorate disease manifestations. This can be achieved by fusing wild-type mesoangioblasts with mtDNA mutant myotubes. We have tested this in vitro for female carriers of the m.3271T>C or m.3291T>C mutation (mutation load >90%) using wild-type male mesoangioblasts. Individual fused myotubes were collected by a newly-developed laser capture microdissection (LCM) protocol, visualized by immunostaining using an anti-myosin antibody. Fusion rates were determined based on male-female nuclei ratios by fluorescently labelling the Y-chromosome. Using combined ‘wet’ and ‘air dried’ LCM imaging improved fluorescence imaging quality and cell yield. Wild-type mesoangioblasts fused in different ratios with myotubes containing either the m.3271T>C or the m.3291T>C mutation. This resulted in the reduction of the mtDNA mutation load proportional to the number of fused wild-type mesoangioblasts for both mtDNA mutations. The proportional reduction in mtDNA mutation load in vitro after fusion is promising in the context of muscle stem cell therapy for mtDNA mutation carriers in vivo, in which we propose the same strategy using autologous wild-type mesoangioblasts.
A Multiobjective Feedback Linearization Control of a Cuk Converter

Cuk converter is one of the most common power electronic converters, but its controller design has always been a challenging problem due to its fourth-order nonlinear and nonminimum phase characteristics. In order to solve this problem, this article proposes a multiobjective feedback linearization control method, which selects the variables of interest to rebuild the output function to linearize the nonlinear system into a combination of a linear subsystem and a nonlinear subsystem. According to the structural characteristics of these two subsystems, the linear optimal control theory is adopted for the control design of the linear subsystem to make the original nonlinear system have a good output performance, while for the nonlinear subsystem, the coefficient of the output function is adjusted to ensure the stability of the original nonlinear system. The results of simulation and experiment show the feasibility and superiority of using the multiobjective feedback linearization control method to design the nonlinear control law of the Cuk converter.
An Exploratory Analysis on the 2D:4D Digit Ratio and Its Relationship with Social Responsiveness in Adults with Prader–Willi Syndrome

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder produced by a lack of expression of paternally derived genes in the 15q11–13 region. Research has generally focused on its genetic and behavioral expression, but only a few studies have examined epigenetic influences. Prenatal testosterone or the maternal testosterone-to-estradiol ratio (MaTtEr) has been suggested to play an important role in the development of the ‘social brain’ during pregnancy. Some studies propose the 2D:4D digit ratio of the hand as an indirect MaTtEr measure. The relationship between social performance and MaTtEr has been studied in other neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but to our best knowledge, it has never been studied in PWS. Therefore, our study aims to clarify the possible existence of a relationship between social performance—as measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)—and MaTtEr levels using the 2D:4D ratio. We found that, as a group, PWS individuals have shorter index and ring fingers than the control group, but no significant difference in the 2D:4D ratios. The 2D:4D ratio showed a correlation only with Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behavior Subscale, where a positive correlation only for male individuals with PWS was found. Considering only PWS with previous GH treatment during childhood/adolescence (PWS-GH), index and ring fingers did not show differences in length with the control group, but the 2D:4D ratio was significantly higher in the right or dominant hand compared to controls.
New investigations on the effect of fiber amplifier phase noise

We investigated the effect of the phase noise of fiber amplifiers on the linewidth of the amplified signal. We used three different sources as input signal, with linewidth between 5 kHz and 18 GHz. We did not observe any spectral broadening of the signal linewidth at the output of the fiber amplifier. This is in opposition with the generally admitted description of phase noise in fiber amplifiers, but it confirms some recently published results. We propose a new theoretical description, which is in better agreement with the experimental data.
Exploring the Protective Effect of Food Drugs against Viral Diseases: Interaction of Functional Food Ingredients and SARS-CoV-2, Influenza Virus, and HSV

A complex network of processes inside the human immune system provides resistance against a wide range of pathologies. These defenses form an innate and adaptive immunity, in which certain immune components work together to counteract infections. In addition to inherited variables, the susceptibility to diseases may be influenced by factors such as lifestyle choices and aging, as well as environmental determinants. It has been shown that certain dietary chemical components regulate signal transduction and cell morphologies which, in turn, have consequences on pathophysiology. The consumption of some functional foods may increase immune cell activity, defending us against a number of diseases, including those caused by viruses. Here, we investigate a range of functional foods, often marketed as immune system boosters, in an attempt to find indications of their potential protective role against diseases caused by viruses, such as the influenza viruses (A and B), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in some cases mediated by gut microbiota. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms that govern the protective effects of some functional foods and their molecular constituents. The main message of this review is that discovering foods that are able to strengthen the immune system can be a winning weapon against viral diseases. In addition, understanding how the dietary components function can aid in the development of novel strategies for maintaining human bodily health and keeping our immune systems strong.
Optical gas sensing: a review

The detection and measurement of gas concentrations using the characteristic optical absorption of the gas species is important for both understanding and monitoring a variety of phenomena from industrial processes to environmental change. This study reviews the field, covering several individual gas detection techniques including non-dispersive infrared, spectrophotometry, tunable diode laser spectroscopy and photoacoustic spectroscopy. We present the basis for each technique, recent developments in methods and performance limitations. The technology available to support this field, in terms of key components such as light sources and gas cells, has advanced rapidly in recent years and we discuss these new developments. Finally, we present a performance comparison of different techniques, taking data reported over the preceding decade, and draw conclusions from this benchmarking.
Load Forecasting Models in Smart Grid Using Smart Meter Information: A Review

The smart grid concept is introduced to accelerate the operational efficiency and enhance the reliability and sustainability of power supply by operating in self-control mode to find and resolve the problems developed in time. In smart grid, the use of digital technology facilitates the grid with an enhanced data transportation facility using smart sensors known as smart meters. Using these smart meters, various operational functionalities of smart grid can be enhanced, such as generation scheduling, real-time pricing, load management, power quality enhancement, security analysis and enhancement of the system, fault prediction, frequency and voltage monitoring, load forecasting, etc. From the bulk data generated in a smart grid architecture, precise load can be predicted before time to support the energy market. This supports the grid operation to maintain the balance between demand and generation, thus preventing system imbalance and power outages. This study presents a detailed review on load forecasting category, calculation of performance indicators, the data analyzing process for load forecasting, load forecasting using conventional meter information, and the technology used to conduct the task and its challenges. Next, the importance of smart meter-based load forecasting is discussed along with the available approaches. Additionally, the merits of load forecasting conducted using a smart meter over a conventional meter are articulated in this paper.
Study on the Effect of Blockage Ratio on Maximum Smoke Temperature Rise in the Underground Interconnected Tunnel

The model-scale tunnel is used in this investigation to analyze the maximum smoke temperature rise of the interconnected tunnel for various longitudinal ventilation velocities, blockage ratios, and heat release rates where the fire is at the confluence of the underground interconnected tunnel. The results showed that the longitudinal ventilation velocities of both the ramp upstream of the fire source and the adjacent ramp influenced the maximum temperature rise under the underground interconnected tunnel, and the ventilation of both ramps jointly affected the maximum temperature rise. The change in the maximum temperature rise depends on who is more affected by the longitudinal ventilation velocity or the vehicle blockage ratio. As the longitudinal ventilation velocity in the interconnected tunnel increases, the convective heat transfer near the fire source increases, resulting in a decrease in the maximum temperature rise, and the effect of the blockage ratio on the maximum temperature rise is reduced. In this paper, a maximum temperature rise prediction model suitable for the case of blockage in the interconnected tunnel is proposed.
A Region-Based Statistical Shape Modeling on the First Trapezoid-Metacarpal

A statistical shape model (SSM) based analysis was conducted in our study. We indicated the morphological differences of the first trapezoid-metacarpal (TMC) bone between the region-based statistical shape model (rSSM) and the nonregion-based statistical shape model (nrSSM). We aimed to characterize more specific and accurate variation results to detect and prevent osteoarthritis in an early way. CT image data of TMC from 31 healthy volunteers were simulated with 3D models. A training set of models was analyzed with principal component analysis, with both then- rSSM and rSSM. The region was identified automatically with Gaussian curvature analysis. We found four dominant shape variations from both nrSSM and rSSM. The rSSM showed more variations with fewer components compared with nrSSM. The first principal component revealed the size variation as the biggest component. A significant difference was presented in the second and the fourth principal component from rSSM, showing the torsion of the distal head of the first metacarpal which may increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
New Physically Based Approach of Mass Conservation Correction in Level Set Formulation for Incompressible Two-Phase Flows

A novel physically based mass conservation model is developed in the framework of a level set method, as an alternative to the Heaviside function based formulation classically employed in the literature. In the proposed volume fraction based level set approach, expressions for volume fraction function for each interfacial computational cell are developed, and are subsequently correlated with the corresponding level set functions. The volume fraction function, derived from a physical basis, is found to be mathematically analogous to the Heaviside function, except for a one-dimensional case. Finally, transient evolution of a circular bubble in a developing shear flow and rising bubbles in a static fluid, are critically examined. The Cox angle and the deformation parameter characterizing the bubble evolution are critically examined
Novel Mutations in MPT64 Secretory Protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). These bacteria secrete various proteins involved in the pathogenesis and persistence of MTBC. Among the secretory proteins, MPT64 (Rv1980C) is highly conserved and is also known as a major culture filtrate that is used in rapid diagnosis of MTBC. In the current study, we aimed to find the mutation in this highly conserved protein in isolates from the Pashtun-dominant province of Pakistan. We analyzed 470 M. tuberculosis whole-genome sequences of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Mutations in the MPT64 gene were screened through TB-Profiler and BioEdit software tools. The DynaMut web server was used to analyze the impact of the mutation on protein dynamics and stability. Among 470 MTB genomes, three non-synonymous mutations were detected in nine isolates, and one synonymous mutation (G208A) was found in four isolates. Mutation G211T (F159L), which was detected at the C-terminal domain of the protein in six isolates, was the most prominent. The second novel mutation, T480C (I70V), was detected in two isolates at the C-terminal side of the protein structure. The third novel mutation, A491C (L66R), was detected in a single isolate at the N-terminal side of the MPT64 protein. The effect of these three mutations was destabilizing on the protein structure. The molecular flexibility of the first two mutations increased, and the last one decreased. MPT64 is a highly conserved secretory protein, harboring only a few mutations. This study provides useful information for better managing the diagnosis of MTB isolates in high TB-burden countries.
Numerical study of the effective surface area of obliquely deposited thin films

We have developed a three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulator for thin film growth and applied it to understand the morphologies of thin films prepared by dynamic oblique deposition with a special emphasis on an effective surface area. Columnar shapes zigzag, helix, and cylinder are successfully reproduced, and the packing density of simulated thin films agrees quantitatively with that obtained experimentally. The effective surface area is enhanced by oblique deposition owing to columnar formation and becomes maximum at a deposition angle of 70 °. On the contrary, no significant dependence of the effective surface area on the columnar shapes has been observed. Consequently, morphology-related quantities of obliquely deposited thin films such as the packing density and the effective surface area are understood in terms of the deposition angle and are insensitive to the motion of the azimuthal deposition direction.
Cyclic representations of the quantum matrix algebras

In this paper we give a complete classification of the minimal cyclic M q(n)-modules and construct them explicitly. Also, we give a complete classifica-tion of the minimal cyclic modules of the so-called Dipper-Donkin quantum matrix algebra as well as of two other natural quantized matrix algebras. In the last part of the paper we relate the results to the De Concini - Procesi conjecture.
Refractive index sensor based on fiber laser

A refractive index sensor based on the transient behavior of the fiber laser is presented. The refractive index was measured by monitoring the delay time of the lasing from the pump excitation time. High refractive index sensitivity of 10−6 can be obtained. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 916–918, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22318
Patterns of Prescribing Postoperative Analgesic Medication After Thyroid Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Mild-to-moderate postoperative pain is common after surgical procedures of the thyroid. Opioid analgesics have been commonly prescribed in such cases, but their use has been debated owing to concerns regarding the addictive nature of opioids. Recently, experts from the Endocrine Surgery Section of the American Head and Neck Society released a consensus document to limit the use of opioids as the first-line pain control medication after head and neck or endocrine procedures. However, differences in pain management prescriptions have been noted in many settings. This study aims to assess the post-thyroid surgery pain control medication prescription practices of head and neck and endocrine surgeons. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed the charts of 105 adult patients who underwent thyroid surgery (total thyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, or subtotal thyroidectomy) by head and neck or endocrine surgeons. The type of prescribed pain medication at hospital discharge postoperatively was then retrieved from each patient’s discharge medication list. Descriptive statistics mean, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages were computed, while the Chi-square test was applied to measure the significant differences among variables at a 5.00% significant level. Results An outpatient oral opioid, in the form combining paracetamol and codeine, was prescribed for 62 (59%) patients, whereas 43 (41%) were discharged on paracetamol only. Conclusion The use of opioids is the practice pattern for pain management among some head and neck or endocrine surgeons despite emerging evidence that supports the use of non-opioid and other alternative analgesic strategies in outpatient thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Further research and quality improvement interventions should be geared towards leading all health professionals to appropriate prescription practices to improve patient safety and reduce unnecessary opioid prescriptions.