Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BoxStacker: Deep Reinforcement Learning for 3D Bin Packing Problem in Virtual Environment of Logistics Systems

Manufacturing systems need to be resilient and self-organizing to adapt to unexpected disruptions, such as product changes or rapid order, in supply chain changes while increasing the automation level of robotized logistics processes to cope with the lack of human experts. Deep Reinforcement Learning is a potential solution to solve more complex problems by introducing artificial neural networks in Reinforcement Learning. In this paper, a game engine was used for Deep Reinforcement Learning training, which allows visualization of view learning and result processes more intuitively than other tools, as well as a physical engine for a more realistic problem-solving environment. The present research demonstrates that a Deep Reinforcement Learning model can effectively address the real-time sequential 3D bin packing problem by utilizing a game engine to visualize the environment. The results indicate that this approach holds promise for tackling complex logistical challenges in dynamic settings.
Competition on Inventory Availability and Price

Inventory availability has been widely recognized as an important leverage to enhance the competitive edge of a firm. We study the competition between two retailers who compete on both price and inventory availability. Competition on inventory availability may have important implications on firms’ strategies, which has been under-explored in the literature. We develop a game-theoretic framework that integrates the newsvendor and Hotelling models to investigate such competition between retailers. We analyze the strategic interactions among the retailers and customers, and draw the following insights. First, contrary to intuition, the retailers may charge a higher price under competition than in the monopoly setting. A high price signals high product availability, thus facilitating the retailer to attract more customers in the presence of competition. It is well acknowledged that monetary compensation and inventory commitment can mitigate strategic customer behavior and improve a monopoly retailer’s profit. In a competitive market, however, both monetary compensation and inventory availability would lead to a prisoner’s dilemma. Although these strategies are preferred regardless of the competitor’s price and inventory decisions, the equilibrium profit of each retailer could be lower in the presence of monetary compensation or inventory commitment because either strategy would intensify the competition between retailers. In contrast to the widely held belief that market competition improves customer surplus in general, it may hurt customers in our setting. This is because competition may drive the retailers to charge higher prices to signal inventory availability. We also show that monetary compensation and inventory commitment strategies provide incentives for customers to patronize the retailers, thus mitigating the customer surplus loss caused by competition.
“Rely (only) on the rigorous evidence” is bad advice

A popular interpretation of “evidence‐based” decision‐making is “rely (only) on the rigorous evidence” (RORE) via “systematic” reviews that: use objective protocols to generating the potentially relevant papers from the literature; then filter those to retain only the small subset that provide impact estimates regarded as “rigorous”; and summarize only those estimates. I use two sets of cross‐country impact estimates—on wage gains for migrants and private school learning gains—to illustrate this seemingly attractive approach is both empirically and conceptually unsound. First, the cross‐country variation in the rigorous estimates of impact is very large, which implies the average(s) from a systematic review is of little predictive use. In both empirical examples the “systematic review of the rigorous estimates” approach leads to worse predictions of impact across countries than the naïve use of country‐specific ordinary least squares estimates. Second, I contrast a systematic review—RORE approach with an “understanding” approach—which seeks to encompass all of the available evidence into coherent understandings in forming judgments. In both examples the notion that the impact effects are constant across countries—“external validity”—is easily rejected. Insisting on privileged reliance on “rigorous” estimates in making context‐specific decisions is logically incoherent and deeply anti‐scientific.
Substrate Stiffness of Bone Microenvironment Controls Functions of Pre-Osteoblasts and Fibroblasts In Vitro

The formation of bone in a bone defect is accomplished by osteoblasts, while the over activation of fibroblasts promotes fibrosis. However, it is not clear how the extracellular matrix stiffness of the bone-regeneration microenvironment affects the function of osteoblasts and fibroblasts. This study aim to investigate the effect of bone-regeneration microenvironment stiffness on cell adhesion, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, synthesizing matrix ability and its potential mechanisms in mechanotransduction, in pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts. Polyacrylamide substrates mimicking the matrix stiffness of different stages of the bone-healing process (15 kPa, mimic granulation tissue; 35 kPa, mimic osteoid; 150 kPa, mimic calcified bone matrix) were prepared. Mouse pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 and mouse fibroblasts NIH3T3 were plated on three types of substrates, respectively. There were significant differences in the adhesion of pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts on different polyacrylamide substrates. Runx2 expression increased with increasing substrate stiffness in pre-osteoblasts, while no statistical differences were found in the Acta2 expression in fibroblasts on three substrates. OPN expression in pre-osteoblasts, as well as Fn1 and Col1a1 expression in fibroblasts, decreased with increasing stiffness. The difference between the cell traction force generated by pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts on substrates was also found. Our results indicated that substrate stiffness is a potent regulator of pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts with the ability of promoting osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts, while having no effect on myofibroblast differentiation of fibroblasts.
Consistency of spatial patterns of the daily precipitation field in the western United States and its application to precipitation disaggregation

We investigate spatial patterns of daily precipitation field in the western United States, in order to improve assessment and disaggregation of climate model simulation. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis reveals that the spatial pattern of daily precipitation has not changed saliently in the region over the period 1948–2008. Results show that, even at very fine spatial (.25° × .25°) and temporal (daily) resolutions, a small number (∼15) of leading EOFs can explain about 90% of the total variance of the timeseries of the entire precipitation field, having more than 6,000 grid cells. Moreover, the identified leading EOFs demonstrate consistency over time and across different spatial resolutions. Utilizing this consistency, an empirical method of disaggregating the precipitation output of climate models in this region is introduced. Illustrative results exhibit the feasibility and potency of this method. The advantages and limitations of this method are discussed as well.
Comparative Analysis of miRNA Expression Profiles under Salt Stress in Wheat

Salt stress is one of the important environmental factors that inhibit the normal growth and development of plants. Plants have evolved various mechanisms, including signal transduction regulation, physiological regulation, and gene transcription regulation, to adapt to environmental stress. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in regulating mRNA expression. Nevertheless, miRNAs related to salt stress are rarely reported in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, using high−throughput sequencing, we analyzed the miRNA expression profile of wheat under salt stress. We identified 360 conserved and 859 novel miRNAs, of which 49 showed considerable changes in transcription levels after salt treatment. Among them, 25 were dramatically upregulated and 24 were downregulated. Using real−time quantitative PCR, we detected significant changes in the relative expression of miRNAs, and the results showed the same trend as the sequencing data. In the salt−treated group, miR109 had a higher expression level, while miR60 and miR202 had lower expression levels. Furthermore, 21 miRNAs with significant changes were selected from the differentially expressed miRNAs, and 1023 candidate target genes were obtained through the prediction of the website psRNATarget. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the candidate target genes showed that the expressed miRNA may be involved in the response to biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis confirmed their important functions in RNA degradation, metabolic pathways, synthesis pathways, peroxisome, environmental adaptation, global and overview maps, and stress adaptation and the MAPK signal pathway. These findings provide a basis for further exploring the function of miRNA in wheat salt tolerance.
On the generation of surface waves by shear flows. Part 4

The transfer of energy from wind to short surface waves through the viscous Reynolds stress in the immediate neighbourhood of the surface is explored. Resonance between the Tollmien-Schlichting waves for a given wind profile and the free-surface waves is shown to be an important possibility. Numerical results are given for water wave generation by a wind having a velocity profile that is linear in the neighbourhood of the surface and asymptotically logarithmic.
Development of the Platreef in the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex at Sandsloot, Mokopane District, South Africa

The Platreef is a Ni-Cu-PGE mineralised tabular body at the base of the Rustenburg Layered Suite in the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex. The reef lies unconformably on a footwall (floor) sequence of Transvaal Supergroup sedimentary rocks and Archaean granite/gneiss basement, and is overlain by a hangingwall (roof) of Main Zone gabbronorites. Structural relationships suggest that the Platreef was emplaced as a broadly horizontal sill-like sheet into the Transvaal Supergroup, but local variations in its thickness and path of intrusion were caused by pre-existing structures in the country rocks. As the Platreef cooled and was nearly crystallised, ductile deformation occurred, possibly as an episode in a longer event. Main Zone magma was emplaced above the deformed, nearly consolidated Platreef and eroded the uppermost portion, locally assimilating mineralised reef. The Main Zone magma also intruded into shear zones as thin dykes down through the Platreef and metasedimentary floor. Structural patterns around a prominent dome in the floor rocks suggest that regional deformation may still have been active when the earliest Main Zone layers were developing, but ceased by Upper Main Zone time. Other studies of the Platreef beyond Sandsloot have shown that its earliest Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation was orthomagmatic, largely preserved where the floor rocks are unreactive basement granite/gneiss. However, interaction between he Platreef magma and surrounding sedimentary rocks has produced different mineralogical associations and assemblages that were influenced by the local floor and roof rocks along the strike of the reef. At Sandsloot, the floor rocks are represented by reactive siliceous dolomites of the Malmani Subgroup. The Platreef magma caused contact metamorphism and metasomatism of the dolomites, releasing volatiles that entered the reef. These hydrothermal fluids stripped PGE from primary sulphides and redistributed the PGE within the reef and into the metasedimentary country rocks. In places, primary platinum group minerals were overprinted by lower-temperature species.
Multi-Sensor Fusion and Cooperative Perception for Autonomous Driving: A Review

Autonomous driving (AD), including single-vehicle intelligent AD and vehicle–infrastructure cooperative AD, has become a current research hot spot in academia and industry, and multi-sensor fusion is a fundamental task for AD system perception. However, the multi-sensor fusion process faces the problem of differences in the type and dimensionality of sensory data acquired using different sensors (cameras, lidar, millimeter-wave radar, and so on) as well as differences in the performance of environmental perception caused by using different fusion strategies. In this article, we study multiple papers on multi-sensor fusion in the field of AD and address the problem that the category division in current multi-sensor fusion perception is not detailed and clear enough and is more subjective, which makes the classification strategies differ significantly among similar algorithms. We innovatively propose a multi-sensor fusion taxonomy, which divides the fusion perception classification strategies into two categories—symmetric fusion and asymmetric fusion—and seven subcategories of strategy combinations, such as data, features, and results. In addition, the reliability of current AD perception is limited by its insufficient environment perception capability and the robustness of data-driven methods in dealing with extreme situations (e.g., blind areas). This article also summarizes the innovative applications of multi-sensor fusion classification strategies in AD cooperative perception.
Recent Advances in Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) Vaccines and Their Delivery Systems: A Review

Abstract Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was found as the intermediary that transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis in 1961. The emergency use authorization of the two covid-19 mRNA vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, is a significant achievement in the history of vaccine development. Because they are generated in a cell-free environment using the in vitro transcription (IVT) process, mRNA vaccines are risk-free. Moreover, chemical modifications to the mRNA molecule, such as cap structures and changed nucleosides, have proved critical in overcoming immunogenicity concerns, achieving sustained stability, and achieving effective, accurate protein production in vivo. Several vaccine delivery strategies (including protamine, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, nanoemulsions, and cell-based administration) were also optimized to load and transport RNA into the cytosol. LNPs, which are composed of a cationic or a pH-dependent ionizable lipid layer, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) component, phospholipids, and cholesterol, are the most advanced systems for delivering mRNA vaccines. Moreover, modifications of the four components that make up the LNPs showed to increase vaccine effectiveness and reduce side effects. Furthermore, the introduction of biodegradable lipids improved LNP biocompatibility. Furthermore, mRNA-based therapies are expected to be effective treatments for a variety of refractory conditions, including infectious diseases, metabolic genetic diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the present review aims to provide the scientific community with up-to-date information on mRNA vaccines and their delivery systems.
A Target-Oriented Bayesian Compressive Sensing Imaging Method With Region-Adaptive Extractor for mmW Automotive Radar

Millimeter-wave (mmW) automotive radar imaging technology has shown significant potential in autopilot assistance systems. The automotive radar with limited aperture can achieve high-resolution images by synthetic aperture technology. However, conventional imaging methods result in strong background clutter and high sidelobe interferences. To solve these problems, we propose a target-oriented Bayesian compressive sensing imaging method with region-adaptive extractor (TO-BCS-RAE) for mmW automotive radar imaging. First, to extract the potential target regions (PTRs) as well as subtract the background clutters outside the PTR in a high-resolution initial image (by synthetic aperture), a region-adaptive extractor (RAE) is developed by utilizing 2-D constant false alarm (CFAR), isolated-point removing, and imaging clustering. Meanwhile, a more accurate prior distribution of target scattering points can be obtained in the PTR. Then, to suppress the background clutters while enhancing the smooth structure of targets in the PTR, a target-oriented Bayesian compressive sensing (TO-BCS) imaging method is proposed by combining the prior probability distributions and inherent continuity of the target scattering points. It can also effectively reduce the high sidelobes. Finally, to verify the effectiveness of TO-BCS-RAE, we conduct experiments on real data collected from an automotive radar with a vehicle platform in three typical driving scenarios. Both simulated and experimental results show the imaging quality of the proposed imaging method over conventional backprojection (BP), orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP), and iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (ISTA) methods.
Singlet-assisted diffusion-NMR (SAD-NMR): extending the scope of diffusion tensor imaging via singlet NMR

In this study, long-lived nuclear singlet order methods are combined with diffusion tensor imaging with the purpose of characterizing the full diffusion tensor of molecules diffusing freely in large pores of up to a millimeter in size. Such sizes are out of reach in conventional diffusion tensor imaging because of the limitations imposed by the relaxation decay constant of the longitudinal magnetization. A singlet-assisted diffusion tensor imaging methodology able to circumvent such limitations is discussed, and the new possibilities that it offers are demonstrated through simulation and experiments on plastic phantoms containing cylindrical channels of 1 mm in diameter.
Testing Fiscal Sustainability in Bosnia And Herzegovina

Considering contemporary economic trends and the importance of fiscal policy instruments for ensuring macroeconomic stability, the research focuses on fiscal sustainability. Accordingly, special attention is paid to the empirical approach to fiscal sustainability, where the central question in considering the long-term sustainability of public finances is the concept of intertemporal budget constraint. The potential cointegrating relationships between public revenues and public expenditures, which represent the basic condition for fiscal sustainability, were tested on the example of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Testing the cointegration of time series was performed using the Engle-Granger two-step procedure and then using the Johansen procedure based on the VAR model. Finally, based on the above, the results of the fiscal sustainability analysis of Bosnia and Herzegovina were summarized, which are relevant for defining macro-fiscal goals and development-oriented policies.
Detection of adulteration and identification of cat's, dog's, donkey's and horse's meat using species-specific PCR and PCR-RFLP techniques.

PCR and PCR-RFLP methods for identification of cat's, dog's, donkey's and horse's meat were developed. DNA from a very small amount of muscles (0.05 g) was extracted to amplify species-specific DNA sequences in cat, dog and horse, in addition to mitochondrial D NA segment (cytochrome-b gene) in both donkey and horse. PCR product size of the species-specific region was 672-, 808- and 221-bp in cat, dog and horse, respectively. Using the same horse-specific primer, the same PCR amplification size (221-bp) in donkey was obtained. For discrimination between donkey's and horse's meat, the mitochondrial DNA segment (cytochrome-b gene) was amplified. Restriction analysis of PCR-RFLP of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b segment (359- bp) showed difference between donkey's and horse's meat. Where, restriction enzyme AluI yielded three fragments in horse's meat; 189-, 96- and 74-bp, whereas no fragments were obtained in donkey's meat. The use of these species-specific primers allowed a direct and rapid identification and detection of adulteration of cat's, dog's, donkey's and horse's meat even after homogenizing.
EH Cognitive Network With NOMA: Perspective on Impact of Passive and Active Eavesdropping

This article investigates physical-layer security (PLS) for an energy-harvesting cognitive network with nonorthogonal multiple access (EHCN-NOMA), where a cognitive base station (CBS) communicates with two cognitive users named cognitive near user (CNU) and cognitive far user (CFU) by adopting the NOMA principle under an active or passive eavesdropper (Eve) attack. By means of energy harvesters, the CBS collects the radio frequency energy from the primary source (PS) by a time-switching protocol; meanwhile, the cognitive transmit power is limited by the interference threshold of primary destination (PD) to guarantee the Quality of Service (QoS) of primary transmissions. To evaluate the impact of active and/or passive eavesdroppings on system performance, we derive closed-form expressions in terms of outage probabilities (OPs), intercept probabilities (IPs), as well as effective secrecy throughputs (ESTs). The numerical results verify the correctness of our theoretical derivations and confirm that there exists a tradeoff between security and reliability for the EHCN-NOMA transmissions. Moreover, the EST improvement depends on the competition between security and reliability. Furthermore, the maximum EST performance can be achieved for both eavesdropping scenarios by adjusting the time allocation between that of the energy transfer phase and the information transmission phase.
Testicular decompression and tunica vaginalis flap in human acute testicular torsion: modified step-by-step technique description and preliminary outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective To report the effects of a tunica vagina flap on testicular compartment syndrome. Methods This single-arm clinical trial was conducted from September 2020 to October 2021. Consecutive patients with suspected testicular torsion within 24 hours of pain onset were included. Patients with past testicular torsion, bilateral torsion, or previous atrophy were excluded. The tunica vaginalis was opened, and the intratesticular pressure was measured before testicular retrieval from the scrotum and detorsion (P1), after detorsion (P2), and after transverse incision (P3). A tunica vaginalis flap was performed and a new intratesticular pressure was recorded (P4). The contralateral testicular pressure was recorded before fixation (Pc). The minimum follow-up period was 6 months. Results Fifteen patients were recruited from September 2020 to October 2021. Nine patients completed the follow-up. The median age (range) was 15 years (9-19). The mean P1, P2, P3, P4, and Pc (range) were 43, 60, 23, 20, and 14mmHg, respectively. The atrophy rate was 66.3% and the viability was 88.9%. No major complications were observed. Conclusion The modified tunica vaginalis flap in acute testicular torsion decreased intratesticular pressure. Furthermore, normal testicular pressure can improve testicular preservation. It can also decrease testicular pressure to normal levels and preserve the testicular parenchyma.