Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient Job Offloading in Heterogeneous Systems Through Hardware-Assisted Packet-Based Dispatching and User-Level Runtime Infrastructure

Emerging heterogeneous systems architectures increasingly integrate general-purpose processors, GPUs, and other specialized computational units to provide both power and performance benefits. While the motivations for developing systems with accelerators are clear, it is important to design efficient dispatching mechanisms in terms of performance and energy while leveraging programmability and orchestration of the diverse computational components. In this paper, we present an infrastructure composed of a hardware, general, packet-based processing-dispatching unit, named generic packet processing unit (GPPU), and of an associated runtime that facilitates user-level access to GPPU objects, such as packets, queues, and contexts. Hence, we remove drawbacks of traditional costly user-to-kernel-level operations, low-level accelerator subtleties that hinder programming productivity, along with architectural obstacles such as handling accelerators’ unified virtual address space. We present the design and evaluation of our framework by integrating the GPPU infrastructure with data streaming type accelerators, image filtering, and matrix multiplication, tightly coupled to ARMv8 architecture via unified virtual memory. Under scaling workload our proposed dispatching methods can deliver $3.7{\times }$ performance improvement over baseline offloading, and up to $4.7{\times }$ better energy efficiency.
Sandwich ELISA for the Quantification of Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Based on Polyclonal Antibodies from Two Different Species

In this study, a cost-effective sandwich ELISA test, based on polyclonal antibodies, for routine quantification SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein was developed. The recombinant N protein was produced and used for the production of mice and rabbit antisera. Polyclonal N protein-specific antibodies served as capture and detection antibodies. The prototype ELISA has LOD 0.93 ng/mL and LOQ 5.3 ng/mL, with a linear range of 1.52–48.83 ng/mL. N protein heat pretreatment (56 °C, 1 h) decreased, while pretreatment with 1% Triton X-100 increased analytical ELISA sensitivity. The diagnostic specificity of ELISA was 100% (95% CI, 91.19–100.00%) and sensitivity was 52.94% (95% CI, 35.13–70.22%) compared to rtRT-PCR (Ct < 40). Profoundly higher sensitivity was obtained using patient samples mostly containing Wuhan-similar variants (Wuhan, alpha, and delta), 62.50% (95% CI, 40.59 to 81.20%), in comparison to samples mostly containing Wuhan-distant variants (Omicron) 30.00% (6.67–65.25%). The developed product has relatively high diagnostic sensitivity in relation to its analytical sensitivity due to the usage of polyclonal antibodies from two species, providing a wide repertoire of antibodies against multiple N protein epitopes. Moreover, the fast, simple, and inexpensive production of polyclonal antibodies, as the most expensive assay components, would result in affordable antigen tests.
The Determinants of Hysteresis in Unemployment: Evidence from Tunisia Estimate

This research examines the determinants of the unemployment rate in Tunisia. Unemployment hysteresis is a macroeconomic problem. The empirical methodology relies on the "ARDL" autoregressive distributed lag approach and shows that there is a hysteresis phenomenon from 1987 to 2021. The study showed that there is a long-term relationship between the different variables. The results suggest that a reduction in Tunisia’s inflation, interest rates and consumer price index would be favorable to a reduction in the unemployment rate.
New approach to vehicle license plate location based on new model YOLO-L and plate pre-identification

Currently, the conventional license plate location method fails to detect the license plate under complex road environments such as severe weather conditions and viewpoint changes. Besides, it is difficult for license plate location method based on machine learning to precisely locate the area of license plate. Moreover, license plate location method may incorrectly detect similar objects such as billboards and road signs as license plates. To alleviate these problems, this article proposes a new approach to vehicle license plate location based on new model YOLO-L and plate pre-identification. The new model improves in two aspects to precisely locate the area of license plate. First, it uses k-means++ clustering algorithm to select the best number and size of plate candidate boxes. Second, it modifies the structure and depth of YOLOv2 model. Plate pre-identification algorithm can effectively distinguish license plates from similar objects. The experimental results show that authors' proposed method not only achieves a precision of 98.86% and a recall of 98.86%, which outperforms the existing methods, but also has high efficiency in real time.
Studying the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of ZnO: SnO2 Thin Films as an Application of a Gas Sensor Using Vacuum Thermal Evaporation Technique

In this work, thermal evaporation in vacuum technique was used to prepare the ZnO thin films as pure and doped with SnO2 NPs on glass substrates. The XRD pattern showed the hexagonal structure of ZnO with (002) preferred orientation. The EDX technique was used to investigate the contents of the film elements prepared which consisted of Zn, Sn and O. The concentration of Zn, O and Sn in the nanostructure films was different for all doping ratios. Thickness and morphology surface of the films were calculated from cross section of the surface films (~144 nm) using scanning electron microscopy images. The FE-SEM images confirmed the ZnO nanostructures and modifications of the morphology when adding SnO2. The pure film deposited was dense and structured; while ZnO: SnO2 (1,5 % wt) was a nanostructure. The optical band gap and Transmittance increased with the increase in the doping ratio of SnO2, while the absorption spectrum decreased for the prepared thin films. The prepared films showed different responses to the gas sensing at two different operating temperatures (100, 200 ºC) and the doping ratio increased the sensor value of the gas at an optimum temperature of (200 ºC).
Prognostic role of discordance between quantitative flow ratio and visual estimation in revascularization guidance

Abstract Aims Revascularization guided by functional severity has presented improved outcomes compared with visual angiographic guidance. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a reliable angiography-based method for functional assessment. We sought to investigate the prognostic value of discordance between QFR and visual estimation in coronary revascularization guidance. Methods and results We performed offline QFR analysis on all-comers undergoing coronary angiography. Vessels with calculated QFR were divided into four groups based on the decision to perform or defer percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and on the QFR result, i.e.: Group A (PCI−, QFR > 0.8); Group B (PCI+, QFR ≤ 0.8); Group C (PCI+, QFR > 0.8); Group D (PCI−, QFR ≤ 0.8). Patients with at least one vessel falling within the disagreement groups formed the discordance group, whereas the remaining patients formed the concordance group. The primary endpoint was the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischaemia-driven revascularization. Overall, 546 patients were included in the study. Discordance between QFR and visual estimation was found in 26.2% of patients. After a median follow-up period of 2.5 years, the discordance group had a significantly higher rate of the composite outcome (hazard ratio: 3.34, 95% confidence interval 1.99–5.60, P < 0.001). Both disagreement vessel Groups C and D were associated with increased cardiovascular risk compared with agreement Groups A and B. Conclusion Discordance between QFR and visual estimation in revascularization guidance was associated with a worse long-term prognosis. Our results highlight the importance of proper patient selection for intervention and the need to avoid improper stent implantations when not dictated by a comprehensive functional assessment.
A Neutral Point Balancing and Voltage Error Compensation Approach for Fault-Tolerant 3-Level Inverters

Neutral point clamped inverters, such as NPC, ANPC, or T-Type inverters, have emerged as competitive solutions for specific automotive traction applications due to the increase in DC-link voltage levels up to <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$800 \,\mathrm{V}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Besides improved harmonic performance, certain 3-level inverter structures can provide a reconfigured failure mode operation in case of a semiconductor failure by applying a permanent neutral point connection in the faulty phase leg. This feature is a vital factor in the design of traction inverters, particularly in the context of fault-tolerant autonomous vehicles. During failure mode operation, none of the neutral point balancing techniques found in current literature are practical. Addressing this issue is crucial since the neutral point stress is high in this mode of operation. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of stationary and dynamic neutral point voltage deviations on the motor flux in electric machines and offers a compensatory strategy for these errors. Furthermore, a new neutral point control method is presented that balances stationary neutral point voltage deviations by using a phase angle dependent voltage shift in the <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha / \beta$</tex-math></inline-formula>-plane. All proposed strategies are first discussed theoretically and then verified by simulation and measurements on an <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$800 \,\mathrm{V}$</tex-math></inline-formula> IPMSM machine test bench.
Non-invasive methods for in situ assessing and monitoring of the vulnerability of rock art monuments

Rock art monuments provide a link to our ancient cultural pasts, they possess seeming permanence but are sensitive to their environment. The increasing emphasis on non-destructive testing and demand for thorough characterisation of cultural heritage material in situ requires the development of advanced diagnostic methods, providing the motivation for this work on the application of optical coherence tomography, hyperspectral imaging and nuclear magnetic resonance to rock art panels. Optical coherence tomography is shown to be an effective method to determine the grain size distribution and hydraulic conductivity of historic sandstone in situ. Studies were performed on historic sandstone headstones to demonstrate the relationship between the hydraulic conductivity of sandstone and the type and severity of weathering features present. A study of rock art panels in situ is given, to characterise the host rock and provide quantitative assessment of the vulnerability of the panels to weathering processes. The relative impact of natural weathering and anthropogenic damage is shown and a comparison between the characteristic of a proxy sample and the rock art panel itself is provided to highlight the importance of non-destructive in-situ methods for the monitoring and assessing of the vulnerability of rock art monuments. Hyperspectral imaging is demonstrated as an effective technique to determine the presence of moisture in stone, while nuclear magnetic resonance measurements show limitations for use in situ in open air locations.
Survey of a World War II Derelict Minefield with the Fluorescence Imaging Laser Line Scan Sensor

Abstract : LONG TERM GOALS. This short-term project supports the long-term goals of the Coastal Benthic Optical Properties Fluorescence Laser Line Scan Sensor (CoBOP/FILLS) project (Award #N001499WX30131) summarized in its report. Specifically, the long-term goal is to extend MCM capabilities into highly cluttered environments. The primary sensor technology currently employed to detect and classify mines is acoustics. Sonars perform this mission admirably in acoustically benign environments. However, their performance degrades rapidly in cluttered environments. Our prototype Fluorescence Imaging Laser Line Scan (FILLS) sensor[1,2,3,4,5] has demonstrated that fluorescence imagery provides strong signatures which may be used to separate clutter from mines. The images above show the red, green, and yellow fluorescence channel images (along with a pseudocolor representation of these three fluorescence channels) of mine like objects (MLOs) in a coral reef. It can be expected that sonars would have great difficulty in this environment. On the other hand, the FILLS signatures of the MLOs exhibit a clear and distinct contrast from the background. Specifically, the MLOs present a near-zero FILLS signature in the red and yellow fluorescence channels, while the background sediments and coral present much stronger signatures in these channels. These contrasting signatures may be exploited to rapidly detect and classify MLOs in highly cluttered environments. By so doing, this technology has the potential to extend MCM capabilities into highly cluttered environments.
AC Loss Calculation of Racetrack-Shaped HTS-Excitation Magnet for Electrical Machine Considering End Part

Racetrack-shaped high-temperature-superconducting (HTS) coated-conductor (CC) magnets are potentially used in HTS electrical machines. In order to accurately calculate the AC loss of this kind of HTS magnets to facilitate the machine design for estimating the cooling power and cost, a three-dimensional (3-D) numerical modeling method based on the T-A formula is proposed in this paper. The key is to establish different coordinate systems for different parts of the racetrack-shaped magnet, thus comprehensively analyzing the AC loss characteristics of the whole magnet. By comparing with the widely used 2-D T-A formula model, the validity of the proposed method is verified.
Evaluating the Significance of Forensic Accounting in Fraud Detection in the Indian Banking Sector: A Systematic Literature Review

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of forensic accounting in fraud detection and investigating the fraudulent practices in the Indian Banking sector Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper review studies conducted on forensic accounting in Indian banking sector to explore the suitability of the same in detection of the occurrences of fraud and investigation of fraudulent practices in the Indian Banking Sector. Findings:The need to identify and stop financial fraud has never been greater. Even though regulatory agencies like SEBI and RBI attempted to cut down on fraud, their results were unfavourable. Fraudsters nowadays are sophisticated and technologically adept and use novel techniques to commit their crimes. Furthermore, the study highlights Fraud in the Indian Banking Industry. Lastly, the study highlights the Role of Big Data in Influence Practitioners to Use Forensic Accounting for Fraud. Research limitation/implication: Corporate leaders are ready to avoid committing financial fraud despite pressure from investors, government securities regulators, and exogenous market swings, according to the study's key premise that fraud may be reduced by proactive and intentional action by auditors. Theoretical implication: Forensic accounting requires knowledge of large data, and should be included in courses for both undergraduate and graduate students. Practical implication: Forensic accounting is a viable method for exposing bank fraud in India, but more focus should be given to fraud instances where forensic accountants haven't paid attention. Orginality/value: From published literature, it is evident that there is dearth of studies conducted on forensic accounting and detection of frauds in the Indian Banking Sector. The review paper is a holistic study that focuses on forensic accounting, its suitability in uncovering frauds in Indian Banking sector.
The Impact of Blood Morphological Parameters on Treatment Outcomes in Tennis Elbow Patients Receiving Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A Prospective Study

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy holds substantial promise for the treatment of tennis elbow, a complex and challenging musculoskeletal condition. The aim of the study was to assess whether there are correlations between the levels of individual morphotic elements determined in whole blood and the outcomes of tennis elbow treatment with PRP injection, as measured using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QDASH), and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE). A prospective analysis was conducted on 107 patients (132 elbows) undergoing lateral epicondylitis treatment with (PRP) injections. Patients completed VAS, PRTEE, and QDASH questionnaires on the day of PRP administration and at established checkpoints (2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 52, and 104 weeks). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was employed to assess the treatment effects. Then, correlations were measured within each PROM, and the impact of the concentration of individual blood parameters on the MCID outcomes was assessed. Analyzing the relationships between the MCID+ and MCID− groups, significant correlations for the VAS and QDASH scales were observed. The level of individual morphotic elements in the blood may have influenced the treatment outcome, as measured using specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Regarding the VAS scale, factors favoring a positive treatment outcome included higher values of eosinophils (EOS) and basophils (BASO). For the QDASH scale, these factors were a lower value of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and a higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). The levels of certain blood parameters, such as EOS and BASO, in the current study influenced the classification of patients into MCID+ or MCID− groups, based on the VAS and QDASH scales.
Technical and Clinical Outcomes of Laparoscopic–Laparotomic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Thermal Ablation with Microwave Technology: Case Series and Review of Literature

Simple Summary Although the percutaneous approach has always been the standard to ablate hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), both intraoperative laparoscopic and laparotomic approaches have recently demonstrated viability in patients unfit for hepatic resection or percutaneous ablation. Most published papers are based on radiofrequency technology performed with a laparoscopic approach, and the literature lacks up-to-date data on laparotomic microwave ablations. This study discusses the efficacy and safety of intraoperative ablation of HCC with state-of-the-art microwave technology in both laparoscopic and laparotomic fashions, demonstrating high clinical success rates and rare complications for intraoperative HCC ablation unsuitable for a percutaneous treatment, strengthening its performance with microwave technology. Moreover, for the first time in literature, both laparoscopic and laparotomic fashions are reported altogether. Abstract Purpose: To evaluate technical and clinical outcomes of intraoperative (laparoscopic/laparotomic) microwave ablation on HCC. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study evaluating consecutive patients treated for very early/early-stage HCC with intraoperative microwave ablation from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2023. In these patients, a percutaneous US-guided approach was excluded due to the nodule’s suboptimal visibility or harmful location and liver resection for a deep position or adherences. Data about the clinical stage, surgical approach, liver pathology and nodules characteristics, technical success, complications, and follow-up were collected. Technical success was intended as the absence of locoregional persistence at follow-up CT/MRI controls. Results: A total of 36 cirrhotic patients (M:F = 30:6, median age 67 years) were enrolled; 18/36 (50%) had a single nodule, 13/36 (36%) had two, 4/36 had three (11%), and 1/36 had four (3%). Among the patients, 24 (67%) were treated with laparoscopy, and 12/36 (33%) with a laparotomic approach. Sixty HCCs of 16.5 mm (6–50 mm) were treated for 7 min (2–30 min) with 100 W of power. A total of 55 nodules (92%) were treated successfully and showed no residual enhancement at the first postoperative follow-up; the other 5/60 (8%) underwent chemo/radioembolization. There was one complication (3%): a biliary fistula treated with percutaneous drainage and glue embolization. The average hospital stay was 3.5 days (1–51 days), and patients were followed up on average for 238 days (13–1792 days). During follow-up, 5/36 patients (14%) underwent liver transplantation, 1/36 (2%) died during hospitalization and 1 after discharge. Conclusions: Laparoscopic/laparotomic intraoperative HCC MW ablation is feasible in patients unsuitable for percutaneous approach or hepatic resection, with rare complications and with good technical and clinical outcomes.
Noninvasive, Intelligent Blood Glucose Monitoring on Fingertip Using Dual-Band Fusion and LSTM-R Network

Noninvasive, painless, and continuous monitoring sensing systems are needed to enhance the life quality of the diabetic. In this article, two finger-sized ultrawideband (UWB) antennas are used as detectors of blood glucose level (BGL) sensing system. A dual-band fusion strategy and an improved long short-term memory (LSTM-R) are introduced based on the UWB microwave technique, to overcome the negative effects of antenna miniaturization. The proposed composite end-to-end framework can achieve the high accuracy and robustness of BGL prediction. The safety and reliability of the proposed microwave-based sensor were verified by simulation and experiment. The reported sensing system is validated on the medium under tests (MUT) with different glucose (GO) solutions and human trials. For the measurement of MUT, the testing results achieve a root-mean-squared error (RMSE) of 4.2367 mg/dL and a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 2.79%. During human trials, the noninvasive estimation results obtain a low MARD of 5.9% and fall 100% into the clinically acceptable zones by the Clark error grid analysis.
Hydrological and hydraulic modelling applied to the mapping of flood-prone areas

Overbank flooding caused by historically high flows, such as that in the Rio Mundau watershed (lying between the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco) in 2010, has been the cause of widespread damage. The purpose of work described in this paper was to propose a mapping of areas liable to flooding in the township of Rio Largo (Alagoas) in the Rio Mundau watershed by means of an “off-line” coupling of the hydrological/hydraulic models (MGB-IPH/HEC-RAS), through consideration of extreme floods with different return periods for discharge. The hydrological model had a parameterization appropriate for extreme floods, using as input rainfall data with different return periods. Calibration and validation of the hydrological model were adequate in drainage areas larger than 1500 km2, but were less acceptable in headwater drainage areas where different geology and soil cover gave rise to surface runoff. The hydraulic model showed good agreement with point observations of flood levels in 2010 in both rural and urban areas along the water-course (R2 = 0.99; RMSE = 1.41 m and CV (RMSE) = 0.04). In urban areas distant from the river, however, flood levels were over-estimated, indicating a need to use more detailed Digital Elevation Models. Flood events with return period greater than 50 years have the potential to cause great damage (floods exceeding 0.46 km2 in the urban area). The study showed that the use of coupled models was a viable approach for mapping areas liable to flooding, when it is not possible to analyse local flow frequencies in support of a hydraulic model.