Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research on Control Strategy of Traction Control for Four Wheel Drive Vehicle

In order to improve the performance of four wheel driver vehicle, structural characteristics of inter-axle torque distribution with planetary gear are analyzed, and a dynamic model of four wheel drive vehicle is established. A synthetic control strategy was proposed to achieve the engine throttle control, inter-axle torque distribution control and drive wheel brake control. Traction control system based on fuzzy logic control is designed. The simulation of traction control on split-µ road and low-µ road are carried out. The results show that, the traction control system for four wheel drive vehicle based on fuzzy control can prevent excessive slip of driving wheels, and vehicle traction property and dynamic performance are improved obviously.
Parameters Estimation and Dynamics Control of Chay Model Using UKF

This paper describes a control framework that uses UKF to estimate unknown parameters, which has significant physiological functions in neuron model, from heavily noisecorrupted time series of active potential and choose the estimated parameters as control vector enables the control purposes of firing patterns transition. We apply this control strategy to the firing patterns from chaotic spiking to periodic one in the Chay model. It has been demonstrated that this framework is highefficiency and wide potential applications to various system in biology.
Antibiotic treatment in childhood community-acquired pneumonia – clinical practice versus guidelines: results from two university hospitals

Background and aims Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a both common and serious childhood infection. Antibiotic treatment guidelines help to reduce inadequate antibiotics prescriptions. Methods We conducted a retrospective study at the Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 3rd Pediatric Clinic, Cluj-Napoca and Dr. Gavril Curteanu Clinical City Hospital, in Oradea. All patients discharged with a diagnosis of CAP between December 1, 2014 and February 28, 2015, were included in the study. Results There were 146 cases discharged with pneumonia in Cluj-Napoca center (mean age 4 years; range: 1 month – 16 years), and 212 cases in Oradea center (mean age 0.9 years; range: 2 weeks – 8 years). All cases were analyzed. The analysis made in Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 3rd Pediatric Clinic, Cluj-Napoca, showed that the antibiotics used in children hospitalized with community-acquired CAP are cefuroxime (43%), ceftriaxone (23%), macrolides (16%), ampicillin in association with an aminoglycoside (6%) and other antibiotics. The same antibiotics were used in Dr. Gavril Curteanu Clinical City Hospital of Oradea, where ampicillin in association with aminoglycoside was utilized in younger children (mean age 1.3 years), while ceftriaxone in older children (5.7 years) and children with high inflammation markers (ESR, CRP). From 11 pleurisy cases, 9 received cefuroxime or ceftriaxone. Conclusions There was a wide variability in CAP antibiotic treatment across university hospitals, regarding antibiotic choice and dosing. Antibiotic selection was not always related to the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patient. The national guideline was not followed, especially in children aged one to three months.
Fast Identification of Blocked RFID Tags

The widely used RFID systems are vulnerable to the denial-of-service (DoS) attacks launched by malicious blocker tags. This paper studies how to quickly and completely identify the valid RFID tags that are blocked. The existing work that can seemingly address this problem suffers from either low time-efficiency or serious false positives. This paper proposes a hybrid approach that consists of two complementary component protocols, namely Aloha Filtering (AF) and Poll&Listen (PL). AF is fast but inaccurate, while PL is accurate but slow. Taking the merit of each protocol, our hybrid approach is to first repeat the fast AF for multiple rounds to quickly filter out the target tags that are definitely not blocked. Then, on the size-reduced remaining set that just contains a small number of suspicious tags, we invoke the accurate PL to verify the intactness of each suspicious tag with 100 percent confidence. We optimize the round count of AF that trades off between the time costs of AF and PL to minimize the total time of AF+PL. As required in the optimization process, we need to know the size of the blocked tag set and that of the unknown tag set, which, however, are not known in advance. To estimate these two set sizes, we propose a supplementary protocol called Simultaneous Estimation of the Blocked tag size and the Unknown tag size (SEBU). The key advantages of our approach over the prior art are four-fold. First, unlike the detection protocol that just discovers the existence of blocking attacks, our approach exactly identifies all the blocked target tags. Second, our approach is compliant with the C1G2 standard, and does not require any modifications to be made to the commercial RFID tags. It only needs to be installed on readers as a software module. Third, our approach does not involve any false positives. Finally, our approach significantly reduces the execution time when compared with the state-of-the-art schemes that can completely identify the blocked tags.
The potential use of urine cell free DNA as a marker for cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although the role of circulating cell free DNA in cancer has been widely demonstrated, less is known about the role of urine cell free DNA (UcfDNA). UcfDNA can serve as a ‘liquid biopsy’ for urological and non-urological tumors, as it carries information on DNA from cells exfoliated in urine and from circulation. Areas covered: We review the studies on UcfDNA as a source of biomarkers for cancer, focusing on the new techniques and the differences between urological and non-urological tumors. We searched Pubmed for articles published between 1998 and 2016 with the following key words and phrases: ‘urine’ and ‘cell free DNA’ or ‘liquid biopsy’ or ‘cancer’. Expert commentary: Despite the few papers published on this topic, UcfDNA is an important component of ‘liquid biopsy’, a useful and non-invasive tool for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment monitoring, containing a wide range of genetic information.
Right service, right place: optimising utilisation of a community nursing service to reduce planned re-presentations to the emergency department

Background Congruent with international rising emergency department (ED) demand, a focus on strategies and services to reduce burden on EDs and improve patient outcomes is necessary. Planned re-presentations of non-urgent patients at a regional Australian hospital exceeded 1200 visits during the 2013–2014 financial year. Planned re-presentations perpetuate demand and signify a lack of alternative services for non-urgent patients. The Community Nursing Enhanced Connections Service (CoNECS) collaboratively evolved between acute care and community services in 2014 to reduce planned ED re-presentations. Objective This study aimed to investigate the evolution and impact of a community nursing service to reduce planned re-presentations to a regional Australian ED and identify enablers and barriers to interventionist effectiveness. Methods A mixed-methods approach evaluated the impact of CoNECS. Data from hospital databases including measured numbers of planned ED re-presentations by month, time of day, age, gender and reason were used to calculate referral rates to CoNECS. These results informed two semistructured focus groups with ED and community nurses. The researchers used a theoretical lens, ‘diffusion of innovation’, to understand how this service could inform future interventions. Results Analyses showed that annual ED planned re-presentations decreased by 43% (527 presentations) after implementation. Three themes emerged from the focus groups. These were right service at the right time, nursing uncertainty and system disconnect and medical disengagement. Conclusions CoNECS reduced overall ED planned re-presentations and was sustained longer than many complex service-level interventions. Factors supporting the service were endorsement from senior administration and strong leadership to drive responsive quality improvement strategies. This study identified a promising alternative service outside the ED, highlighting possibilities for other hospital emergency services aiming to reduce planned re-presentations.
Utility of the cervical cytologic smear in assessing endocervical involvement by endometrial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the possible contribution of cervical cytology in the identification of high-risk endometrial cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study of 61 patients who had a preoperative cervical cytologic smear and hysterectomy at our institution for endometrial carcinoma. The smear and endocervical curetting (ECC) results were compared with the status of the endocervix in the hysterectomy specimens. RESULTS Two patterns of malignant endometrial cells were identified in the 25 positive smears: (1) a sloughing pattern, which was the classic rounded cell pattern associated with the exfoliation of endometrial cancer cells, and (2) an abraded pattern in which the cancer cells were present as loosely cohesive, sheetlike groups that retained the original cell shape. This pattern was associated with endocervical involvement by endometrial cancer and overlapped with the criteria for primary cervical adenocarcinoma. Using the histologic status of the endocervix in the hysterectomy specimen as the standard, cervical cytology compared favorably with ECC in predicting the status of the endocervix. Pitfalls included bulky or polypoid lesions that abutted the endocervical canal and smears taken when the endometrium was sloughing. Reactive endocervical cells presented diagnostic dilemmas in patients who had had endometrial sampling prior to the smear. When restricted to cases in which the smear preceded endometrial sampling, the smear was superior to ECC in predicting endocervical involvement. CONCLUSION These results suggest that preoperative smears may be valuable in assessing cervical involvement by endometrial carcinoma. It is recommended that a smear be performed as an initial procedure in any woman with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Association between two common transitions of H2BFWT gene and male infertility: a case–control, meta, and structural analysis

H2BFWT is one of the testis‐specific histones that plays a fundamental role in spermatogenesis, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this gene may result in male infertility. This study aimed to investigate the association between −9C>T and 368A>G transitions of H2BFWT gene and male infertility through a case–control, meta‐analysis, and a bioinformatics approach. In this case–control study, 490 subjects including 240 idiopathic infertile men and 250 healthy controls were included. The −9C>T and 368A>G SNPs genotyping were performed by a PCR–RFLP method. To find eligible studies for meta‐analysis, we searched valid scientific databases. The odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated to find the strength of these associations. Furthermore, the influences of two common transitions on the molecular features of H2BFWT were assessed by in silico tools. Our case–control data revealed that −9C>T is not associated with male infertility. But, there was a significant association between 368A>G and male infertility. In the meta‐analysis, five eligible studies were included. Our data revealed significant associations between −9C>T, 368A>G, and male infertility in overall and stratified analyses. Moreover, structural analysis showed that 368A>G could affect the protein structure (SNAP prediction: non‐neutral, score: 42, expected accuracy: 71%; SIFT prediction: deleterious, score: −2.55), while −9C>T may affect the binding nucleotide in the promoter region. Based on these findings, two aforementioned polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of male infertility. However, studies with larger sample size and different ethnicities are needed to obtain more accurate conclusions.
New Scientific Contribution on the 2-D Subdomain Technique in Polar Coordinates: Taking into Account of Iron Parts

The most signiﬁcant assumptions in the subdomain technique (i.e., based on the formal resolution of Maxwell’s equations applied in subdomain) is deﬁned by: Theiron parts(i.e.,theteeth and the back-iron are considered to be inﬁnitely permeable, i.e., µiron → +∞, so that the saturation effect is neglected. In this paper, the authors present a new scientiﬁc contribution on improving of this method in two-dimensional (2-D) and in Cartesian coordinates by focusing on the consideration of iron. The subdomains connection is carried out in the two directions (i.e., x-andy-edges). Forexample,the improvement was performed by solving magnetostatic Maxwell’s equations for an air- or iron-cored coil supplied by a direct current. To evaluate the efﬁcacy of the proposed technique, the magnetic ﬂux density distributions have been compared with those obtained by the 2-D ﬁnite-element analysis (FEA). The semi-analytical results are in quite satisfying agreement with those obtained by the 2-D FEA, considering both amplitude and waveform.
Traffic Command Gesture Recognition for Virtual Urban Scenes Based on a Spatiotemporal Convolution Neural Network

Intelligent recognition of traffic police command gestures increases authenticity and interactivity in virtual urban scenes. To actualize real-time traffic gesture recognition, a novel spatiotemporal convolution neural network (ST-CNN) model is presented. We utilized Kinect 2.0 to construct a traffic police command gesture skeleton (TPCGS) dataset collected from 10 volunteers. Subsequently, convolution operations on the locational change of each skeletal point were performed to extract temporal features, analyze the relative positions of skeletal points, and extract spatial features. After temporal and spatial features based on the three-dimensional positional information of traffic police skeleton points were extracted, the ST-CNN model classified positional information into eight types of Chinese traffic police gestures. The test accuracy of the ST-CNN model was 96.67%. In addition, a virtual urban traffic scene in which real-time command tests were carried out was set up, and a real-time test accuracy rate of 93.0% was achieved. The proposed ST-CNN model ensured a high level of accuracy and robustness. The ST-CNN model recognized traffic command gestures, and such recognition was found to control vehicles in virtual traffic environments, which enriches the interactive mode of the virtual city scene. Traffic command gesture recognition contributes to smart city construction.
Cerium, chitosan and hamamelitannin as novel biofilm inhibitors?

OBJECTIVES The colonization of indwelling medical devices and subsequent biofilm formation represents a global challenge since it promotes the persistence of infection and contributes to antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of cerium, chitosan and hamamelitannin against usual microbial colonizers and to assess their efficacy regarding biofilm formation on polyurethane (PUR)-like catheters. METHODS The antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effect of cerium nitrate, low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) and hamamelitannin was tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida albicans strains. Biofilm formation was assessed with PUR-like catheter segments and the metabolic activity was quantified by colorimetry with a tetrazolium reduction assay. RESULTS Cerium nitrate and LMWC inhibited the microbial growth of all microbial strains tested; hamamelitannin showed no inhibition. Regarding biofilm formation on PUR-like catheters, with subinhibitory concentrations: cerium nitrate significantly inhibited the metabolic activity of C. albicans; LMWC reduced the metabolic activity of S. epidermidis and C. albicans; and hamamelitannin decreased the metabolic activity of all tested bacteria, but not of yeasts. CONCLUSIONS The microbicidal activity of cerium nitrate and LMWC was clearly demonstrated in this study, as was their fungistatic effect at lower concentrations. Hamamelitannin significantly reduced biofilm metabolic activity of all tested bacteria. These microbial inhibitors may play a promising role regarding different biomedical applications.
Winglet Geometry Impact on DLR-F4 Aerodynamics and an Analysis of a Hyperbolic Winglet Concept

In this article, the growth of aerodynamic efficiency and the growth of the wing structural stress is studied for DLR-F4 typical transport aircraft wing-body, after installing classical Whitcomb winglets of different configurations and a delta wingtip fence. A new-concept curved-span winglet was mathematically developed and approved through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and static structural experiments, revealing the interaction of sub- and transonic air flow dynamics with the wingtip device geometry. The design space of the winglet geometry was explored briefly, and an evaluation of the lift-to-drag ratio increment depending on various winglet input parameters was performed. In particular, the winglet cant angle effect on lift and drag was thoroughly analyzed at various flow regimes and angles of attack, revealing an ambiguity and a conflicting character of results between highly canted winglets and nearly vertical ones. As a result of cant angle impact analysis, a curved winglet concept is suggested and mathematically parametrized, that could provide an innovative solution, alternative to a morphing winglet, but much simpler with a fixed structure. In conclusion, a multidisciplinary winglet efficiency estimation criterion is suggested for comparing the aerodynamic efficiency of different wingtip devices with respect to their structural weight penalty in real flight conditions.
Survey of opinions of mothers and teenage daughters on sexual behavior and contraception: descriptive study and literature review

Background The aim of this survey was to examine sexual behavior, use of contraception, and communication regarding these issues between mothers and their teenage daughters. Methods This descriptive cohort study included 314 pairs of women aged 15–24 years and their mothers, from an urban area in Israel. The participants completed questionnaires about sexual history and contraceptive usage. The main outcome measures were differences in sexual behavior and use of contraception between the two generations. Results Seventy-six percent of the daughters used effective contraception during their first intercourse versus only 29% of their mothers. Of the daughters, 48% had consulted their mothers regarding sexual relationships and use of contraception before beginning to use contraception. The vast majority of the mothers (96%) acknowledged that it was important to discuss these issues with their teenage daughters, but only 66% of them had actually spoken to their daughters about the subject. Daughters who did not discuss contraceptive matters with their mothers tended to be younger at the time of first sexual intercourse, to use the pill less often and the condom more often, and to have a slightly higher rate of elective abortions. Conclusion This study contributes to our understanding of mother and daughter attitudes regarding contraception, intergenerational differences in this regard, and the importance of mother-daughter communication.
Fine Needle Aspiration Diagnosis in HIV-Related Lymphadenopathy in Mangalore, India

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of fine needle aspiration (FNA) study of lymph nodes in HIV-positive patients. STUDY DESIGN The study was conducted at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Samples from lymph nodes of 48 HIV-positive patients were taken and air dried, and wet smears were made. After staining with routine cytologic stains and special stains, detailed cytomorphologic study was conducted. RESULTS Tuberculosis accounted for nearly half (48%) the cases,followed by HIV lymphadenitis (36%), lymphoma (10%), suppurative lymphadenitis (2%), Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare lymphadenitis (2%) and metastases (2%), in descending order of their frequency. A suppurative picture, which was found in 13% of cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis in AIDS patients, occasionally was misleading without the help of acid fast bacilli stain. CONCLUSION FNA is a useful tool in the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy in HIV-positive patients provided that proper safety measures are taken to avoid contracting the infection.
Architecture of RFID Spatio-Temporal Data Management

With the development of RFID technology, we can identify, locate, track and monitor items in supply chain, retail store, and asset management applications. RFID has become a key technology in the Internet of Things. But RFID data can’t be effectively managed by only using traditional data model because they have their own unique characteristics, such as aggregation, location, temporal and history-oriented, which have to be fully considered and integrated into the data model. Therefore, the architecture of RFID spatio-temporal data management is proposed in this paper. We provide a brief overview of RFID technology and highlight a few of the spatio-temporal data management challenges, such as RFID middleware, RFID event processing, In-memory cache.
A Phase-Field Model for Rapid Solidification with Non-Equilibrium Solute Diffusion

Since the growth velocity can be comparable with or even larger than the solute diffusion velocity in the bulk phases, modeling of rapid solidification with non-equilibrium solute diffusion becomes quite an important topic. In this paper, an effective mobility approach was proposed to derive the current phase field model (PFM). In contrast with the previous PFMs that were derived by the so-called kinetic energy approach, diffusionless solidification happens not only in the bulk phases but also inside the interface when the growth velocity is equal to the solute diffusion velocity in liquid. A good agreement between the model predictions and experimental results is obtained for rapid solidification of Si-9at. %As alloy.
Atopic dermatitis in diverse racial and ethnic groups—Variations in epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation and treatment

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects diverse ethnic groups with varying prevalence. Despite a predominance of studies in individuals of European ancestry, AD has been found to occur more frequently in Asian and Black individuals than Whites. Therefore, an understanding of the unique clinical features of AD in diverse ethnic groups, as well as the differences in genetic polymorphisms that influence susceptibility to AD and response to current therapies, is paramount for management of an increasingly diverse patient population. In this article, we review key nuances in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment of AD in non‐White ethnic groups, which are largely underappreciated in the literature. We highlight the need for studies evaluating the tissue molecular and cellular phenotypes of AD in non‐White patients, as well as greater inclusion of minority groups in clinical trials, to develop targeted treatments for a multi‐ethnic population.