Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
H-Band Power Amplifiers in 65-nm CMOS by Adopting Output Power Maximized Gmax-Core and Transmission Line-Based Zero-Degree Power Combining Networks

This article proposes high-gain, high-output-power, and high-power-added efficiency (PAE) power amplifiers (PAs) by adopting an output power maximized (OPM) maximum achievable gain (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G_{\text {max}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>)-core with the transmission line (TL)-based zero-degree power combiners (ZDCs) and zero-degree splitters (ZDSs). By utilizing the proposed small- and large-signal two-port network parameter-based analysis for implementing the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G_{\text {max}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-core, the last-stage OPM <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G_{\text {max}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-core can maximize large-signal output power and small-signal gain at the same time. In addition, by adopting the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G_{\text {max}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-concept in all amplifying stages, the amount of gain per stage can be maximized, leading to higher PAE. For implementing the low-loss power combining (PC) and splitting networks, ZDC and ZDS are adopted. By adopting the proposed OPM <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G_{\text {max}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-core and ZDCs and ZDSs, six-stage 250-GHz two- and four-way PC PAs are implemented in a 65-nm CMOS process. The two PAs achieve <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$P_{\text {sat}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of 9.2 and 10.5 dBm, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text {OP}_{1\,\text {dB}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of 6 and 7.7 dBm, PAE of 4.6% and 2.8%, and power gains of 28 and 26 dB at 245 and 243 GHz, respectively.
Exploring COVID-19 public perceptions in South Africa through sentiment analysis and topic modelling of Twitter posts

The narratives shared on social media during a health crisis such as COVID-19 reflect public perceptions of the crisis. This article provides findings from a study of the perceptions of South African citizens regarding the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic from March to May 2020. The study analysed Twitter data from posts by government officials and the public in South Africa to measure the public’s confidence in how the government was handling the pandemic. Results produced by four popular machine-learning classifiers for sentiment analysis— logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)—demonstrated these classifiers’ levels of effectiveness. In addition, the study used, and evaluated the effectiveness of, two topic-modelling algorithms—latent dirichlet allocation (LDA) and non-negative matrix factorisation (NMF)—in the classification of social media discourses in terms of frequently occurring topics. In terms of South African public sentiment towards COVID-19 and the government’s response, it was found that, based on the Twitter data, South Africans held predominantly negative views.
Development of fuzzy classifier for technical condition ranking of power transformer

The work aim is to develop a fuzzy classifier for technical condition ranking of power transformer under condition of vagueness and ambiguity diagnostic information. Methodology. The fuzzy classifier developing for technical condition ranking of power transformer was based on approach of using fuzzy set theory and optimization methods. The proposed approach for power transformer rank assessment by using a classifier was developed on the basis of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy inference system. The input indicators choice is justified and their efficiency for classifier is evaluated by expert evaluation method. This makes it possible to formalize expert assessments regarding the development of power transformer defects. Results. The formalization of technical condition assessment of power transformer in knowledge base form, which implemented in expert system prototype for technical condition assessment, was carried out. The complex technical condition assessment for each functional unit of power transformer was determined based on expert evaluations with using the test and measurement parameters results. Originality. The considered approach to formalization of uncertainty regarding technical condition of power transformer allows building a deterministic decision-making scheme for further maintenance strategy, in which the ranking and decommissioning procedures for specific objects are implemented on the basis of objective criteria. Practical value. The proposed fuzzy classifier allows determination with a high probability degree of technical condition assessment of power transformer based on the test and measurement parameters results. Thus, an applied aspect of using the obtained scientific result is the possibility to objectively rank of power transformers park based on the identified possible defects and their development degree. This constitutes the prerequisites for determining the failure probability evaluation of power transformer at nearest observation period and emergency risk assessment in integrated electric power systems under power transformer failures.
The Chemical Composition and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal the Mechanism of Color Formation in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Pericarp

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential metabolism of albino (white), green, and purple pericarp coloration, biochemical profiling and transcriptome sequencing analyses were performed on three different tea pericarps, Zhongbaiyihao (Camellia sinensis L. var. Zhongbai), Jinxuan (Camellia sinensis L. var. Jinxuan), and Baitangziya (Camellia sinensis L. var. Baitang). Results of biochemical analysis revealed that low chlorophyll content and low chlorophyll/carotene ratio may be the biochemical basis for albino characteristics in the ‘Zhongbaiyihao’ pericarp. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, including DFR, F3′5′H, CCoAOMT, and 4-coumaroyl-CoA, were highly expressed in the purple ‘Baitangziya’ pericarp. In the chlorophyll synthesis of white pericarp, GUN5 (Genome Uncoupled 5) and 8-vinyl-reductase both showed high expression levels compared to the green one, which indicated that albino ‘Zhongbaiyihao’ pericarp had a higher chlorophyll synthesis capacity than ‘Jinxuan’. Meanwhile, chlorophyllase (CLH, CSS0004684) was lower in ‘Baitang’ than in ‘Jinxuan’ and ‘Zhongbaiyihao’ pericarp. Among the differentially expressed transcription factors, MYB59, WRKY41-like2 (CS ng17509), bHLH62 like1 (CS ng6804), and bHLH62-like3 (CSS0039948) were downregulated in Jinxuan pericarp, suggesting that transcription factors played a role in regulating tea pericarp coloration. These findings provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and theoretical basis for utilizing functional components of tea pericarp.
Research on Motion Control of Bionic Sucker Inchworm Robot Based on MPC

Inchworm robots are typical insect bionic robots that are able to move in narrow space such as pipelines, which expand the range of robot application. In this paper, the motion control method of the bionic sucker inchworm robot (BSIR) based on MPC is proposed, which enables the inchworm robot to achieve “<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula>” motion gait and steering gait on vertical and horizontal planes of different materials. Firstly, the negative pressure suction cup imitating octopus tentacles (NPSC-IOT) is designed and the sucker control model is proposed. Under negative pressure control, the adsorption pressure of the sucker is adjusted to satisfy the needs of the trunk structure movement. Secondly, the bionic sucker controller based on MPC is designed, and the closed-loop control is realized by using the data feedback from the air pressure sensor. Thirdly, BSIR with installed NPSC-IOT as the robot’s tentacles is developed. Finally, the experiment verifies the feasibility of the bionic sucker controller based on MPC to control BSIR to achieve ‘<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula>’ motion gait and steering gait on vertical and horizontal planes of different materials. The experimental results show that BSIR is able to achieve “<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula>” gait and turning gait on vertical and horizontal surfaces of glass, tiles, white gray walls, and metal.
Impact of Financial Capability on Financial Stress of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka: Special Reference to the Western Province

A significant role is played by Small and Medium Enterprises in creating employment worldwide. Nevertheless, the sector has failed to achieve the desired level of growth despite its unexpected success as a result of significant issues dealt in each individual nation. The main limiting factor for the reduction in growth of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs is the level of financial stress encountered because of financial incapability and rising commitments. Hence the question surfaces on the impact of financial capability on financial stress of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. The present research is primarily focused on measuring financial capability based on a variety of variables ranging from financial resources, financial self-efficacy and financial management competency. Small and Medium Entrepreneurs residing in three districts of the Western Province namely Colombo, Kalutara and Gampaha were chosen to collect the primary data by a questionnaire distributed and the required number of 250 respondents for the sample study were singled out by the stratified proportional random sampling method. Subsequently the data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS- 23 and AMOS. According to the study results, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs residing in Sri Lanka possess higher levels of financial capability and lower degree of financial stress. Further, the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka demonstrated a significant level of financial management competency, financial self-efficacy and a moderate number of financial resources. In conclusion the researcher concludes that financial capability has a direct moderate level significant negative impact on financial stress. Finally, study recommends SME should develop their financial skills and capabilities to overcome the financial stress.
Toward Continuous Molecular Testing Using Gold-Coated Threads as Multi-Target Electrochemical Biosensors

Analytical systems based on isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) paired with electroanalytical detection enable cost-effective, sensitive, and specific digital pathogen detection for various in situ applications such as point-of-care medical diagnostics, food safety monitoring, and environmental surveillance. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces are reliable platforms for electroanalytical DNA biosensors. However, the lack of automation and scalability often limits traditional chip-based systems. To address these challenges, we propose a continuous thread-based device that enables multiple electrochemical readings on a functionalized working electrode Au thread with a single connection point. We demonstrate the possibility of rolling the thread on a spool, which enables easy manipulation in a roll-to-roll architecture for high-throughput applications. As a proof of concept, we have demonstrated the detection of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) isothermally amplified DNA from the two toxic microalgae species Ostreopsis cf. ovata and Ostreopsis cf. siamensis by performing a sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) with electrochemical readout.
A virtual reality learning platform for steam generators

Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be an effective tool for industrial training, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences. However, it is important to accurately simulate the behavior of the equipment in order to provide realistic training activities to the users. On these premises, the PITSTOP project aims at developing an immersive learning tool, based on the integration of dynamic models and a VR environment. Following this methodology, the first learning platform for industrial-scale steam generators was created. Adopting a mixed physics-based data-driven approach, a fast but accurate dynamic model was developed and calibrated on real data of the auxiliary steam generator of the gas turbine combined cycle plant of Tirreno Power in Vado Ligure, Italy. Accessible through an Oculus Quest VR headset, the platform allows learners to interact with a virtual steam generator and adjust control parameters to observe the effects on the system. In this way, learners can gain a better understanding of steam generation principles and practice problem solving and decision-making skills in a safe, controlled environment. The platform also provides teaching materials and an evaluation mode such that learners can assess their knowledge and estimate the correctness of their actions. This article presents an overview of the VR learning platform, with a focus on the specific features of an industrial scale application. The capabilities of the tool are demonstrated through the recreation of real operational procedures of the Tirreno Power steam generator within the VR platform.
Advanced Injection Molding Methods: Review

Injection molding is a method commonly used to manufacture plastic products. This technology makes it possible to obtain products of specially designed shape and size. In addition, the developed mold allows for repeated and repeatable production of selected plastic parts. Over the years, this technology grew in importance, and nowadays, products produced by injection molding are used in almost every field of industry. This paper is a review and provides information on recent research reports in the field of modern injection molding techniques. Selected plastics most commonly processed by this technique are discussed. Next, the chosen types of this technique are presented, along with a discussion of the parameters that affect performance and process flow. Depending on the proposed method, the influence of various factors on the quality and yield of the obtained products was analyzed. Nowadays, the link between these two properties is extremely important. The work presented in the article refers to research aimed at modifying injection molding methods enabling high product quality with high productivity at the same time. An important role is also played by lowering production costs and reducing the negative impact on the environment. The review discusses modern injection molding technologies, the development of which is constantly progressing. Finally, the impact of the technology on the ecological environment is discussed and the perspectives of the process were presented.
Computerised Cardiotocography Analysis for the Automated Detection of Fetal Compromise during Labour: A Review

The measurement and analysis of fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contraction (UC) patterns, known as cardiotocography (CTG), is a key technology for detecting fetal compromise during labour. This technology is commonly used by clinicians to make decisions on the mode of delivery to minimise adverse outcomes. A range of computerised CTG analysis techniques have been proposed to overcome the limitations of manual clinician interpretation. While these automated techniques can potentially improve patient outcomes, their adoption into clinical practice remains limited. This review provides an overview of current FHR and UC monitoring technologies, public and private CTG datasets, pre-processing steps, and classification algorithms used in automated approaches for fetal compromise detection. It aims to highlight challenges inhibiting the translation of automated CTG analysis methods from research to clinical application and provide recommendations to overcome them.
Learning Mutually Exclusive Part Representations for Fine-Grained Image Classification

Fine-grained image classification (FGIC) aims to separate different subcategories from one general superclass, which requires the classification model to extract distinctive representations from subtle yet discriminative regions of the objects. Learning multiple part representations can give a detailed description of the object from different perspectives, boosting the classification performance. However, it still remains a challenging problem to effectively locate diverse parts and extract their features without the assistance of part annotations. In this article, we present a novel method to achieve accurate fine-grained image classification by learning a set of diverse and discriminative part representations without requiring additional supervision. Firstly, our method utilizes a simple attention interaction module to lead learned spatial attentions to focus on different parts, resulting in mutually exclusive part representations. Then, to reduce the impairment of channel coupling among part representations, a part-wise channel weighting module is designed to adjust the amplitudes of different representations adaptively, making them to be diverse along the channel dimension. Moreover, to ensure comprehensive and sufficient part representations, our method introduces multi-granularity feature learning. It enables the extraction of part representations from different semantic and content levels, capturing fine-grained details effectively. To evaluate our method, extensive experiments are conducted on various benchmark fine-grained image datasets, and the results show that our method can achieve outstanding performance for FGIC, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Does Perioperative Administration of Rabies Vaccine in Dogs Undergoing Surgical Sterilization Induce an Adequate Antibody Response?

High-volume spay/neuter events may facilitate access to free-roaming dogs to administer rabies vaccination, but important questions remain regarding the effect of surgery and anesthesia on the immune response to a vaccine administered in the perioperative period. This study evaluated the immunogenicity of primary rabies vaccination in dogs when administered during the immediate perioperative period at the time of surgical sterilization (ovariohysterectomy/orchidectomy). Healthy dogs of both sexes presenting for surgical sterilization who had never been vaccinated against rabies virus were eligible for enrollment in the study. Fifty dogs ranging in age from 5 to 96 months were enrolled and were vaccinated against rabies virus during the recovery period following anesthesia and surgery. Rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) titers were measured preoperatively and 28 days postoperatively. This cohort was compared to a historical control cohort of 57 dogs who received primary rabies vaccination for travel purposes and had RVNA titers measured at the same laboratory as the study group 28–35 days post-vaccination. After controlling for age and sex, there was no statistically significant difference in immunogenicity of a rabies vaccine administered to dogs during the perioperative period in comparison to dogs that received the rabies vaccine for travel alone in the absence of surgery. Perioperative administration of a rabies vaccine in dogs undergoing surgical sterilization induces an adequate antibody response. We recommend that rabies vaccine be administered perioperatively during spay/neuter campaigns in canine rabies endemic areas if other opportunities to access veterinary care and rabies vaccination are limited.
Incomplete vascular ring of the aortic arch presenting with dysphagia in an adult: case report

Anomalies of the arterial branches of the arch of the aorta are rare, with the aberrant right subclavian artery being the most common of this anomaly. Majority of the anomalies are asymptomatic and often discovered as incidental findings. In the great majority of the symptomatic cases, the presentation may be either with breathlessness or dysphagia or both. This is in addition to the nature of the intrinsic arterial disease of the aberrant vessel, especially in adult patients; and unless borne in mind, the diagnosis is often missed leading to delays and wrong treatment. In this report we present a case of dysphagia in an adult male Nigerian initially diagnosed as œsophageal stricture from herbal potion ingestion but review of his imaging investigations gave a final diagnosis of dysphagia lusoria from an aberrant right subclavian artery. The difficulty in making a diagnosis and the need for a multidisciplinary review of the imaging investigations are highlighted. The patient was successfully treated by a combined trans-thoracic and cervical approach with division and re-implantation of the aberrant vessel unto the right common carotid artery. He has remained symptom-free for 2 years after surgery. Although the great majority of these anomalies are often asymptomatic, it is important they are borne in mind both in imaging investigations as well as in procedures involving structures in the upper visceral mediastinum. Various surgical approaches have been documented in the management of symptomatic ones; it is however recommended that options that ensure revascularization of the affected limb be selected.
Scoping Review on Barriers and Challenges to Pediatric Immunization Uptake among Migrants: Health Inequalities in Italy, 2003 to Mid-2023

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, asylum seekers, refugees, and foreign-born migrants are more likely to suffer from physical, mental, and socioeconomic consequences owing to their existing vulnerabilities and worsening conditions in refugee camps around the world. In this scenario, the education of migrants and newcomers about immunization is critical to achieving health equity worldwide. Globally, it is unclear whether government vaccination policies are prioritizing the health information needs of migrants. We searched for studies investigating the vaccination uptake of migrant children settled in Italy that were published between January 2003 and 25 June 2023. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage method for scoping reviews, all potentially relevant literature published in English was retrieved from SciSearch, Medline, and Embase. This search resulted in 88 research articles, 25 of which met our inclusion criteria. Our findings indicate unequal access to vaccination due to a lack of available information in the native language of the immigrants’ country of origin, vaccine safety concerns or lack of awareness, logistical difficulties, and fear of legal consequences. The findings strongly encourage further government and political discourse to ensure migrants have fair, equitable, ethical, and timely access to essential medicines.
Inspiratory muscle training in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a systematic review

ABSTRACT This systematic review aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), analyzing the effects of IMT on inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, exercise tolerance and reduction of dyspnea. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane and Lilacs databases, from August 2021 to February 2023, searching for studies published from 2016. The descriptors used for the search followed the description of the MeSH/DeCS terms, namely: “Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive,” “Breathing Exercises,” “Exercise Tolerance,” “Dyspnea,” and “Muscle strength,” with the languages: English and Portuguese, using the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR. ” Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, including 733 patients. In all examined studies, there was a significant increase in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance compared to the control group; of the ten studies analyzed, four showed advances in reducing dyspnea and exercise tolerance. Notably, inspiratory muscle training is effective in improving dyspnea, exercise tolerance, and in increasing inspiratory muscle strength and endurance in people with moderate to severe COPD.