Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
USING ASSOCIATION RULES IN DATA MINING

Mining associative rules in an investigative issue related to data analysis and also related to discovery of investing and important relationship between information items exists in large data base and transaction stores, that is allocated many investigative efforts, recently. The main applications of them are the famous subject of basket purchase, clustering and classification. The total structure of associative rules between X and Y. X and Y are called prior and rules, differently criterions and given that base on them, it would be possible to choose the good rules among the wide collection of possible rules. The most famous and the most applicable criterions are: Minimum support rate and Minimum assurance rank. Supporting a collection of items like X include the ratio of number of transactions all of the exits items in X on the number of the total transaction.
Superior Feature Sets for Face Recognition under Difficult Lighting Conditions

A practical face recognition system should be capable of making recognition under uncontrolled lighting conditions which remains an important challenge. An efficient preprocessing method could be used to solve such problems. This problem can be eliminated by combining the strengths of robust illumination normalization, local texture-based face representation;Kernel based feature extraction and fusion.A simple and efficient preprocessing chain is employed which eliminates most of the effects of changing illumination while still preserving the essential appearance details that are needed for recognition is implemented. Local Binary Pattern(LBP), Local Ternary Pattern(LTP) and Gabor filter have been utilized for representation. Many current pattern of recognition systems use one type of feature. Combining two of the most successful local face representations, Gabor wavelets and LTPs, gives considerably better performance than either alone.Principal component analysis is used for feature extraction and matching is done using nearest neighbor classifier. The technique is tested with standard database images (FRGC)and real time color images under difficult lighting conditions and the detection rate is found to be very high. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can perform better recognition of faces under difficult lighting conditions.
Design and Optimization of Equal Split Broadband Microstrip Wilkinson Power Divider Using Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

An enhanced particle swarm optimization (EPSO) algorithm is proposed. To improve convergence accuracy and velocity, we introduce a quadratic interpolation method and perturbation to personal best particles in EPSO. Then, a design procedure based on the EPSO is proposed for the design and optimization of equal split broadband microstrip Wilkinson power dividers (MWPDs). A set of numerical examples and fabricated samples are presented to validate the improvement of the proposed EPSO. Even-odd mode analysis is incorporated in the design procedure to calculate the scattering matrix of the MWPD on the basis of the dispersion and dissipation microstrip line model. A fltness function is then constructed according to the scattering parameters. The optimized widths and lengths of microstrip lines and values of isolation resistors are directly obtained by minimizing the fltness function. EPSO is also compared with the genetic algorithm (GA), standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) and improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO).
Analysing Power Relations among Older Norwegian Patients and Spanish Migrant Nurses in Home Nursing Care: A Critical Discourse Analysis Approach from a Transcultural Perspective

Power relations in care are the link between patients and nurses regarding communication and the ability to act in this context. It can be affected when there is cultural interference between members, putting mutual understanding at risk in healthcare situations. This study analyses power relations in healthcare situations between older Norwegian patients and Spanish migrant nurses regarding active listening, shared decision-making, and patient participation. We performed a hermeneutical study endorsed in critical discourse studies framework from a transcultural perspective. A purposive sampling included older Norwegian patients living alone and Spanish migrant nurses working in Norway. Eleven face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with older patients and four via videoconference with migrant nurses. The analysis followed hermeneutic considerations by Crist and Tanner, and linguistic analysis was performed. Shared decision-making and active listening situations sometimes showed a power imbalance that negatively influenced older Norwegian patients. However, Spanish migrant nurses were also conditioned by care organising institutions. This power triangle negatively affected the relationship between the older patients and migrant nurses, resulting in a lack of communication, personnel, time and trust. The migratory experience influenced the care provided by Spanish migrant nurses, shaping a series of cultural competencies acquired through the migratory process.
Target recognition in SAR images with Support

This paper addresses object recognition problem in SAR images with SVM classifier; the work has been mainly focused on feature vector definition. Actually, each object is represented by a feature vector and SVM aims to estimate the best hyperplanes that separate classes in the feature space. Very robust definition of feature vector is proposed and tested on real data (MSTAR database). Confusion matrices prove that a very good recognition rate is reached, even for mixed incidence angles configuration.
DRL-Based Service Function Chain Edge-to-Edge and Edge-to-Cloud Joint Offloading in Edge-Cloud Network

In this paper, we study service function chain (SFC) offloading in the edge-cloud network. Two offloading options are available for fully-loaded edge nodes: edge to edge (E2E) offloading and edge to cloud (E2C) offloading. Both E2E offloading and E2C offloading have been optimized in existing research, and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) methods were adopted to achieve excellent performances. However, DRL-based SFC E2E and E2C joint offloading is still a research gap. In this paper, we propose a DRL-based SFC E2E and E2C joint offloading optimization algorithm for the edge-cloud network to maximize the utilization efficiency of edge resources. Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic policy gradient (TD3) algorithm is applied to the optimization problem. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm has excellent convergence performance and improves the utilization efficiency of edge resources in edge-cloud network scenarios of diverse scales.
An Efficient Broadcast in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

The broadcast routing scheme based on a minimum connected dominating set(MCDS) is a promising-apporach,where the searching space for a route is reduced to nodes in the set.But this method has not considered nodal variety and complexity in the network.In view of the problem of the nodal complexity in mobile ad hoc networks(MANETs),an efficient broadcast scheme based on the concept of minimum connected dominating set with maximal weight(MWMCDS) is proposed.Simulation results show that it can ensure the most suitable nodes to be chosen for the role of gateway nodes so that they can properly coordinate all the other nodes in the network.As a result,it can keep the stability of the minimum connected dominating set(MCDS) and provide a highly effective communication base for broadcast and routing operation in the whole network.The proposed algorithm can ensure the maximality of connected dominating set(CDS) weight and the minimality of CDS size.So the scheme is an efficient broadcast routing algorithm.
Enhancing the Interfacial Shear Strength and Tensile Strength of Carbon Fibers through Chemical Grafting of Chitosan and Carbon Nanotubes

Multi-scale “rigid-soft” material coating has been an effective strategy for enhancing the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of carbon fibers (CFs), which is one of the key themes in composite research. In this study, a soft material, chitosan (CS), and a rigid material, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), were sequentially grafted onto the CFs surface by a two-step amination reaction. The construction of the “rigid-soft” structure significantly increased the roughness and activity of the CFs surface, which improved the mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding between the CFs and resin. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the CS- and CNT-modified CFs composites increased by 186.9% to 123.65 MPa compared to the desized fibers. In addition, the tensile strength of the modified CFs was also enhanced by 26.79% after coating with CS and CNTs. This strategy of establishing a “rigid-soft” gradient modulus interfacial layer with simple and non-destructive operation provides a valuable reference for obtaining high-performance CFs composites.
An Immersive Virtual Kitchen Training System for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Development and Validation Study

Rehabilitation via virtual reality (VR) training tools allows repetitive, intensive, and task-specific practice in a controlled and safe environment. Our goal was to develop and validate a novel immersive VR system based on the practice of real-life activities in a kitchen environment in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) with upper-limb dysfunction. The novel immersive VR kitchen application includes several tasks, i.e., tidying up the kitchen, preparing a hamburger and soup meal, and dish washing. Following the development phase, the system was tested for an 8-week intervention period on a small sample of pwMS suffering from upper-limb dysfunction. The Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire for VR systems served as the primary outcome. The scores for enjoyment, sense of comfort with the system, feelings of success and control, realism, easy-to-understand instructions, assists in rehabilitation therapy, were between 4.0 and 4.6, indicating a high satisfaction. The scores for eye discomfort, dizziness, nausea, and disorientation during practice were between 2.8 and 1.3, indicating a low-to-moderate interference of the system. The virtual kitchen training system is feasible and safe for upper-limb training in pwMS and paves the way for future RCTs to examine the benefits of the system compared with standard care, thus improving the functionality of the upper limbs in pwMS.
Role of high-order electromechanical coupling terms in thermodynamics of ferroelectric thin films

Currently used methods for the description of thermodynamics of ferroelectric thin films (Landau theory or ab initio based Monte Carlo simulations) are based on an energy expansion in terms of internal degrees of freedom. It was shown that these methods can suffer from a substantial inaccuracy unless higher order electromechanical interactions are taken into account. The high-order electromechanical couplings strongly renormalize the sixth-power polarization terms of the thermodynamic energy expansion. In this paper, apart from the general statement, we illustrate it with an example of a temperature-misfit strain phase diagram of a BaTiO3 thin film derived with high-order electromechanical interactions evaluated using first-principles calculations.
Fabrication of dual damascene structure with nanoimprint lithography and dry-etching

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) has received attention as alternative lithographic technology, which can fabricate fine patterns of semiconductor devices at low cost. Application of NIL may lead to the reduction of number of process steps and cost of manufacturing of dual-damascene structure, by simultaneous fabrication of holes and trenches. Therefore, in this study, we investigated fabrication of dual-damascene structure using NIL and dry-etching. However, the difficulty in dry-etching process is high as the holes and trenches are etched together using single resist mask. Suppression of defects during the NIL process and the suppression of resist consumption and CD shift during the etching process, is critical. To address these issues, we used a high etching resistance resist, optimized the NIL process to reduce defects, and optimized the template structure and etching process to suppress resist consumption and CD shift. As a result, a dual-damascene structure with L/S = 4X/4X nm was obtained.
Reserve Power Control for Parallel Connected PV Modules under Partial Shading

To enable frequency regulation capability in photovoltaics (PV), the deloading based power control is well known. In this control, the operation of photovoltaics is conducted at a point lower than the maximum power point. Many deloading methods have already been reported for uniform shading conditions, whereas, the field of deloading for partial shading conditions is still less explored. However, these partial shading reserve methods have been designed by considering the usual series connection of different modules. Whereas, some applications may have modules connected in a parallel configuration. So far, for partial shading patterns, there has been no reported method for reserve generation in parallel connected photovoltaic modules. In this paper, a novel reserve method for the modules connected in parallel connection with partial shading patterns is presented. In this method, the power reserve is generated by a parallel modules reserve algorithm. This algorithm operates by continuously sensing the current of each module. Whereas, the reference power for the algorithm is obtained from a proposed droop control. The performance of these controls is validated with the help of simulation (MATLAB software).
Use of XR-QA2 radiochromic films for quantitative imaging of a synchrotron radiation beam

In the framework of an ongoing project, promoted by INFN, at the SYRMEP beamline of the ELETTRA synchrotron radiation facility (Trieste, Italy) for phase-contrast breast X-ray computed tomography, the assessment of the dose to the breast is one of the issues, requiring the determination of the distribution of X-ray incident photon fluence. This work investigates the use of XR-QA2 radiochromic films for quantitative imaging of the synchrotron radiation (SR) beam. XR-QA2 films were irradiated in a plane transverse to the beam axis, with a monochromatic beam of energy of 28, 35, 38 or 40 keV. The response of the radiochromic film was calibrated in terms of average air kerma measured with an ionization chamber. The net reflectance of the exposed film was then converted to photon fluence per unit air kerma (mm−2mGy−1). The SR beam profile was acquired also with a scintillator (GOS) based, fiber optic coupled CCD camera as well as with a scintillator based flat panel detector. Horizontal and vertical line profiles acquired with the radiochromic films show the 2D distribution of the beam intensity, with variations in the order of 15–20% in the horizontal direction. The response of the radiochromic film is comparable to that of the other imaging detectors, within less than 5% variation.
Effect of Anthropogenic Disturbances on the Microbial Relationship during Bioremediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Sediment

Soil, sediment, and waters contaminated with heavy metals pose a serious threat to ecosystem function and human health, and microorganisms are an effective way to address this problem. In this work, sediments containing heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cd, As) were treated differently (sterilized and unsterilized) and bio-enhanced leaching experiments were carried out with the addition of exogenous iron-oxidizing bacteria A. ferrooxidans and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria A. thiooxidans. The leaching of As, Cd, Cu, and Zn was higher in the unsterilized sediment at the beginning 10 days, while heavy metals leached more optimally in the later sterilized sediment. The leaching of Cd from sterilized sediments was favored by A. ferrooxidans compared to A. thiooxidans. Meanwhile, the microbial community structure was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which revealed that 53.4% of the bacteria were Proteobacteria, 26.22% were Bacteroidetes, 5.04% were Firmicutes, 4.67% were Chlamydomonas, and 4.08% were Acidobacteria. DCA analysis indicated that microorganisms abundance (diversity and Chao values) increased with time. Furthermore, network analysis showed that complex networks of interactions existed in the sediments. After adapting to the acidic environmental conditions, the growth of some locally dominant bacteria increased the microbial interactions, allowing more bacteria to participate in the network, making their connections stronger. This evidence points to a disruption in the microbial community structure and its diversity following artificial disturbance, which then develops again over time. These results could contribute to the understanding of the evolution of microbial communities in the ecosystem during the remediation of anthropogenically disturbed heavy metals.
A Deeper Look into Exercise Intensity Tracking through Mobile Applications: A Brief Report

Mobile fitness applications (apps) allow for time-efficient opportunities for physical activity. Current research suggests that fitness apps do not accurately comply with the frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT) principle. FITT is an important principle in exercise prescription as it applies scientific evidence to improve the quality of exercise. Based on app assessment using the Fitness Apps Scoring Instrument, most fitness apps adequately address FITT in their exercise plans. In particular, fitness apps do not adequately adhere to the FITT intensity guidelines. Many apps allow the users to track their heart rate as a method of assessing their exercise intensity, but few use that information to provide real-time feedback on the intensity of the workout. For app users, awareness and education of intensity standards should be put forth in coordination with exercise professionals, rather than relying on apps alone.
User study of omnidirectional treadmill control algorithms in VR

We conducted a comparative user study of the Infinadeck [1] omnidirectional treadmill native control algorithm alongside an approach based on a state observer control scheme combining a kinematic model with error dynamics that allows users to change their walk freely. Based on the results from 22 participants, we observed that the alternative approach outperformed the native algorithm on trajectories involving a left or right turn (with radii of curvature of 0.5m, 1m, and 2m). However, there was no significant difference for straight-line trajectories, and the native approach yielded the best scores for in-place rotations.
BLTR1 Is Decreased in Steroid Resistant Pro-Inflammatory CD28nullCD8+ T Lymphocytes in Patients with COPD—The Spillover Hypothesis Explained?

Simple Summary Certain cells in people’s immune system become inflamed in the lungs of smokers. If they develop emphysema, commonly known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these inflammatory cells are also present in the blood. The reason why they leave the lungs and enter the blood in COPD patients is currently unknown. When these inflammatory cells enter the blood, they cause further inflammation in other parts of the body, which leads to more medical problems such as cardiovascular disease in patients with COPD. Our studies have shown that due to the increased inflammation in the lungs of COPD patients, these inflammatory cells lose the ability to stay in the lungs due to changes in these cells. We have identified these changes as well as the reasons for these changes. Our studies also show why current medications used to stop inflammation do not work very well on these cells. Now that we know how these cells become resistant to current medications used to prevent inflammation and the reason that they leave the lungs and cause more diseases in patients with COPD, future studies can be planned to target these mechanisms to help improve the health of smokers that develop COPD disease. Abstract Introduction: Pro-inflammatory CD8+ T cells are increased in the lungs and also in the peripheral circulation of both smokers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The reason for this is unclear but has been described as a spillover from cells in the lungs that may cause the systemic inflammation noted in COPD. We have recently shown an increase in steroid-resistant CD28nullCD8+ senescent lymphocytes in the lungs and peripheral blood in COPD. Leukotreine B4 (LB4) receptor 1 (BLTR1) is involved in recruitment of CD8+ T cells to sites of inflammation, and we hypothesized that it may be involved in the migration of these senescent lymphocytes from the lungs in COPD. Methods: Via flow cytometry and Western blot BLTR1, IFNγ, and TNFα expression were measured in peripheral blood, BAL, and large proximal and small distal airway CD28±, CD8± T, and NKT-like cells from COPD patients and healthy control subjects (±prednisolone) following in vitro stimulation. Chemotaxis of leucocyte subsets was determined (±LB4 ± prednisolone). Results: There was an increase in BLTR1-CD28nullCD8+ lymphocytes in the lungs and blood in patients with COPD compared with controls. BLTR1-CD28nullCD8+ T and NKT-like cells produce more IFN/TNF than BLTR+ cells and fail to migrate to LTB4. Treatment with 1 µM prednisolone in vitro resulted in upregulation of BLTR1 expression in pro-inflammatory CD28nullCD8+ cells and migration to LB4. Conclusions: Loss of BLTR1 is associated with an increased inflammatory potential of CD28nullCD8+ T cells and may allow these pro-inflammatory steroid-resistant cells to migrate to peripheral blood. Treatment strategies that upregulate BLTR1 may reduce systemic inflammation and associated co-morbidity in patients with COPD.
Combined Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals Adaptive Defense Responses to DON Induction in Potato

Phytophthora infestans poses a serious threat to potato production, storage, and processing. Understanding plant immunity triggered by fungal elicitors is important for the effective control of plant diseases. However, the role of the potato stress response to Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced stress is still not fully understood. In this study, the metabolites of DON-treated potato tubers were studied for four time intervals using UPLC-MS/MS. We identified 676 metabolites, and differential accumulation metabolite analysis showed that alkaloids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids were the major differential metabolites that directly determined defense response. Transcriptome data showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in phenylpropane and flavonoid metabolic pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified many hub genes, some of which modulate plant immune responses. This study is important for understanding the metabolic changes, transcriptional regulation, and physiological responses of active and signaling substances during DON induction, and it will help to design defense strategies against Phytophthora infestans in potato.
Building Symmetrical Reality Systems for Cooperative Manipulation

Humans and virtual agents (usually embodied in the physical world as physical robots) could coexist within the shared environment, which naturally creates a mixed reality environment of the physical and virtual worlds. In this paper, We analyze the characteristics of symmetrical reality with two different perception centers, and all of the mixed forms of physical and virtual reality can be treated as special cases of symmetrical reality. The experiment of folding clothes is implemented to demonstrate the significance of symmetri-cal reality for human-robot interaction, which also shows the general pipeline of building the symmetrical reality system with two minds (i.e., the human mind and agent mind) involved.