Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PID Control Design and Kinematic Modelling of 3-DoF Robot Manipulator

This research proposes the PID-based controller for a 3 Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) manipulator. The manipulator has three servo motors which can measure the angular position and the angular velocity. The forward kinematics defines the desired angular velocity of each servo motor that will be used as a feed-forward value of the PID controller. The inverse kinematic provides the desired angle of each motor to reach the desired position. Correspondingly, the desired angular velocity and the desired angle are used as the input of the PID controller to control the angular velocity. Here, the PID controller is tuned using the Ziegler-Nichols Tuning 1st method. To show the effectiveness of the proposed method, we conduct three cases experiment: (1). 2D rectangular shape with four constant reference points, (2). 2D circular shape with time-varying reference points, (3). 3D rectangular shapes with time-varying reference points. It is shown that the proposed method gives less than 1% of angle error and less than 5% of velocity error.
Novel Zebrafish Patient-Derived Tumor Xenograft Methodology for Evaluating Efficacy of Immune-Stimulating BCG Therapy in Urinary Bladder Cancer

Background: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is the standard-of-care adjuvant therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer in patients at considerable risk of disease recurrence. Although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, BCG significantly reduces this risk in responding patients but is mainly associated with toxic side-effects in those facing treatment resistance. Methods that allow the identification of BCG responders are, therefore, urgently needed. Methods: Fluorescently labelled UM-UC-3 cells and dissociated patient tumor samples were used to establish zebrafish tumor xenograft (ZTX) models. Changes in the relative primary tumor size and cell dissemination to the tail were evaluated via fluorescence microscopy at three days post-implantation. The data were compared to the treatment outcomes of the corresponding patients. Toxicity was evaluated based on gross morphological evaluation of the treated zebrafish larvae. Results: BCG-induced toxicity was avoided by removing the water-soluble fraction of the BCG formulation prior to use. BCG treatment via co-injection with the tumor cells resulted in significant and dose-dependent primary tumor size regression. Heat-inactivation of BCG decreased this effect, while intravenous BCG injections were ineffective. ZTX models were successfully established for six of six patients based on TUR-B biopsies. In two of these models, significant tumor regression was observed, which, in both cases, corresponded to the treatment response in the patients. Conclusions: The observed BCG-related anti-tumor effect indicates that ZTX models might predict the BCG response and thereby improve treatment planning. More experiments and clinical studies are needed, however, to elucidate the BCG mechanism and estimate the predictive value.
Quantitative Analysis of Bioluminescence Optical Signal

Bioluminescence is light emission based on the luciferin–luciferase enzymatic reaction in living organisms. Optical signals from bioluminescence (BL) reactions are available for bioanalysis and bioreporters for gene expression, in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo bioimaging, immunoassay, and other applications. Although there are numerous bioanalysis methods based on BL signal measurements, the BL signal is measured as a relative value, and not as an absolute value. Recently, some approaches have been established to completely quantify the BL signal, resulting in, for instance, the redetermination of the quantum yield of the BL reaction and counting the photon number of the BL signal at the single-cell level. Reliable and reproducible understanding of biological events in the bioanalysis and bioreporter fields can be achieved by means of standardized absolute optical signal measurements, which is described in an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) document.
A comparison of two transformation theories of classical mechanics

A comparison is made of two transformation theories which can be used in classical mechanics: the averaging method as generalized by Kruskal and the superoperator transformation theory used in statistical mechanics by Prigogine et al. For the class of systems considered, a striking connection is found which, on the one hand, illustrates some of the general features of the superoperator method and, on the other, provides an interesting method for calculating invariants of nearly periodic systems. This latter method is shown to be equivalent to, but more systematic than, that developed by McNamara and Whiteman.
Fault Log Text Classification Using Natural Language Processing And Machine Learning For Decision Support

In recent years, various industries have been on the quest to derive new knowledge and information from the data they produce. When these data are well utilised, they can create frameworks for improving business processes, product quality, and services. However, more often, data are in unstructured and semi-structured data formats. Because of this, the discovery of critical issues within textual data becomes challenging. In the past few years, the adoption of natural language prepossessing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) techniques are increasingly becoming popular for exploring knowledge within text documents that could help decision-makers and experts to solve business challenges and improve their business processes and systems. This research is being experimented with NLP and ML on the fault log of a UK-based commercial MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) provider in the Aerospace Industry to support decision-making. The first stage systematically leverages text analysis to extract valuable information from many customers' fault notifications, compares its similarity with the expert's maintenance action, and then classifies them into three categories which are Modification, Replacement, and No-fault-found. In the second phase, the extracted features get fed into the machine learner to categorise and predict future faults diagnosis in commercial aircraft’ FQIS (Fuel Quantity Indicating System) to automate troubleshooting, support maintenance operations, and improve decision-making in MRO services.
Mixing processes within the polar night jet

Abstract Lagrangian material line simulations are performed using U.K. Meteorological Office assimilated winds and temperatures to examine mixing processes in the middle- and lower-stratospheric polar night jet during the 1992 Southern Hemisphere spring and Northern Hemisphere winter. The Lagrangian simulations are undertaken to provide insight into the effects of mixing within the polar night jet on observations of the polar vortex made by instruments onboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite during these periods. A moderate to strong kinematic barrier to large-scale isentropic exchange, similar to the barrier identified in GCM simulations, is identified during both of these periods. Characteristic timescales for mixing by large-scale isentropic motions within the polar night jet range from 20 days in the Southern Hemisphere lower stratosphere to years in the Northern Hemisphere middle stratosphere. The long mixing timescales found in the Northern Hemisphere polar night jet do not persist. Instead,.
Effect of Abscisic Acid on Growth, Fatty Acid Profile, and Pigment Composition of the Chlorophyte Chlorella (Chromochloris) zofingiensis and Its Co-Culture Microbiome

Microalga Chlorella (Chromochloris) zofingiensis has been gaining increasing attention of investigators as a potential competitor to Haematococcus pluvialis for astaxanthin and other xanthophylls production. Phytohormones, including abscisic acid (ABA), at concentrations relevant to that in hydroponic wastewater, have proven themselves as strong inductors of microalgae biomass productivity and biosynthesis of valuable molecules. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the influence of phytohormone ABA on the physiology of C. zofingiensis in a non-aseptic batch experiment. Exogenous ABA stimulated C. zofingiensis cell division, biomass production, as well as chlorophyll, carotenoid, and lipid biosynthesis. The relationship between exogenous ABA concentration and the magnitude of the observed effects was non-linear, with the exception of cell growth and biomass production. Fatty acid accumulation and composition depended on the concentration of ABA tested. Exogenous ABA induced spectacular changes in the major components of the culture microbiome of C. zofingiensis. Thus, the abundance of the representatives of the genus Rhodococcus increased drastically with an increase in ABA concentration, whereas the abundance of the representatives of Reyranella and Bradyrhizobium genera declined. The possibilities of exogenous ABA applications for the enhancing of the biomass, carotenoid, and fatty acid productivity of the C. zofingiensis cultures are discussed.
TRAP1 Is Expressed in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Is Required to Maintain their Energetic Status

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in elderly people worldwide. The damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) triggered by oxidative stress plays a central role in the onset and progression of AMD and results from the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced mainly by mitochondria. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial molecular chaperone that contributes to the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity by decreasing the production and accumulation of ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence and the role of TRAP1 in the RPE. Here, we report that TRAP1 is expressed in human adult retinal pigment epithelial cells and is located mainly in the mitochondria. Exposure of RPE cells to hydrogen peroxide decreases the levels of TRAP1. Furthermore, TRAP1 silencing increases intracellular ROS production and decreases mitochondrial respiratory capacity without affecting cell proliferation. Together, these findings offer novel insights into TRAP1 functions in RPE cells, opening possibilities to develop new treatment options for AMD.
Sex Differences in the Feasibility of Aerobic Exercise Training for Improving Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Females with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a 25–50% greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared with males. While aerobic exercise training is effective for improving cardiometabolic health outcomes, there is limited sex-segregated evidence on the feasibility of aerobic training in adults with T2D. A secondary analysis of a 12-week randomized controlled trial examining aerobic training in inactive adults with T2D was conducted. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, treatment fidelity, and safety. Sex differences and intervention effects were assessed using two-way analyses of variances. Thirty-five participants (14 females) were recruited. The recruitment rate was significantly lower among females (9% versus 18%; p = 0.022). Females in the intervention were less adherent (50% versus 93%; p = 0.016), and experienced minor adverse events more frequently (0.08% versus 0.03%; p = 0.003). Aerobically trained females experienced clinically meaningful reductions in pulse wave velocity (−1.25 m/s, 95%CI [−2.54, 0.04]; p = 0.648), and significantly greater reductions in brachial systolic pressure (−9 mmHg, 95%CI (3, 15); p = 0.011) and waist circumference (−3.8 cm, 95%CI (1.6, 6.1); p < 0.001) than males. To enhance the feasibility of future trials, targeted strategies to improve female recruitment and adherence are needed. Females with T2D may experience greater cardiometabolic health improvements from aerobic training than males.
Mechanical Behavior of Austenitic Steel under Multi-Axial Cyclic Loading

Low-nickel austenitic steel is subjected to high-pressure torsion fatigue (HPTF) loading, where a constant axial compression is overlaid with a cyclic torsion. The focus of this work lies on investigating whether isotropic J2 plasticity or crystal plasticity can describe the mechanical behavior during HPTF loading, particularly focusing on the axial creep deformation seen in the experiment. The results indicate that a J2 plasticity model with an associated flow rule fails to describe the axial creep behavior. In contrast, a micromechanical model based on an empirical crystal plasticity law with kinematic hardening described by the Ohno–Wang rule can match the HPTF experiments quite accurately. Hence, our results confirm the versatility of crystal plasticity in combination with microstructural models to describe the mechanical behavior of materials under reversing multiaxial loading situations.
Impact of Applying Information and Communication Technology Tools in Physical Education Classes

The authors of the present study explored how ICT devices used in P.E. lessons determine psychomotor performance, perceived motivational climate, and motivation. The students were allowed to use ICT devices (smartphone, webpages, Facebook) during a four-week intervention. In the course of the research project aimed to assess the impact of the application of ICT devices on performance and motivation, the participants were divided into two test groups and one control group. The sample consisted of secondary school students including 21 males and 64 females with the Mage = 16.72 years. The results showed that in groups where ICT devices were used, performance (p = 0.04) and task orientation (p = 0.00) significantly improved. Meanwhile, in the group in which ICT devices were not used, the intervention resulted in improved performance (p = 0.00) and by the end of the project, this trend was coupled with increased Ego orientation (p = 0.00) and higher rate of amotivation (p = 0.04). It can be concluded that the use of ICT tools has a positive impact on performance and motivation.
Clinical Examination Findings Can Accurately Diagnose Developmental Dysplasia of The Hip—A Large, Single-Center Cohort

Background: Physical examination findings such as limited hip abduction (LHA), asymmetric skin creases (ASC), and a popping sensation in the hip facilitate the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Screening with a simple physical examination during the first weeks of infancy is important for early detection of the condition, and a wide range of medical professionals, including general practitioners, obstetricians, pediatricians, and orthopedic surgeons etc. are involved in this process. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between easily recognizable physical examination findings such as LHA, thigh/groin ACSs, and Ortolani and Barlow tests with ultrasound findings for the diagnosis of DDH. Methods: This study included 968 patients undergoing routine hip ultrasonography between December 2012 and January 2015. All patients were examined by an experienced orthopedic surgeon who was not the physician who performed the ultrasound examination to exclude bias between physical examination findings and ultrasound findings. Asymmetric skin folds (thigh and groin), limited abduction, Barlow and Ortolani tests were recorded. The relationship between the physical examination findings, ultrasound findings, and developmental dysplasia was investigated. Results: Of the 968 patients, 523 were female (54%) and 445 were male. On ultrasonography examination, 117 patients were found to have DDH. The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values of patients who were found to have both LHA and thigh/groin ASCs in all three physical examinations were high (83.8%, 70.2%, and 96.9%, respectively) while positive predictive values were found to be low (27.8%). Conclusion: Asymmetric skin creases on the thigh and groin and limited hip abduction, when evaluated together, have high sensitivity and specificity with additional high negative predictive values and could help during the initial screening process of DDH.
3D-SpLineNet: 3D Traffic Line Detection using Parametric Spline Representations

Monocular 3D traffic line detection jointly tackles the detection of lane markings and regression of their 3D location. The greatest challenge is the exact estimation of various line shapes in the world, which highly depends on the chosen representation. While anchor-based and grid-based line representations have been proposed, all suffer from the same limitation, the necessity of discretizing the 3D space. To address this limitation, we present an anchor-free parametric lane representation, which defines traffic lines as continuous curves in 3D space. Choosing splines as our representation, we show their superiority over polynomials of different degrees that were proposed in previous 2D lane detection approaches. Our continuous representation allows us to model even complex lane shapes at any position in the 3D space, while implicitly enforcing smoothness constraints. Our model is validated on a synthetic 3D lane dataset including a variety of scenes in terms of complexity of road shape and illumination. We outperform the state-of-the-art in nearly all geometric performance metrics and achieve a great leap in the detection rate. In contrast to discrete representations, our parametric model requires no post-processing achieving highest processing speed. Additionally, we provide a thorough analysis over different parametric representations for 3D lane detection. The code and trained models are available on our project website https://3d-splinenet.github. io/.
Efficient Privacy-Preserving Face Identification Protocol

Face identification is an important research topic in artificial intelligence and it has wide application in civilian and law enforcement scenarios that require reliable biometric identification. However, the wide deployment of face identification systems has raised serious privacy concerns about the abuse of users’ face images. In this paper, we propose an efficient privacy-preserving face identification protocol based on fully homomorphic encryption and garbled circuit. Our work is the first privacy-preserving face identification protocol that guarantees the privacy of the users’ face images such that the server cannot learn any information about the face images, access pattern and identification result, while providing face identification service. We formally prove the security of our protocol in a semi-honest model. Experimental results the practicality of our protocol for the large face images database.
High-power DPL thin films prepared by ion beam sputtering

Ion beam sputtering enables high laser damage threshold mirrors to be manufactured. Oxygen partial pressure was found to have significant influence on the microstructure and optical properties of HfO2 thin films deposited by ion beam sputtering (IBS). Atomic force microscopy studies have shown that the surface of single HfO2 films is clearly characterized by deep holes. When oxygen is excessive, the RMS roughness of the surface increases with the presence of the holes, and the transmittance of the single HfO2 layers reduces evidently in the shortwave spectral region. The laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of HfO2/SiO2 multilayer stacks was investigated with a diode pump laser at 1064 nm under a certain repetition frequency. The laser-induced damage morphology of DPL thin films were observed by the optical microscope. SiO2 overcoats increase the damage threshold and modify the damage morphology of IBS coatings. The LIDT of the cavity mirrors is > 1 GW/cm2 at 1064 nm (80 ns, 10 KHz).
A New Static Compaction of Deterministic Test Sets

Test set compaction is one of the key steps of the postproduction test known to bring down test pattern counts. This, in turn, allows one to reduce the corresponding test data volume, test application time, and hence the cost of testing. This article presents a method that strives to reduce the number of automatic test pattern generation (ATPG)-produced deterministic test patterns to deliver compact test sets. In principle, the new scheme works with a meaningful representation of test patterns by using external and internal necessary assignments (NAs) to determine small groups of potentially compatible faults. These faults are subsequently retargeted by the robust satisfiability (SAT)-based ATPG that produces a single test pattern for the entire group, thus making the resultant test set smaller in size. Experimental results obtained for 12 large industrial cores and stuck-at faults confirm superiority of the proposed scheme over the state-of-the-art test set compaction techniques and are reported herein.
Qualitative and Semiquantitative Parameters of 18F-FDG-PET/CT as Predictors of Malignancy in Patients with Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

Simple Summary This study aims to evaluate the reliability of qualitative and semiquantitative parameters of 18F-FDG PET-CT, and eventually a correlation between them, in predicting the risk of malignancy in patients with solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) before the diagnosis of lung cancer. Qualitative and semiquantitative parameters can be considered reliable tools in patients with SPN, since cut-offs for SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG and MTV showed good sensitivity and specificity in predicting malignancy. Abstract This study aims to evaluate the reliability of qualitative and semiquantitative parameters of 18F-FDG PET-CT, and eventually a correlation between them, in predicting the risk of malignancy in patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) before the diagnosis of lung cancer. A total of 146 patients were retrospectively studied according to their pre-test probability of malignancy (all patients were intermediate risk), based on radiological features and risk factors, and qualitative and semiquantitative parameters, such as SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, and MTV, which were obtained from the FDG PET-CT scan of such patients before diagnosis. It has been observed that visual analysis correlates well with the risk of malignancy in patients with SPN; indeed, only 20% of SPNs in which FDG uptake was low or absent were found to be malignant at the cytopathological examination, while 45.45% of SPNs in which FDG uptake was moderate and 90.24% in which FDG uptake was intense were found to be malignant. The same trend was observed evaluating semiquantitative parameters, since increasing values of SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, and MTV were observed in patients whose cytopathological examination of SPN showed the presence of lung cancer. In particular, in patients whose SPN was neoplastic, we observed a median (MAD) SUVmax of 7.89 (±2.24), median (MAD) SUVmean of 3.76 (±2.59), median (MAD) TLG of 16.36 (±15.87), and a median (MAD) MTV of 3.39 (±2.86). In contrast, in patients whose SPN was non-neoplastic, the SUVmax was 2.24 (±1.73), SUVmean 1.67 (±1.15), TLG 1.63 (±2.33), and MTV 1.20 (±1.20). Optimal cut-offs were drawn for semiquantitative parameters considered predictors of malignancy. Nodule size correlated significantly with FDG uptake intensity and with SUVmax. Finally, age and nodule size proved significant predictors of malignancy. In conclusion, considering the pre-test probability of malignancy, qualitative and semiquantitative parameters can be considered reliable tools in patients with SPN, since cut-offs for SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, and MTV showed good sensitivity and specificity in predicting malignancy.