Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
School Bus Routing using Metaheuristics Algorithms

Addressing school bus routing problem is important to ensure a safe and cost effective solution for students, parents and stakeholders. However, challenges in terms of multiple constraints and objectives are present. In this paper, school bus routing problem is formulated as contained multi-objective optimization problem. Cluster-first route-second scheme, genetic algorithm and adaptive genetic algorithm are applied to solve this problem. The performance of these algorithms are evaluated using real data of public schools in the City of Winchester, Virginia, USA. The conducted experiments showed that Cluster-first route-second yields the optimal solution.
A CNN Transfer Learning -Electrocardiogram (ECG) Signal Approach to Predict COVID-19

Deep learning is increasingly gaining traction in cutting-edge medical sciences such as image classification, and genomics due to the high computational performance and accuracy in evaluating medical data. In this study, we investigate the cardiac properties of ECG Images and predict COVID-19 in a binary classification of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and Normal Persons who tested negative. We analyzed the electrocardiogram (ECG) images by preprocessing the ECG data and building an ECG- Deep Learning- COVID-19 (ECG-DL-COVID) classifier to predict disease. The deep learning models in our experiments constituted CNN, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Transfer Learning. Performance evaluation was done to compare the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies with other COVID-19 deep learning-related works. In the three experiments, we achieved an 87% prediction accuracy for MLP, a 90% prediction for CNN and a 93.8% prediction for Transfer Learning. Experimental results and performance evaluation show that the proposed models outperformed previous deep-learning models in the prediction of COVID-19 by a considerable margin.
Experimental evidence concerning the different behavior of energy and exergy performance indicators of refrigeration systems in transient regimes

Abstract This article presents the results obtained from an energy-exergy analysis of a vapor compression refrigeration system during induced transient regimes. Using experimental data, exergy destruction as a function of time under the influence of some factors that perturb the stationary regime, such as deactivation of piston, variation of mass flow rate and initial temperature of cooled fluid, and diminution of the compressor rotation speed, was calculated. Under the perturbation, an antagonistic increase in the coefficient of performance and a decrease in exergy efficiency were noted.
BiTac: A Soft Vision-Based Tactile Sensor With Bidirectional Force Perception for Robots

Although various designs have been reported in the literature for vision-based tactile sensors, a few of them can detect pressing forces. These designs are often addressed with learning-based approaches that critically rely on training and require large amounts of training data. This study presents a novel visuotactile sensing technology for the development of large-scale vision-based tactile sensors named BiTac, which can accurately reconstruct its 3-D surface shape in real time and is capable of detecting the bidirectional distribution of normal forces applied to its soft sensing surface. The sensor skin was made of soft and elastic materials composed of an array of markers which are tracked efficiently by a compact stereo camera, whose parameters could be calibrated automatically. Notably, the complexity of mapping the displacement fields calculated from the images to the normal force distribution is resolved by the finite element method (FEM), which would be a generalized modeling technique for soft materials. This article comprehensively covers the design, fabrication, theoretical modeling, calibration, and experiments. The hardware capability and tactile perception were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively through real interactions with various objects. With a simple structure and analytical approach, the BiTac sensor can be easily customized and manufactured for different parts of robots, making it a potential design for mass production.
A GPU-Accelerated 3D Visual Simulation Platform of X-Ray Digital Imaging Based on Unity

X-ray digital imaging is an advanced and widely used non-destructive testing technology, X-ray digital imaging system faces some problems in actual inspection such as high costs and radiation effects. Computer simulation technology, which comprehensively applies mathematics, computer graphics and image processing technology, can solve these problems well and has its own advantages. At present, most of the research on X-ray digital imaging simulation has slow imaging speed, poor visibility and poor interaction. In this paper, we make a mathematical model for X-ray digital imaging and build a 3D visual simulation platform in Unity. By using GPU acceleration technology, the imaging speed is reduced to only a fraction of a second which can satisfy real-time interaction. This simulation platform has good demonstration and comfortable user experience based on the 3D visualization technology. This work will promote the applications of computer simulation technology in X-ray digital imaging technology.
An exploratory study of undergraduate students' perceptions and understandings of indirect proofs

Math students' responses to situation 1 (interview 1) In order to be convinced of the truth of the statement, initially the common approach that two (Amy and Art) of the students in this category used was to think of some even perfect square integers, and to try some odd integers to see if counterexamples exist. They did not think that examples were enough to prove the statement. The very nature of this approach however would force Amy to invoke the contrapositive of the statement on her own. Amy: Well all the examples I can think of, first of all specific examples, are perfect squares. 16,64, 36, are all squares with an even root. Um . okay, I guess there’s other examples to the contrary like 9, 25, 81 where squares have an odd root. All of them, those are just specific examples. and then okay if x was not even though, then x2 would never be even. Is that true? “If x is odd then x is odd? ” [. ] So the goal is that “x2 is even” implies that “x is even” so here. This is just using the contrapositive assuming that x is odd and proving that x2 is also odd, which I could do by. [. ] It’s really hard to go in this direction x2 to x. It’s easier x to x2, especially since this was given. @ 2 ^ Similarly, Art wrote “2 is even, 2 = 4 even. Therefore x is even and x is even. ” VB: [. ] Can you absolutely be sure that your approach tells that the statement is true? Art: Um, I, no I can’t because I can’t prove anything by just example. When asked for a method of proof, it occurred to Art that what he had observed in the process of his examples was contradiction. VB: Can you think of any particular method of proving, or some kind of approach? Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
A 201- and 283-GHz Dual-Band Amplifier in 65-Nm CMOS Adopting Dual-Frequency <bold><inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$G_{\max }$</tex-math></inline-formula></bold>-Core With Dual-Band Matching

This work reports a concurrent dual-band amplifier with an extensive spacing between the two bands by adopting a proposed dual-frequency maximum achievable gain (Gmax) core with dual-band matching. The proposed dual-frequency Gmaxcore can expand the difference between the two target frequencies by focusing on satisfying dominant gain-boosting condition and adopting a linear, lossy, and reciprocal-based design approach. Implemented in a 65-nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process, a five-stage dual-band amplifier shows a peak power gain of 23.6 and 13.7 dB, 3 dB bandwidth of 5 and 17 GHz, saturated output power (Psat) of −1.2 and −2.2 dBm, and peak power-added efficiency of 2.1 and 1.5 % at 201 and 283 GHz, respectively, while consuming a dc power of 34.5 mW. The proposed amplifier is the first demonstration of the concurrent dual-band amplifier operating at G(140–220 GHz) and H(220–325 GHz) bands.
The Future of Sleep Staging, Revisited

Abstract In 1996, I published a paper entitled “The Future of Sleep Staging”. At this time, paper and ink records were the standard way of recording sleep records. Computerised systems had only recently become commercially available. The original article was a response to those initial computer-based systems, pointing out the potential limitations of the systems. Now, digital sleep recording is ubiquitous and software and hardware capabilities have improved immeasurably. However, I will argue that despite 50 years of progress, there has not been an increase in the accuracy of sleep staging. I will propose that this is due to the limitations of the task that we have set the automatic analysis methods.
A G-Net Based Environment for Logical and Timing Analysis of Software Systems

The application of Petri nets for the modeling and verification of systems, at specification and design levels are well know. Despite of powerful structuring mechanisms available in the Petri nets theory for the construction of the model of complex systems, the designer is still likely to face the problem of state explosion, when analyzing and verifying large systems. Also, when dealing with real-time systems, the verification of timing properties is necessary. A model, named G-Nets, and a time extension, named Fuzzy Time G-nets, were introduced to the the modular analysis of complex real-time software systems. In this work we introduce an environment for logical and timing analysis based on this two kind of Petri nets.
Control Strategy of Discrete Event Systems Modeled by Labeled Petri Nets Based on Transition Priority

This paper deals with the supervisory control problem of discrete event systems modeled with labeled Petri nets. A transition priority matrix is proposed to control the firing of controllable transitions to prevent the system from entering illegal states. First, given a labeled Petri net system, an integer linear programming problem based on the pre-defined generalized mutual exclusion constraints and deadlocks is built to find out weakly illegal markings in its basis reachability graph. This approach is efficient since the exhaustive enumeration of the reachability space can be avoided. Second, since the firing of an uncontrollable transition sequence at a weakly illegal marking leading to an illegal state is inevitable, our goal is to prevent the system from entering weakly illegal states. A control algorithm is proposed to find a feasible transition priority matrix to avoid weakly illegal markings by controlling the firings of observable transitions. The dynamic transition priority matrix changes according to the current state of the system. Finally, two cases are studied to verify the control strategy. This control strategy does not complicate the structure of a system and can effectively avoid state-space explosion.
An Automated, Open-Source Workflow for the Generation of (3D) Fragment Libraries

The recent success of fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is inextricably linked to adequate library design. To guide the design of our fragment libraries, we have constructed an automated workflow in the open-source KNIME software. The workflow considers chemical diversity and novelty of the fragments, and can also take into account the three-dimensional (3D) character. This design tool can be used to create large and diverse libraries but also to select a small number of representative compounds as a focused set of unique screening compounds to enrich existing fragment libraries. To illustrate the procedures, the design and synthesis of a 10-membered focused library is reported based on the cyclopropane scaffold, which is underrepresented in our existing fragment screening library. Analysis of the focused compound set indicates significant shape diversity and a favorable overall physicochemical profile. By virtue of its modular setup, the workflow can be readily adjusted to design libraries that focus on properties other than 3D shape.
Investigation of the mechanical properties triple periodic minimal surfaces lattice structures with functional graded of porosity

In recent years, triple periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) have attracted attention in many applications such as biomaterials, aerospace, defense industry etc. lightweight components with high strength and functionally graded material (FGM). In particular, the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of these structures under load should be examined. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the manufacturability and mechanical performance of fixed pore size and functional graded porosity (FGP) lattice structures produced by fused deposition modelling (FDM) method. TPMS primitive and gyroid lattice structures designed in the dimensions of 20 × 20 × 20 mm with fixed 20% pore size and functional graded (FG) from 20% to 40% pore size were used in the experiments. In order to reveal the effects of pore size on mechanical performance, uniaxial compression tests were carried out. In addition, for the validation of the experimental results, compression tests with the finite element method (FEM) were simulated for each sample. In the two different pore size changes tested in the study, the gyroid lattice structure showed the highest mechanical performance compared to the primitive lattice structure. In addition, the FEM results were in good agreement with the experimental results.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Talar Bone Marrow Edema in Professional Ballet Dancers: Preliminary Data From a 2-Year Prospective Study

Background: Compared with symptomatic bone marrow edema (BME) associated with stress fractures, asymptomatic BME seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a phenomenon that has been described in high-level athletes and is thought to be related to bone adaptation to biomechanical loading unique to each sport. However, the prevalence, natural history, and management of these lesions remain poorly understood, particularly in dance, which places tremendous stress on the feet and ankles. Purposes/Hypothesis: The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the prevalence of asymptomatic BME in the talus before the start of the performance season, (2) identify contributing demographic and training factors, and (3) compare the radiological evidence of talar BME with validated functional foot and ankle scores. We hypothesized that talar BME would be highly prevalent among asymptomatic professional dancers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 14 professional ballet dancers (6 female and 8 male; mean age, 24 years) were included in this 2-year prospective study. For each participant, we recorded complete medical and surgical history along with scores on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index. Bilateral foot and ankle 3.0-T MRI scans without contrast were completed before the start of the performance season and were evaluated for BME of the talus using the Fredericson criteria. Results: Evidence of talar BME was seen in 15 of the 28 (54%) ankles examined and in 9 of 14 (64%) dancers. We found that 6 dancers demonstrated bilateral talar BME, 3 dancers demonstrated unilateral BME, and 5 dancers demonstrated no evidence of BME. The most common location of BME was the posterior talus, seen in 8 of 15 (53%) ankles. No statistically significant differences were noted in dancers with versus those without talar BME with regard to functional scores, demographic characteristics, or weekly training hours. Conclusion: Asymptomatic talar BME was highly prevalent (64%) in professional ballet dancers and tended to occur posteriorly. Long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up is necessary to determine the natural history of these lesions.
Controllability of second order neutral impulsive fuzzy functional differential equations with Non-Local conditions

In this paper, the controllability of fuzzy solutions for a second-order nonlocal impulsive neutral functional differential equation with both nonlocal and impulsive conditions in terms of fuzzy are considered. The sufficient condition of controllability is developed using the Banach fixed point theorem and a fuzzy number whose values are normal, convex, upper semi-continuous, and compactly supported fuzzy sets with the Hausdorff distance between α -cuts at its maximum. The α -cut approaches allow to translate a system of fuzzy differential equations into a system of ordinary differential equations to the endpoints of the states. An example of the application is given at the end to demonstrate the results. These kinds of systems come in use for designing landing systems for planes and spacecraft, as well as car suspension systems.
Pharmacological Effects of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469 Fermented Soybean and Green Microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, on Diabetic Rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, multifactorial metabolic disorder mainly characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. It has become a significant, serious disease worldwide, presenting a huge risk to human life and health. This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469 fermented soy flour extract and Chlorella vulgaris extract on Sprague-Dawley rats with T2DM induced by low-dose streptozotocin administration (STZ) compared to pioglitazone as a reference drug. Treatment with Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469 fermented soy flour and Chlorella vulgaris resulted in a significant improvement in body weight, glucose tolerance, blood glucose level, and insulin resistance (p < 0.05). It also resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol (T.C), triglycerides (T.G), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.05). It also resulted in the improvement of liver oxidative biomarkers. Moreover, it prevented pancreatic histopathological changes. Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469 fermented soy flour extract and Chlorella vulgaris extract had hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activity similar to pioglitazone.
Polymeric and Paper-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Devices in Food Safety: A Review

Food quality and safety are important to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses. Currently, laboratory scale analysis, which takes several days to complete, is the main way to ensure the absence of pathogenic microorganisms in a wide range of food products. However, new methods such as PCR, ELISA, or even accelerated plate culture tests have been proposed for the rapid detection of pathogens. Lab-on-chip (LOC) devices and microfluidics are miniaturized devices that can enable faster, easier, and at the point of interest analysis. Nowadays, methods such as PCR are often coupled with microfluidics, providing new LOC devices that can replace or complement the standard methods by offering highly sensitive, fast, and on-site analysis. This review’s objective is to present an overview of recent advances in LOCs used for the identification of the most prevalent foodborne and waterborne pathogens that put consumer health at risk. In particular, the paper is organized as follows: first, we discuss the main fabrication methods of microfluidics as well as the most popular materials used, and then we present recent literature examples for LOCs used for the detection of pathogenic bacteria found in water and other food samples. In the final section, we summarize our findings and also provide our point of view on the challenges and opportunities in the field.
Harassment, assault, bullying and intimidation (HABI) in archaeology: a Europe-wide survey

Abstract Awareness of, and debate about, harassment, assault, bullying and intimidation (HABI) in archaeology has grown in recent years, but the issue remains under-researched. Here, the authors present the first Europe-wide survey to evaluate HABI in archaeological environments, from field to laboratory and classroom. The survey covers 18 forms of HABI, collecting more than 1000 responses from archaeologists of 49 nationalities. A total of 82 per cent of respondents report at least one HABI experience. The authors conclude that HABI is endemic in European archaeology, being experienced by all genders and ages, in multiple settings and countries. Documenting these behaviours is a critical first step to eradicating them and to achieving equity and safety in the discipline.
“It’s okay when I do it, but not others.”

Abstract This study examined employees’ Guanxi orientation as a quasi-dispositional predictor and organizational Guanxi practice as a contextual predictor of employees’ engagement in personal Guanxi behavior directed at the supervisor, which in turn predicted three work-related outcomes: job satisfaction, job stress, and turnover intention. Using data collected from 226 hotel employees, the conceptualized structural model was tested. Results of this study showed that employees’ Guanxi orientation and organizational Guanxi behavior both positively predicted employees’ engagement in personal Guanxi behavior toward the supervisor; employee personal Guanxi behavior toward the supervisor was positively related to job satisfaction whereas organizational Guanxi behavior was negatively related to job satisfaction and positively related to stress; lastly, personal Guanxi was positively related to employee turnover intention. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Development of artificial intelligence tools for invasive Doppler-based coronary microvascular assessment

Abstract Aims Coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessment has proven clinical utility, but Doppler-based methods are sensitive to noise and operator bias, limiting their clinical applicability. The objective of the study is to expand the adoption of invasive Doppler CFR, through the development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to automatically quantify coronary Doppler quality and track flow velocity. Methods and results A neural network was trained on images extracted from coronary Doppler flow recordings to score signal quality and derive values for coronary flow velocity and CFR. The outputs were independently validated against expert consensus. Artificial intelligence successfully quantified Doppler signal quality, with high agreement with expert consensus (Spearman’s rho: 0.94), and within individual experts. Artificial intelligence automatically tracked flow velocity with superior numerical agreement against experts, when compared with the current console algorithm [AI flow vs. expert flow bias −1.68 cm/s, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.13 to −1.23 cm/s, P < 0.001 with limits of agreement (LOA) −4.03 to 0.68 cm/s; console flow vs. expert flow bias −2.63 cm/s, 95% CI −3.74 to −1.52, P < 0.001, 95% LOA −8.45 to −3.19 cm/s]. Artificial intelligence yielded more precise CFR values [median absolute difference (MAD) against expert CFR: 4.0% for AI and 7.4% for console]. Artificial intelligence tracked lower-quality Doppler signals with lower variability (MAD against expert CFR 8.3% for AI and 16.7% for console). Conclusion An AI-based system, trained by experts and independently validated, could assign a quality score to Doppler traces and derive coronary flow velocity and CFR. By making Doppler CFR more automated, precise, and operator-independent, AI could expand the clinical applicability of coronary microvascular assessment.