Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fundamental Considerations around Scenario-Based Testing for Automated Driving

The homologation of automated vehicles, being safety-critical complex systems, requires sound evidence for their safe operability. Traditionally, verification and validation activities are guided by a combination of ISO 26262 and ISO/PAS 21448, together with distance-based testing. Starting at SAE Level 3, such approaches become infeasible, resulting in the need for novel methods. Scenario-based testing is regarded as a possible enabler for verification and validation of automated vehicles. Its effectiveness, however, rests on the consistency and substantiality of the arguments used in each step of the process. In this work, we sketch a generic framework around scenario-based testing and analyze contemporary approaches to the individual steps. For each step, we describe its function, discuss proposed approaches and solutions, and identify the underlying arguments, principles and assumptions. As a result, we present a list of fundamental considerations for which evidences need to be gathered in order for scenario-based testing to support the homologation of automated vehicles.
Effect of Boron on Growth and Development of the Radish

1. Radish plants deficient in boron produced small leaves with light bluish green color, which were (especially the petioles) brittle and curled down. The thickened underground portions were light in color, narrow and elongated, and severely cracked. 2. When boron was added up to 18 days after planting and then withheld, the top portion made greater growth but the brittleness of the leaves and the light color of the foliage were still apparent. The enlarged underground portion attained greater size and more normal shape but was also cracked. 3. Under short photoperiod the boron-deficiency symptoms were much less pronounced. Splitting of the underground portion was present in only about 27 per cent of the minus boron plants. 4. The vascular tissue near the center of the axis was not affected by boron deficiency. 5. Normally developed and lignified vessels in the area between the central, unaffected vascular tissue and the outer cambium region were entirely absent, and the phloem cells in this region had disintegrated. 6. The cambium region, if located at or near a crack, had slightly developed vascular bundles. The cambium and phloem cells were mostly disintegrated, and well-developed vessels were lacking. The xylem parenchyma and ray cells were rather active. 7. The cambium region, if not located near a crack, had well-developed vascular bundles arranged in pronounced domes and circular areas. The vessels were unlignified, but there was no pronounced phloem or cambium disintegration. The xylem parenchyma and ray cells were here also highly active. 8. The splitting is caused by the failure of normal vascular tissue development, coupled with differential growth pressure.
Boosting spatial resolution by incorporating periodic boundary conditions into single-distance hard-x-ray phase retrieval

A simple coherent-imaging method due to Paganin et al is widely employed for phase–amplitude reconstruction of samples using a single paraxial x-ray propagation-based phase-contrast image. The method assumes that the sample-to-detector distance is sufficiently small for the associated Fresnel number to be large compared to unity. The algorithm is particularly effective when employed in a tomographic setting, using a single propagation-based phase-contrast image for each projection. Here we develop a simple extension of the method, which improves the reconstructed contrast of very fine sample features. This provides first-principles motivation for boosting fine spatial detail associated with high Fourier frequencies, relative to the original method, and was inspired by several recent works employing empirically-obtained Fourier filters to a similar end.
Expanding bubbles in Orion A: [C II] observations of M42, M43, and NGC 1977.

Context The Orion Molecular Cloud is the nearest massive-star forming region. Massive stars have profound effects on their environment due to their strong radiation fields and stellar winds. Stellar feedback is one of the most crucial cosmological parameters that determine the properties and evolution of the interstellar medium in galaxies. Aims We aim to understand the role that feedback by stellar winds and radiation play in the evolution of the interstellar medium. Velocity-resolved observations of the [C II] 158μm fine-structure line allow us to study the kinematics of UV-illuminated gas. Here, we present a square-degree-sized map of [C II] emission from the Orion Nebula complex at a spatial resolution of 16″ and high spectral resolution of 0.2kms-1, covering the entire Orion Nebula (M42) plus M43 and the nebulae NGC 1973, 1975, and 1977 to the north. We compare the stellar characteristics of these three regions with the kinematics of the expanding bubbles surrounding them. Methods We use [C II] 158μm line observations over an area of 1.2deg2 in the Orion Nebula complex obtained by the upGREAT instrument onboard SOFIA. Results The bubble blown by the O7V star θ 1 Ori C in the Orion Nebula expands rapidly, at 13kms-1. Simple analytical models reproduce the characteristics of the hot interior gas and the neutral shell of this wind-blown bubble and give us an estimate of the expansion time of 0.2 Myr. M43 with the B0.5V star NU Ori also exhibits an expanding bubble structure, with an expansion velocity of 6kms-1. Comparison with analytical models for the pressure-driven expansion of H II regions gives an age estimate of 0.02 Myr. The bubble surrounding NGC 1973, 1975, and 1977 with the central B1V star 42 Orionis expands at 1.5kms-1, likely due to the over-pressurized ionized gas as in the case of M43. We derive an age of 0.4 Myr for this structure. Conclusions We conclude that the bubble of the Orion Nebula is driven by the mechanical energy input by the strong stellar wind from θ 1 Ori C, while the bubbles associated with M43 and NGC 1977 are caused by the thermal expansion of the gas ionized by their central later-type massive stars.
Parallel Programming Models for Heterogeneous Many-Cores : A Survey

Heterogeneous many-cores are now an integral part of modern computing systems ranging from embedding systems to supercomputers. While heterogeneous many-core design offers the potential for energy-efficient high-performance, such potential can only be unlocked if the application programs are suitably parallel and can be made to match the underlying heterogeneous platform. In this article, we provide a comprehensive survey for parallel programming models for heterogeneous many-core architectures and review the compiling techniques of improving programmability and portability. We examine various software optimization techniques for minimizing the communicating overhead between heterogeneous computing devices. We provide a road map for a wide variety of different research areas. We conclude with a discussion on open issues in the area and potential research directions. This article provides both an accessible introduction to the fast-moving area of heterogeneous programming and a detailed bibliography of its main achievements.
RetinaMask: A Face Mask detector

Coronavirus disease 2019 has affected the world seriously. One major protection method for people is to wear masks in public areas. Furthermore, many public service providers require customers to use the service only if they wear masks correctly. However, there are only a few research studies about face mask detection based on image analysis. In this paper, we propose RetinaFaceMask, which is a high-accuracy and efficient face mask detector. The proposed RetinaFaceMask is a one-stage detector, which consists of a feature pyramid network to fuse high-level semantic information with multiple feature maps, and a novel context attention module to focus on detecting face masks. In addition, we also propose a novel cross-class object removal algorithm to reject predictions with low confidences and the high intersection of union. Experiment results show that RetinaFaceMask achieves state-of-the-art results on a public face mask dataset with $2.3\%$ and $1.5\%$ higher than the baseline result in the face and mask detection precision, respectively, and $11.0\%$ and $5.9\%$ higher than baseline for recall. Besides, we also explore the possibility of implementing RetinaFaceMask with a light-weighted neural network MobileNet for embedded or mobile devices.
On the use of Data-Driven Cost Function Identification in Parametrized NMPC

In this paper, a framework with complete numerical investigation is proposed regarding the feasibility of constrained Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) design using Data-Driven model of the cost function. Although the idea is very much in the air, this paper proposes a complete implementation using python modules that are made freely available on a GitHub repository. Moreover, a discussion regarding the different ways of deriving control via data-driven modeling is proposed that can be of interest to practitioners.
Stereo Vision for Unmanned Aerial VehicleDetection, Tracking, and Motion Control

An innovative method of detecting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is presented. The goal of this study is to develop a robust setup for an autonomous multi-rotor hunter UAV, capable of visually detecting and tracking the intruder UAVs for real-time motion planning. The system consists of two parts: object detection using a stereo camera to generate 3D point cloud data and video tracking applying a Kalman filter for UAV motion modeling. After detection, the hunter can aim and shoot a tethered net at the intruder to neutralize it. The computer vision, motion tracking, and planning algorithms can be implemented on a portable computer installed on the hunter UAV.
Evidence for coupling of evolved star atmospheres and spiral arms of the Milky Way

It is imperative to map the strength and distribution of feedback in galaxies to understand how feedback affects the galactic ecosystems. H$_2$O masers act as indicators of energy injection into the ISM. Our goal is to measure the strength and distribution of feedback traced by water masers in the Milky Way. We identify optical counterparts to H$_2$O masers discovered by the HOPS survey. The distribution and luminosities of H$_2$O masers in the Milky Way are determined using parallax measurements derived from the second Gaia Data Release. We provide evidence of a correlation between evolved stars, as traced by H$_2$O masers, and the spiral structure of the Milky Way, suggesting a link between evolved stars and the Galactic environment.
Biosynthesis of 2-methylbutyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, and 2-methylbutanoate esters in Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples using deuterium-labeled substrates

2-Methylbutanoate esters, especially ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, are key contributors to fruit aroma. The biosynthetic origins and interconversions of 2-methylbutyl and 2-methylbutanoate esters in Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples were determined by feeding deuterium-labeled substrates with GC−MS identification of the deuterated aroma volatiles produced. Deuterium-labeled isoleucine was fed to apple peel, and 2-methylbutanoic-d3 acid, 2-methylbutanol-d3, and ethyl 2-methylbutanoate-d3 were fed as vapor to whole apples. An array of labeled 2-methylbutyl and 2-methylbutanoate esters was produced from each substrate with significant differences in products and product distributions between the two apple cultivars. Novel 2-methyl-(2E)-butenyl esters were identified as biosynthetic products in the aroma of Red Delicious but not Granny Smith apples. Keywords: Biosynthesis; apple; aroma volatiles; 2-methylbutyl; 2-methylbutanoate; 2-methyl-2-butenyl; deuterium
Supermassive Black Holes with High Accretion Rates in Active Galactic Nuclei. XI. Accretion Disk Reverberation Mapping of Mrk 142

We performed an intensive accretion disk reverberation mapping campaign on the high accretion rate active galactic nucleus Mrk 142 in early 2019. Mrk 142 was monitored with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory for four months in X-rays and six different UV/optical filters. Ground-based photometric monitoring was obtained from the Las Cumbres Observatory, the Liverpool Telescope, and the Dan Zowada Memorial Observatory in ugriz filters, as well as from the Yunnan Astronomical Observatory in V. Mrk 142 was highly variable throughout, displaying correlated variability across all wavelengths. We measure significant time lags between the different wavelength lightcurves. In the UV and optical, we find that the wavelength-dependent lags, τ(λ), generally follow the relation τ(λ) ∝ λ4/3, as expected for the T ∝ R−3/4 profile of a steady-state, optically thick, geometrically thin accretion disk, though they can also be fit by τ(λ) ∝ λ2, as expected for a slim disk. The exceptions are the u and U bands, where an excess lag is observed, as has been observed in other active galactic nuclei and attributed to continuum emission arising in the broad-line region. Furthermore, we perform a flux–flux analysis to separate the constant and variable components of the spectral energy distribution, finding that the flux dependence of the variable component is consistent with the fν ∝ ν1/3 spectrum expected for a geometrically thin accretion disk. Moreover, the X-ray to UV lag is significantly offset from an extrapolation of the UV/optical trend, with the X-rays showing a poorer correlation with the UV than the UV does with the optical. The magnitude of the UV/optical lags is consistent with a highly super-Eddington accretion rate.
DAT1 Gene Methylation as an Epigenetic Biomarker in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Commentary

1 Faculty of Psychology, Università Telematica Internazionale “Uninettuno”, Rome, Italy, Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies Department, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy, Clinical Center “TROPOS” for Child Neuropsychiatry, Frascati, Italy, 4 Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy, Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
Expanding horizons for herbaceous ecosystem restoration: the Grassy Groundcover Restoration Project

Summary The Grassy Groundcover Restoration Project (GGRP) has sown thirteen 1 ha plots of species-rich grassland or herbaceous understorey in previously weedy agricultural paddocks in a range of rural locations across southern and western Victoria, Australia. The sown plots are intended as both experimental trials and ‘core’ areas for the restoration of herbaceous communities native to these regions. Approximately 200 species were grown in Seed Production Areas (SPAs) and successfully sown in the field. Species were most successfully established on areas that were scalped prior to seeding, and least successful on plots that were pre-treated with 1, 2 or 3 years of traditional herbicide weed control. Weed presence was lowest in scalped plots and highest in non-scalped plots. Long-term monitoring will be required to understand the development trajectories and degree of persistence of the sown communities, but in the shorter term (3–6 years of post-seeding) an average of 80% of sown species have established and remain as adult populations. Surveys indicate that in scalped plots (n = 130) vegetation composition, structure and quality has been maintained. Conversely, composition, structure and quality have declined markedly in non-scalped plots (n = 130). Formal surveys and field observations have also revealed that all sites provide a range of habitats which have been colonized by fauna from a variety of trophic levels. The implications of building on these trials to realize complex grassy ecosystem restoration at larger scales are discussed including the securing of sufficient quantities of high-quality seed, the use of mechanized broad-scale direct-seeding techniques and the effectiveness of using complex mixtures of species early in the restoration cycle.
Estrutura foliar de Loudetiopsis chrysothrix (Nees) Conert e Tristachya leiostachya Nees (Poaceae)

Loudetiopsis chrysothrix and Tristachya leiostachya are grasses species showing great morphological similarity, but differing in stamen number and awn characteristics. However, these structures are deciduous and frequently absent in the mature espikelet, which makes their identification difficult. In order to recognize useful characters for species delimitation, this paper studied the leaf blade anatomy and ultrastructure. The different characteristics between these species were: prickle hair arrangement on the leaf blade adaxial surface; furrow depth on the adaxial surface; saliency shape on the first order bundle; vascular bundle size, position, and arrangement on the leaf blade; metaxylem vessel outline; number of cells in the bundle sheath extension; presence/absence of colourless cells in the mesophyll; number of chlorenchyma radiated cell strata and distribution of the sub epidermal scherenchyma. In both species, chloroplasts of the chlorenchyma show grana and absence of starch grains; those in the sheath are agranal, with or without starch grains. Other characteristics such as presence of epicuticular waxes, stomata in furrows on the adaxial surface, differences in the sinuosity degree of the epidermal cell wall, and cell wall structure are common in cerrado species and can be related to water saving.
Efficacy and safety of turmeric extracts in knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Turmeric extracts have been used as a remedy for treating arthritis in traditional medicine. Recent years have witnessed the rise of different extracts from Turmeric and the randomised clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of these extracts for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). This planned systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of turmeric extracts for the treatment of knee OA. Biomedical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase will be searched for RCTs reporting safety and efficacy of Turmeric extracts in knee OA. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the methodological quality of the selected studies and a meta-analysis will be performed to pool the effect estimates.
Rapid increase of Care Homes reporting outbreaks a sign of eventual substantial disease burden

Enclosed societies (i.e. locations that are connected to wider community only by subgroups of their population and that are dominated by within society transmission) have the potential, upon establishment of a respiratory disease, to suffer a large proportion of the population within becoming infected. Care homes are particularly susceptible to COVID19 outbreaks and suffer high mortality due to vulnerable population within. Recent data on the number of new outbreak reports in care homes to Public Health England shows an initial increase then plateau perhaps associated with an SIS model dynamic. Without change in policy moving forward a high prevalence in such setting is predicted of around 75%. Action is needed to support staff in such settings.
Direct evidence for decreased presynaptic inhibition evoked by PBSt group I muscle afferents after chronic SCI and recovery with step-training in the decerebrated rat

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the disruption of supraspinal control of spinal networks and an increase in the relative influence of afferent feedback to sublesional neural networks, both of which contribute to enhancing spinal reflex excitability. Hyperreflexia occurs in ~75% of individuals with chronic SCI and critically hinders functional recovery and quality of life. It is suggested to result from an increase in motoneuronal excitability and a decrease in presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibitory mechanisms. In contrast, locomotor training decreases hyperreflexia by restoring presynaptic inhibition. Primary afferent depolarization (PAD) is a powerful presynaptic inhibitory mechanism that selectively gates primary afferent transmission to spinal neurons to adjust reflex excitability and ensure smooth movement. However, the effect of chronic SCI and step-training on the reorganization of presynaptic inhibition evoked by hindlimb afferents, and the contribution of PAD has never been demonstrated. The objective of this study is to directly measure changes in presynaptic inhibition through dorsal root potentials (DRPs) and its association to plantar H-reflex inhibition. We provide direct evidence that H-reflex hyperexcitability is associated with a decrease in transmission of PAD pathways activated by PBSt afferents after chronic SCI. More precisely, we illustrate that PBSt group I muscle afferents evoke a similar pattern of inhibition onto both L4-DRPs and plantar H-reflexes evoked by the tibial nerve in Control and step-trained animals, but not in chronic SCI rats. These changes are not observed after step-training, suggesting a role for activity-dependent plasticity to regulate PAD pathways activated by flexor muscle group I afferents. Key point summary Presynaptic inhibition is modulated by supraspinal centers and primary afferents in order to filter sensory information, adjust spinal reflex excitability, and ensure smooth movements. After SCI, the supraspinal control of primary afferent depolarization (PAD) interneurons is disengaged, suggesting an increased role for sensory afferents. While increased H-reflex excitability in spastic individuals indicates a possible decrease in presynaptic inhibition, it remains unclear whether a decrease in sensory-evoked PAD contributes to this effect. We investigated whether the PAD evoked by hindlimb afferents contributes to the change in presynaptic inhibition of the H-reflex in a decerebrated rat preparation. We found that chronic SCI decreases presynaptic inhibition of the plantar H-reflex through a reduction in PAD evoked by PBSt muscle group I afferents. We further found that step-training restored presynaptic inhibition of the plantar H-reflex evoked by PBSt, suggesting the presence of activity-dependent plasticity of PAD pathways activated by flexor muscle group I afferents.