Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Inversion based Full Envelope Flight Control for an eVTOL Vehicle using a Unified Framework

Urban Air Mobility is a future mode of transportation that will require a revolutionary new vehicle concept. One of the concepts currently being studied and developed are eVTOL (electrical vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles. This paper discusses a nonlinear dynamic inversion based control law that was designed for this vehicle concept. Two advantageous inherent properties of dynamic inversion in this setup are the effective decoupling of the control axes which are by design highly coupled for this kind of vehicle, and its ability to naturally handle changes of operating condition, which removes the need for gain scheduling. These are advantageous for control of VTOL vehicles, due to their wide range of operating conditions which varies from hover to forward flight, and transitioning between them. The inner dynamic inversion control loop, including an optimization based blended control allocation strategy to the rotors as well as to the control surfaces, serves as an inner core flight control system for the full envelope. This setup is complemented with a set of linear controllers, and reference models as well as command filtering for the different manual control modes in the various flight phases. An autoflight mode is included as well. By using Incremental Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion, it was found that the overall controller becomes significantly less dependent on accurate aircraft model properties, especially with respect to the aerodynamic derivatives, of which one can expect limited knowledge for this kind of UAM vehicles.
CFD simulations of a suspension bridge deck for different deck shapes with railings and vortex mitigating devices

Aerodynamic response of a single-box suspension bridge girder is investigated using CFD simulations. The importance of including railings and vortex mitigating devices such as guide vanes and a spoiler in the simulations is explored since they alter the flow field around the deck greatly. The paper compares results from a bare deck section and a section with mitigating devices. A clear vortex shedding observed for the bare deck section is suppressed by the use of mitigating devices and the aerodynamic force coefficients are very different between these cases. The effect of varying deck width is also studied. Flutter derivatives are defined based on quasi-steady formulation and flutter velocity is computed for each section. The section with the largest width to depth ratio has the best performance against flutter. This study is an initial phase of multi-fidelity optimization of bridge deck shape considering aerodynamic constraints.
Robot Motion Control via an EEG-Based Brain–Computer Interface by Using Neural Networks and Alpha Brainwaves

Modern achievements accomplished in both cognitive neuroscience and human–machine interaction technologies have enhanced the ability to control devices with the human brain by using Brain–Computer Interface systems. Particularly, the development of brain-controlled mobile robots is very important because systems of this kind can assist people, suffering from devastating neuromuscular disorders, move and thus improve their quality of life. The research work presented in this paper, concerns the development of a system which performs motion control in a mobile robot in accordance to the eyes’ blinking of a human operator via a synchronous and endogenous Electroencephalography-based Brain–Computer Interface, which uses alpha brain waveforms. The received signals are filtered in order to extract suitable features. These features are fed as inputs to a neural network, which is properly trained in order to properly guide the robotic vehicle. Experimental tests executed on 12 healthy subjects of various gender and age, proved that the system developed is able to perform movements of the robotic vehicle, under control, in forward, left, backward, and right direction according to the alpha brainwaves of its operator, with an overall accuracy equal to 92.1%.
Capturing ethnicity data in primary care: challenges and feasibility in a diverse metropolitan population

Lack of ethnicity profiling of patients in primary care in the UK has long impeded the informed development of quality of care and research efforts for ethnically diverse populations. This paper briefly summarises past relevant experience of ‘ethnic monitoring’, and reports a study to explore models and the practical realities of implementing ethnicity data collection in a metropolitan primary care setting. A proforma for patient completion was designed to collect information on self-assigned ethnic group, religion and preferred spoken and written language, alongside a template for recording these data on practice computer systems. Eight general practices with varying IT use, serving 43 000 patients in a range of socially and ethnic diverse localities, were recruited and trained to collect data. All practices chose to begin data collection opportunistically in reception and at new patient registrations, with initial delay due to staff shortage or sickness/absence. Using these methods, six practices made good early progress, experiencing few problems and minimal patient resistance. However, with 15–40% of all registered patients’ data recorded after three to four months, data collection then reached a plateau with little additional patient data subsequently captured. Two practices requiring an interpreter to assist patients did not engage this support or implement data collection. Most practices found mailing the proforma to patients was beyond their resources, though mailshots to selected patients achieved some success in two practices. Findings indicate that collecting data on patient ethnicity in primary care appears a considerable challenge, and the scale of work and costs for practices may be underestimated. In some practices, particularly in deprived areas, the realities of organisational and staff resource constraints may preclude practice-initiated ethnicity data collection, and require external administration. A combination of methods and attendant resource to achieve comprehensive profiling of patient populations in primary care is needed.
Influence of Various Levels of Protein on Certain Blood Constituents of Purebred Jersey Heifers

The study of blood composition has received great significance from the stand point of nutrition, because level of various blood components often serves as a valuable guideline in evaluating the nutritional adequacy of the diet and the nutritonal status of the animal. Now it has been realised that plane of nutrition also influences the blood picture to a great extent. For examble, Sharma has reported changes in some of the important blood constituents of Tharparkar calves on feeding two levels of protein.
Tuberculose em indígenas menores de 15 anos em Mato Grosso do Sul - Brasil

Introducao O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever os aspectos epidemiologicos da tuberculose na populacao indigena com idade inferior a quinze anos de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, no periodo de 2000 a 2006, apos a implantacao do Subsistema de Saude Indigena . Metodos: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, de base de dados secundarios, utilizando-se o Banco de dados do Distrito Sanitario Especial Indigena MS (DSEI-MS) e o Banco de dados do Sistema de Informacoes de Agravos de Notificacao (SINAN/SES-MS). Variaveis analisadas: frequencia por grupo etario, distribuicao por sexo, forma clinica e desfecho dos casos . Resultados: A proporcao de casos de tuberculose em indigenas com idade inferior a 15 anos foi de 20,4%, equivalendo a 224 individuos em um total de 1096 casos. Verificou-se elevados coeficientes de incidencia de tuberculose em indigenas com menos de 15 anos de idade no periodo de estudo, porem com curva descendente e uma queda anual em torno de 14% . A frequencia por grupo etario evidenciou predominio em individuos com idade inferior a 5 anos e elevado numero de casos em com idade inferior a 1 ano. Mais da metade dos casos era do sexo masculino e a forma clinica pulmonar ocorreu em 92,9% do grupo em estudo. Quanto ao desfecho, 91,1% dos casos evoluiram para cura, 3,6% abandonaram o tratamento e 2,2% evoluiram para obito. Conclusao: a elevada taxa de cura, a reduzida mortalidade e a progressiva queda de incidencia da doenca no grupo etario inferior a 15 anos apontam para a efetividade da estrategia do tratamento supervisionado da tuberculose, no contexto do novo modelo de assistencia a saude indigena implantado no ano de 2000.
VariantStore: A Large-Scale Genomic Variant Search Index

The ability to efficiently query genomic variants from thousands of samples is critical to achieving the full potential of many medical and scientific applications such as personalized medicine. Performing variant queries based on coordinates in the reference or sample sequences is at the core of these applications. Efficiently supporting variant queries across thousands of samples is computationally challenging. Most solutions only support queries based on the reference coordinates and the ones that support queries based on coordinates across multiple samples do not scale to data containing more than a few thousand samples. We present VariantStore, a system for efficiently indexing and querying genomic variants and their sequences in either the reference or sample-specific coordinate systems. We show the scalability of VariantStore by indexing genomic variants from the TCGA-BRCA project containing 8640 samples and 5M variants in 4 Hrs and the 1000 genomes project containing 2500 samples and 924M variants in 3 Hrs. Querying for variants in a gene takes between 0.002 – 3 seconds using memory only 10% of the size of the full representation.
Anastomotic leakage after sphincter-sparing surgery in a young woman diagnosed with low rectal cancer - case report

Rectal cancer is the third most common site for cancer in the world, with a high morbidity and mortality. The new techniques for the treatment of low rectal cancer have been improved recently, allowing sphincter-sparing surgery to be available for more patients, with an optimal oncological and functional outcome. The most fundamental advance in rectal cancer surgery was the concept of total mesorectal resection (TME) introduced by Heald in 1982. Association with neoadjuvant radio-chemotherapy determines regression of the disease by “down staging” the tumors and allows for sphincter-sparing surgery to be performed, with low recurrence rate and increased overall survival. We present the case of 48-year old woman who had low rectal resection with colorectal anastomosis for middle rectal cancer. The patient had a BMI of 29, was hypertensive, had uterine fibroids and underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy. During the 4th postoperative day the patient developed an anastomotic leakage grade B which was spontaneously closed on the 15th postoperative day. The patient did not manifest fever or any other symptoms. Normal bowel function resumed on the 5th postoperative day. No recurrence was detected at the one-year follow-up.
An unusual presentation and a new treatment of eccrine syringofibroadenoma

Eccrine syringofibroadenoma (ES) is a rare disease that clinically ranges from nodule on extremity to diffuse forms. A case of ES was assessed and compared with classification of ES. Our case had diffuse verrucous lesions since infancy, hypotrichosis, and loss of teeth. She had coincidental bullous pemphigoid. The patient was successfully treated with etretinate.
To move or not to move? Residential mobility of rural migrants in a medium-sized Chinese city: the case of Yangzhou

Abstract This article evaluates the residential mobility decisions of rural migrants with a history of living in urban villages in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu province. Many were displaced by its demolition–redevelopment policy (forced movers); some chose to move voluntarily to improve their housing utility (voluntary movers); others decided to stay put in substandard housing (voluntary non-movers). A survey of their current housing conditions revealed that, compared to voluntary non-movers, most forced movers had not become better-off. But the voluntary movers had done much better than both of the other groups, implying that a timely move could have led to their improved housing conditions. However, even voluntary moves proved to have a downside, namely, that voluntary migrants would likely end up living somewhere more remote from coveted facilities and locations of jobs in the inner city. Logistic regression analysis showed how differences in socio-demographic characteristics between voluntary movers and non-movers could explain why some decided to move. For those who decided to stay, the analysis also indicates how the advantages of the current location may compensate for housing deficiencies. These results correspond to the motives migrants expressed in supplementary in-depth interviews: migrants intending to become permanent residents were most likely to move for better housing. The findings also point to structural constraints on residential mobility. For poor migrants without a Jiangsu hukou, moving to better housing was simply not an option. This suggests that further hukou reform is needed if urban redevelopment is not only meant to improve the image of the city but also the migrants’ housing conditions.
Colorectal Cancer Screening for the Vietnamese American Population in Iowa

Colorectal Cancer Screening for the Vietnamese American Population in Iowa by Michael H. Le MBA, Upper Iowa University, 2013 MHA, Des Moines University, 2012 BS, Upper Iowa University, 2008 Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University May 2017 Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Asian Americans have the highest CRC mortality rates. CRC screening tests can reduce CRC incidence, yet Asian Americans, specifically the subgroup of Vietnamese Americans, underuse CRC screening. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand why Vietnamese Americans, ages 50 to 75, underuse CRC screening. TheColorectal cancer (CRC) is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Asian Americans have the highest CRC mortality rates. CRC screening tests can reduce CRC incidence, yet Asian Americans, specifically the subgroup of Vietnamese Americans, underuse CRC screening. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand why Vietnamese Americans, ages 50 to 75, underuse CRC screening. The health belief model constructs of susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and selfefficacy were the framework for understanding this population’s health-related behaviors. Three research questions focused on how knowledge, language, and cultural beliefs and perceptions affect Vietnamese Americans’ CRC screening decisions. Interviews were conducted with 11 participants, and transcribed interview responses were input into NVivo 11 software to maintain a reliable database and to identify emerging themes. Key study findings revealed knowledge and English language gaps as well as adverse cultural perceptions of fear and doubt that influenced CRC screening choices among these 11 Vietnamese Americans. Future researchers might focus on cultural-tailored strategies to minimize these barriers for Vietnamese Americans. An understanding of this study population's perspectives offers the promise of positive social change for health services and public health administrations to develop cultural-tailored interventions that promote healthy lifestyles, prevention, early CRC detection and, consequently, reduce mortality rates and associated health care costs. Colorectal Cancer Screening for the Vietnamese American Population in Iowa by Michael H. Le MBA, Upper Iowa University, 2013 MHA, Des Moines University, 2012 BS, Upper Iowa University, 2008 Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
The Evolution of European (EU) Banking Law under the Influence of (Public) International Banking Law: A Comprehensive Overview (Third fully updated edition)

The present study contains a further update of the comprehensive overview of the evolution of European (EU) banking law under the influence of public international banking law. It is structured in two Chapters. Chapter I, entitled “Public International Financial Law (Regulation)” contains four Sections: Section A gives the definition, presents the branches and undertakes a brief overview of the historical evolution of public international financial law (PIFL), in three periods. The following Section B discusses the four levels of the making and enforcement of public international financial law (political decision-making – adoption of the rules – coordination – indirect enforcement of rules) and its sources, with emphasis on the ‘Compendium of Standards and Codes’ of the Financial Stability Board (FSB). Section C presents then the international fora adopting international financial standards and the Committee on the Global Financial System. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which is the main forum setting standards pertaining to public international banking law, is discussed in more details in Section D. Chapter II, entitled “European (EU) Banking Law (Regulation)” is more detailed and structured in six Sections: Section A gives the definition and the branches of EU financial law and then undertakes a brief overview of its historical evolution, in four periods. Appendix I discusses in more details the procedure for the making of EU financial law after the recent (2007-2009) international financial crisis. Section B presents the developments in EU financial law as a result of the ongoing fiscal crisis in the euro area, which leads to the presentation of the European Banking Union (EBU), including the pending issues in relation thereto. The following Sections C and D present, in turn and briefly, the two main pillars of the EBU, namely the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM). Section E contains then an analysis of the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive (DGSD) of 2014 and Section F briefly presents the Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) mechanism, which refers to last resort lending to viable credit institutions in the euro area by the national central banks – members of the Eurosystem.
Pharmacokinetics of Tranexamic Acid in Neonates, Infants, and Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background:Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of the most commonly used antifibrinolytic medications in children undergoing repair of congenital heart defects. However, a pharmacokinetics analysis of TXA has never been performed in neonates or young children undergoing complex cardiac surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia, circulatory arrest, and ultrafiltration. A comprehensive pharmacokinetics study was performed in this patient population. Methods:Fifty-five patients ranging from 2 days through 4 yr old were categorized into three groups: children less than 2 months old, infants 2 months to 1 yr old, and children greater than 1 yr old and weighing up to 20 kg. TXA was given as a bolus of 100 mg/kg followed by an infusion of 10 mg · kg−1 · h−1 throughout the surgery. A dose of 100 mg/kg was placed in the cardiopulmonary bypass prime. A total of 16 to 18 samples were obtained from all patients throughout surgery. Plasma TXA concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and modeled under a nonlinear mixed-effects framework with a two-compartment structural model. Results:Cardiopulmonary bypass had a statistically significant impact on all pharmacokinetic parameters. Age was a better covariate than body weight, affecting both the distribution and the elimination of TXA. However, weight performed well in some cases. Other covariates including body surface area, pump prime volume, ultrafiltrate volume, and body temperature did not improve the model. Conclusions:This TXA pharmacokinetic analysis is reported for the first time in neonates and young children undergoing complex cardiac surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass. Dosing recommendations are provided as guidance for maintaining desired target concentrations.
AstroBot: Um chatbot com inteligência artificial para auxiliar no processo de ensino e aprendizagem de física

Resumo. Esse trabalho apresenta um chatbot desenvolvido com tecnologias de processamento de linguagem natural e inteligência artificial para auxiliar no processo de ensino-aprendizagem da disciplina de fı́sica. O chatbot foi disponibilizado para os alunos nos atuais aplicativos de mensagens, tais como: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger e Telegram. A proposta é tornar sua aplicação descontraı́da e atrativa por meio de aplicações já conhecidas e dominadas por esse público. Esse aplicativo foi avaliado em três turmas do Ensino Médio na tarefa de resolução de exercı́cios. Com os resultados o docente obteve um feedback das principais dúvidas e questionamentos a respeito do conteúdo didático proposto em sala de aula. Além disso, essa ferramenta permitiu realizar modificações quando necessário, objetivando melhorar o aprendizado dos alunos.
In vitro biosynthesis of poly-β-1,4-glucan derivatives using a pro-miscuous glycosyltransferase

The β-1,4-glucose linkage of cellulose is the most abundant polymeric linkage on earth and as such is of considerable interest in biology and biotechnology. It remains challenging to synthesize this linkage in vitro due to a lack of suitable biocatalysts; the natural cellulose biosynthetic machinery is a membrane-associated complex with processive activity that cannot be easily manipulated to synthesize tailor-made oligosaccharides and their derivatives. Here we identify a promiscuous activity of a soluble recombinant biocatalyst, Neisseria meningitidis glycosyltransferase LgtB, suitable for the polymerization of glucose from UDP-glucose via the generation of β-1,4-glycosidic linkages. We employed LgtB to synthesize natural and derivatized cello-oligosaccharides and we demonstrate how LgtB can be incorporated in biocatalytic cascades and chemo-enzymatic strategies to synthesize cello-oligosaccharides with tailored functionalities. We also show how the resulting glycan structures can be applied as chemical probes to report on activity and selectivity of plant cell wall degrading enzymes, including lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases. We anticipate that this biocatalytic approach to derivatized cello-oligosaccharides via glucose polymerization will open up new applications in biology and nanobiotechnology.