Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circuit‐theory applications to connectivity science and conservation

Conservation practitioners have long recognized ecological connectivity as a global priority for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem function. In the early years of conservation science, ecologists extended principles of island biogeography to assess connectivity based on source patch proximity and other metrics derived from binary maps of habitat. From 2006 to 2008, the late Brad McRae introduced circuit theory as an alternative approach to model gene flow and the dispersal or movement routes of organisms. He posited concepts and metrics from electrical circuit theory as a robust way to quantify movement across multiple possible paths in a landscape, not just a single least‐cost path or corridor. Circuit theory offers many theoretical, conceptual, and practical linkages to conservation science. We reviewed 459 recent studies citing circuit theory or the open‐source software Circuitscape. We focused on applications of circuit theory to the science and practice of connectivity conservation, including topics in landscape and population genetics, movement and dispersal paths of organisms, anthropogenic barriers to connectivity, fire behavior, water flow, and ecosystem services. Circuit theory is likely to have an effect on conservation science and practitioners through improved insights into landscape dynamics, animal movement, and habitat‐use studies and through the development of new software tools for data analysis and visualization. The influence of circuit theory on conservation comes from the theoretical basis and elegance of the approach and the powerful collaborations and active user community that have emerged. Circuit theory provides a springboard for ecological understanding and will remain an important conservation tool for researchers and practitioners around the globe.
Handover and Load Balancing for Distributed Network Control: Applications in ITS Message Dissemination

In this paper, we build upon our prior work on D2-ITS, a flexible and extensible framework to dynamically distribute network control to enable message dissemination in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), and extend it with handover and load balancing capabilities. More specifically, D2-ITS' new handover feature allows a controller to automatically "delegate" control of a vehicle to another controller as the vehicle moves. Control delegation can also be used as a way to balance load among controllers and ensure that required application quality of service is maintained. We showcase D2-ITS' handover and load- balancing features using the Mininet-Wifi network simula- tor/emulator. Our preliminary experiments show D2-ITS' ability to seamlessly handover control of vehicles as they move.
Design of an Electrohydraulic Hand Orthosis for People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using Commercially Available Components

People with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are currently in need of assistive robotics to improve their hand function and have a better quality of life. However, none of the available active hand orthoses is able to address to their specific needs. In this study, the use of hydraulic technology is proposed in the design of an active hand orthosis. Commercially available components were used to identify where customization is necessary for a new electrohydraulic hand orthosis. The presented prototype was able to move four finger modules with a single actuator. The finger modules were separable and had a total mass of only 150 g, whereas the valve manifold added another 250 g. Results revealed that the prototype was able to function well with full flexion/extension cycles up to 2 Hz, but with hysteretic losses between 37–81% of the total input energy. Specialized valves and slave cylinders are required to increase efficiency at higher speeds and to obtain more robust sealing performance.
Microbial community and functions associated with digestion of algal polysaccharides in the visceral tract of Haliotis discus hannai: Insights from metagenome and metatranscriptome analysis

Haliotis discus hannai, a species of Pacific abalone, is a highly valuable food source throughout Northeast Asia. As H. discus hannai primarily feed on brown algae and largely extract their energy from algal polysaccharides, understanding the mechanisms by which they digest algal polysaccharides is essential for elucidating their energy metabolism. Gut microbes, as well as the host animal, are involved in the process of polysaccharide degradation. To identify algal polysaccharide-digestion mechanisms and their origin, we analyzed the metagenome and metatranscriptome of abalone visceral extracts. Microbial communities were characterized using the 16S rRNA gene sequences in the metagenome and our results differed significantly from those of previous studies using traditional microbiological methods such as bacterial cultivation and cloning. A greater diversity of bacterial taxa was identified here than was previously identified using cultivation methods. Furthermore, the most abundant bacterial taxa also differed from previous studies, which is not common when comparing the results of bacterial culturing with those of molecular methodologies. Based on the metatranscriptome, overall functions were identified and additional analyses were performed on the coding sequences of algal polysaccharide-digestive enzymes, including alginate lyase. Results of the transcriptomic analyses suggest that alginate lyase in the visceral extracts of H. discus hannai was produced by the host itself, not by visceral bacteria. This is the first next-generation sequencing study performed on abalone to characterize the visceral microbiota and the source of the ability to digest algal polysaccharides by analyzing the metagenome and metatranscriptome together.
An Extended Exploration to the Epidemic Containment Game

The epidemic containment game is a formulation to describe voluntary vaccination behaviors before epidemic spreading. This game relies on the characterization of the susceptible-infected- susceptible (SIS) model in terms of the spectral radius of the network. Existing researches showed that finding the worst Nash Equilibrium (NE) is NP-hard and used a heuristic algorithm called Low Degree (LDG) to estimate the maximum social cost under the worst NE (Max NE cost). By comparing the results of the LDG algorithm and exhaustive search, we found the LDG algorithm cannot estimate Max NE cost well, thus, we proposed a new neighbor information based algorithm to estimate Max NE cost in this paper. Moreover, we discussed Stackelberg strategies in which some nodes are secured first by a leader, then other agents choose their strategies voluntarily. We found the target (TAR) strategy is effective to reduce Max NE cost in a scale- free network when T is large and useless when T is low (T is the ratio of the recovery rate to the transmission rate in the SIS model). Moreover, we found that a lot of nodes with small degrees are secured voluntarily under the TAR strategy when T is low, which leads to high Max NE cost. At last, we proposed a new greedy algorithm to select nodes secured first, which can reduce Max NE cost when T is low.
A state of the Art review on Wireless Power Transfer a step towards sustainable mobility

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) uses electromagnetic fields to transmit power due to which WPT systems have faced many challenges on the way of its adoption. This manuscript reviews the two aspects of its adoption. Firstly, the technical progress, development and applications and the state of the art progress in various technologies used in Wireless Power Transfer (WPT). Secondly, the sustainable performance. The technical part contains system performance factors like coil geometry, frequency, misalignment and compensation topologies which have been discussed. The sustainable perspective contains energy, environmental and health issues. Finally, the paper presents a state of the art development in WPT, understand the technical as well as health challenges of WPT and leave some unanswered questions to be answered related to the contribution of WPT for sustainable mobility.
Homology, neocortex, and the evolution of developmental mechanisms

The six-layered neocortex of the mammalian pallium has no clear homolog in birds or non-avian reptiles. Recent research indicates that although these extant amniotes possess a variety of divergent and nonhomologous pallial structures, they share a conserved set of neuronal cell types and circuitries. These findings suggest a principle of brain evolution: that natural selection preferentially preserves the integrity of information-processing pathways, whereas other levels of biological organization, such as the three-dimensional architectures of neuronal assemblies, are less constrained. We review the similarities of pallial neuronal cell types in amniotes, delineate candidate gene regulatory networks for their cellular identities, and propose a model of developmental evolution for the divergence of amniote pallial structures.
Design and Control of a Novel Robotic Knee-Ankle Prosthesis System

In this paper, design and control of a novel robotic prosthetic knee and ankle system is presented. Robotic prosthetic knee and ankle system consists of a robotic knee prosthesis and a robotic ankle prosthesis, connected by a prosthetic pylon, adjusting shank length and alignment between knee and ankle. We present a novel mechanism incorporating a series elastic actuator and crank mechanism, which is applied to transform linear motion of series elastic actuator to rotary motion of knee joint and ankle. The crank mechanism contributes a variable transmission ratio of each joint. This feature could uniquely give the knee both: the torque necessary to assist with standing up from a chair and the speed necessary to swing the leg forward during walking. Because of variable transmission ratio, ankle joint torque is increasing while ankle angle is flexed from plantar flexion to dorsiflexion, whose feature has a similar increase trend with human's ankle joint torque-angle relationship. Robotic knee prostheses and robotic ankle prostheses are mechanically separable integrated system, including actuation, electronics and control respectively and they could be used independently. In order to coordinate movement of knee and ankle as one system in this paper, The knee is controlled as a master and ankle is a slave and they are connected by electrical cable to send control signal from master to slave. Prototype has been built and a preliminary experiment has been implemented with a transfemoral amputee.
A description of Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. gwanakae subsp. nov., a rapidly growing mycobacterium with a smooth colony phenotype due to glycopeptidolipids.

Three rapidly growing mycobacterial strains, MOTTH4W, MOTT36WT and MOTT68W, were isolated from the sputa of three independent Korean patients co-infected with Mycobacterium yongonense Type II strains. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of all three strains were unique, which were closest to that of Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. bovis KCTC 39630T (99.9 % similarity). Multilocus sequence typing analysis targeting 10 housekeeping genes including hsp65 and rpoB revealed the distinct phylogenetic location of these strains, which were clustered with M. chelonae subsp. chelonae ATCC 35752T and M. chelonae subsp. bovis KCTC 39630T. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole genome sequences revealed a 95.89 % average nucleotide identity (ANI) value with M. chelonae subsp. chelonae, slightly higher than the 95.0 % ANI criterion for determining a novel species. In addition, phenotypic characteristics such as a smooth colony morphology and growth inhibition at 37 °C, distinct MALDI-TOF MS profiles of extracted total lipids due to surface glycopeptidolipids, and distinct drug susceptibility profiles further supported the taxonomic characterization of these strains as representing a novel subspecies of Mycobacterium chelonae. Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. gwanakae subsp. nov. is proposed and the type strain is MOTT36WT (=KCTC 29127T=JCM 32454T).
Adaptive Gradient-Based Luenberger Observer Implemented for Electric Drive with Elastic Joint

In this paper work of the Luenberger observer applied for electric drive with complex mechanical part is analyzed. Comparing to classical solution, additional adaptation of gain matrix was introduced. Starting point for gradient-based on-line parameter recalculation is determined using metaheuristic algorithm - Grey Wolf Optimizer. Two state variables, the most often used in control structures applied for two-mass system, are estimated: load speed and shaft torque. Mentioned methods lead to precise calculations of signals and improvement of results after time constants changes. Moreover, initial phase related to adjustment of observer parameters is shortened. Model of the adaptive observer was firstly prepared, then simulations were realized. Final stage of described project, presents experimental verification, whole algorithm was implemented in processor od dSPACE 1103 board and experimental tests were done (using two DC motors).
Robustly Safe Charging for Wireless Power Transfer

One critical issue for wireless power transfer is to avoid human health impairments caused by electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure. The existing studies mainly focus on scheduling wireless chargers so that (expected) EMR at any point in the area doesn't exceed a threshold $R_{t}$. Nevertheless, they overlook the EMR jitter that leads to exceeding of Rt even if the expected EMR is no more than $R_{t}$. This paper studies the fundamental problem of RObustly SafE charging for wireless power transfer (ROSE), that is, scheduling the power of chargers so that the charging utility for all rechargeable devices is maximized while the probability that EMR anywhere doesn't exceed $R_{t}$ is no less than a given confidence. We first build our empirical probabilistic charging model and EMR model. Then, we present EMR approximation and area discretization techniques to formulate ROSE into a Second-Order Cone Program, and the first redundant second-order cone constraints reduction algorithm to reduce the computational cost, and therefore obtain a $(1-\epsilon)$-approximation centralized algorithm. Further, we propose a $(1-\epsilon)$-approximation fully distributed algorithm scalable with network size for ROSE. Simulations and field experiments show that our algorithms can outperform comparison algorithms by 480.19%.
The Retrainer Light-Weight Arm Exoskeleton: Effect of Adjustable Gravity Compensation on Muscle Activations and Forces

The recovery of voluntary arm movements is one of the most important goals during stroke rehabilitation in order to avoid long-term disability in activities of daily living. Support against gravity in order to reduce flexion synergy is reported as an effective strategy to enable upper extremity rehabilitation. In this study, the reduction of muscle activities and muscle forces with the gravity compensated RETRAINER upper limb exoskeleton were analyzed carrying out defined movements with healthy subjects. The EMG signals of the main active muscles as well as the kinematics of different defined motions were captured and compared. The joint kinematics and the joint moments were computationally determined using a 3D musculoskeletal model. The effectiveness of the upper limb gravity compensation could be shown in both mean values of EMG signals and resulting muscle forces, indicating that this compact and lightweight arm exoskeleton can serve as a powerful tool to support the rehabilitation process.
Testosterone preserves endothelial function through regulation of S1P1/Akt/FOXO3a signalling pathway in the rat corpus cavernosum

The aim of the study was to investigate how testosterone regulating endothelial function in the corpus cavernosum of rats. A total of 32 male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats, 10‐weeks‐old, were divided randomly into four groups: normal control group (Control); castration group (Castration); the other 16 rats were castrated followed by testosterone supplementation (orally) every day for 8 weeks: castration +10 mg/kg (lower dose) testosterone group (Castration +LT) and castration +20 mg/kg (high dose) testosterone group (Castration +HT). The data showed that androgen deficiency in the Castration group could induce oxidative stress to attenuate endothelial function, manifested by the impairment of endothelial intercellular junction and endothelial content. This was in parallel with a significant decrease in Akt, Akt target and FOXO3a phosphorylation. Testosterone supplementation in the Castration +LT and Castration +HT groups could greatly preserve testosterone serum levels, endothelial function and erectile function through activation of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1)/Akt/FOXO3a pathway. Together, this study suggested that S1P1/Akt/FOXO3a pathway was involved in endothelial dysfunction in the context of androgen deficiency and oxidative stress, which might further explain the mechanism of androgen deficiency inducing ED.
Joint Stiffness Compensation for Application in the EXTEND Hand Orthosis

This paper presents a passive hand orthosis, called EXTEND, that can be used during activities of daily living. In the design a negative stiffness spring mechanism is incorporated to overcome the high finger joint stiffness of stroke patients with hypertonia. The passive mechanism can be easily tuned by the user to compensate a linear joint stiffness of 0.15 to 0.33 Nm/rad for each finger independently. A prototype was tested with four patients showing an increased functional ability of the hand during several tasks. With the orthosis, patients were better able to pick up mid-sized objects (5-7.5cm diameter) of different shapes.
Cognitive Functions in Children and Adults with Moyamoya Vasculopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose Patients with moyamoya vasculopathy (MMV) may experience cognitive impairment, but its reported frequency, severity, and nature vary. In a systematic review and metaanalysis, we aimed to assess the presence, severity, and nature of cognitive impairments in children and adults with MMV. Methods We followed the MOOSE guidelines for meta-analysis and systematic reviews of observational studies. We searched Ovid Medline and Embase for studies published between January 1, 1969 and October 4, 2016. Independent reviewers extracted data for mean intelligence quotient (IQ) and standardized z-scores for cognitive tests, and determined percentages of children and adults with cognitive deficits, before and after conservative or surgical treatment. We explored associations between summary measures of study characteristics and cognitive impairments by linear regression analysis. Results We included 17 studies (11 studies reporting on 281 children, six on 153 adults). In children, the median percentage with impaired cognition was 30% (range, 13% to 67%); median IQ was 98 (range, 71 to 107). Median z-score was –0.39 for memory, and –0.43 for processing speed. In adults, the median percentage with impaired cognition was 31% (range, 0% to 69%); median IQ was 95 (range, 94 to 99). Median z-scores of cognitive domains were between –0.9 and –0.4, with multiple domains being affected. We could not identify determinants of cognitive impairment. Conclusions A large proportion of children and adults with MMV have cognitive impairment, with modest to large deficits across various cognitive domains. Further studies should investigate determinants of cognitive deficits and deterioration, and the influence of revascularization treatment on cognitive functioning.
Comparative Evaluation of Cyber Migration Factors in the Current Social Media Landscape

In the last decade, social media experienced a dramatic increase in terms of quantity and variety of available platforms, in addition to an exponential growth in the number of users. Recent reports show that social media have a total of almost 2.5 billion active users, that is, about 71% of Internet users have at least one account on social media. At the beginning of the social media era, the word "cyber Migration" emerged to represent and describe a new phenomenon: users switching between one social network platform to another. Several studies investigated the different reasons and factors behind cyber migration, and tried to identify patterns. In this paper, we analyze how the concept of cyber migration evolved over the last decade, and we evaluate whether the model can still be applied to nowadays' social media landscape. To this end, we use the push-pull-mooring framework, a well-known model in economics domain, to address the technological and human factors that affect switching behavior. Specifically, we investigate the dynamics of cyber migration in relation to the types of social network and digital media platforms (e.g., personal, professional, video sharing, and other categories).
An Efficient Framework for Detecting Evolving Anomalous Subgraphs in Dynamic Networks

Evolving anomalous subgraphs detection in dynamic networks is an important and challenging problem that has arisen in multiple applications and is NP-hard in general. The evolving characteristic makes most existing methods incapable to tackle this problem effectively and efficiently, as it involves huge search spaces and continuous changes of evolving connected subgraphs, especially when the data are free of distributions. This paper presents a generic efficient framework, namely dynamic evolving anomalous subgraphs scanning (dGraphScan), to address this problem. We generalize traditional nonparametric scan statistics, and propose a large class of scan statistic functions for measuring the significance of evolving subgraphs in dynamic networks. Furthermore, we make a number of computational studies to optimize this large class of nonparametric scan statistic functions. Specifically, we first decompose each scan statistic function as a sequence of subproblems with provable guarantees, and then propose efficient approximation algorithms for tackling each subproblem, while analyzing their theoretical properties and providing rigorous approximation guarantees. Extensive experiments on three real-world datasets demonstrate that our general framework performs superior over state-of-the-art methods.
Using Bayesian Networks to estimate Strategic Indicators in the context of Rapid Software Development

Background: During Rapid Software Development, a large amount of project and development data can be collected from different and heterogeneous data sources. Aims: Design a methodology to process these data and turn it into relevant strategic indicators to help companies make meaningful decisions. Method: We adapt an existing methodology to create and estimate strategic indicators using Bayesian Networks in the context of Rapid Software Development, and applied it to a use case. Results: Applying the methodology in the use case, we create a model to predict product quality based on software factors and metrics, using companies' business knowledge and collected data. Conclusions: We proved the methodology's feasibility and obtained positive feedback from the company's use case.