Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Data-driven trajectory-tracking in automated parking system via iterative learning compensation and model predictive control

Automated parking system (APS) that explicitly considers the time efficiency of the motion has received large amounts of attention in recent years. Trajectory planning module in these APS delivered parking trajectory, which was expected to be precisely tracked by tracking module. However, the reference points of frequently used trackers were selected in the spatial domain, resulting in significant trajectory tracking errors with temporal information. In this paper, a tracking control method called ILC-MPC, which combined model predictive control (MPC) and iterative learning control (ILC), was proposed to improve the spatiotemporal tracking accuracy of the autonomous vehicle. ILC was utilized for longitudinal compensation using the error signal between historical and expected speed. Accordingly, the error model in the longitudinal direction was simplified to decrease the number of decision variables in MPC. Simulation experiments using CarSim were carried out to compare the proposed method with open-loop control, linear quadratic regulator (LQR), and pure MPC that had a similar computing time with ILC-MPC. ILC-MPC converged in a few iterations of the learning process and achieved the highest tracking accuracy in spatiotemporal domain among the mentioned methods.
Resistome Diversity and Dissemination of WHO Priority Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens in Lebanese Estuaries

Anthropogenic pressure is known to be a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination in the environment. Especially in lower income countries, with poor infrastructure, the level of AMR dissemination is high. Therefore, we assessed the levels and diversity of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Lebanese rivers at estuaries’ sites (n = 72) of the Mediterranean Sea in spring 2017 and winter 2018. Methods: A combined approach using culture techniques and high throughput qPCR were applied to identify ARB and ARGs in rivers along the Lebanese coast. Results: Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative (Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas spp.) and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens were isolated. Levels of ARGs were highest in the winter campaign and areas with high anthropogenic activities and population growth with an influx of refugees. Conclusion: Qualitative analysis of ARB and the analysis of the Lebanese estuaries’ resistome revealed critical levels of contamination with pathogenic bacteria and provided significant information about the spread of ARGs in anthropogenically impacted estuaries.
Physical education in a post-COVID world: A blended-gamified approach

How does the education sector recover following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic? Much enthusiasm exists to imagine how teaching practices can be enriched within the so-called ‘new normal. ’ The physical and mental health benefits associated with school physical education have attracted considerable attention during the pandemic. Capitalizing on the raised awareness of the many positive contributions of school physical education, a pressing priority is to now reengage children with physical activity in a manner that promotes enjoyable experiences and adaptive engagement with movement. In this paper, we draw from self-determination theory, physical literacy theory and socioecological perspectives to present the case for blended-gamified approaches as a means of reimagining physical education in a post-pandemic world. To support all young people to lead healthy and active lifestyles, we propose the use of a systematic and evidence-based approach to programme development, evaluation and implementation. Such an approach will aid in establishing what works, when, for whom and in which context.
Conceptual framework for temporal discontinuance experiences of social media users: What factors are responsible?

Temporarily disconnecting from social media has become more widespread in recent years with users choosing to limit or stop engaging with social media platforms for a period of time. There are no published syntheses that integrate the collective research on this phenomenon, nor how this behaviour is experienced. This review provides insight into the research on this phenomenon and proposes a conceptual framework for understanding social media user’s temporal discontinuance experience. We conducted a scoping review of 27 articles published during 2010–2020, focusing on the most salient factors of temporal discontinuance. Our review revealed a number of issues related to users’ motivations for temporal discontinuance, including the need to address self-reported problematic and excessive social media use, the want to restore control and/or agency, as well as the desire to minimise distractions and address privacy concerns. We identified the various benefits and challenges temporal disconnectors experience and describe two specific practices related to their return to social media use: 1) manipulating technological and/or platform affordances and/or 2) self-regulating behaviours. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.
Interoceptive Attentiveness Induces Significantly More PFC Activation during a Synchronized Linguistic Task Compared to a Motor Task as Revealed by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Currently, there is little understanding of how interoceptive attentiveness (IA) affects brain responses during synchronized cognitive or motor tasks. This pilot study explored the effect of explicit IA manipulation on hemodynamic correlates of simple cognitive tasks implying linguistic or motor synchronization. Eighteen healthy participants completed two linguistic and motor synchronization tasks during explicit IA and control conditions while oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb) hemoglobin variations were recorded by functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). The findings suggested that the brain regions associated with sustained attention, such as the right prefrontal cortex (PFC), were more involved when an explicit focus on the breath was induced during the cognitive linguistic task requiring synchronization with a partner, as indicated by increased O2Hb. Interestingly, this effect was not significant for the motor task. In conclusion, for the first time, this pilot research found increased activity in neuroanatomical regions that promote sustained attention, attention reorientation, and synchronization when a joint task is carried out and the person is focusing on their physiological body reactions. Moreover, the results suggested that the benefits of conscious concentration on physiological interoceptive correlates while executing a task demanding synchronization, particularly verbal alignment, may be related to the right PFC.
Sentiment Analysis of Weibo Comments Based on Graph Neural Network

Weibo is one of the most important online social platforms. Currently, user comments are increasing rapidly, which makes data management difficult. Comments show the non-standardized and colloquial form of expression. Traditional sentiment analysis techniques are no longer applicable to unspecified sentence analysis tasks. To mitigate overreliance on text sequences, ignoring syntactic structure, and the poor interpretability of feature space that are typical of traditional classification models, a sentiment classification model based on a graph neural network (GNN) is developed in this study. For each comment text, the dependency syntax is used to construct the semantic graph of the short text. Aiming at the heterogeneity of the semantic graph, the spatial domain graph filter is designed for feature extraction. Concurrently, long short-term memory (LSTM) is used as a state updater to filter node noise. In this method, a graph neural network is used as a semantic parser to encode the syntactic dependency tree, which can extract the semantic and syntactic features of sentences concurrently. Experimental results show that GNN-LSTM has achieved superior performance in the Weibo comments dataset by achieving 95.25% accuracy and 95.22% F1 score.
The effects of alkaline boxes and file folders on the accelerated ageing of paper by air pollution

A study was made to investigate the function of the document storage box as a protection against air pollution. The study involved acid-free and buffered boxes, and three types of paper, exposed to various levels of air pollutant gasses in an exposure chamber. Measurements of the changes in the materials are given and results show that storage in boxes slows down degradation from air pollution by up to a factor of six, with both quality of cardboard and box playing a part.
The Change in Physical Properties of Bi2Ca2Co2O8 Thermoelectric Materials Induced by Pb and Rare-Earth Dopings

We report in this paper the change in the physical properties due to dopant effect in Bi2Sr2Co2O8 parent compound system. The doped samples consists of Pb-doped samples (Bi2Sr2Co2O8, x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0) and RE-doped samples (Bi2-xPbxCa1.9RE0.1Co2O8, RE = Y, La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, and Ho). The structure of this layered oxide system consist of an alternate stack of CoO2 layer and Bi2Sr2O4 block along the c-axis with misfit structure along b-direction. From the analysis of XRD data it is found that the c-axis parameter reduced significantly in the RE-doped samples compared with those of Pb-doped samples, while the value of misfit degree almost the same. The changes in these lattice structures are accompanied by variation in the spin-state of Co-ions and electrical conductivity. We argue that these structural changes and its effect on the electrical transport properties as well as control of the magnetism plays a pivotal role in determining the thermopower in this class of magnetic thermoelectric materials through the entropy of the charge carriers. This, in turn, will determine the thermoelectric performance for application.
A Higher-Level Synthesis Tool for Rapid-Prototyping of Verilog RTL Designs from FSMD Specifications

This work presents a light-weight synthesis tool, F2VGen (Finite State Machine to Verilog Generator), that generates Register Transfer Level (RTL) implementations modeled using Verilog hardware description language (HDL) from abstract specifications provided as extended finite state machines (FSMD). This approach takes synthesis yet to a higher level. In contrast to conventional high-level synthesis (HLS) where the design specification is given in behavioral Verilog, in this work specification begins at an even higher level of abstraction and is provided as a finite state machine that captures the data-flow. Designers can input the design specification using a graphical interface (GUI). The resulting synthesized design is implemented at the register-transfer level and is distinctly divided into a data-path (that performs the computations) and a controller (that controls the operation of the data-path). The process does not guarantee an optimized implementation in terms of area, power consumption or speed. However, it realizes the required functionality in hardware, and can be used in many settings where access to a fast prototype is required. The prototypes are implemented in reconfigurable devices such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and present an effective solution when a fast proof of concept design is needed, and also as a stand-in model in situations when testing the interactive systems in actual hardware is required.
Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the flowers of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson (ylang ylang oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil from the flowers of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson (ylang ylang oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the essential oil under assessment is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 1 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 1.5 mg/kg for laying hens, turkeys for fattening and rabbits, 2 mg/kg for piglets, 2.5 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 3 mg/kg for sows, 4.5 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep, goats and horses, 5 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), fish, dogs and ornamental fish. For cats, the calculated safe concentration in complete feed is 1 mg/kg feed. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumer safety were identified following the use of the additive up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. The essential oil under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the additive in animal feed under the proposed conditions of use was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Ylang ylang oil is recognised to flavour food. Since its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary.
Sex Differences in the Evaluation of Congestion Markers in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

The impact of sex on the assessment of congestion in acute heart failure (AHF) is still a matter of debate. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate sex differences in the evaluation of congestion at admission in patients hospitalized for AHF. We consecutively enrolled 494 AHF patients (252 female). Clinical congestion assessment, B-type natriuretic peptide levels analysis, blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr), plasma volume status estimate (by means of Duarte or Kaplam-Hakim PVS), and hydration status evaluation through bioimpedance analysis were performed. There was no difference in medications between men and women. Women were older (79 ± 9 yrs vs. 77 ± 10 yrs, p = 0.005), and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (45 ± 11% vs. 38 ± 11%, p < 0.001), and lower creatinine clearance (42 ± 25 mL/min vs. 47 ± 26 mL/min, p = 0.04). The prevalence of peripheral oedema, orthopnoea, and jugular venous distention were not significantly different between women and men. BUN/Cr (27 ± 9 vs. 23 ± 13, p = 0.04) and plasma volume were higher in women than men (Duarte PVS: 6.0 ± 1.5 dL/g vs. 5.1 ± 1.5 dL/g, p < 0.001; Kaplam–Hakim PVS: 7.9 ± 13% vs. −7.3 ± 12%, p < 0.001). At multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex was independently associated with BUN/Cr and PVS. Female sex was independently associated with subclinical biomarkers of congestion such as BUN/Cr and PVS in patients with AHF. A sex-guided approach to the correct evaluation of patients with AHF might become the cornerstone for the correct management of these patients.
Strategies for evaluating performance of flexibility in product recovery system

In view of the increasing business opportunities with changing customer attitudes and stricter legislations, the handling of returns has become a daunting challenge. The need for decision models for evaluating return performance has been observed in the academia and the corporate world. To improve return system performance, integrated flexible reverse enterprise systems have attracted attention from researchers as well as practitioners. This paper addresses these critical issues and proposes a novel integrated and Flexible recovery system decision model. The proposed model aims to facilitate enterprises in assessing their product recovery system capability, and in improving overall performance. The proposed model is a natural extension of several well-grounded policies for conventional reverse supply chains and can be verified on a simulation platform.
Reaction mechanisms of slowly cooled and quickly cooled copper slag in magnesium phosphate cement

In this paper, slowly cooled copper slag (CS) and quickly cooled copper slag (QS) are used to partly replace magnesia to prepare magnesium phosphate cement. The reaction process of cement containing copper slag and the hydration product of copper slag are investigated by hydration heat, pH value, XRD, SEM, BSE and EDS tests. Meanwhile, the setting time of cement and the compressive strength of mortar are also tested. Results show that CS and QS have retarding effects on the setting of magnesium phosphate cement, and the retarding effect of CS is stronger. With the replacement of MgO by copper slag, the second exothermic peak is delayed and weakened in high w/b paste, while the precipitations of Mg2KH(PO4)2·15H2O and MgKPO4·6H2O as well as the decomposing of Mg2KH(PO4)2·15H2O are delayed in suspension. Copper slag reacts with KH2PO4 to produce amorphous ferrous phosphate hydrate. The early compressive strength of mortar containing CS is higher than that of QS. At late ages, the compressive strength of mortar containing copper slag is close to or slightly higher than that of the control sample. Both CS and QS have significant strength contributions to magnesium phosphate mortar and could be used as partial replacements of MgO in magnesium phosphate cement.
Medication Supports at Transitions Between Hospital and Other Care Settings: A Rapid Scoping Review

Purpose Transitions in care (TiC) often involves managing medication changes and can be vulnerable moments for patients. Medication support, where medication changes are reviewed with patients and caregivers to increase knowledge and confidence about taking medications, is key to successful transitions. Little is known about the optimal tools and processes for providing medication support. This study aimed to identify describe patient or caregiver-centered medication support processes or tools that have been studied within 3 months following TiC between hospitals and other care settings. Methods Rapid scoping review; English-language publications from OVID MEDLINE, OVID EMBASE, Cochrane Library and EBSCO CINAHL (2004-July 2019) that assessed medication support interventions delivered within 3 months following discharge were included. A subset of titles and abstracts were assessed by two reviewers to evaluate agreement and once reasonable agreement was achieved, the remainder were assessed by one reviewer. Eligibility assessment for full-text articles and data charting were completed by an experienced reviewer. Results A total of 7671 unique citations were assessed; 60 studies were included. Half of the studies (n = 30/60) were randomized controlled trials. Most studies (n = 45/60) did not discuss intervention development, particularly whether end users were involved in intervention design. Many studies (n = 37/60) assessed multi-component interventions with written/print and verbal education components. Few studies (n = 5/60) included an electronic component. Very few studies (n = 4/60) included study populations at high risk of adverse events at TiC (eg, people with physical or intellectual disabilities, low literacy or language barriers). Conclusion The majority of studies were randomized controlled trials involving verbal counselling and/or physical document delivered to the patient before discharge. Few studies involved electronic components or considered patients at high-risk of adverse events. Future studies would benefit from improved reporting on development, consideration for electronic interventions, and improved reporting on patients with higher medication-related needs.
T Lymphocyte and CAR-T Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their Applications in Cancer Therapy

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are a very diverse group of cell-derived vesicles released by almost all kind of living cells. EV are involved in intercellular exchange, both nearby and systemically, since they induce signals and transmit their cargo (proteins, lipids, miRNAs) to other cells, which subsequently trigger a wide variety of biological responses in the target cells. However, cell surface receptor-induced EV release is limited to cells from the immune system, including T lymphocytes. T cell receptor activation of T lymphocytes induces secretion of EV containing T cell receptors for antigen and several bioactive molecules, including proapoptotic proteins. These EV are specific for antigen-bearing cells, which make them ideal candidates for a cell-free, EV-dependent cancer therapy. In this review we examine the generation of EV by T lymphocytes and CAR-T cells and some potential therapeutic approaches of these EV.
HML-RF: Hybrid Multi-Label Random Forest

Multi-label classification is the supervised learning problem in which an instance is associated with a set of labels. In this, labels are correlated, and hence label dependency information plays a vital role. Its always been a question of research to decide the order of labels to exploit their inter-dependency. Hence, to this end, many research works are done that, in general, can be categorized as problem transformation and algorithm adaptation techniques. The problem transformation reconstructs the multi-label problem as a multiple single class problem. The algorithm transformation modifies the existing well-known machine learning approaches to solve the multi-label classification problem. However, these two techniques have their pros and cons. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to consider the merits of both techniques, hence named Hybrid Multi-Label Random Forest (HML-RF). The multi-label decision trees are used as base classifiers in the proposed approach to construct the HML-RF model. Each base classifier is constructed over a randomly selected subset of labels to exploit the label dependency. We also formulate a way to compute the tree strength of a multi-label decision tree, which is used to construct the HML-RF with strength (HML-RFws). The efficacy of the proposed approach is tested over the ten well-known and publicly available datasets. Experimental results show the HML-RF is performing better for at-least six datasets, and the HML-RFws is performing better for at-least nine datasets in comparison to state-of-the-art approaches in terms of accuracy, hamming loss, and zero-one loss. Finally, the statistical test is also validating all the experimental results.