Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Person Identification through the Fusion of Face and Voice Biometrics

Person identification is used in a variety of everyday applications from access control and security cameras to social media and face ID on smartphones. There are still, however, various limitations to this technology that do not make it completely reliable. This paper focuses on face and voice biometrics in particular and takes advantage of their fusion to produce a more accurate final decision. The Michigan State University (MSU-AVIS) dataset is used which contains 50 subjects whose faces are captured from different angles and whose voices are recorded as they read from a random script. For the face dataset, videos are first split into frames which are passed into the Viola-Jones algorithm for face detection. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained to identify the subjects based on their facial features. For the voice dataset, each audio file is split into frames and any silence or unvoiced speech is removed. Two features are extracted: pitch and Mel frequency cepstrum coefficients which are then passed into another CNN. Finally, outputs of both CNNs are fused at the decision level by choosing the output of higher confidence in each case.
A stem cell overview: From evolving hemobiological concepts to (auto)grafting in clinical practice

Conventional hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a well-known treatment method for numerous acquired and congenital hematopoietic disorders, disorders of the immune system, as well as certain metabolic disorders. Stem cells (SCs) can be defined as cells capable of self-renewal with a high proliferative capacity and the potential to differentiate into functionally competent mature cells. Stem cells can be divided into embryonic SCs (ESCs) and tissue-specific or adult SCs - such as bone marrow (BM) stem cells, peripheral blood (PB) stem cells, and SCs derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB), as well as other non-hematopoietic or somatic SCs. SCs in adults are characteristically considered to be restricted in their regenerative and differentiative potential, while embryonic stem cells are 'true' totipotent/pluripotent cells, due to their ability to develop into endoderm, ectoderm, or mesoderm - all three embryonic tissue types in the human body. They are the most promising, but also the most controversial type of potentially transplantable SCs. Immature hematopoietic SCs have the potential of differentiating, not only into all blood cells, but also into some somatic cell types (SC plasticity). In different clinical settings, the transplantation of immature stem cells leads to the repopulation of recipient bone marrow, with subsequent complete, stable, and long-term reconstitution of hematopoiesis. Given that immature stem cells are also capable of homing to different tissues, autologous stem cell implantation into a damaged and/or ischemic area induces their colonizing and consecutive transdifferentiating into cell lineages of the host organ, including neovascularization. Thus, they are clinically applicable in the field of regenerative medicine for the treatment of myocardial, brain, vascular, liver, pancreatic, and other tissue damage. The purpose of this overview is to recapitulate the key developments in the rapidly evolving area of stem cell research, as well as to review the use of SCs in conventional transplantations and in regenerative medicine. Additionally, a brief critical evaluation of our own stem cell research will be summarized.
Impact of the Chip Properties on the Power Cycling Performance of Silicon Carbide MOSFETs at Different Temperature Swings

In this work the impact of the chip properties on the power cycling performance of SiC MOSFETs is investigated. For that purpose two SiC MOSFET chip designs with comparable electrical ratings were packaged on the same packaging line with the same number and diameter of bond wires. The results show that the power cycling performance is indeed affected by the chip properties and hence, an optimized chip design can significantly improve the power cycling performance of SiC MOSFETs. Furthermore, since the impact of those parameters is not considered in lifetime models, their impact needs to be quantified to improve the modeling.
Measurements of Aerosol Size and Microphysical Properties: A Comparison Between Raman Lidar and Airborne Sensors

This manuscript compares measurements of aerosol size distributions and microphysical properties retrieved from the Raman lidar BASIL with those obtained from a series of aircraft sensors during HyMeX‐SOP1. The attention is focused on a measurement session on 02 October 2012, with BASIL measurements revealing the presence of a lower aerosol layer extending up to 3.3 km and an elevated layer extending from 3.6 to 4.6 km. Aerosol size distribution and microphysical properties are determined from multi‐wavelength particle backscattering and extinction profile measurements through a retrieval approach based on Tikhonov regularization. A good agreement is found between BASIL and the microphysical sensors' measurements for all considered aerosol size and microphysical properties. Specifically, BASIL and in‐situ volume concentration values are in the range 2–5 μm3 cm−3 in the lower layer and in the range 1–3.5 μm3 cm−3 in the upper layer. Values of the effective radius values from BASIL and the in‐situ sensors are in the range 0.2–0.6 μm in both the lower and upper layer. Aerosol size distributions are determined at 2.2, 2.8, 4 and 4.3 km, with a good agreement between the Raman lidar and the microphysical sensors at all considered heights. We combined these size and microphysical results with Lagrangian back‐trajectory analyses and chemical composition measurements. From this combination of datasets we conclude that aerosol particles below 3 km were probably originated by wildfires in North America and/or by anthropogenic activities in North‐Eastern Europe, while aerosols above 3 km were also probably originated by wildfires in North America.
Microwave Microfabricated Sensor Dedicated to the Dielectric Characterization of Biological Microtissues

Microwave dielectric spectroscopy is a promising technique that allows intracellular, non-invasive, label-free and cost-effective biological studies. To complement the sensing possibilities of this technique at this frequency range, which have been previously demonstrated at the single cell, cellular suspensions and organs levels, a microwave-based sensor is designed, fabricated and evaluated to dielectrically characterize 3D biological microtissues. Such a biological model is indeed of high interest for biological investigations, as it constitutes an intermediate entity between 2D cell cultures and organs, exhibiting a biological response close to the one obtained with tissue physiology. The proposed sensor here the development of one of the first microfabricated device for spheroids studies. A discussion on the way of analyzing the data is proposed thanks the measurements of different fixed spheroids and polystyrene beads.
CAISOV: Collinear Affine Invariance and Scale-Orientation Voting for Reliable Feature Matching

Reliable feature matching plays an important role in the fields of computer vision and photogrammetry. Due to the complex transformation model caused by photometric and geometric deformations, and the limited discriminative power of local feature descriptors, initial matches with high outlier ratios cannot be addressed very well. This study proposes a reliable outlier-removal algorithm by combining two affine-invariant geometric constraints. First, a very simple geometric constraint, namely, CAI (collinear affine invariance) has been implemented, which is based on the observation that the collinear property of any two points is invariant under affine transformation. Second, after the first-step outlier removal based on the CAI constraint, the SOV (scale-orientation voting) scheme was then adopted to remove remaining outliers and recover the lost inliers, in which the peaks of both scale and orientation voting define the parameters of the geometric transformation model. Finally, match expansion was executed using the Delaunay triangulation of refined matches. By using close-range (rigid and non-rigid images) and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) datasets, comprehensive comparison and analysis are conducted in this study. The results demonstrate that the proposed outlier-removal algorithm achieves the best overall performance when compared with RANSAC-like and local geometric constraint-based methods, and it can also be applied to achieve reliable outlier removal in the workflow of SfM-based UAV image orientation.
Indonesian Ciplukan Extract Inhibited TGF-β1/NF-κB Pathway in Experimental Psoriasis Mouse Models

Background:The global prevalence of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, has substantially increased in the last decade. The increase activity of Transforming Growth Factor ß1 (TGFß1)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway which cause inflammation, is the major pathological mechanism in psoriasis. Current psoriasis treatment using chemical agents is hampered by the side-effects when used long-term, which underlines the need for alternative, low side-effect anti-psoriatic agents. The extract of Physalis angulata L. , also known as Ciplukan in Indonesia, contains Physalins, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory effects, but whose effect on psoriasis has not been studied. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Ciplukan extract (CE) to TGFß1/NF-κB pathway in psoriasis mouse models. Methods: This was experimental study with posttest-only control group design. The CE active ingredients were identified using Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Twenty-five female imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriasis-like dermatitis mice were allocated into five groups, with three groups receiving 7 days of 400, 800, and 1200 mg/kg bodyweight doses of CE, respectively, and two groups serving as control and IMQ groups. The NF-κB and TGFß1 expressions were evaluated using Allred score based on immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Histopathology and clinical psoriasis manifestations were assessed using Baker’s from Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores. The Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann Whitney tests were conducted for data analysis. The p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically different. Results: Based on LC-MS/MS test, Physalin B, D, and F were active ingredients from CE in ethyl acetate solution. An improvement in psoriasis inflammation was observed in 400 and 800 mg/kg bodyweight doses of CE, but only the dosage of 800 mg/kg BW significantly decreased of Allred scores from NF-κB and TGFß1 expressions; Baker’s and PASI scores compared to IMQ group (p<0.05). The 1200 mg/kg bodyweight doses of CE associated with acute toxicity signs and mortality, meanwhile dosage of 800 mg/kg BW showed the highest efficacy with lowest toxicity effect. Conclusions: Ciplukan extract improved psoriasis manifestations via inhibition effect to TGFß1/NF-κB pathway and the extract might be developed as an alternative anti-psoriasis agent
A W‐band broadband power divider/combiner using two parallel antisymmetric tapered probes

In this article, a broadband microstrip‐to‐waveguide transition with antisymmetric tapered probe as well as a W‐band power divider/combiner using dual proposed antisymmetric tapered probes is presented. Because of tapered microstrip shapes and metallic steps, the proposed transition is proved to be broadband, efficient, and compact. The insertion loss of the transition sample is less than 0.56 dB between 75 GHz and 100 GHz. Under the assistance of the gradually changed waveguide and dual parallel tapered probes, the operating band of the power divider/combiner has been significantly improved, which is adequate to work in the whole W‐band. A back‐to‐back prototype of the divider/combiner is fabricated and measured. The measured insertion loss of the single divider/combiner is less than 0.29 dB between 90 GHz and 100 GHz, and agrees well with the simulations. Because the circuit size is smaller than 8.0 mm × 2.2 mm (Thanks to the excellent performance and compact size), the proposed design can find wide applications in miniaturized MCM/MMIC systems.
A Study on the Design of Isolator and the Mounting Method for Reducing the Pyro-Shock of a MEMS IMU

In this paper, we proposed two methods for reducing the pyro-shock of the MEMS Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). First, we designed the vibration isolator for reducing the pyro-shock inside the IMU. However, it turned out that there is a limit to reducing the pyro-shock with only the vibration isolator. Therefore, we improved the pyro-shock reduction performance by changing the method of mounting on the flight vehicle. Four mounting options were tested and one of them was adopted. The results showed the best reduction performance when we designed the vibration isolator with an aluminum integrated structure. When mounting, two methods were applied. One was to insert a bracket with a different material between the mounting surface and IMU and the other was to insert a set of three washers that was stacked in a PEEK-metal-PEEK order at each part of the screw connections.
Phylogeographic patterns in cryptic Bostrychia tenella species (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) across the Thai-Malay Peninsula

Genetic diversity and distribution patterns of marine macroalgae are increasingly being documented in Southeast Asia. These studies show that there can be significant levels of genetic diversity and isolation between populations on either side of the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Bostrychia tenellla is a common filamentous red seaweed in the region and the entity is represented by at least two cryptic species. Despite being highly diverse and widespread, genetic variation and population structure of this species complex remains understudied, especially around the Thai-Malay Peninsula. We analyzed genetic diversity and inferred the phylogeographic pattern of specimens identified as B. tenella using the plastid RuBisCo spacer from samples from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Our genetic analysis confirmed the occurrence of the two cryptic B. tenella species (B and C) along both coasts. Cryptic species B was more common in the area and displayed higher genetic diversity than species C. Historical demographic analyses indicated a stable population for species B, but more recent population expansion for species C. Our analyses also revealed that both cryptic species from the Andaman Sea possessed higher genetic diversity than those of the Gulf of Thailand. We also detected moderate to high levels of gene flow and weak phylogeographic structure of cryptic species B between the two coasts. In contrast, phylogeographic analysis showed genetic differences between populations of both cryptic species within the Andaman Sea. Overall, these results suggest that cryptic B. tenella species around Thai-Malay Peninsula may have undergone different demography histories, and their patterns of genetic diversity and phylogeography were likely caused by geological history and regional sea surface current circulation in the area.
Upper Footprint Dependent Nipple Position to Avoid High-Riding Nipple after Reduction Mammoplasty

Introduction: High-riding nipple following reduction mammoplasty is a challenging problem for the plastic surgeons. To avoid such problem, many methods have been described for marking the correct nipple position but still controversial. We aimed in this study to present our experience in preventing excessive nipple elevation after reduction mammoplasty by using the upper footprint to set the new nipple position. Material and Methods: From March 2019 to March 2022, 25 female patients at a mean age of 38.3 years were included in this prospective study. They underwent reduction mammoplasty with inverted T scar and a combination of inferior pedicle and Würinger’s septum techniques. Resection weights, pre- and postoperative anthropometric measures were recorded. All patients were photographed at the follow-up visits and evaluated for complications if any, the nipple-areola complex (NAC) sensation, and subjective patient satisfaction using “The Breast Evaluation Questionnaire”. Results: The mean preoperative midclavicular point to nipple distance was 37.40 and 37.18 cm for the right and left breasts, respectively. The mean resection weight was 1270 and 1242 g from the right and left sides, respectively. None of our patients experienced NAC necrosis, while 2 breasts had minor wound dehiscence treated conservatively. After a mean follow-up period of 12 months, the NAC descended by an average of 1.40 cm, the distance from the IMF to nipple had
Assessment of Hydrobiological and Soil Characteristics of Non-Fertilized, Earthen Fish Ponds in Sindh (Pakistan), Supplied with Seawater from Tidal Creeks

In this study, the suitability of four earthen, seawater ponds located in the Thatta district of Sindh province (Pakistan) was evaluated for the purpose of semi-intensive mariculture, which remains to be a severely underdeveloped branch of the agricultural industry of this populous Asian country. Initial pond soil probes were promising, as they showed a high clay and silt content. Monthly water samples were obtained in the year 2019 (from January to December), which allowed for the monitoring of water parameters, as well as the identification and relative quantification of planktic populations. As a result, the monthly variations of basic water parameters were found within optimal ranges for planktic growth (water temperature, salinity, pH, transparency, and dissolved oxygen). Bacillariophyta was the largest phytoplanktic group, with the most dominant species being Sundstroemia setigera, followed by the cyanobacteria Oscillatoria limosa. Copepoda was the most numerous group of identified zooplankton, followed by tintinnids and foraminiferans. Total suspended solids (TSS) calculations indicated up to nine-fold month-to-month reductions of planktic biomass, observed in the form of diminishing Bacillariophyta (December) and Copepoda (June and December). In conclusion, the studied ponds appear to be suitable for semi-intensive mariculture activity due to the abundance of diverse planktic forms (mainly Copepoda—preferable natural food for commercially important fish species), which was achieved even without the use of fertilizers. However, significant drops of planktic biomass may still occur, which implies the need for regular water monitoring procedures, which would in turn allow fish producers to implement periodical adjustments to the administered feeding rates with artificial diets.
Eocene Paleoclimate Evolution under the Background of Warmhouse–Hothouse Conditions in the Continental Fushun Basin: Implications from Magnetic Susceptibility and Color Reflectance

Paleocene–Eocene hyperthermal events are a current research focus in the fields of sedimentology and paleoclimatology. The Fushun Basin in northeast China contains continuous continental Eocene fine-grained rocks, and a series of Eocene hyperthermal events in the Fushun Basin have been identified. Because of the high cost of high-precision isotope data testing, it is necessary to find new and alternative paleoclimate parameters. In this study, Eocene coal and oil shale-bearing layers in the Fushun Basin are used as research objects. The high-precision data of magnetic susceptibility, color reflectance, rock composition, and cluster analyses are used to conduct a vertical comparison in the same category and compare that analysis with the identified Eocene hyperthermal events in the Fushun Basin. The preliminary results show that high-frequency-dependent susceptibility, high color reflectance a* (redness)/L* (lightness) values, and high kaolinite content in the study area have good correspondence with global hyperthermal events and can be used as effective parameters for the identification of continental basin hyperthermal events. The detailed magnetic susceptibility and color reflectance data also reveal that the Eocene strata in the Fushun Basin recorded the Late Lutetian Thermal Maximum (LLTM) and 13 short-term hyperthermal events during the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO). These results indicate that the parameters of rock physical properties can be used to study the evolution of the paleoclimate in geological history, and it has universal practicability in continental and marine fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
Formation of TiO2 Photocatalyst Through Cold Spraying

TiO2 photocatalyst in the form of coatings are of many advantages over those in powder form in practical applications. Various processes have been used to form TiO2 coatings including sputtering, Sol-Gel, vapor deposition, thermal spraying, etc. In all those processes, the coatings are deposited under temperatures from 300 to more than 2000 °C. High temperature during those processing may change the microstructure of the as-received TiO2 to a less effective one for photocataltyic performance. In the present study, TiO2 coating was deposited through cold spraying process using two types of powders, which were agglomerated with anatase ultra-fine particles in micro-size and nano-size. Microstructures of both powders and deposited coatings were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic performance was examined through acetaldehyde degradation under ultraviolet illumination. The results showed that the nanostructured TiO2 coatings were evenly deposited on stainless steel substrate through cold spraying. The thickness of the deposits reached up to 15 µm. The coating presented a rough surface and porous structure. Owing to the low temperature of spray powders, no change occurred to the phase and grain size of TiO2 during deposition process. It was also found that the cold sprayed TiO2 deposits were photocatalytically active for photodegradation of acetaldehyde.
Efficacy of Diethylcarbamazine in Allergic Rhinitis as an Adjuvant to Antihistamines : A Comparative Study

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Underlying mechanism involves IgE antibodies that attach to allergen resulting in release of histamine from mast cells. Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, redness and watering of eyes. Symptom onset is often within minutes following allergen exposure and can affect sleep and ability to work or study. People with allergic rhinitis may have associated asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis. The study aims to know the efficacy of diethyl carbamazine in reducing the severity of symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis when added to the antihistaminic treatment. Methods: This is a single blind randomized control trial study involving 50 allergic rhinitis patients between 13-60 years as cases and 50 as controls. The patients were classified as mild, moderate and severe based on the severity of symptoms. The cases were prescribed Tablet Diethyl carbamazine 300mg along with Tablet cetrizine 10mg for a period of 21 days. The controls were prescribed Tablet cetrizine 10mg with placebo. Patients were followed up for 3 months and watched for any reduction in the severity of symptoms. Results were compared between the study and control groups. Results: Out of 50 patients in the study group, 20 cases showed improvement, 30 cases did not show any improvement; Out of 50 controls, 6 showed improvement and 44 didn’t show any improvement. P value is significant (0.003) Conclusion: Diethyl carbamazine is an ant filarial drug which is found to have an effect in reducing the mediators of inflammation thereby useful in reducing the severity of symptoms in allergic rhinitis, as an adjuvant.